The Avondhu has learned that there may be more good news for the Mitchelstown Leisure Centre Project. Ben Lynch, chairman, has confirmed that ‘additional funding through the Department of the Environment has been allocated for projects such as The Canon’s Field.

“We had previously applied for this grant through Ballyhoura Development about a year ago but there wasn’t enough available at that time. However, that has now changed, so we hope to be able to receive confirmation in the coming weeks”.

He wouldn’t be drawn on the level of funding but we understand that individual projects can apply for up to €500,000.

He warned however that one on the requirements of this expanded programme, which is part-funded by the EU, is that the tendering phase had to be looked at again. This commenced through a notice on the government’s e-tender website on 2nd January, so it will delay the start of construction by two to three months.

“We in the Leisure Group don’t like the idea of any further delays, no matter how short, but we could not walk away from any additional significant funds. We were also aware that future grant aid from any government department could have been compromised if we didn’t change to the e-tender route”.

With around €2,200,000 already in the pot after the successful application for €120,000 under the Sports Capital Programme (National Lottery funds), it looks like Mitchelstown might finally be getting the breaks it needs to see this project through to completion.