The Taoiseach Enda Kenny, along with Minister Michael Ring, today approved €7,695,000 for the construction of the new Swimming Pool and National Outdoor Pursuits Centre in Castlebar. Speaking at the signing the Taoiseach said, "Castlebar has waited over 30 years for a new swimming pool and I am delighted that we are now very close to the construction phase. This state of the art 4,000 sq/m complex will contain an eight lane 25m pool along with a learner pool, gymnasium, aerobics studio and associated facilities. I want to thank Minister Ring for working closely with myself and his department on this project. This is a state of the art facility and will be among the best in the country."
Minister Ring said: "This project is major news for the county town. I want to thank Paddy Mahon and the officials at Mayo County Council for progressing this project to this point. The funding from my department is now approved and the project, with approval from Mayo County Council can move onto the construction phase. Myself and the Taoiseach have worked very hard on securing funding for this project over the last few months."
Speaking at the event Paddy Mahon from Mayo Council said that they had begun to draw up the contracts for construction today and would progress with speed. The build was expected to take 18 months and work will begin shortly.
Mayo County Council welcomed the news that the Government has approved investment of €11m in the construction of a new swimming pool complex and outdoor pursuits centre adjacent to the Lough Lannagh Holiday Village in Castlebar. The Cathaoirleach Michael Holmes stated: “This represents a very significant step forward for the county and will provide much needed facilities for both residents and visitors alike”. The chief executive Peter Hynes said: “This project has been a priority for Mayo County Council for quite some time and great credit is due to those who worked so hard to get the project to this stage”. Phase two of the project, comprising a 400m, eight-lane running track and three all weather pitches, will follow phase one after a cost analysis by the county council.
