THE development of a regional athletics hub in Newcastle West came a step closer to the starting block this week with the publication of a feasibility study validating the need for the facility.
THE development of a regional athletics hub in Newcastle West came a step closer to the starting block this week with the publication of a feasibility study validating the need for the facility.The feasibility study, carried out by Garland Consulting Engineers, highlights the need for such a facility, and the case for a €1.3m regional athletics hub in West Limerick will now be considered in detail by Limerick City and County Council.
The local authority commissioned the study following initial research by a local steering group representing a cross section of athletics and related activities. It involved extensive consultation with key stakeholders including athletics clubs and schools, recommending that the athletics facility is delivered on a phased basis, with Phase One being the development of a 400m eight-lane athletics track.
Cathaoirleach of Newcastle West Municipal District, Cllr Michael Collins, welcomed the feasibility study outcomes this week.
“I am pleased that the Newcastle West Municipal District was in a position to fund this important feasibility study. This regional facility will be of great benefit to the area, providing a much needed resource for clubs, schools, community games and other users,” he said.The study also revealed that by 2021, the facility would have over 6,000 potential users. It will serve nine athletics clubs in the region, with the core user being West Limerick Athletics Club using the facility on an almost daily basis.
Currently there are 12 tracks in Munster, with a number of them 200m training tracks instead of the 400m track proposed for the Newcastle West site. The study has been endorsed by clubs and by the 41 primary and post primary schools surveyed, which between them have over 2,070 students involved in athletics out of a total population of around 9,000.
According to director of Services with Limerick City and County Council, Gordon Daly, there are a number of different models identified in the feasibility study for the delivery of the project.
“The next step for the Council will be to consider these in conjunction with the local steering group and to identify the best way to fund, develop and operate the proposed facility,” he explained.
by Alan Jacques
