Tusla scraps plans for state-of-the-art Mayo HQ despite €300k spend

Tusla, the child and family agency, has abandoned plans to build a state-of-the-art headquarters in Mayo.

Planning permission for the project on Moneen Road, Castlebar, had been granted in 2023 with at least €300,000 spent on the proposed investment to date.

Now it has been revealed the development has been scrapped after agreement could not be reached ‘following careful consideration, including extensive negotiations and legal mediation with the developers’.

The shock news has been relayed to Mayo Senator Mark Duffy by the Minister of State at the Department of Children, Disability and Equality, Emer Higgins.

She explained: "It has concluded that the proposal did not represent a viable option. Unfortunately, this means Tusla has decided not to proceed with this development.

"Although this proposal will not move forward, that does not diminish the importance of meeting service needs in the area.

"I can reassure the local community that Tusla has secured a medium-term accommodation solution for Castlebar and remains actively engaged in identifying a sustainable long-term solution for the area at the earliest opportunity."

Tusla, the child and family agency, has abandoned plans to build a state-of-the-art headquarters in Mayo.

Planning permission for the project on Moneen Road, Castlebar, had been granted in 2023 with at least €300,000 spent on the proposed investment to date.

Now it has been revealed the development has been scrapped after agreement could not be reached ‘following careful consideration, including extensive negotiations and legal mediation with the developers’.

The shock news has been relayed to Mayo Senator Mark Duffy by the Minister of State at the Department of Children, Disability and Equality, Emer Higgins.

She explained: "It has concluded that the proposal did not represent a viable option. Unfortunately, this means Tusla has decided not to proceed with this development.

"Although this proposal will not move forward, that does not diminish the importance of meeting service needs in the area.

"I can reassure the local community that Tusla has secured a medium-term accommodation solution for Castlebar and remains actively engaged in identifying a sustainable long-term solution for the area at the earliest opportunity."