This article is from page 8 of the 2011-08-02 edition of The Clare People. OCR mistakes are to be expected so download the original SWF or the rendered page 8 JPG
KILRUSH Town Council is to make an application to the Department of Sport for over € 1 million in funding to build a new state of the art multiuse sports facility in the West Clare capital.
The development has been earmarked for Gallery Park on the Cooraclare Road, after the conclusion of negotiations between the local the authority, the ESB and the Department of Education.
“Grant aid of up to 95 per cent is available in some areas,” Kilrush Town Manager Nora Kaye told The Clare People this week.
“I think that the grant aid applicable to this case is in the region of 85 per cent. A very cost initial estimate for the entire development would be € 1.3m,” she added.
The proposed facility will include a full-size GAA pitch, two full-size training pitches, upgrade of the tennis and basketball courts, an astroturf pitch as well as dressing rooms, playground, car parking and ancillary facilities.
It is hoped that the grant will be announced in September 2011, follow- ing which construction of the first phase will commence.
“This is a fantastic opportunity for the people of Kilrush. We have waited a long time to see progress in relation to sporting with regard to the availability of land for these facilities,” said new Mayor of Kilrush Cllr Ian Lynch.
“Discussions have been held with the various sporting organisations and they are all on board with these proposals,” he added.
Kilrush town clerk John Corry said that the proposed sports complex delivers a much needed development in the town and it will provide ‘something for everyone’.
“People of all ages will be encouraged to participate in the various sports and exercise options and the completed facility will not only add to the competitive sports activities in the area but will be there to encourage people to become more active in their daily lives.
“The development of the facility will also mean that there will be employment opportunities during the construction stages and this is a welcome boost for the local economy,” added Mr Corry.