Planning decision due on Regional Sports Complex
Cavan County Council is expecting a decision on funding for a new multi-million Regional Sports Complex within months.
The project will be carried out on a phased basis over five years with a predicted overall cost of €50-60M.
The council has applied for PEACE Plus funding as part of phase one of the project, the rest of the funding has been applied for under the Large Scale Sports Infrastructure Fund (LSSIF).
The project is currently in the planning stages with An Bord Pleanála, as a strategic infrastructure development, due to its size and scale of the project. The council expects a decision this September.
The complex is planned for the location behind Breffni Park and the Royal School. The border of the project will be Kilnavarra lane and Terry Coyle Park, with a new entrance to the facility planned near that of the Breffni Park entrance.
The grounds will include a covered arena, which will be the size of a full soccer pitch.
The project is also set to include a number of GAA pitches. “One of the advantages and one of the drivers beyond that site is obviously the existing infrastructure,” said Senior Executive Officer of Cavan County Council, John Donohoe, explaining that the project will incorporate the Royal School Cavan and Cavan GAA.
“We’re all partners in this,” he said, adding that “this will be a development for the town as well”.
The first phase of the build will also see a hockey pitch added to the town.
“That’s a minority sport and that’s one of the key things we’re focusing on here, it’s not just the mainstream sports.”
There is also a 4G soccer pitch on the plan for multi-sport use and a full eight lane, 400 metre athletics track.
“It’s a massive development over the next couple of years. It’ll be transformative,” said Mr Donohoe.
The complete plan also includes spectator seating, fitness studios, changing facilities, a reception area, cafe and ancillary accommodation, seven outdoor pitches, cricket practice nets, floodlighting, team shelters, a toilet block, walking trails, wildlife areas and new pedestrian and vehicle access.