Loughrea Sports & Community Development Group: Bridging the Gap in Community Sports Facilities

Loughrea Sports & Community Development Group: Bridging the Gap in Community Sports Facilities

In an effort to address the shortage of sports and recreational facilities in Loughrea, a dedicated group of local individuals have come together to form the “Loughrea Sports & Community Development Group Ltd” (LSCDG) (Company No. 701530). This voluntary group, comprising eleven members (Mike Feerick (Chair); Jim Collins (Vice-Chair); Eamon O Connor; Cathal Nugent; Albert Mannion; John Cuddy; Kerrie Foenander; Owen Coughlan; Fidelma Callanan; Olive Loughnane and Gary Kilcar), boasts a dynamic mix of local business people and professionals, all deeply connected to Loughrea and its surroundings.

Loughrea is expected to surpass 8,000 people by 2026. Astonishingly, the town currently grapples with a severe shortage of sports and recreation facilities within its boundaries. The LSCDG identified this pressing issue and aims to rectify it for the benefit of the community. The scarcity of full-size sports facilities, including just one GAA pitch, and the absence of full size astro turf pitches in the South East Galway area, prompted the formation of the LSCDG.

On their website, LSCDG states, ‘Centralising sports facilities in a town makes for good planning and the clustering of sports facilities is an objective of the newly adopted Galway County Council “County Plan”. Active Travel Policy restricts further the lands suitable for recreation. This makes it essential that a large area of land is available near a town centre to allow for recreation and sport.’

Undeterred by obstacles, LSCDG is determined to develop a comprehensive multi-use, multi-sport, and recreation facility for Loughrea and East Galway. The group has ‘secured options to purchase 45 acres, subject to planning permission, including 25 acres from the Loughrea Swimming Pool Committee. 45 acres provides a sufficient amount of land to create a multi-use, multi-sport and recreation facility for Loughrea and East Galway.’ This substantial landholding plans to accommodate all-weather, floodlit pitches with shared infrastructure.

The proposed facility’s strategic location on the northern side of the bypass, between Bullaun Road and Kinculla Road, ensures accessibility within a 10/15 minute walking or cycling distance from all residential areas in Loughrea. This not only benefits the community but also enhances existing facilities like Loughrea Rugby Club, Loughrea Golf Club, and Loughrea Athletics Club, currently situated outside the town boundary.

The LSCDG emphasises that the facility is not exclusive to specific sports or groups. It envisions a space for the entire community, accommodating various recreation activities beyond traditional field-based sports. Unfortunately, the group faces a setback, as the current draft of the Loughrea Local Area Plan, available to the public since 24 November 2023, lacks provisions for playing pitch development within the town’s vicinity.

Despite the challenges, the LSCDG invites the community to join them on this transformative journey. Check out the Loughrea Sports & Community Development Group website lscdg.ie and you can contact the group via info @ lscdg . ie [removing space]

Daniel Cronin In Conversation with Listen to a special recording ‘Sports Development Meeting Live From The Loughrea Hotel Daniel Cronin & Gary Kilcar 18:30 Tue 05 Dec’ https://player.autopod.xyz/470970?fbclid at the LOUGHREA Draft Local Area Plan Public Information Session at the Lough Rea Hotel & Spa yesterday evening.

The recording captures the essence of the Loughrea Sports & Community Development Group dedication, supported by clubs and groups in Loughrea on the evening, to ensure there are sufficient sports facilities in Loughrea.

The Draft Loughrea Local Area Plan along with the reports are on public display and may be inspected from until Monday 15th January 2024 (excluding weekends and public holidays) at the following locations:

* Loughrea Library, Church Street, Loughrea H62 EV61 (Tuesday/Thursday/Friday 10.30am – 1.00 pm & 2.00pm – 6.00 pm; Wednesday 10.30 am – 1.00 pm & 2.00 pm – 7.00 pm; Saturday 10.30 am – 1.00 pm & 2.00 pm – 5.00 pm; (closed Sunday & Monday)

* Loughrea Area Office, Barrack Street, Loughrea H62 K065 (Monday -Friday 9.00am -1.00pm & 2.00pm – 5.00pm)

* Planning Office, Áras an Chontae, Prospect Hill, Galway H91 H6KX (Monday – Friday 9am-4pm)

Submissions or observations should be made in writing and addressed to:

• ‘Loughrea Local Area Plan’, Forward Planning Section, Galway County Council, Prospect Hill, Galway. H91 H6KX.
• Or online by visiting https://consult.galway.ie/ Or sent by email to forwardplanning@galwaycoco.ie

Closing Date for Submissions or Observations is Monday 15th January 2024 at 4pm. Late Submissions will not be accepted.

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