Castlebar pool to be transformed in £1.5m project
1 May1996
LEISURE COMPLEX GETS GREEN LIGHT
By TOM GILLESPIE
A £1.5 million leisure centre is to be built in Castlebar, we can exclusively reveal.
It will be located on the site of the existing swimming pool complex in the town. Plans for the project are at an advanced stage and Mayo County Council have submitted preliminary plans to the Department of the Environment and the final blueprint will be completed by the end of June. The existing swimming pool will be totally revamped and will be replaced by an ultra-modern leisure centre which will include all state-of-the-art facilities.
However, a substantial local contribution will have to be gathered if the project is to materialise.
Members of the Swimming Pool Committee and County Manager Mr. Des Mahon plan to meet with representatives of Castlebar Chamber of Commerce to discuss the development and the raising of the necessary funds.
The proposed development will include a new learners pool, gymnasium and aerobics studio, sauna and steam rooms, improved viewing area, a refurbishment of the changing rooms and locker areas, improved entrance in circulation areas, additional staff accommodation as well as meeting and casual seating areas.
Both the existing building and the surrounding areas will be given a complete face-lift. Mr. Johnny Mee, chairman of the Castlebar Swimming Pool Advisory Committee said the development constituted a long waited advance and would result in the provision of a much needed facility in Castlebar.
Mr. Mee said: "The centre will add to the growing list of weather independent facilities in the town and will give added impetus to the growing tourism industry in the county town.
"Part of the funding will be raised locally and preparations are already being made to ensure that Castlebar is in a position to avail of this development opportunity”"
Mr. Mee said the total cost of the project, which will take one year to complete, will cost in the region of £1.5m. Work on the complex is expected to get underway before the end of the year.
Connaught Telegraph - News - May 1996
Connaught Telegraph - Sports - May 1996
