BY TOM KELLY

The complex will be erected on a site at Swimming Pool Road adjacent to Castlebar Fire Station and the Regional Despatch Centre, which is currently under construction.

According to Mr Des Mahon, Mayo County Manager, the layout will provide a functional high quality environment in a visible and accessible location which will adequately cater for the needs of the EPS well into the next millennium.

The council will advertise for tenders on April 11th, with construction work on the two-storey building expected to get underway at the end of Mayo. Mr Mahon said it was envisaged the centre would be completed by December. The development will replace the existing E.P.A. headquarters which are situated at the rear of the Courthouse at the Mall, Castlebar.

Mr Peter Hynes, county architect, said the premises in question were inadequate in terms of access, standard and level of accommodation.

"It is likely that problems will continue and that further difficulties will arise in relation to public access and safety regulations.

"The public image which the present location projects, hidden as it is behind the public facade of the courthouse, in hardly adequate for the regional headquarters of the E.P.A."

Mayo County Council will recoup their investment in the development over a 20 years period through leasing and rent.

The council has given its backing to three out major projects in the county.

• A grant of £40,000 was approved for the restoration of the Straide Penal Church to a museum in honour of Michael Davitt. The overall cost of the project is £270,000.
• Sanction was given for the payment of a contribution of £25,000 towards the £625,000 redevelopment of Ballinrobe Racecourse.
• Agreement was reached on the payment of an annual contribution of £5,000 towards the marketing of Knock Airport as 'The gateway to the West'. The money is being paid to recently formed company, West of Ireland Holidays Limited, headed by newly appointed marketing manager, Mr Joe Gilmore, a native of Claremorris.