Council's £800,000 purchase not linked to resolving courthouse crux
By Tom KellyTHE DECISION of Mayo County Council to purchase Glenparke Private Nursing Home in Castlebar at a cost of £800,000 is not linked to moves to resolve the impasse over the £2m. modernisation of the local courthouse. Mr. Des Mahon, county manager, confirmed last night (Tuesday) that the prime building, opposite the courthouse at the Mall, had been acquired to house the headquarters of the council's library, arts and archives sections. He said: "There is no connection between this deal and the courthouse issue. The council is not to blame for the delay in the courthouse project. We undertook the building of the new EPA offices to help facilitate the refurbishment of the courthouse." Although the courthouse plans are agreed in principle with the Department of Justice, it was widely reported that a dispute arose between the council and the department over compensation for relocating a number of officers, including the EPA, away from the courthouse. As a result, speculation was rife that the deadlock could be resolved by the purchase of the nearby property from owned by the late Mr. Jack O'Reilly. The sale was conducted by Castlebar auctioneer, Mr. Brian Moran. Mr. Mahon stated the opportunity of buying such a fine building at such a strategic location was one that could not be overlooked. The premises, which was formerly used as a bank, comprises 10,000 square feet and has in the region of 30 separate rooms. There is also a large carpark at the rear. It is understood a significant investment will be made by the council in transforming the premises into office and other accommodation. Mr. Mahon told members of the council, who gave their enthusiastic backing to the plan at Monday's meeting, that the money involved in the acquisition could be recouped from the Department of the Environment. He had already raised the matter with officials of the department, and their initial reaction was very positive. The decision to proceed with the purchase was taken on the proposal of Mr. Pat McHugh, seconded by Mr. Pat Higgins. Mr. Al McDonnell, chairman, Senator Paddy Burke and Mr. Seamus Hughes joined in congratulating the county manager on his foresight. "It will be seen as a splendid purchase in 20 years time," stated Mr. Hughes. It is unclear what use will now be made of the existing library headquarters at Mountain View, Castlebar. |
