Hopes for progress on Mayo sports hub as fund opens for applications
THE opening of the Large-Scale Sport Infrastructure Fund (LSSIF) to applications from today paves the way for a bid to progress phase two of the sports master plan for Lough Lannagh in Castlebar.
Applications for funding up to €120m. can be made under the LSSIF.
Said Minister of State Alan Dillon: “I intend to work closely with Mayo County Council in a bid to secure funding for the master plan for phase two of the Lough Lannagh project.
“This state-of-the-art project includes a multi-lane tartan international standard running track, multi-sport playing fields to include new 4G synthetic grass soccer and rugby pitches.
“A floodlight system and fencing at the former St. Mary’s pitch at ATU Mayo, Knockaphunta, could also be part of an application for funding under the LSSIF.”
Assessment of applications, for funding of between €600,000 and €30m., will take into account population size, sustainability, reducing administrative overheads and ensuring that similar access is provided to accommodate access by men and women to LSSIF-funded facilities.
Applications will remain open until July 1.
Councillor Ger Deere welcomed the launch of this new round of funding, saying he hopes Mayo County Council will progress an application for the long awaited phase two of the Lough Lannagh sports facilities.
The project, he said, 'would make Castlebar a leading town in the west of Ireland regarding sporting facilities'.
Minister Dillon said he was also looking at the prospect of creating an indoor dome, such as that at the Connaught Centre of Excellence in Bekan, for the Castlebar location, which would accommodate football, rugby and soccer pitches as well as other sporting and cultural events.
“I look forward to continuing to work with Mayo County Council on this application which could have major sporting, tourist and economic benefits for Castlebar and Mayo,” he commented.
While the programme is aimed primarily at the NGBs and local authorities it is also open to other bodies, philanthropic funders, clubs and voluntary organisations, to apply but such applications would necessarily have to be made and prioritised by a local authority and/or an NGB, Deputy Michael Ring explained.
Commented Deputy Ring: “I am pleased to see that a new requirement has been introduced to ensure similar access for women and men to LSSIF-funded sports facilities.
“I would encourage all eligible projects applicants with suitable projects to consider applying for this competitive process.
“Continued investment in sporting facilities which are designed to increase participation, of all ages and abilities is an investment that we can all benefit from.”