Councillor queries if long-awaited Mayo project is being built with 'gold bars'

A councillor has queried if a long-awaited climbing wall is to be constructed with ‘gold bars’ given the lengthy delays in delivering the project, writes Keith Bourke.

A meeting of Castlebar Municipal District was told there is a funding shortfall following the conclusion of the tender process for the long-awaited project at Lough Lannagh.

“It must be gold bars they are putting up on the wall there,” said Cllr Michael Kilcoyne.

He was supported by long-serving councillor Blackie Gavin who has repeatedly raised the delays in delivering the climbing wall.

“It’s sad to see this thing struggling along. Mayo County Council don’t want to do anything for this town as far as I can see. It’s not good enough,” he added.

Cllr Gavin previously told Mayo County Council chief executive Kevin Kelly that it was "time things were sorted out".

Cllr Kilcoyne said the climbing wall project was first announced during Enda Kenny’s time as Taoiseach almost a decade ago.

“He announced the money, it’s up to someone else to deliver it,” said Fine Gael councillor Cyril Burke.

Ann Moore, Head of Castlebar Municipal District, told councillors that costs have risen but all parties involved are fully committed to developing the facility. The climbing wall will be located beside the Lough Lannagh Leisure Complex and is part of an overall plan to make Lough Lannagh one of the biggest visitor attractions in the region.

• Published as part of the Local Democracy Reporting Scheme.