Minister Michael Ring has confirmed that he has approved a €300,000 LEADER funding allocation to support the rebuilding of Ballinrobe Town Hall.
The Town Hall will be rebuilt on the original site to deliver a multi-purpose community facility including kitchen, meeting rooms, performance stage and open hall area.
Minister Ring said: "I’m delighted to confirm that my Department’s LEADER Programme is supporting this landmark project for the town of Ballinrobe.
"This funding from my Department follows on from a significant allocation of €750,000 for this project by the Government last July. The funding being announced today will be vital in delivering this project which is so important for the regeneration of the town of Ballinrobe.
"The new town hall promises to be a fantastic addition to the town and a great community facility. It will serve as a Civic Arts & Amenity Centre which will be a hub for community, cultural and artistic life – a venue that will serve the community as long as the old town hall did.
"In the approved plans drawn up by local architectural consultant, Donal McCormack, a 430-seater performance area, including a balcony, plus a variety of meeting and general purpose rooms and a properly resourced and spacious kitchen, have been accommodated in the 1,000m2 space.
"It will meet the needs of the whole community, catering for different user groups concurrently in a state of the art community space.
"This project will be complimented by significant regeneration works in Ballinrobe which I am giving my full support. I have previously allocated €825,000 allocation through my Department’s Rural Regeneration and Development Fund for the development of Market House, the town library and grounds and an upgrade of the Bowers Walk.
"I have also allocated €100,000 to Ballinrobe in order to develop innovative proposals to encourage more people to live in rural town centres.
"The great town of Ballinrobe is making a serious comeback. The investment by my Department in the Town Hall project and the regeneration of the town centre will help to greatly improve the town. With the racecourse, the Bowers Walk, the golf club and other sporting amenities, the town has a huge amount to offer.
"I wish to compliment the Town Hall committee and everybody involved in Ballinrobe community. It shows what can be achieved when you have great community spirit, local involvement and people working together.”
Minister Ring concluded: "LEADER funding provides invaluable support to a wide variety of community and enterprise initiatives in Mayo. I have now announced €6.7 million in funding for 157 LEADER funded projects in the county. This means that almost 75% of Mayo’s LEADER budget for this funding cycle has been allocated."
