Former councillor critical of cost of swim at new Mayo facility

A FORMER elected member of Mayo County Council and Castlebar Town Council has criticised the cost of a swim at the new pool in the county town.

Thèrèse Ruane said in a Facebook comment the cost of €10 for a swim is "far too steep for a public facility".

She stated: "It's a fabulous facility but it is out of many people's price range."

The cost of a swim is more that double the price it was in the old facility.

But the price includes use of the gymnasium facilities as there is no swim-only option.

The new pool opens to the public on April 5.

Ms. Ruane played a key political role in the project proceeding during the last term of Castlebar Town Council before it was stood down in 2014 in line with national legislation scrapping such local authorities.

She voted with a four-strong Fine Gael grouping in favour of the 25-metre pool going ahead following a debate on a motion insisting it should by a 50-metre facility.

Those in favour of a 25-metre amenity carried the vote by 5-4 as a result of Ms. Ruane's decision.