Work ready to start on new all-weather pitch

Work on a new all-weather floodlit training pitch in Oughterard is expected to begin at the end of the year.

Oughterard GAA, Cumann Peile Seamus O Máille, were granted permission for the development in July 2014 – planning permissions expire after five years, but applicants can seek a five-year ‘Extension of Duration’ to carry out works.

The club has applied to Galway County Council for an extension of time, and indicated that work is proposed to commence at the end of this year and be completed at the end of 2021.

The plans for the site at Lemonfield involve replacing the existing floodlights with six 18-metre columns for lighting and replacing the barrier nets with steel posts and ‘straining wires’.

It is also proposed to erect a 2.4-metre high security fencing around the pit, with two pedestrian gates.

The astro turf will not be on the main playing pitch; it will be located to the rear of the stand adjacent to the roadway.

“Sports Capital Funding on another project needs completion prior to commencing works under this planning permission,” the application for more time reads.

Planners approved the original, stipulating that the floodlights and all-weather pitch can only operate between 9am to 10pm Mondays to Saturdays and 9am to 9pm on Sundays.

A decision on the Extension of Duration application is expected in the middle of September.