Proposed Mayo GAA Centre of Excellence is placed in doubt after Covid hit

EFFORTS are set to be made to salvage a sport, tourism and recreation masterplan for Lough Lannagh in Castlebar which includes the development of a Mayo GAA centre of excellence in cooperation with Mayo County Council.

In response to a specific query by The Connaught Telegraph in regard to whether or not Mayo GAA is proceeding with its project at this time, the county board chairman, Liam Moffatt, said while they recognised its value, the organisation has been 'significantly affected by the financial impacts of Covid-19'.

“We have been in contact with Mayo County Council (project partners) and updates will be provided as and when available,” he added.

His response suggests Mayo GAA is not in a position to invest in the development on a 27-acre site adjacent to Lough Lannagh.

It is understood Mayo County Council paid a five-figure deposit towards acquiring the site in 2018.

They had committed to purchasing nine of the 27 acres, through which it planned to put a woodland walk and cycle trail to link into the Great Western Greenway, with Mayo GAA responsible for purchasing the remaining 18 acres.

A Lough Lannagh Parkland Development Strategy was subsequently drafted which included a GAA Centre of Excellence consisting of an all-weather pitch and two other playing pitches for use by underage and ladies teams.

Parking and setdown facilities were also pencilled in, with access to the area via Lough Lannagh Holiday Village.

The indications are that the council is unlikely to proceed with the project unless Mayo GAA is on board.

The Connaught Telegraph has learned a decision on the proposal is now imminent.

However, two local elected representatives are determined that the development should proceed in the event of the GAA not being in a position to invest in it at this stage.

Councillor Blackie Gavin, cathaoirleach, Castlebar Municipal District, and Councillor Michael Kilcoyne have both been calling for clarity on the up-to-date position regarding the plan as well as the purchase of the site.

Councillor Gavin said the council needed to start moving it forward 'or we will be left behind'.

He has invited the council's new chief executive, Kevin Kelly, to visit the Lough Lannagh site before discussing the various proposals with a view to moving it on.

Councillor Kilcoyne expressed fears the prestigious project is in danger of 'slipping out of Castlebar's grasp'.