Develop old Mayo pool property for community groups

THE old swimming pool property in Castlebar should be given over to community groups for their use.

The suggestion came after the case was canvassed at the monthly meeting of Mayo County Council for a home to be found for the Mayo Parkinsons voluntary organisation.

Councillor Martin McLoughlin suggested a portion of the empty, old Volex building - about a tenth of the property - would be ideal.

However, he was informed by the chief executive, Kevin Kelly, that the Volex property has already been offered for sale, and that is at an advanced stage.

Some issues were being dealt with but he didn't see it as an option at this time.

Councillor McLoughlin asked that alternatives be looked at.

Supporting his colleague, Councillor Blackie Gavin said other groups had also sought their assistance, including the Order of Malta and the Alzheimers day centre who have had to move on several occasions.

Castlebar Mitchels LGFA would also be looking for playing pitches as the new extension at Davitt College will impact on their training and playing facilities there.

The town is crying out for a lot of things, he said, and it might be an idea to look at a one-stop-shop for these organisations.

The old pool premises is there, he suggested, and it could possibly be divided into units for various groups, instead of lying idle.