Official Opening

Minister opens Ireland’s First Outdoor Gym

Minister John Moloney cuts the tape

Mr. John Moloney TD, Minister of State at the Department of Health and Children with responsibility for Disability and Mental Health performed the Official Opening of the new outdoor Fitness Park in Kiltimagh Co Mayo on the 25th of July, 2008.

He referred to the fact that IRD Kiltimagh had provided the inspiration for the development of his own home town when the principals of Mountmellick Development Association visited Kiltimagh almost 20 years ago. He said “I am delighted to come here and see this outdoor gym project, which I hope will be replicated in each town and village in Ireland as we head into a situation where the financial cost of health problems associated with obesity are now second only to heart disease. Projects like this should be promoted for the benefit of the health of all”.

IRD Kiltimagh Ltd has scored another national first with the opening of the Adult Outdoor Gym adjacent to the beautiful Sculpture Park on the edge of Kiltimagh Town. The project is the first such fully dedicated facility of its type in Ireland. Comprising 18 different pieces of top quality equipment, the gym can provide an extensive workout for all fitness levels. It is open to the public, free of charge, at all times and locals and visitors to the area alike are encouraged to use it.

Speaking at the launch of the new facility, IRD Kiltimagh Chairman, Mr. Brian Mooney said that IRD were delighted to be at the forefront of the provision of new facilities and amenities once again. “We are the leaders in our field and we must continue to push to make our small town the best there is for the generations which will follow us. Ongoing developments in the town, including the Cairn International Trade Centre, the 32,000 sq. ft. office building being provided at a cost of €7.3m, will see the town benefit from enhanced facilities and from further employment creation in the future. IRD Kiltimagh goes from strength to strength and will continue to do what it does best, the enhancement of the quality of life for those who live and visit Kiltimagh through the provision of new and additional facilities and amenities, for many, many years to come.”

John O’Mahony TD and Manager of the Mayo Senior Football team commented that there was an increasing need for sports facilities such as this fine project and that this resource demonstrated what can be achieved when projects are provided on a co-operative basis. “I may even get the Mayo team in for a workout” he added.

Summing up, Brian Mooney thanked all those involved in the provision of the facility and made reference to Out-Fit, the Company which supplied and installed the equipment. It is the only company of its kind in Ireland, established primarily for the design, supply and installation of outdoor fitness facilities.

Minister John Moloney then cut the tape and officially pronounced the Outdoor Fitness Park open to the public.