Agreement to enter talks about Mayo running track project

CASTLEBAR Municipal District is attending talks with the Atlantic Technological University and local athletics club about developing a running track at the Mayo campus.

Councillors all support the idea of a track, but there are a number of hurdles to be jumped if progress is to be made, including public access to the facility and funding.

The project was raised by Councillor Ger Deere at the monthly municipal meeting, who was disappointed it hadn't appeared as an item on the agenda. He noted they had received a memo from the athletics club clarifying a lot of issues last time they debated it.

He had a proposal to make: that the municipal district support the development of a modern running track and athletics facility at the ATU St. Mary's site and agree to participate in joint venture discussions with ATU and Castlebar Athletics Club. And that Castlebar MD will ensure that community access, co-management and financial support for the facility are all agreed in this joint venture.

Councillor Deere said if they weren't involved they would have no say in it being a community development.

Everyone wanted to see the bigger development at Knockaphunta but that was down the road.

This was good value for money, he said, adding: “We owe it to the young people of Castlebar to get involved.”

Councillor Michael Kilcoyne, cathaoirleach, said certain terms and conditions and information needs to be worked out, like funding.

The proposal, said Councillor Cyril Burke, was to participate in joint venture discussions.

It was a great project for the town. They were years away from any other facility, he pointed out.

The hope of Councillor Blackie Gavin was that they would build an indoor track to international standards, to be included in the masterplan for the site across the road.

He suggested a visit to the athletics facility in Claremorris and that they get more information.

Councillor Martin McLoughlin said there is huge demand for a track in Castlebar, the site is there, and the project is 'doable' in terms of money and time.

A concern was expressed by Councillor Donna Sheridan that they would be investing money in a facility which is not owned by the council. She wanted assurances about unrestricted community access and how that will be done.

Such a facility would be fantastic for the town, she added.

The point was made that the matter was not before them properly. They were not entitled to make a statutory decision, said Councillor Al McDonnell.

Director of services John Condon said the document before them was effectively a motion, which are meant to be submitted and included on the agenda. Any committing of resources had to be on the agenda.

He also touched on matters such as land ownership, funding and co-management.

Talks, however, could happen without any motion.

It was agreed that when the ATU and Castlebar AC met, a member of the council executive would attend and come back with their observations, and that the athletic club would look to get the agreements sought. The first meeting was held on Friday.

The item is to be kept on the agenda.