Milford Athletic Club granted permission for track and cross country relocation

Milford Athletics Club has been granted planning permission to relocate a new athletic running track and field events area, as well as the relocation of a cross-country running course.

James Gibbons and Martin Lynch of Milford AC Committee were the named applicants for the application.

Included in the granted proposals was the provision of fencing to the perimeter of the running track, floodlighting to the running track and cross country tunning course, construction of car parking and internal road service, and a new entrance to the site area. 

Writing on behalf of Milford Athletics Club, Dessie McLaughlin of DML Architecture & Building Surveying, stated: “The proposed new development will attract a range of additional users in the running/walking element. 

“The vast majority of the runners/walkers all come along kitted out and ready to run instantly, and that prevents the use of the shower facility. Where the occasional member does use the showering facility, it will not increase to the maximum allowable on the treatment plant capacity of 400 persons. 

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“The proposed development will be constructed in stages/phases based on grant aid funding, where it is estimated that an overall completion date of all areas of the proposed works will take up to 5 years to complete. 

“In the meantime, the Milford Athletics Club will continue to work on the basis that the facility is short use with a limited number of persons involved and that an overall competition event is somewhat years away at present. 

“In the event that adequate funding can be sourced to continue with the overall project, a proposed new separate athletic building, changing rooms, showers and toilet/sanitary facilities may be required; a planning application can/may be made seeking approval for such works to enhance the overall Athletic experience within the site.”

Donegal County Council granted the planning permission application with 10 conditions, including reasons to protect the amenities of the area, traffic safety, and to cater for orderly development and in the interests of public safety.

An advice note was added for “adequate provision shall be made to facilitate access to and the use of the proposed development by disabled persons.”