Major funding shortfall for Mayo sports project

There remains a shortfall of €4.5m to deliver a recently announced sports campus project in Castlebar.

The site at Knockaphunta in Castlebar is to receive €7.5m in Government funding under the Large Scale Sport Infrastructure Fund (LSSF). However, the project in its entirety will cost €12.14m, leaving Mayo County Council scrambling to make up the deficit.

The development will feature a multi-lane, international standard running track, and multi-sport playing fields with new 4G synthetic grass for GAA, soccer, and rugby.

David Mellett, Head of Castlebar Municipal District, delivered a presentation to councillors at last week's municipal district meeting on the project and the council’s application for funding. 

“There was a lot of work done over the years on this project,” he said.

The council learned its application for funding was successful this month with the LSSF money covering 62% of the overall cost. The maximum the council could receive under the fund was 70% of the cost.

Mr Mellett said there is a ‘use it or use it’ clause attached to the funding with the council required to start spending the money within three years.

While the project has been warmly welcomed there are concerns about where the additional funding required will be found. 

“Where are you going to find the other €4.5m?” asked Independent councillor Michael Kilcoyne.

“This is a very good news story for Castlebar,” said Fianna Fail councillor Al McDonnell, but he added, “I really do have a problem though that the allocation represents 62% of the cost.” 

He said with an election looming, pressure should be heaped on all candidates to lobby for additional funding for the project.

Fine Gael Cllr Cyril Burke said the development will have benefits not just for Castlebar but the entire county.

His party colleague Ger Deere said every councillor and official should “keep their shoulders to the wheel” to ensure the shortfall is met.

Cathaoirleach of Castlebar Municipal District, Cllr Donna Sheridan said the project could have a transformative impact for female sports teams.

“This can be a new dawn for the town.”