by Alan Jacques
COUNCILLORS in the Newcastle West area have given their full support to a motion calling for the provision of a €1million athletics track in the town.
The six councillors of the Newcastle West municipal district are now proposing that Limerick City and County Council purchase a site and develop a regional athletics facility for the West Limerick district.
They have also agreed to seek immediate funding of €10,000 to carry out a feasibility study.
The proposal, put together by parents of children involved in athletics, disability groups and local athletics clubs, calls for the purchase of a seven acre site to accommodate an eight lane 400 metre track with parking, toilets, storage sheds and changing areas.
The total estimated cost of the project is €980,000.
“The provision of a sports and recreational facility can significantly enhance the quality of life and encourage participation, promote health and wellbeing and foster a sense of community,” according to a statement from the project steering committee.
This facility would be the first of its kind ever built in County Limerick. A privately owned site in Killeline has already been identified as a suitable location with a purchase price of €210,000.
Fine Gael councillor Liam Galvin (FG) suggested that the Old Tech Field on Clash Road in Abbeyfeale, which has been idle for 15 years, could be bought at a fraction of the price.
“Everyone that hears about this is going to be supportive of the idea. I would be 100 per cent supportive of having it in Abbeyfeale,” Cllr Galvin said.
“It would save on cost and a half a loaf is better than no bread,” he added.
Fianna Fail councillor Michael Collins, a member of the steering committee behind the proposal, pointed out that “the infrastructure is already in place to facilitate the project at the Newcastle West site”.
However, his party colleague Cllr Francis Foley was also in favour of having the athletic track in Abbeyfeale.
“It’s a great idea. I would welcome it in Abbeyfeale, but what town wouldn’t welcome it?” he asked.
Sinn Fein councillor Seamus Browne described the proposal as “an important step for West Limerick”, while Fine Gael councillors Jerome Scanlan and John Sheahan also favoured the concept for an athletic ground in County Limerick.
