There is growing concern that plans have stalled for the 5 million euro Castlebar Sports Centre, announced by Taoiseach Enda Kenny in 2012.

Phase 2 of the county town’s National Outdoor Pursuit Academy is in jeopardy due to funding issues, according to today’s Mayo News.

The second phase in the 17.5 million euro project is planned to be located across from GMIT Castlebar, and behind the halting site off the town’s ring road.

With an estimated cost of 5 million euro, it includes plans for a 6 lane tarten running track, and four playing fields.

However, over recent weeks there have been growing concerns about this phase of the development, as corroborated by the recent working group report on the Castlebar campus of GMIT, published last month.

A spokesperson for Mayo County Council has also confirmed to today’s Mayo News that there is a 5 million euro funding shortfall for the project.

Phase 1 of this project, consists of a new swimming pool and training centre for outdoor pursuits at Lough Lannagh and is currently under construction, with an estimated cost of 12.5 million euro.

At the December meeting of Castlebar Municipal District elected councillors had highlighted the need to get the second phase of the project underway.