THE chairperson of Ray Community Group has described the go-ahead for an all new weather sports pitch and exercise track as a “major boost” for the area.
Declan Meehan, who lodged the planning application, told the Donegal News it’s envisaged a contractor will be confirmed following a three to six week tender process now underway. It’s hoped construction will commence in spring, with the facility in use by September.
Planning permission for the development,comprising construction of a new all weather sports pitch and exercise track with floodlights, fencing and all associated works was given the green light by Donegal County Council in recent days.
Mr Meehan said the go-ahead means a lot to the entire community who got behind the project from day one in a galvanising fundraising effort.
“It was just short of a year in the making and we’re delighted to now progress with it. A lot of work went into it over the course of 2022 with fundraising events. We received a sports grant capital of € 150,000, which is the maximum allocation and then over the course of 2022 we had a development draw and we also raised €30,000 over the summer in various fundraising activities. It is going out to tender now and that will be a three to six week process after which we hope to confirm a contractor. We are hoping that construction will take place in spring. That phase will probably last between four to six months, which hopefully then will see the new facility in use by September.
“The whole purpose of the development is to open up sports facilities in the area to groups and make it accessible to everyone in the community and environs.
“Everyone is delighted with the go-ahead. The real work starts now.”
Donegal County Council granted permission, subject to seven conditions. These include that all sound trees, shrubs and hedgerow shall be retained save as herein otherwise required and any tree or shrub species subsequently dying shall be replaced in order to preserve the amenities of the area.
To cater for orderly and sustainable development and in the interests of public safety, provision is to be made for a minimum of five bicycle stands near the clubhouse. Elevations / layout plan map of same shall be agreed in writing with the Planning Authority prior to the commencement of development.
All mitigation measures contained in the Natura Impact Statement received on 30th September 2022 shall be implemented in full. A silt fence shall be constructed prior to the commencement of any development, together with a soil berm in accordance with the details received by the Planning Authority on 30th September 2022 in order to preserve the amenities of the area and to preserve the integrity of the Lough Swilly SAC and Lough
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