Call for sports facilities masterplan on prime Mayo site

An elected member of Mayo County Council has requested that a parcel of the land in the authority's ownership located at Knockaphunta, Castlebar, be considered for use by Castlebar Celtic for the development of new playing pitches the club urgently need.

CouncilIor Cyril Burke elaborated: "I understand that the council will own c.30 acres of land at this location beside Mayo Roscommon Hospice when they have concluded the full transfer of lands from the HSE.

"The total portfolio of lands should also accommodate Castlebar Athletic club for running track along with a number of community pitches which can be utilised by other organisations such as Castlebar Rugby Club, Castlebar Mitchels Ladies Gaelic Football Club, St. Gerald's College and GMIT football teams, all of which could be centrally booked for use.

"I believe that we can deliver facilities to allow all these organisations to train and play together in harmony with one overall goal to support the people of our town and municipal district.

"I also understand that in order to drawdown government funds for a project like this, the council is required to partner with a national sports organisations such as the FAI and, crucially, Castlebar Celtic is an ideal partner in this instance.

"It should also be envisaged that in some instances facilities can be shared such as the car-parking and public lighting, thus reducing costs on individual organisations into the future.

"I am requesting that a masterplan in relation to this proposal be developed and that it be included in the agenda for our upcoming Castlebar Municipal District workshop," he added.