OFFICIALS VISIT CLOSED GYM AFTER COMPLAINTS
SENIOR officials from the Sports Division of the Department of Transport, Tourism and Sport carried out an inspection of the gym and sports hall at the Mercy College in Sligo following the abrupt closure of the gym at the end of April
Officials also met with college management and with various groups who use the facilities.
The visit came as complaints arose about the fact the Sisters of Mercy received a total of € 1,040,000 for the construction of the gym and sports hall conditional on the facilities were made available to the public until 2023. In response to a Dáil query from TD Clare Daly, the Minister of State for Sports and Tourism, Mr Patrick O’ Donovan, said that on foot of the concerns the Department would arrange an inspection of the facilities and that any further required action would be considered following the inspection and meetings.
Cllr Declan Bree met with the Department officials when they visited Sligo.
“It is totally unacceptable for the Mercy Order to close down the gym. Public funding of € 1,040,000 was provided for the construction of the gym and sports hall.
“A total of € 800,000 was provided from the Sports Capital Programme and an additional € 240,000 grant was provided from RAPID funding because a special case was made highlighting the fact that the gym and sports hall would be made available to people living in Cranmore and other adjacent areas designated as disadvantaged.
“The Mercy changed the locks and shut down the gym without any regard to the agreement they had signed and without any regard for the public who use the facility,” he said.
Mercy College Principal, Colette O’Hagan said the college would not be making a statement until after a board of management meeting next Monday. She said the Department officials had come to Sligo at the college’s invitation.