Contractors face race against time

CONTRACTORS face a tough schedule to complete the installation of new floodlights at United Park after the FAI said the work should be completed by March 12th.

In a statement released on Monday afternoon the FAI claimed the job was supposed to be done before the new season kicked off but got delayed because of poor weather.

Work on installing the new lights began yesterday morning, but with heavy snow and strong winds forecast for this week there must be a strong possibility of further delays.

Following the postponement of last week’s Drogheda United v Finn Harps match because of inadequate lighting, the Drogheda Independent put a number of questions to the FAI regarding the timing of the replacement of lights, Club Licensing, their plans to improve the League of Ireland’s image and also their efforts to advance the planned new stadium for Drogheda United.

Most of these questions went unanswered and instead the FAI issued a statement, as follows:

‘The Football Association of Ireland can confirm that upgrading of floodlighting facilities at United Park and St Colman’s Park [Cobh Ramblers’ home ground] will be completed by March 12th.

‘The works were originally scheduled to take place before the new SSE Airtricity League season kicked off but were delayed due to poor weather conditions. Due to this work ongoing, games involving Drogheda United and Cobh Ramblers have been rescheduled.

‘The SSE Airtricity League First Division game between Drogheda United and Finn Harps on Friday February 23 was postponed after the referee deemed the lighting to be unsatisfactory and made the decision to protect the safety of all players involved.

‘The existing floodlights at United Park and St Colman’s Park were passed by the Independent Club Licensing Committee, which demands that every club provides a floodlight compliance certificate. However, maintenance work is consistently ongoing at all stadia throughout each season.’