Mayo GAA reveal timeline on Centre of Excellence development

Mayo GAA have revealed the timeline for the latest phases of plans to construct a Centre of Excellence in Bohola.

Plans have been afoot for quite some time to construct a new state-of-the-art home for Gaelic games training facilities since late 2023 in East Mayo.

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At the meeting of the Executive and club delegates last night (Monday, July 7), details on the progression of plans were brought to the floor.

Hours prior to the meeting, a quote was received for a topographical survey, which will determine the location of the pitches, car park, and clubhouse building. It is anticipated that the work based on the survey will be commenced ‘in the next couple of days.’

When asked about the timeframe regarding the planning process, Mayo Vice-Chairman Michael Diskin estimated the ball would be rolling ‘probably in nine months, or probably a year’.

Discussions involving external parties indicate that there will be ‘very little development happening’ on site within the next 12 to 18 months.’

There are plenty of hoops that need to be jumped through and challenges regarding the terrain.

Firstly, there is a water table underneath most of the site, at a depth of 0.7 to 0.8 meters, which will require ‘intensive deep drainage.’

Each pitch at the Centre of Excellence will require its own dual drainage system.

Work has been completed by the Bohola Community Council to lower the outflow of water from the site by at least one meter.

Also, a significant portion of the site near the adjoining road will need to be raised by ‘about a meter.’

There are also two areas described as ‘relatively small’, which have a peat depth of 0.7 meters, which will need to be ultimately removed. The amount of earth that will need to be removed has been described by representatives from Prunty Pitches as ‘quite challenging.’

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When the question of precise figures was brought up, Diskin responded that at present there was “no real good estimate of what the cost will be. It's going to be substantial,” he stated.

When asked where the previously floated figure of €15 million came from, he replied, saying that sum was a ‘loosely put together estimate.’

The County Board also stressed the major part that fundraising and LSSIF funding will play in covering the extensive funds required.