31-10-2013 Minister Hayes Hands Over Ballymote Former Garda Station to Local Community

Thursday 31st October

PRESS RELEASE

Mr. Brian Hayes, TD, Minister of State with special responsibility for the Office of Public Works (OPW) today (31 October 2013) officially handed over the keys of the former Garda Station in Ballymote for community use.

The Minister said, “It is my pleasure to be here today to hand over the keys of this former Garda Station to the local community. Back in March of this year, I announced my intention that community groups could submit expressions of interest on how, in the event that no other State use or sale is possible, their local group might utilise these assets. Today’s event is a great example of that enterprising community spirit, with the newly re-named ‘Municipal Building’ being handed over to Ballymote Tidy Towns & Tourism Ltd. for community use. I’m told that the main aims of the group will be to promote tourism, arts and culture within the region. I congratulate Peter Mullin and Noreen Cremin and all the residents of Ballymote and its environs for their sense of community and imaginative spirit and I’m sure that they will put the building to excellent use.”

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For further information or if you wish to interview Minister Hayes please contact Colette Davis, OPW Press Officer at 046 942 6128, 087 947 5552 or colette.davis@opw.ie