Green light for new Astro Pitch at Inishowen Football Club
Quigley’s Point Swifts secure planning approval for a new astro turf pitch, perimeter fencing and floodlighting as part of an expansion of the club’s facilities.
Donegal County Council has granted planning permission for an upgrade and extension to the facilities at Inishowen football club Quigley’s Point Swifts.
The application, submitted by club chairman Brian Rutherford, provides for the demolition of an existing equipment store and the construction of a new astro turf pitch alongside the club’s existing artificial playing surface.
The development also includes the erection of perimeter fencing and floodlighting around the proposed pitch, together with associated site development works.
The proposed new pitch will be positioned beside and in alignment with the existing astro turf facility, creating an expanded playing area designed to maximise the use of the available land and support the needs of the club and its members.
Documents lodged with the application state that the existing equipment store, which is no longer required, will be demolished to improve the layout and functionality of the grounds and accommodate the proposed development.
The existing perimeter fencing will be extended around the new pitch to provide a consistent and secure boundary for the expanded facility.
Floodlighting poles are also proposed around the perimeter of the new playing surface, with the planning documents stating that their positioning and design will seek to minimise light spillage and glare to neighbouring properties and the surrounding area.
Permission was granted by the planning authority subject to five conditions, including restrictions governing the use and design of the floodlighting.
The council stipulated that the lights must be fitted with suitable hoods, shields, masks or louvres to minimise light spillage and must be designed and installed to prevent glare affecting drivers using the adjacent Regional Road.
The floodlights will only be permitted for training and playing purposes during the winter months, from October to March, and may only be used during hours of darkness when the pitch is in use. A timer must also be installed to ensure the lights switch off automatically if accidentally left on.
Other requirements include the installation of electrical services, ducting and cables underground, while existing sound trees, shrubs and hedgerows must be retained unless otherwise required by the development. Any trees or shrubs that subsequently die must be replaced.
The planning documents also refer to the club’s longer-term aspiration to resurface an existing hardstanding area to the north of the proposed pitch to provide a car park. However, this element is subject to the availability of funding and did not form part of the current planning application.