Santa’s Grotto building ‘is not fit for public use’
Angry Ballina councillors condemned the letting of the property, an old cinema on Garden Street in the town centre, to a private individual for such a purpose. They were told by town management earlier this year that the premises was not fit for public use. Local Fianna Fáil Councillor Padraig Moore says the situation is farcical.
“This building, the old cinema, is owned by Mayo county council and housed the local arts group until earlier this year, when we were told that the arts group had to find alternative premises as the premises was unfit for public use.
“It was described to us by management as a condemned building and no reconstruction or renovation work has been undertaken on the building since.
“The local arts group is now temporarily located in another building in town, waiting to be demolished, the old UDC offices,” he said.
“I raised the issue at our monthly meeting this week with acting town manager, Paul Benson, after I saw a large advertising sign on the old cinema last week, which reads Santa’s Grotto. How can a condemned building be fit for children visiting Santa Claus?”
Ballina town manager Seamus Granahan confirmed that the premises was being rented out to a private individual by Mayo county council, but stressed only under a short-term lease.
“The building was deemed as unsuitable in the long-term for an arts centre, but this is a short-term lease to the end of the year only.
“We will then dispose of the building and the site and the proceeds will go towards funding a brand new arts centre in the town,” Mr Granahan said.
“The wiring of the building is deemed unsuitable and so has been disconnected and the short-term tenant will source an alternative power supply for his purpose.
“We are very conscious of safety and we accept that this building in its present state is not suitable for most lettings, but in this case we are satisfied that it meets the requirements,” Mr Granahan said.
