Taoiseach, Minister Lawless and Minister Harkin announce purchase of major site in Castlebar as part of next phase in multi-million euro FET capital investment in the region

Taoiseach Micheál Martin and Minister of State at the Department of Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science Marian Harkin today announced the purchase of the Mitchell Barracks site in Castlebar, which will be home to a new Further Education and Training (FET) College in Mayo.

The acquisition of this site marks a significant milestone in the advancement of the delivery

of a FET College in Castlebar by Mayo, Sligo and Leitrim Education and Training Board (MSLETB). Government funding worth tens of millions of euro will drive the development of the site, creating a new state-of-the-art education and training campus, and consolidating the delivery of skills provision across the region. 

This will lead to a comprehensive restructuring of Mayo College of FET, with the main campus of learning in Castlebar, supported by campuses in Westport and Ballina, and learning hubs throughout County Mayo and the wider MSLETB learning network.

MSLETB has also today been given the green light to proceed to the next stage of development of the project which will be delivered on the site, with approval being given to begin the Pre-Tender: Project Design, Planning, and Procurement Strategy stage. 

Speaking today, Taoiseach Micheál Martin said: “I am delighted to be in Castlebar today to mark these two major milestones in the delivery of this flagship Further Education and Training project for Mayo, Sligo and Leitrim Education and Training Board.

“The Mitchell Barracks site occupies a special place in the history and identity of Castlebar and County Mayo, and today’s announcement ensures it becomes part of Castlebar’s future.

“I also wish to acknowledge the work undertaken by Minister Lawless, Minister Harkin and their department in bringing this project to this key stage. We as a Government recognise that through investment in Further Education and Training, we are ensuring that people of all ages have access to the skills, qualifications and learning opportunities they need to succeed in a rapidly changing world.”

Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science James Lawless said: “I am delighted to approve MSLETB’s acquisition of the Mitchell Barracks site in Castlebar, and to give my approval to the progression of their business case to the next stage of development for the infrastructure required on this site.

“This key project is progressing under my department’s FET College Major Capital Programme. This is the largest ever capital investment in Further Education and Training, and a central commitment under the Programme for Government.

“This investment goes beyond bricks and mortar; it invests in people. Expanding choices for young people, helping adults gain new skills, and making education and opportunity accessible to everyone here in Castlebar and beyond.”

Minister of State at the Department for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science Marian Harkin said: “I would like to thank Tom Grady and his team in MSLETB for all the hard work they have put into this project to get us to where we are today.

“Today represents a major milestone. In securing the site and the advancement of the project into the next phase of development, we are taking another significant step towards delivering a transformative FET College for the west and north-west region.”

SOLAS CEO Deirdre McDonnell said: “The announcement of this capital investment in Castlebar marks a significant milestone for Further Education and Training in Mayo, Sligo and Leitrim. Developments like this are central to meeting the growing demand for upskilling and lifelong learning. A modern, consolidated campus will play a crucial role in supporting learners and strengthening the workforce across Mayo and the wider region into the future.”

CE of MSLETB Tom Grady said: “This is a landmark day for MSLETB and for the people of Mayo, Sligo and Leitrim. The acquisition of the Military Barracks site represents a once-in-a-generation opportunity to reshape Further Education and Training in the region.

“The new campus will significantly enhance our capacity to deliver high-quality, responsive education and training, supporting both economic development and social inclusion. It is a strong vote of confidence in the future of Mayo and the wider region in the vital role of Further Education and Training in driving regional growth.”