Planners give Kanturk astro-turf pitch the green light
AFTER months of uncertainty there was finally good news for Kanturk this week after it emerged council planners have given the green light to a plan for a new astro-turf pitch in the town.
Last July Kanturk Astroturf Company Ltd lodged an application for the facility, incorporating an all-weather floodlit pitch, 78 car parking spaces and associated road and footpath works including at St Theresa’s Place, Greenane.
Following the lodging of observations addressing issues including as light and noise pollution, traffic management, operating times and the potential for anti-social behaviour planners sought further information on the application on a number of points, delaying the decision making process.
This week it was confirmed planning has finally been granted for the ambitious project, which has the backing of a number of local community groups including sports organisations, schools, Kanturk Community Council and Kanturk Chamber.
In granting permission for the development, planners stipulated 40 separate conditions addressing issues such as traffic management, flood prevention, waste disposal, noise levels during construction and that the floodlights shall not be in operation after 9.45pm.
Welcoming the news Cllr John Paul O’Shea said the project will cost in the region of €750,000 to develop, with funding coming through a combination of grants and local fundraising efforts.
“The grants have been applied for and it is expected they will be announced over the coming weeks and months. Hopefully, this will allow construction work to commence sometime this year,” said Cllr O’Shea.
“This will be a wonderful amenity for the Town of Kanturk and for its hinterlands. I look forward to working alongside the group in advancing this project further over the coming months”.
Meanwhile, Banteer Community Sports Field CLG is seeking permission for the next phase of its €1.5 million plan to develop a suite of world class sporting facilities.
Having already developed Munster’s first community owned astro-turf pitch, they are now seeking planning permission for a multi-purpose community building on the site. This will incorporate a spectator stand, changing facilities, a tea room and a community museum, with 40 car and two bus parking spaces.
Speaking to The Corkman in March project committee secretary Denis Withers said it was hoped to begin work on phase two of the project this year once approval has been secured and the tender process finalised.
“The inclusion of the museum /exhibition area for sports memorabilia will attract people to the area interested in viewing old articles, photos, videos outlining the historic achievements of the 100 years of famous Banteer Sports and preserving it for future generations,” said Mr Withers.
“This entire project will also increase domestic tourism with additional visitors to the area which already has a park area, pitches, walks, children’s playgrounds and the accessibility offered by the adjacent train station will help further this. It will complement these facilities and make the village more sustainable going forward,” he added.