Connacht GAA gets permission for €10m project near Bekan

Connacht GAA gets permission for €10m project near Bekan


Michael Commins

MAYO County Council has granted planning permission to the Connacht GAA Council to proceed with a Centre of Excellence for the promotion of Gaelic games. The project, believed to be in the region of €10 million, and which will be located in the parish of Bekan, is the first of its kind on this scale being undertaken by any of the four Provincial Councils and it is envisaged that it will become a central player in the lives of many young sportspeople from the province.
John Prenty, secretary of the Connacht Council, says they were pleased to gain the approval of Mayo County Council which was accompanied by a number of planning conditions. “We must now wait in the region of a month to see if the matter is cleared by An Bord Pleanala. We have scaled back on the original plan and the current proposals are more compact. We have also addressed some worries expressed by local residents in the area and have also ensured that the development would have the minimum impact on the local environment. We now feel that all is in place for the project to go ahead.”
The Connacht Council purchased in the region of 60 acres from some local landowners in an area around Cloonacurry which is located between the main Knock to Ballyhaunis road (at Reisk cross) and the ‘upper’ road which also links Ballyhaunis to Knock.
“While many will say that it a very ambitions project, we are confident that we are doing the right thing,” says John Prenty. “While acknowledging the current financial situation in the country, we can now progress this development with significant savings from what it would have cost two years ago. Contract prices have reduced substantially so there is better value available now. We are also securing good funding from GAA headquarters from a special fund set aside for the revenues generated from the rugby and soccer matches in Croke Park. That will now be a major plus in funding our venture here in Connacht.
“It is situated almost right in the heart of the province and will be of immense benefit to so many young people. School squads will benefit enormously from it while clubs and counties will also be able to make excellent use of the latest facilities.
“There will be six pitches, as well as an indoor pitch, gymnasium and related facilities. If we secure the Bord PleanΡla clearance, we will be advertising for tenders for the work in the next few weeks. Work could begin by late autumn.”
Cathaoirleach of Mayo County Council, Councillor John Cribbin, speaking at the Claremorris Electoral Area meeting last week, said he was delighted with the news that the project was on the verge of getting under way. “It will be a tremendous benefit to many boys and girls and all associated with developing the GAA in the Connacht region. It will also be a major commercial benefit to Ballyhaunis and other places nearby as people come to the venue from around the five counties.”
Cllr Richard Finn said it was a most innovative development. “All compliments to the GAA on this move and to everyone associated with it from the outset. It should be a great asset to the community and especially young people. We have to support developments of this nature.”