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Main Street Improvement Scheme

The historic centre of Castlebar town, its main shopping street, has suffered somewhat in the latter number of years and is now be characterised by visual clutter, poor pedestrian infrastructure and an excessive vehicle presence. These impediments mask the local charm & character of a once vibrant main thoroughfare that in turn serves to render a haphazard experience compounding a tainted impression of our County Towns Main Street.

It is widely accepted by all interested parties that this tainted impression needs to be addressed. There is now a strong desire to restore Civic pride to Castlebars Main street making it quality urban place to be appreciated by visitors, shoppers, locals & tourists alike. A place that acknowledges and promotes its social and historical heritage. A safe place that ensures universal access for all and suppresses vehicle dominance. An attractive place to live and invest in. It is paramount that any further decline is prevented, particularly in light of these straightened economic times.

Both Castlebar Town Council and Mayo County Council recognise that the perception of quality or lack of has a significant impact on the social, cultural & economic health of a town or street. It is with this in mind that both Local Authorities are seeking to invest heavily in Main Street and in its future prosperity with a major Urban Environment Improvement project. It is expected that the proposed improvement works will cost about €1.5m approximately with funding drawn entirely from local resources. 

We are confident that this ambitious project will secure significant & lasting benefits for the town, such as increased tourist and shopper numbers, direct investment, positive economic spin-off in the general vicinity, a healthy social & cultural atmosphere, a safe pedestrian environment along with suppressed vehicle dominance. This benchmark project will act as a key catalyst to highlight the need to improve and restore the general overall appearance of not only Main Street but many of the adjoining streets both now and into the future. Key characteristics of this proposal are as follows:

• The proposed street refurbishment works will include Bridge Street, Market Street, Castle Street, Ellison Street & Duke Street. Main Street is approximately 400m long (comprised of Bridge Street, Market Street & Ellison Street) and is fortunate to be flanked by two large carparks accessed directly via. side streets & laneways.
• It is proposed to increase the width of all footpaths and reduce the width of the main vehicle carriageway to a minimum. Footpaths will be free of impediments. Nuisance driving at high speeds will be mitigated & five number generous crossing points for pedestrians will be provided at key locations along its length. 
• Priority will be restored to the pedestrian with measures to reduce vehicle dominance by slowing down traffic, modifications to the existing parking provision, designated loading bays and with all unnecessary through traffic encouraged to use alternative routes already provided.
• A central plaza is strategically located at the heart of Market Street & Ellison Street to provide a generous open space for the enjoyment of the public to shop, rest & take in the activities of the street. Several of the side streets & lanes conveniently converge on this important urban place.
• The proposal will be complimented with high quality materials, paving, street lighting, street furniture, trees & signage and it will be designed with inclusivity in mind.

In all, the measures and improvements outlined above have been conceived to allow the general public – the shopper, local or tourist – to access this valuable urban space in comfort, to take stock and appreciate all that Main Street has and can offer. 

Plans and details of the Improvement Scheme that are now on public display at the following locations:

Castlebar Town Council, Marsh House, Castlebar, Co.Mayo

Castlebar Public Library, John Moore Rd. Castlebar.

Planning Department, Mayo County Council, Aras an Chontae, The Mall, Castlebar.