Colemanstown United FC in Ballinasloe have received approval from the county council to replace their existing natural pitch with synthetic grass.
Planning permission has been granted to replace 6,802m² of the existing grass pitch with a synthetic grass surface.
A 2.4m high weld mesh fence will also be erected around the pitch as part of the project, along with four 18m floodlights.
“These floodlights will utilise modern, directional luminaries to avoid un-necessary light spillage,” the application stated.
“These lights will be used during the winter period only and will be used only between October to April, avoiding the summer period.”
“The topsoil that is to be removed to enable the construction of the synthetic pitch will be re-used on the site to improve the existing grass pitches.”
“Drainage from the proposed synthetic pitch will be directed to collector drains and discharged to soakways within the site.”
A Natura Impact Statement was prepared for this application and one condition imposed by the county council was that all mitigation measures outlined in it must be implemented.
In addition, the county council stipulated that the floodlights may only operate between 9am to 9pm, Monday to Friday, and 10am to 8pm on weekends.
