Changes planned for the grounds of Kildare-based athletics club

A planning permission document lodged with Kildare County Council shows that changes are being planned for the grounds of a North Kildare athletics club.

Pat O'Grady, on behalf of Tír Móna Athletics Club, has applied to make the changes to the club's grounds at Hodgestown Upper in Donadea.

According to the application, the club seeks 'to install drainage and two soak pits within the perimeter of our existing 400 metre grass running track.'

The club also intends to install 10 flood lights using energy efficient LED lighting around the circumference of our existing 400m running track, and these new flood lights will sit within the perimeter of a ring of existing walking track flood lights installed in 2014 (Ref KCC, 12551).

A brief description of the nature and extent of development was also included in the application:

• "The development will consist of a drainage network (80 milimetre pipe) installed below ground to manage excess rainwater that collects on the surface of our 400m grass running track, rainwater will be diverted to two soak pits installed in the infield area (Ref ATT5 Drawing ABCD and ATT 13 photo and location of site prior to works).
• To install ten-10m flood lights and the necessary underground ducting/electrical cables."

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The description continues: "The proposed cable ducting, flood light pole footing, poles / LED lighting and control panel will be mounted within an existing electrical control box and flood light ring (Ref ATT5 Drawing ABCD).

"The flood lights will be mounted within the perimeter of an existing ring of flood lights installed in 2014 (Ref KCC, 12551).

"Flood lights will not operate after 21.30 hours and will allow for winter training to take place on the grounds.

"The addition of new drainage and flood lights will give the Tír Móna Athletics facility an all-year-round training capability for all in our community and surrounding area to use and enjoy.

"This development will be co-funded by Sports Capitation Programme and has the support of all local schools within our catchment area (Ref ATT 11)."

The description concludes with a statement that there are no buildings or protected structures within the vicinity of the development.

The date received is listed as June 11 last, while the submission-by and due dates are listed as July 15 and August 5 respectively.

According to the club's official website, Tír Móna AC was formed in 2021, when St Kevin’s AC and Robertstown and Allen AC decided to join forces to create the club.

Tír Móna AC is supported by Kildare County Council, Bord na Móna and Croí Laighean Credit Union.