An Taoiseach, Enda Kenny, laid the foundation stone for the new swimming pool complex and outdoor education centre in Castlebar at Lough Lannagh on Monday afternoon. The Taoiseach said that this was a "great day" for Castlebar, and after he laid the stone he praised Castlebar swimmer Nicholas Quinn who is preparing to represent Ireland at the Olympics in Rio and said he hoped to see more Castlebar athletes following in his footsteps.
The Taoiseach said: "I'd like to pay huge tribute and wish the best of luck to young Nicholas Quinn from Castlebar who is going to the Olympics in Rio and learned to swim here in Castlebar. He is a role model and an outstanding young man and and it's great to see a local lad go on and compete at the highest level." The new facility which is costing in the region of €14 million is expected to be open and ready for action by early next year, having been first announced by the Taoiseach and then Minister of State for sport Michael Ring, in 2012.
The Taoiseach also indicated at the event that he would be staying on as leader of the Government for the full term it lasts, saying: "I've always said that my intention would be to serve the full term, but not to lead the party into the next General Election. I've made that perfectly clear and that's where I am, but I have a lot of work to do in the meantime."
