Welcome addition to south Mayo town's sports amenities

SPORTS enthusiasts in Ballinrobe will soon be able to try their hand at Ireland's quickest growing sport - padel tennis.

Plans for two new padel courts at The Bowers have been approved by Mayo County Council.

The site consists of part of an unused grassed area located to the rear of the existing astro pitch and playground, with direct public pedestrian access to Main Street.

The proposed hours of use are from 8 a.m., up to 10 p.m., and it will operate on a pay-as-you-go basis - you don’t have be part of a club to play.

A report submitted to planners explained that the courts are smaller than those use for tennis, and padel is conducive to young, elderly, and new-to-sports users.

As they are located close to the recreational facilities at The Green / The Bowers, it's likely that parents bringing children to soccer, rugby and athletics may choose to spend the hour at the padel courts.