"There are 174 children in the Castlebar Athletic Club who want answers in relation to the failure to deliver facilities promised in phase two of the National Outdoor Pursuits Academy," according to Independent Candidate for the Castlebar Municipal District, Harry Barrett.
Barrett also stated this week: "We have one of the most successful athletic clubs in the province. However, the children in the club have to train without dressing rooms or toilet facilities on a track at the rear of Mayo GMIT.
"Their parents tell me that, while they are very appreciative of the facility at the GMIT, they are extremely disappointed that facilities promised with phase two of the National Outdoor Pursuit Centre has not been delivered.
"Phase 2 was promised in 2012 and came with an estimated cost of €5 million euro. It included plans for a six lane tartan running track and four playing fields. I believe that Mayo County Council now intends to apply for national funding under the Large Scale Sports Infrastructure Fund, (LSSIF scheme ) but they have a very tight time frame to do so and I would urge them to speed up the application, as it has to be in to the Department before the end of April.
"We also need to go back now to those who promised this facility with great fanfare in 2012 and ask why this promise has not been delivered. It was totally unfair to raise the hopes of children and their parents and then to fail to deliver.
"Claremorris and Ballina have similar facilities and I will call on Mayo County Council to keep this project live until phase two has been fully realised. A promise made is a debt unpaid. "
