Funding sought for €500,000 sports park

KILRUSH Town Council has confirmed that an application for funding from the Department of Transport, Tourism and Sport has been made for the first phase of an integrated sports facility in Kilrush. The estimated cost of phase one is €500,000.
Last week’s Kilrush Town Council meeting heard that phase one will include an artificial pitch, grass pitches, which will include a full-size playing pitch and two training pitches, fencing and lighting. Phase two will incorporate dressing rooms, car parking and footpaths.
The town council is hopeful that they will receive 90% of the total costs of phase one, as the location lies in a designated CLAR area. The complex is to be located where the current ESB Moneypoint sports facilities are situated.
“The council currently awaits a decision from the Department of Transport, Tourism and Sport with regard to the funding application for phase one. The development is expected to commence in late October, subject to grant funding being approved,” Kilrush town clerk, John Corry said.
A draft lease is being finalised between the ESB, Kilrush Town Council and Clare County Council with respect to phase two of the development.
“Approval from the ESB board will be required to approve this lease and it is hoped this lease will be presented for approval at the end of this month. It is hoped there may be a further window of opportunity to apply to the department for grant funding in early 2012,” Mr Corry added.
The town council is confident the project could leave to job creation.
“Kilrush Town Council is acutely aware of the need to promote economic development and boost employment. The council is already engaged with a number of contractors in the housing, roads and tourism areas, in addition to improving the physical infrastructure of Kilrush.
“In total, Kilrush Town Council generated economic activity in the region of €1m in 2011. It is hoped the sports project, as well as the other developments, will add further significant investment to Kilrush and act as a catalyst for further economic activity,” Mr Corry stated.
The project was also mentioned at the June meeting of Kilrush Town Council. The then outgoing Mayor of Kilrush Liam Williams said 12 months of talks had taken place between the council and landowners; the ESB and the Department of Education.
The local GAA, rugby and soccer clubs had been consulted, the meeting heard, while a playground and skate board park may also form part of the proposed sports park.
It is envisaged that Kilrush Town Council and Clare County Council would drive the project but that a working group will manage the new facilities when they are built.