It is time to “knock heads together” and sort out problems which are preventing school children from making use of the UEFA mini pitch at Corrib Park.
This is the view of Labour city councillor Billy Cameron who is calling on the Galway City Council parks department to address a number of concerns residents have about the pitch.
In 2008 the FAI was rolling out mini-pitches across the State under a UEFA project to encourage grassroots football. Cllr Cameron called on the then city manager Joe McGrath to accept an invitation from the FAI to install such a facility in Westside and this was done in Corrib Park.
However community representatives in Corrib Park are unhappy with the management of the facility. They point out that the pitch was intended for school children to learn and hone football skills in a safe, secure, environment; and not for use by adolescents for impromptu games.
“Groups of young adults are using the facility for hours on end depriving others, particularly younger children of usage,” said Cllr Cameron.
Other problems relate to youngsters having to climb the railings to use the facility as the gate is always locked.
Cllr Cameron and the residents are calling on the council to “institute changes in order that the pitch reverts back to what it was originally intended” and to “promote the development of grassroots football in the community”.
