BY CLLR MIKE CUBBARD
In recent weeks I was glad to receive the full support of my colleagues on Galway city Council when I tabled a motion during the draft stage City Development Plan 2023 – 2029 which called for the city council to deliver a large scale multi use facility.
As someone involved in local football for over 20 years, I have seen first-hand the trojan work carried out by volunteers across the many clubs providing underage football for children in our city. Whilst clubs are putting in this effort, I feel we as a local authority have failed to match that in delivering enough adequate facilities.
I watch and applaud the many clubs based in the county such as in Headford, Oranmore, Carraroe and Athenry as they continue to move forward and deliver all weather training facilities and subsequent lighting to therefore allow the maximum use possible at the facility.
I firmly believe we now need to move forward with a city facility that will cater for a multitude of sports and other activities. Such facilities have also been developed in smaller towns and cities across the country. We need a vision for Galway, and we need to then action that. We have spent far too long talking about projects and far too little time delivering them.
For example, in the city, we have seen little to no progress on masterplans such as for Kingston and South Park which when delivered will add to the areas in question. We are seeing the second phase at Corrib Park move at an extremely slow pace also. Our outdoor staff do trojan work on the pitches and at facilities we have but it is just not possible for them to keep the pitches to a standard required that allows clubs progress.
I understand the workings of local Government, of the sports capital process and the frustrations officials have when waiting for national funding but aside from that I am now looking for this city to show a true vision for the development of facilities that will cater for our young people.
Once the Draft City Development Plan for the period 2023 – 2029 is adopted in November, I will be seeking an urgent meeting with the Chief Executive and Director of Services with a view to making a start on this project and to set out that vision that will give those volunteers and clubs who provide an invaluable community service, some hope that we as their local authority will deliver and deliver at a scale that is required to keep up with the growing numbers participating in sports and activities across Galway City.
