Sale of historic Mayo hotel being steadily progressed as saga nears end

Mayo County Council is preparing to sell the former Imperial Hotel in Castlebar to an investment partnership for a sum of €700,000 on condition it is restored as a hotel and enshrines the memory of Land League founder Michael Davitt within the new buildings.

The authority has also expressed its willingness to dispose of the adjoining Regional Roads Design Office and Mayo Motor Tax Office for a further €700,000 to facilitate the new hotel.

The investment partnership, headed by P.J. Staide and Trish Egan, owns the Cill Aodáin Hotel, Kiltimagh, and the Gateway Hotel, Swinford.

Phase one of the project, subject to planning permission, is the Imperial Hotel renovation with phase two involving the two additional properties on the Mall being incorporated into the hotel.

The offices of the roads design office and motor tax will be relocated in due course.

Councillor Cyril Burke said the overall investment, expected to be in the region of €10 million, will finally address an issue that has been debated in the county town for many years.

"I know it will be some time before construction works commences but we have reached a point of significant progress in regard to the restoration of one of Ireland's most historic hotel at Castlebar's most iconic locations," he added.

Elected members of Castlebar Municipal District were informed of the development at a workshop yesterday.

A number of councillor are seeking additional information but generally welcome the progress.