New track to get up and running in town
The development of the new Municipal Athletic Facility in Muirhevnamor District Park is set to ‘get up and running’ over the summer months, it was confirmed last week.
An announcement was made last week at the monthly meeting of the Dundalk Municipal District committee, confirming work on the long awaited project is to get underway.
Louth TD, and avid runner, Peter Fitzpatrick, who has been working with local clubs on securing the funding for the project said: ‘I am delighted with the announcement that the development of the new Municipal Athletic Facility in Muirhevnamor
District Park will commence over the summer months.’
The project is the development of an eight lane athletics track with associated facilities for use by athletics clubs and the general community.
Deputy Fitzpatrick said: ‘People are delighted to hear the news. It’s long overdue and it’s great news to see something finally happening.’
Mr Fitzpatrick also told how the funding was a result of a team effort ‘ ten to fifteen years in the making.’
In 2017 the Dundalk Athletics Association were awarded €92,500 in Regional Capital Grant.
‘I have been working closely with Fintan O’Reilly Chairperson of Dundalk Athletics Association and Louth County Council for the past three years on this project and I strongly welcome this news,’ he said.
The organisation is compromised six athletics clubs St Peters A.C, Mountpleasant A.C, Blackrock AC, St Gerards AC, Dún Dealgan AC and the NorthEast Runners.
The Dundalk TD added: ‘ The goal of the all of these athletics clubs in the Dundalk area was to get a running track going for the last few years. It is fantastic news today to see their goal become a reality.’
‘If you look at the amount of 5K and 10K runs organised locally you see just how popular athletics has become around Dundalk.’
‘ This new athletics track should and will be available for anybody who wants to use it. Even for people who go out walking at night, this will be a safe well-lit area for them to exercise.’
He explained that phase one of the project will consist of the development of a grass track and general training area.
‘ The new Municipal Athletics facility will add to sporting facilities already provided in the recently redeveloped Dundalk Sports Centre.
‘I think it’s a must and such a great boost in the area. There are 2,000 members in athletics clubs around Dundalk and in recent years we have seen a huge increase in people keeping fit.’
He added: ‘People are delighted with the news that Dundalk will home their very own athletics track.’
The facility will be open to the public, schools, other interest groups and will be managed by Louth County Council.