“Landmark moment" for Castlebar as Barracks site to home FET college

A major new education and training campus for Castlebar has moved a significant step closer, following the purchase of the Mitchell Barracks site and the formal approval of the project's business case.

By Jack Good Published 26th Jun 2026, 19:00 BST An Taoiseach Micheál Martin and Minister of State at the Department of Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science Marian Harkin today announcing the purchase of the Mitchell Barracks site in Castlebar | The Mayo News A major new education and training campus for Castlebar has moved a significant step closer, following the purchase of the Mitchell Barracks site and the formal approval of the project's business case. Sign up to our Mayo Live newsletter Sign up Thank you for signing up! Did you know you can manage your profile, and explore all of the available newsletters from Mayo Live within your account.

Taoiseach Micheál Martin and Minister of State at the Department of Further and Higher Education , Research, Innovation and Science Marian Harkin announced the acquisition of the site, which will become home to a new Further Education and Training (FET) college for Mayo , Sligo and Leitrim.

The purchase marks a significant milestone in delivering the FET college in Castlebar on behalf of Mayo, Sligo and Leitrim Education and Training Board (MSLETB). Government funding worth tens of millions of euro will drive development of the site, creating a state-of-the-art education and training campus and consolidating skills provision across the region.

The project will bring about a comprehensive restructuring of Mayo College of FET, with the main campus based in Castlebar, supported by satellite campuses in Westport and Ballina, along with learning hubs throughout County Mayo and the wider MSLETB network.

MSLETB has also been given approval to proceed to the next stage of development on the site, moving into the Pre-Tender: Project Design, Planning, and Procurement Strategy phase.

A key enabling step came through Mayo County Council's approval of the sale of 1.911 hectares of the Military Barracks site to MSLETB, securing a central and strategically important location for the new campus.

Speaking at the announcement, Taoiseach Micheál Martin said he was delighted to mark what he described as two major milestones in delivering the flagship project for MSLETB. He said the Mitchell Barracks site occupies a special place in the history and identity of Castlebar and County Mayo, and that the announcement ensures it becomes part of the town's future. He also acknowledged the work of Minister Lawless, Minister Harkin and their department in bringing the project to this stage, adding that the Government recognises investment in Further Education and Training ensures people of all ages can access the skills, qualifications and learning opportunities needed to succeed in a changing world.

Read More Mayo man jailed for aggravated sexual assault of woman in hotel room Mayo hospital apologise to patients after staff shortages delay surgeries New Mayo Cathaoirleach calls for less bureaucracy to tackle housing crisis Micheál Martin opens Mayo's latest landmark hotel Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science James Lawless said he was delighted to approve MSLETB's acquisition of the site and to give the go-ahead for the project's progression to the next development stage. He noted the project is advancing under his department's FET College Major Capital Programme, describing it as the largest-ever capital investment in Further Education and Training and a central commitment under the Programme for Government. He said the investment goes beyond bricks and mortar, as it invests in people — expanding choices for young people, helping adults gain new skills, and making education and opportunity accessible to everyone in Castlebar and beyond.

Minister of State Marian Harkin thanked Tom Grady and his team at MSLETB for their work in bringing the project to this point, calling it a major milestone. She said that in securing the site and advancing the project into its next phase, the region is taking another significant step towards delivering a transformative FET college for the west and north-west.

READ NEXT: Micheál Martin opens Mayo's latest landmark hotel

SOLAS CEO Deirdre McDonnell said the capital investment marks a significant milestone for Further Education and Training in Mayo, Sligo and Leitrim, noting that developments of this kind are central to meeting growing demand for upskilling and lifelong learning. She said a modern, consolidated campus will play a crucial role in supporting learners and strengthening the workforce across the region into the future.

Tom Grady, Chief Executive of MSLETB, called it a landmark day for the organisation and for the people of Mayo, Sligo and Leitrim, describing the acquisition of the Military Barracks site as a once-in-a-generation opportunity to reshape Further Education and Training in the region. He said the new campus will significantly enhance the board's capacity to deliver high-quality, responsive education and training, supporting both economic development and social inclusion, and represents a strong vote of confidence in the future of Mayo and the wider region.

Minister of State Alan Dillon TD also welcomed the progress, describing it as a landmark investment in skills, apprenticeships and lifelong learning for Mayo. The project will now move forward, with the Department of Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science and SOLAS progressing the framework for detailed design, pre-tender and construction phases.

Minister Dillon said the business case has been approved and the Military Barracks site secured, meaning the project can move into detailed design and towards the appointment of an architectural team. He said the new College of the Future will provide state-of-the-art facilities for learners, staff and employers, while strengthening further education and training provision across the county.

The College of the Future programme is a national initiative aimed at modernising FET infrastructure through high-quality, integrated campuses that support skills development, inclusion and clear learning pathways.

Minister Dillon described the Castlebar campus as a flagship project for the region, saying it will bring together training, apprenticeships, upskilling and lifelong learning in a modern, accessible setting. He said the development will support local industry, create stronger pathways into employment, and ensure learners of all ages can access future-focused education in Castlebar.

The historically significant, centrally located site will be redeveloped into a modern FET campus designed around the needs of learners, staff, employers and the wider community.

Minister Dillon called it a once-in-a-generation investment in Castlebar's future, saying it is about creating opportunity, supporting ambition, and ensuring Mayo has the skills infrastructure needed for the years ahead. He said he will continue working with MSLETB, SOLAS and the Department to maintain momentum as the project progresses towards design, tender and construction.

Related topics: Micheal Martin Education Mayo Sign up to our Mayo Live newsletter Sign up Thank you for signing up! Did you know you can manage your profile, and explore all of the available newsletters from Mayo Live within your account.