Belmullet 'green pool' problem resolved
WAY IS CLEARED FOR ERRIS £1.6M. THERMAL INVESTMENTBy Tom KellyDIFFICULTIES delaying the development of a prototype £1.6m. indoor swimming pool in Belmullet, to be headed by thermal energy, have been resolved. A member of the committee involved in the provision of the revolutionary facility, the first of its type in the country, denied a rift still existed between the communities of Geesala and Belmullet on the issue. Mr. Damien Lavelle, who is also chairman of Belmullet Traders Association, said reports of a tug-o-war raging over the 'green pool' amenity were 'off the mark.' He explained a private investor based in Geesala was generously prepared to provide financial backing for the plan at a time when funding was not forthcoming from Bord Failte. But a subsequent decision was made by the Linn Na Greinne Group, the promoters of the initiative, that a site at Belmullet Industrial Estate, on the outskirts of the town, was the most suitable location for the facility. Now a total of £50,000 has been pledged by the business sector in the Erris area towards the project, and it is hoped to raise a further £80,000 in a fundraising draw to be launched in a few weeks time. Local public representatives have committed a total of £20,000 towards the project over the next five years, and Mayo County Council will be asked to come on board. A EU grant of £205,000 is being made available towards the cost of providing a thermal facility designed to heat the pool from energy in the bedrock underneath the foundations. Additional energy will be generated through the erection of windmills and solar panels. The overall plan also includes the building of apartments which will be sold or leased to help meet the financial shortfalls. The Belmullet committee has commissioned leading scientific consultants to compile a detailed report on the proposal, the full details of which will be announced in the coming weeks. Explained Mr. Lavelle:"The ball is rolling and gaining momentum. The entire community is fully committed behind the project and it is hoped to bring it to fruition within a relatively short time scale." |
