'Highest growing new sport' to hit south Mayo town as plans approved

Planning permission has been granted for the provision of a new recreational amenity for a south Mayo town.

Mayo County Council has granted planning permission for the development of two new padel courts at the Bowers, Ballinrobe, adjacent to the Green, which hosts a number of other sporting facilities.

The proposed development includes an artificial grass surface, a changing shelter, lighting posts, an upgrade to existing boundary fences, pedestrian access gates and all associated works.

A cover letter submitted on behalf of the applicant described padel tennis as the “highest growing new sport” in Ireland which is conducive to young, elderly and new to sports users.

The applicant said they envision these facilities having a pay-as-you-go model with proposed usage hours between 8am and 10pm.

They added that because the proposed padel courts are situated close to the Green, parents bringing children and teens to soccer, rugby and athletics may choose to use the hour waiting at the courts.