New athletic track proposal for Mayo's county town described as ‘win win’

A PROPOSAL by Castlebar Athletic Club to deliver a new running track in conjunction with ATU Mayo and Mayo County Council has received the support of local councillors in principle.

More detail about the €360,000 project has been sought and the matter is going to be kept on the agenda for municipal meetings to try and progress it.

A track and playing pitches were proposed under phase two of the overall Lough Lannagh development, Brian Healy of the New Castlebar Track Group explained in a presentation to elected members.

Phase two remains stalled due to a land transfer from the HSE having not progressed and lack of funding.

The proposal now is to deliver a pitch - ATU discussed this with councillors late last year - and community track in a collaboration between the university, council and athletic club at their St. Mary's site. The cost to the council would be €130,000.

Mr. Healy said he hoped 2023 would be a 'year of action' and they could get that elusive digger on site.

Responding, Councillor Blackie Gavin was holding out for the original phase two state-of-the art plan that had been approved - an international standard facility that would bring in people from all over the world, like phase one has done.

He wanted to see more detail about accommodating jumps, javelin, shot putt, pole vaulting, etc., as well as drainage and surfacing.

He also raised concern that the existing facility is not a community facility.

Councillor Ger Deere said they all wanted the big plan but it was going on 11 or 12 years and was still way down the road. Did they want the young people of Castlebar to wait another 10 years plus for a facility, he asked.

The proposal was a win-win, a view supported by Councillor Cyril Burke who said he wasn't prepared to wait for the other facility.

Councillor Donna Sheridan felt it was a worthwhile project but she needed more information to make an informed decision.

In principle, Councillor Al McDonnell supported any proposal that enhances facilities and his suggestion it be put on the agenda for future meetings was agreed.

Councillor Martin McLoughlin agreed more detail needs to be worked out, but any sports facility is welcome.