PlansforBrideshead sportsfacility

January 2009

PLANS FOR the proposed sports facility at Brideshead include five playing pitches, an athletics track, eight dressing rooms, a large sports hall, function rooms and enough parking for 300 vehicles.

Felim Dunne of BCDH Architects (Budron Craig Dunne Henry) made a presentation of the plans to the sitting members of Wicklow Town Council on Monday. The consultants are on the verge of lodging the plans with Wicklow County Council as the site at Brideshead is outside the town boundary.

The plans come in two phases, with phase one including clubhouse and sports hall as well as a large senior pitch with a natural finish, an all-weather juvenile pitch and another natural pitch. A stand will also allow fans view games on the senior pitch, while also allowing spectators view games on the juvenile pitch to the back of the stand. The sports hall would be the size of a basketball championship court, with an area with bleachers allowing for up to 200 spectators. When the bleachers aren’t in use, the area can be cleared to make way for two squash courts.

Mr. Dunne added, ‘We have had a pre-planning meeting with the County Council and they were very enthusiastic about the project. The main issues were in relation to drainage and roads.’

St. Patrick’s GAA Club have already expressed an interest in possibly relocating to Brideshead, though the local soccer clubs believe the proposed pitches are too far away from the centre of town.

If St. Pat’s were to relocate then that would free up their current site, though Town Manager Michael Nicholson warned there was no point getting too carried away until the planning process has reached a conclusion.

‘We haven’t looked at the cost, who will run it or what contributions will be made. First we will need planning permission. Then we can look to see what grants are available and if we can get sponsorship.’