Sod turned on new €1.15m. Mayo Scouts den

THE sod has been officially turned on a new Scouts den and community centre in Ballina.

Minister Dara Calleary joined members of the troop and leaders of 5th Mayo Scout Group, Ballina, for the turning of the sod on their new facility at Belleek.

The project is being funded with a €1.15 million investment from Minister Calleary's Department of Rural and Community Development and Mayo North East.

Said Minister Calleary: “With works now ready to get underway we can look forward to a state of the art den that will allow the Ballina Scouts to continue to grow in numbers in the years ahead.

“I am very proud to able to support the group with this further investment in our town's sports and social facilities and look forward to returning for the official opening in the near future.”

It was, he added, a 'very special day' for Ballina but especially for one of the driving forces behind so many positive things in the town - Benny Walkin.