New sports arena to be built at Mayo lakeside amenity

Plans are in place to build an international Petanque facility at Lough Lannagh, Mayo Sports Partnership has confirmed.

Petanque, better known as French boules, is set to see the construction of six to eight pistes, qualifying the facility to host national and international tournaments, Charlie Lambert, head of the partnership, stated.

Councillor Blackie Gavin said: “A lot of people don’t know about Lough Lannagh. It’s the best outdoor amenity we have.”

It is hoped the inclusion of a Petanque arena would complement the existing regional canoeing facility and provincial boxing centre of excellence, as well as the tennis club, gym and swimming pool.

Councillor Martin McLoughlin asked if the lake could be developed along the water to Islandeady Church.

“It would be fantastic but would need conversations with stakeholders and landowners,” he said.