Local Fine Gael Minister of State, Deputy Peter Burke, Minister of State at the Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage has confirmed that he has secured the additional funding needed to complete the ambitious project already underway at St Colmcille Sports Park in Ballinahown.
The Ballinahown community is in the process of developing a state-of-the-art all-weather astroturf complex, including a 40x70m fully-lit astroturf pitch and hurling wall which will be available for all local clubs to use, as well as the students from St Colmcille’s NS.
Speaking from Ballinahown this week, the Westmeath Minister said the new facilities will be of huge benefit to the local community.
“Recently I was approached by Cllr John Dolan and members of the Ballinahown Sports Park Committee, who outlined the ambitious plans they had for the community. When completed, there will be a 40 x 70m astroturf pitch, a hurling wall, a warm-up area, a viewing area, lighting as well as an online booking system where local clubs and teams can book their slots.
“It would benefit not just the local Gaelic and Soccer teams, but St. Colmcille’s NS which now has over 100 pupils and a green area which is extremely waterlogged and unsuitable for playing on in its present state. Already there is a fully lit walking track being used by the community, so the additional facilities will bring even more vibrancy and a further sense of community to the area.
“The Committee had already completed the arduous of task of applying for LEADER funding, and significant fund-raising went on over the summer with a monster prize draw, donations from the local community and from people based abroad and huge sums were raised. Unfortunately, with the cost of building materials and other expenses, additional funding was needed.
“I was delighted to be able to allocate funding from my Department to bridge the gap when the joint application came in from Westmeath and Offaly County Council. As Minister for Local Government, different projects across the country are funded which benefit local community development and this application is a perfect example of a project which will serve a rural community for decades to come.
“I want to especially thank members of the Committee, Cllr John Dolan, Secretary Denis Rohan, Helen Conneely and school Principal of St. Colmcille’s Tom Keena for all they have done for the community and having the organisation and drive to develop the project. I am looking forward to the works continue to progress and for the facility to be open to the public in the near future,” Deputy Burke stated.
