The building had been neglected for many years and was in need of extensive repairs and refurbishment.  Sligo County Council sought to re-house its Municipal collection and a visionary partnership was established to raise funds.

 Capital funding for the project came from the Department of Arts Heritage, Gaeltacht and the Islands, International Fund for Ireland, Sligo County Council, Sligo Corporation, Sligo County Enterprise Board and Private Sector in Sligo.

Consurv LTD were employed to specify a detailed de-watering system of all horizontal weathering surfaces, rising damp elements and mark up a treatment specification for the timbers.