Michael Commins
A brilliant day for Ballyhaunis. That’s how local councillor John Cribbin summed up the news last week that over €400,000 was on its way to the town. The declaration of the allocation was announced by Minister of State for Tourism & Sport Michael Ring and was immediately greeted with enthusiasm by the people of Ballyhaunis.
“I am delighted to be able to allocate this funding of €352,800 to Ballyhaunis Swimming Pool for refurbishment works under the Green Swimming Pool initiative to make the pools across Ireland more energy efficient and less reliant on State support,” said Minister Ring.
“It will modernise this facility and make it available and attractive to both young and old.
Strong representations had been made to me by Cllr John Cribbin over the past number of months regarding Ballyhaunis Swimming Pool”.
Minister Ring also announced €25,000 for Ballyhaunis Boxing Club to help improve their facilities.
Cllr John Cribbin said they were thrilled with the size of the allocation. “I was quietly confident in recent weeks that good news was on the way for Ballyhaunis. But the size of the grant has really taken many by surprise. It is a brilliant day for Ballyhaunis to get such an allocation.
“The Swimming Pool committee are over the moon with the news. Mayo County Council is allocating a further €40,000 which will take the whole thing to close on €400,000. Work will commence in mid-summer and should be completed towards the end of the year. The outdoor pool is located at the back of the post office and has been part of life in Ballyhaunis since the 1960s. This is a major boost in the current climate.
“The allocation of €25,000 to Ballyhaunis Boxing Club is also great news. They will use this to develop their facilities in the Scouts Den. The club do a lot of great work for the young people of the town and region All in all, there has been a great response from the people of Ballyhaunis to the allocations announced in recent days,” said Cllr Cribbin.