The news of a potential new outdoor multi sports facility in Belmullet was greeted warmly by the members of the Belmullet electoral area committee this week. “We have identified the potential of having a multi sports facility at the civic centre in Belmullet,” senior staff officer for Mayo County Council Padraig Brogan told the meeting. “We are looking at developing it along with the Erris No Name Club who have been very active in the area over the past number of years and have won a lot of awards for their work. The cost of the facility would be in the region of €180,000 and we are working in conjunction with them to apply for funding. We are ready to go to part eight on this, but it all depends on funding to make it possible.” Mr Brogan said the outdoor multi sports facility will also have a roof to help protect it from the elements, and it will be located on the site of the civic centre beside the play ground and tennis court that exist on the site already.
Welcoming the project Cllr Gerry Coyle said: “You hear an awful lot about the youth today and them causing problems but I firmly maintain if you teach them a sport and keep them involved from a young age you won’t hear of them getting in trouble. I’d also like to congratulate the No Name Club for the work they have been doing in the area, they did a wonderful job last year with the road safety road show they put on, and are an inspiration to all groups.”
Independent Councillor Michael Holmes added: “This is a facility that this area and other areas have been crying out for. This is a major step in the right direction for everyone concerned and the No Name Club deserve special credit for the work they have done in the area.” Fianna Fáil Cllr Michael McNamara welcomed the news saying: “The design of this facility is very cost effective and it looks like a brilliant project that will be of a major benefit to the area as a whole.”
