Mixed news on new Mayo sporting facilities

GOOD and bad news is being reported in respect of major sporting facilities planned for Castlebar.

The good news is that the new swimming pool at Lough Lannagh is expected to be opened before the end of the summer.

On a less positive note, however, work on running tracks and football fields adjacent to the new pool won't be going ahead at this time due to lack of finance.

John McHale, head of Castlebar Municipal District, confirmed the money required for the extra facilities is simply not available.

“This is not good enough,” responded Councillor Michael Kilcoyne.

He claimed at the meeting announcements were made 'with great fanfare' by the then Taoiseach, Enda Kenny, six years ago and it now appears there isn't enough money to complete the entire set of proposed developments.

Councillor Kilcoyne was assured there's 'no truth' in suggestions that existing swimming pool staff will have to be re-interviewed for jobs in the new pool.

Asked by the councillor if the pool would be run by a management company, Mr. Condon replied: “That is not yet decided. We are looking at options at the moment.”

Councillor Kilcoyne: I would be totally against a management company coming in to run the pool.