Two councils may buy historic castle

A CASTLE may be converted to a municipal headquarters as Cork County Council and Mallow Town Council are expressing interest in the historic building.

Councillor Noel O’Connor has got agreement from senior officials on both authorities to look at the possibility of a joint purchase of Mallow Castle, which its owner Michael McGinn recently put up for sale.

Cllr O’Connor, who is a member of both authorities, said the money could be raised by selling off the county council’s substantial headquarters at Annabella House in Mallow and also the town’s large council offices, which are in Davis Street.

“I’ve thought about this long and hard. Back around 10 years ago when the property was up for sale again we didn’t acquire it and I feel this time we don’t want to miss the boat,” Cllr O’Connor said.

“We could sell off both properties or get a mortgage on them to raise the necessary funds,” he added. The Fine Gael councillor pointed out that under the terms of the Local Government Act 2001 joint venture projects between county and town council were encouraged.

“Jointly developing a one-stop shop would be in keeping with the act. A number of other councillors I spoke to said this possibility should be explored,” said Cllr O’Connor.

Mallow auctioneer Michael O’Donovan, who is joint selling agent with Dublin-based Ganley Walters, said since the castle went on the market six weeks ago, strong interest had been expressed from potential buyers in Europe and the US. He also said that an approach had been made by a group of hoteliers.

“The guide price is €7.5 million and it would have to be on or near that figure,” Mr O’Donovan said.

He pointed out that Mr McGinn had put the castle up for sale because he wanted to return to America.

The castle dates from the early 1700s and replaced one burned in 1690.

It has 20,000sq ft of space, which would represent plenty of room for combined municipal offices.