Funding approval for astroturf pitch at Mayo school

FUNDING of over €173,000 has been approved for the development of a 3G playing pitch at a Castlebar school, Minister of State Alan Dillon has confirmed.

The funding has been awarded to Castlebar Primary School for the development of the 3G pitch with associated lighting and fencing.

It was granted under the Community Sports Facilities Fund following an appeal after the school's initial application last year was refused due to an issue with the property title. However, this has since been rectified, and their appeal upheld.

Said Minister Dillon: “The pitch will be developed at their senior campus, formerly St. Patrick’s BNS. The school plan to develop a piece of land on school grounds to be used by the school community along with Castlebar Mitchels LGFA.”

He added: “I want to congratulate school principal Joe Carty, deputy principal Nessa Maloney, their board of management, staff and pupils, along with everyone who was involved in this application and appeal.

“The school caters for 850 pupils from 48 different nationalities. They believe that creating and nurturing links with local sporting bodies is key to true societal inclusion and integration and so have created this project alongside Castlebar LGFA. A central reason for this partnership is that they are acutely aware of the drop off in female participation in sport from primary level onwards.

“This gives this project a unique opportunity to promote sport and physical activity in young ladies in particular.”

Continued Minister Dillon: “I am looking forward to further progress on this 3G pitch over the coming months and looking forward to it being opened and used by the school community, the LGFA and other community groups over the coming years. I wish all involved the best of luck going forward.”