Developer offers to build leisure centre for land

A LEADING developer has offered to build a leisure centre for the people of Mitchelstown, Co Cork in return for a parcel of land the community owns.

It has emerged that Dublin-based developer Irish & European Properties made the surprise offer this week to the local community council, to build the leisure centre at the town’s Canon’s Field.

For several years, local people have fundraised for the project, collecting €1.75 million. They have also purchased some land.

“In return for land now owned by the leisure centre committee and subject to planning permission, Irish & European Properties will build the leisure centre in the Canon’s Field,” community council treasurer Bill Power said.

He added that the proposal will not require a financial contribution from the Mitchelstown Leisure Centre committee, allowing them to keep their €1.75m.

Four members of the leisure centre committee have been invited to meet with Irish & European Properties management later this week to begin formal discussions on the proposal.

“This is a serious offer from a company that has already made a substantial commitment to Mitchelstown,” Mr Power said.