By Frances Toner
A renewed campaign is under way to see a purpose-built town hall facility constructed in Ballinrobe.
The bustling market town, which has well in excess of 100 sports clubs, groups, and societies, providing a range of social and cultural services, and a population of 3,682 according to the most recent Census data, has been without a town hall for many years now.
The old town hall, located at the Corn Market, was closed in the early 1990s and eventually demolished, because it was unfit for purpose.
A committee was formed in 2008 to campaign for a new town hall and those efforts are now being renewed in a bid to see the project through to fruition.
“These same committed townspeople, along with new members, are even more determined today to see a new town hall built on the site of the old town hall,” explained Michael Sweeney, chairperson, Ballinrobe Town Hall Committee.
The committee is inviting members of the public to attend a public consultation meeting as part of the renewed efforts to restore a town hall to Ballinrobe.
The meeting is taking place at 8pm on Wednesday November 12, in St Joseph’s Primary School, Ballinrobe,
“The purpose of this meeting is twofold - to show an outline plan of a layout and design using the space available and to gather feedback on what local people would like in their town hall,” said Mr Sweeney.
“All societies and organisations are being asked to make a very special effort to attend this important meeting. If, however, you are unavailable on the night, an open-door, drop-in session will be held on Saturday November 15, from 12 noon to 3pm, at a venue that will be confirmed shortly.
“At that drop-in session, the public will be invited to view outline drawings, make written submissions, discuss proposals with committee members, and sign up to assist.”
Anyone interested in participating on the project can contact Michael Sweeney (chairperson ), Siobhan O’Malley (secretary ), Sean O’Connell (treasurer ), or Liam Horan (PRO ).
