GAA could be left on sidelines in Browne’s Field

Mayor of Tuam Cllr Imelda Kelly has met with the residents association in recent days and said they are considering proceeding with the project without the involvement of the GAA. 'The committee are very anxious to get this sorted as it has been two years from their first approach to the town council seeking permission to develop the site,' she said. 'They said that unless something happens soon they will go ahead with their own money and develop the community garden, without the involvement of the GAA.

'The residents are under the impression that the stumbling block is to do with a financial agreement forming part of the lease with the GAA, who are refusing to come up with the cash.

'If this the reason, then they want to go it alone and who can blame them? This has been dragging on far too long.' Cllr Tom Reilly, who is one of the council’s representatives on Tuam Stadium Committee, said time was running out, but that there had always been total agreement between both groups on the plans and Galway County Council needed to finalise the lease arrangement as a matter of urgency. 'The only part missing in this is approval from Galway County Council, and as we only have two town council meetings left, we need things to move forward as a matter of urgency,' he said.

'I propose all sides meet with Galway County Council this Friday to find a way through.'

Town Engineer Sean Langan said a Section 183 was required to be agreed and that the terms and conditions of the lease had yet to be threshed out.

Cllr Larry Bane, who is also on the stadium committee, said the lack of detail from Galway County Council was frustrating both sides involved.

'It’s time Galway Co Council stepped up to the plate and moved this forward,' he said.

'We are trying to deliver on projects within the Stadium committee and this is a very important part of its overall development. As a town council we have in the past offered our support for the work being done and yet we can’t get any progress on the Browne’s Field site.'

Cllr Eamon Kitt said a meeting was needed with all parties to clarify and finalise what is going on in relation to the site.

Cllr Pat O’Hora said the matter was making the town council look ‘terribly inept’ while Cllr Mary Loftus suggested sending in three women from the council to resolve the outstanding issues.

A meeting is to be held on Friday between all parties where officials from Galway Co Council will provide information on the lease agreement and it is hoped progress will be achieved before the April council meeting.