(This article originally appeared in the Leitrim Observer on 19th Aug 2024, written by Stella Gordon: read the article on LeitrimObserver.ie)
Shannonside Recreational Campus pushes forward with multimillion development
Ground works are continuing for a €20 million sports facility at Shannonside Recreational Campus (SRC). The project includes an athletics track, a sports arena, a standard grass pitch, and an astroturf pitch.
Given the scale of the overall sports facility, the project has been divided into three phases: phase one, phase two, and phase three.
Phase one includes the main astroturf pitch, and phase two includes the running track and grass pitch.
“It didn’t make sense to do the ground works for one on its own so we’re doing both at the same time,” explained Brendan Lowe, Chairperson of SRC.
Ground works were initially started last September, and the timeline for completion was 12 weeks. However, weather conditions have hindered the process.
“They started again in May and they have not gotten a straight week since then. Weather has been causing huge problems,” Mr Lowe said.
Approximately six weeks of ground work remain, after which a retaining wall will be constructed and six foundations for floodlights will be installed.
“If everything goes well, and the grants come out as they’re supposed to do, mid-2026 is when we’ll hope to be open,” Mr Lowe said.
“It’s absolutely subject to the grants.”
SRC have applied for two major grants – the Peace Plus and the Large Scale Sport Infrastructure Fund (LSSIF).
Peace Plus is a cross-border grant, just short of €10 million, of which €2 million would be allocated for running programmes over five years aimed at bringing people together, seeing as Carrick-on-Shannon becomes increasingly diverse.
This has been applied for in conjunction with Leitrim County Council, with a decision being made towards the end of this September.
The LSSIF grant will be used to install the astroturf pitch and lighting, as well as the running track and dressing rooms.
The grant requires the recipient to provide 30 percent of the funding, with the grant covering the remaining 70 percent. SRC are currently working to raise money for this.
“The pitch that’s in the running track will be done with the current grant we’re working with now.
“It’s a complicated application process and we’ve gotten fantastic help from Leitrim County Council.
“We’re ready to spend the money once the grants come through, but we have to follow tender rules which takes a little bit of time,” Mr Lowe explained.
If the grants are secured as planned, Mr. Lowe describes the €20 million sports facility as a “gamechanger” that will significantly benefit the community and boost youth engagement come mid-2026.
Last week, SRC secured a major funding boost with a €200,000 donation from Cora Systems. This significant contribution will complete a crucial part of phase one of the project; the all-weather astroturf pitch.
