Fianna Fáil senator Lisa Chambers has welcomed the purchase of the Castlebar Military Barracks by Mayo County Council.
She said this week: "The Department of Finance has given consent for the purchase of Castlebar Military Barracks by Mayo County Council, which is a hugely significant acquisition by the local authority.
"Mayo County Council are purchasing the former Castlebar Military Barracks and plan to develop the barracks alongside the old convent, car park and surrounding lands for various uses, including housing.
"The council are purchasing the barracks for €600k with a €60k deposition and immediate payment of €240k. The balance due will be paid in two equal tranches of €150k. Mayo County Council are developing a master plan for Castlebar and the development at the barracks will form part of that.
"The €11m recently allocated to Castlebar under the Urban Regeneration Fund is intended to deliver this project.
"This is an exciting development for Castlebar and the public will be really pleased to see such an important historical location in the town being acquired for public use and being developed for future generations.
"It has been a long-standing conversation in Castlebar about the need to develop and use the fantastic space at the military barracks which is in the centre of the town.
"I spent many years as a member of the Reserve Defence Forces and the 5th Cavalry Squadron attending training nights at the barracks so it is great to see the place being taken over by the council and to know that future generations will get to use this wonderful public space that is packed full of history."
