Rural Tipperary community group seeks planning approval for astroturf pitch

The community group that runs Ballingarry Community Sportsfield is seeking the green light from Tipperary County Council to develop an astroturf training pitch and hurling ball wall.

A planning application seeking approval for this major expansion of its sport facilities at Kyleballgalvan, Bolintlea, Ballingarry was submitted to the council on Monday, February 23.

According to the application, the astro-turf pitch will be accompanied by flood lighting and a perimeter steel fence, ball catch netting and a hurling ball wall.

In a letter accompanying the planning application, Ballingarry Community Sportsfield Chairperson Pat Finnegan urged the council to approve planning permission for this “much-needed facility”.

He outlined the sportsfield caters for all the parish’s hurling, football, camogie and soccer juvenile and adult teams and it has been the group’s ambition to develop a second pitch, ideally an all-weather facility, to cater for the growing numbers using the grounds.

He points out the location for the proposed pitch is ideal as it’s next to the sportfield’s dressing rooms and toilets.

Mr Finnegan stressed while the community sportfield’s key focus is the promotion of GAA games, it has opened its facilities to community groups for a wide range of physical activities.

He pointed to the success of the floodlit walkway around the perimeter of its current pitch built three years ago to provide a safe environment for exercise for all ages.

“The aim is to encourage children to develop fundamental movement and motor skills through fun games and play. Parents greatly appreciate this initiative, and the children love it.

The proposed all-weather facility, with secure perimeter fencing, will provide a safer and more reliable environment for these activities.”

Mr Finnegan also pointed out that if the astro-turf pitch is approved, the students of the Commons National School that adjoins the sportsfield will have full access to the new astro-turf pitch during school hours under a formal licensing agreement.

“This will allow the school to use the facility daily for playtime and physical education. The facility will also be available to other schools in the parish whenever needed.”

He added that the parish currently has no community owned facility of this type, so its development would be of significance to all community groups.

“The proposed astro-turf facility will be multi-functional and available to all age groups, from nursery children to senior citizens for a variety of physical activities.

“This will promote physical health and mental well-being across our entire community.”

Tipperary County Council is due to reach a decision on whether to approve, refuse or seek further information on the planning application on April 19.

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