Leitrim councillors block sale of Carrick Town Hall

Leitrim County Councillors have voted to block the sale of the iconic Town Hall in Carrick-on-Shannon as previously proposed.

A notice of intention to dispose of Leitrim County Council’s interest in the Townhall Building at Townparks, Bridge street, Carrick-on-Shannon was before the Council meeting this morning (Tuesday) but Cllr Finola Armstrong McGuire proposed that the sale not go ahead and this was seconded by Cllr Paddy Farrell.

In March the Council announced they were looking for expressions of interest in the freehold purchase of the historic Town Hall.

The building was constructed c.1830 and is located on Bridge Street. The National Inventory of Architectural Heritage notes it boasts a number of “notable features” including its distinctive perron staircase, detailed openings and a bolection-panelled entrance door all of which they say “are architecturally significant.”

However in recent weeks there has been much social media comment about the sale with many objecting to it.

Following the meeting the Council stated “Leitrim County Council sought expressions of interest from interested parties for the sale of the Town Hall Building. The decision to bring the building to the market arose following consideration of its current use as part of the corporate office estate.

“The building is a protected structure and will present significant challenges in meeting zero carbon and accessibility requirements. In this context, it was considered that the investment potential of the private sector, notwithstanding it’s protected structure status, would allow the building to reach its full potential.

“In light of the foregoing, the Council Members were notified of the proposal in line with the requirements of Section 183 of the Local Government Act.

“The Council is fully committed to ensuring the vibrancy and regeneration of the County’s towns and villages and where the private sector can demonstrate an ability to support objectives in this regard, this is welcomed.

"The sale of a Local Authority asset is ultimately a decision of the Elected Members in line with the provisions of Section 183 of the Local Government Act. In line with these provisions, members may decide that the disposal shall not be carried out or that it be carried out in accordance with terms specified in the resolution.

“At its meeting, today, the members resolved that the disposal of the Town Hall as proposed by notice dated 20th April 2023 issued to members, shall not be carried out.”