Ballina is to benefit from funding of €160,000 under the Historic Towns Initiative 2022.
The news was confirmed by local Fianna Fáil TD Dara Calleary this week. Deputy Calleary said: "I am delighted to confirm €160,000 for Ballina under the Historic Towns Initiative.
"The project selected for inclusion in the scheme is the Belleek Gate Lodge – a protected structure known to everyone who has ever visited Belleek Woods or Belleek Castle.
"The aim of the works is to allow for re-use of the structure as a residence for artists, writers, ecologists, historians and environmentalists and for community engagement.
"It follows a €95,000 investment under the Built Heritage Scheme in 2021. I want to congratulate Siobhan Sexton and the team at Mayo County Council on the successful application which will add immensely to Belleek and to Ballina."
The news was also welcomed by Fine Gael TDs with Deputy Alan Dillon saying: "I am delighted to see Ballina securing capital funding which will help provide jobs through this heritage-led regeneration project. This funding will provide well-deserved recognition of the rich and valued history and heritage of this proud North Mayo town."
Deputy Michael Ring said: "This funding will aid the conservation of Belleek Gate Lodge. This project will allow for re-use of the structure as a residence for artists/writers/ecologists/ historians/ environmentalists and community engagement. It is tremendous to see this structure being maintained and reused in such a wonderful manner."
