The go-ahead has been given by the Department of Finance for Mayo County Council to purchase the Castlebar Military Barracks, in a move being described as "a hugely significant acquisition by the local authority".

Mayo Fianna Fail Senator Lisa Chambers says the county council plans to develop the barracks, alongside the old convent, car park and surrounding lands for various uses, as part of a master plan for this area of the town centre.

€11 million was recently allocated to Castlebar under the Urban Regeneration Fund to deliver the project.

Senator Chambers told Midwest News this morning that it's an exciting development for the county town, now that the title can finally be transferred to Mayo Co Co....