Good news for Longford GAA club as planning permission is granted

Christmas has arrived early for Ardagh/Moydow GAA Club with the good news that Longford County Council has granted planning permission for major upgrades to their club grounds. 

Despite not being due to finalise the matter until December 4, Longford County Council alerted the club to their decision this week.

The Bunalough-based club, and home to the Intermediate County Champions, had proposed a development consisting of the realignment of the existing pitch, construction of a surrounding walking track, erection of new floodlights, new goalposts, fencing and 2 new dugouts, in addition to associated works and services.

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A planning inspection of the club grounds carried out by graduate planner Micheál Beirne of Longford County Council on October 29 last outlined the extent of the work that was proposed not just to “redevelop and modernise the existing sports facilities” but to upgrade the club’s grounds so that it’s in line with “current GAA and accessibility standards.”  

Mr Beirne’s report noted that the single grass pitch that had served the club for many years “now showed signs of wear and unevenness” and was “enclosed by old goalposts, timber ball net poles, and basic pitchside railings, all of which are proposed to be removed as part of the upgrade.”

His report also added that the existing surface “offers limited drainage and is no longer suitable for modern play.”

The proposed upgrade however would address all such existing issues as it would involve the complete refurbishment of the playing pitch area, installation of new infrastructure, significant accessibility improvements, and the removal of outdated elements that no longer meet safety or usability standards. 

Under the proposed works, a new full-sized GAA pitch will be constructed within the same footprint with the surface regraded to ensure proper drainage and improved playing conditions. New goalposts will be installed alongside high-quality ball nets measuring 28 metres by 13 metres, supported by 15-metre galvanised steel columns to provide durability and long-term stability. 

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The report stated that the works would collectively “produce a more professional, safe, and efficient playing environment that reduces maintenance needs and meets official GAA size and safety requirements.”

In relation to the floodlights, the report noted that the eight traditional-style poles currently in place on the grounds are now “outdated and inefficient.” It is proposed that these lights be replaced with a new system that provides both improved illumination and energy efficiency. This would include eight ten-metre-high galvanised steel floodlight poles, each fitted with an additional walkway light positioned at five metres in height, as well as four supplementary six-metre floodlights positioned around the pitch perimeter. 

The report pointed out that the modernised lighting design would provide more even coverage across the playing surface and walking track, thus ensuring visibility and safety during evening matches and training sessions.  

Addressing the proposed walkway in the application, the report noted that grounds currently had a basic gravel path that “is functional but lacks definition and usability for recreational purposes.” The proposed layout aims to transform this feature into “a dedicated gravel walking track that fully surrounds the new pitch.”

This track will be accessible from several points, including the main ramp and steps, and will provide a safe and even surface for walking, jogging, and community exercise. 

The report also stated that the introduction of the walking track would expand the facility’s use beyond GAA matches and training sessions, and would offer a year-round recreational space for residents and visitors. 

Two existing corrugated steel dugouts that are currently located alongside the pitch are also set to be removed due to their deteriorated condition with two new dugouts installed in their place. 

The report noted that provision would be made for a future scoreboard power connection, ensuring that electrical systems are in place for subsequent installation of electronic displays or public address systems. 

Mr Beirne wrote, “Overall, these measures ensure that the facility is not only modernised for current needs but also future-proofed to accommodate potential technological and operational enhancements in the coming years.” 

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To facilitate the new pitch, several mature trees and hedgerows are to be removed as a necessary part of the boundary realignment and construction process. Meanwhile, the areas where the current gravel walkway is no longer in use, will be resurfaced with grass to create a cleaner and more open landscape.  

In granting the planning permission, Longford County Council attached 6 conditions.   

These conditions include the GAA club submitting a revised lighting plan and site layout plan, with the lighting heads directed onto the pitch so as to ensure no light overspill or glare that would adversely affect the levels of safety on the adjoining road.

Another condition stipulated that the floodlights could not be in operation after ten o’clock at night unless first agreed in writing with the Planning Authority.

There were no objections to the proposed development. 

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