A MAYO COUNTY Councillor has called for a 50-metre swimming pool to be incorporated into the new €12.5 million Sports Academy planned for Castlebar.

Independent Frank Duncan said that the Olympic standard pool, rather than the proposed 25-metre one, would turn Castlebar into the tourist centre of the west, reports the Mayo News.

“It would make a great difference not only to our proficient swimmers training in clubs in Mayo but would also bring an entirely new raft of elite swimmers who could do some of their training while visiting Castlebar,” he said.

Last month Taoiseach Enda Kenny, who has been a Mayo TD since 1975, unveiled plans for the National Outdoor Pursuits Academy for Castlebar.

Three-quarters of the funding has already been earmarked. Mayo County Council and Castlebar Town Council will give €1.25 million each while Galway Mayo Institute of Technology (GMIT) is to provide €2.5 million.

Details from a parliamentary question this week disclosed that a maximum grant of €3.8m is available for a swimming pool in Castlebar.

However, it may receive more.

According to the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport Leo Varadkar, his department has received an application for funding under the 2012 Sports Capital Programme. Details of succesful applicants will be announced later this year.

Castlebar Town Manager and Director of Services, Seamus Granahan, has described the sports academy as a ‘very exciting project’ that would incorporate a running track, playing pitches, a multi-gym, a climbing wall and 25m pool, but could get bigger.

He said he would welcome applications for a 50m pool or even a water park.

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