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 a landmark site at the former Military Barracks in Castlebar, which will become the future home of a new Further Education and Training (FET) campus for Mayo, led by Mayo College of Further Education and Training (MCFET) under Mayo, Sligo and Leitrim Education and Training Board (MSLETB).
This significant Government investment, valued at tens of millions of euro, will support the development of a state-of-the-art education and training campus, consolidating and expanding FET provision across the region.
Located on a strategically important site in the heart of Castlebar, the site will play a key role in supporting regional growth and enhancing the town’s position as a centre of education, enterprise and opportunity. The project is aligned with national priorities to increase participation in FET and to ensure learners across all regions have access to high-quality, flexible education pathways.
MSLETB has additionally received approval to advance to the next phase of project delivery, with approval granted to progress to the next stage of campus development.
Announcing the funding, Taoiseach Micheál Martin said:
“I am delighted to confirm that MSLETB is moving to the next stage in delivering a transformative Further Education and Training campus for Castlebar and the wider Mayo region.
The acquisition of this strategically important barracks site marks a major milestone. It presents a unique opportunity to develop a modern, high-quality campus that will serve learners, staff, and the community for generations to come.
This project reflects governments continued commitment to investing in Further Education and Training infrastructure and ensuring that learners, regardless of location or pathway, have access to world-class facilities and opportunities to achieve their full potential.”
Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science, James Lawless, TD, said:
“This investment underlines the Government’s commitment to building a more connected and responsive Further Education and Training network. The development of a new campus in Castlebar will provide modern, fit-for-purpose facilities that reflect the evolving needs of learners, industry and communities.
By strengthening the infrastructure supporting Further Education and Training, we are ensuring that people have the opportunity to access high-quality education and training locally, helping to drive regional development and support long-term resilience.”
Minister of State at the Department of Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science, Marian Harkin, TD, said:
“The development of a new integrated Further Education and Training campus at the former barracks site in Castlebar will address key regional needs by bringing together existing provision while enabling the expansion of new programmes and specialisms.
It will enhance accessibility, strengthen learner supports and create a central hub for skills development aligned with the needs of employers and communities across Mayo, Sligo and Leitrim.”
MSLETB Chief Executive Tom Grady said:
“This is a landmark day for MSLETB and for the people of Mayo. 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.”
Mayo College of Further Education and Training Principal Michael Murphy said:
“Today marks a hugely significant milestone for Further Education and Training in Mayo. Reaching this point is the result of a tremendous collective effort and a shared belief in the value and impact of FET to our learners and communities.
The acquisition of the barracks site in Castlebar provides a once-in-a-generation opportunity to develop a modern, integrated campus that matches the ambition and potential of our learners. Every day, we see the transformative impact of FET, with learners progressing to employment, advancing to higher education, and building better futures for themselves, their families and the region.”
Chief Executive of Mayo County Council Kevin Kelly said:
“This development represents a major investment in the future of Castlebar and the wider Mayo region. The creation of a modern FET campus on this landmark site will significantly enhance the town’s role as an education and economic hub serving Mayo, Sligo and Leitrim. By bringing provision together on a single, purpose-built campus, the project will create a dynamic and cohesive learning environment that fosters progression, innovation and collaboration.
Mayo County Council is proud to support this development and is conscious that it fully aligns with Mayo County Councils strategic vision for the re-vitalisation of Castlebar Town Centre and together with several other projects which are currently being advanced will deliver a transformative impact on the centre of Castlebar over the coming years.”
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.”
