Though people are currently stuck at home, the time will come when sports and other outdoor activities flourish again, and Clifden could have a new all weather pitch to help them enjoy getting out again.
The St. Joseph’s Park Community Association is seeking planning permission for a single all weather pitch at Hospital Hill with associated fencing and floodlights.
Plans had previously been submitted to the county council for two all weather pitches at this location in 2018, but that number has been reduced to one in this fresh application.
That application, made by Naomh Feichin GAA Club, resulted in a split decision by the county council.
Permission was granted for the two pitches themselves, but the council refused to grant permission for the floodlights, saying that they would damage the residential amenity of nearby homes.
The application states that the proposed flood light are a “critical” piece of equipment to enable training at the pitch in winter.
“Without the flood lights the artificial pitch will not be usable during the winter months – which is what the development is designed for.”
The application also stated that with the number of proposed pitches reduced to one, the overall flood lighting glare as a result will be cut in half.
It also notes that there has been no objection made by the neighbouring housing estate, and that the council has granted approval for floodlighting at similar developments in the area recently.
The planning application was submitted on March 9, and Galway County Council is due to make a decision by May 3.
