Funding sought for major sports project

Kilrush Town Council has applied to the Department of Transport, Sport and Tourism to secure a grant for a sport facility in the West Clare capital town. Kilrush Town Council has applied to the Department of Transport, Sport and Tourism to secure a grant for a sport facility in the West Clare capital town.
The proposed facility at Gallery Park on the Cooraclare Road will include a full size GAA pitch, two full size training pitches, an upgrade of the tennis and basketball courts, an astroturf surface as well as dressing rooms, playground, car parking and ancillary facilities.
Speaking during a recent visit by an FAI delegation to Kilrush recently which included chief executive John Delaney and FAI president, Paddy McCaul, Mayor Ian Lynch described the proposed development as a fantastic opportunity for the people of the town.
“People in Kilrush have waited a long time to see progress in relation to sporting facilities and I am delighted that agreements have been reached with the ESB and the Department of Education with regard to the availability of land for these facilities. Discussions have been held with the various sporting organisations and they are all on board with these proposals,” he said.
Kilrush town clerk John Corry said the proposed complex will deliver a much-needed development in the town and predicted it would 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.
It is hoped that the first phase of the development will commence later this year with news on the grant application expected in September.
Clare County Council director of service Nora Kaye provided an update on the progress of this development for county councillors at the recent annual general meeting of the Kilrush Electoral Area.
Ms Kaye confirmed the local authority hoped it could secure funding for this major sports and recreational development. She told councillors the land is owned by the ESB at Moneypoint and noted subject to funding a new lease agreement would be drawn up concerning the use of this land.
Describing this development as “very ambitious”, electoral area chairman, Councillor Oliver Garry said it was great that an application for funding had been submitted to the Department of Sport.