Plan for ‘iconic’ park at Menlo Castle

Date Published: 15-Jun-2010

THE ruins of Menlo Castle would best serve the people of Galway as an “iconic” centre piece for a new city park which would preserve an area of unique rural heritage and ensure continued public access for all according to Labour Councillor Derek Nolan who has led the charge to preserve the castle in ruins.

“The new vision for Menlo Castle is a reversal of the previous decision and will provide for a parkland adjacent to the castle which is an iconic cultural structure that was never intended to be used for private apartments,” said Cllr Nolan.

The strategy to restore the 17th century castle was removed from the Draft Development Plan earlier this year when a motion was passed by eight votes to seven.

As part of the rejected proposal, Galway businessman Noel Smyth had suggested financing a €12 million redevelopment of the castle and its grounds on condition that he could retain the top floor for his personal use.

However, restoring the castle and developing the surrounds would completely change the overall character of the area, Cllr Nolan claimed.

Other plans included a coffee shop, heritage centre and art gallery which were dismissed by the Labour councillor as unfeasible for the area.

“We have a city museum as it is which we can’t fill. People need to think about the feasibility of all this. Having coffee shops and heritage centres in and around the castle would also involve allowing for parking facilities and a lot of other developments.

“It would limit access as well. The area is now open to anyone whenever. Developing it would mean there would have to be strict visiting hours which would limit the access needed,” Cllr Nolan warned.

Immediate action is needed to stabilise the castle which, the councillor admitted, poses a dangerous risk in its current state.

For more on this story see page 13 of this week’s Sentinel