KILCOO GAC is planning to develop a major indoor training facility at its Dublin Road home. A public consultation event on the future proposal – which would measure 30,000 square feet and feature a 4G playing surface and a ball wall – will be held in the community hall at Páirc Eoghain Rua Cill Chua next Wednesday (20 May) between 5.30pm and 8pm.
Documentation, published online by John McElroy Architects, states that the facility, measuring 70 metres by 40 metres, would “serve the existing playing membership” and would be annexed to “the west of the existing community hall.” It adds that it “will not be fully enclosed but will be ventilated on both long walls at high level using fixed, louvred vents.”
A separate pre-application community consultation report notes that an initial presentation was made to members in Kilcoo Community Centre in March, followed by a subsequent engagement event in April, at which “there was 100 per cent support” for the proposal. A pre-application discussion with council planners will be sought prior to the submission of any planning application.
“The proposed development will seek planning permission for an unheated, covered 4G pitch and ball wall,” the document reads. “It proposes to utilise the small games area next to the community centre, where there is already an established development approval for a 4G facility with ball wall and floodlighting.”
It is highlighted that the proposed facility is “defined as a major application, as the proposal involves more than 1,000 square metres of gross floor space outside of a town centre.” The report says that feedback has been “overwhelmingly positive towards the proposal,” identifying it as “a much-needed addition to the existing facilities and seeing it as the next natural step in the club’s progression.”
Some of the feedback supporting the facility states that it will bring “an additional social and sporting benefit to the area”; provide “additional opportunities for job creation and employment during construction and operation”; be a “welcome space for all year-round sports and social development”; and offer “easy access for those who don’t drive and live locally.”
It is stressed that Kilcoo GAC has sought to “take account of community issues, concerns and comments,” which will be “used to assist in the design of the proposal.” “The applicant will continue to undertake additional activities beyond those specified in the development management regulations and remains committed to engaging with the community during and after the planning application process is concluded,” the document adds.
Proposal details can be viewed online at www.johnmcelroyarchitects.com, and comments can be made through this website or by emailing the club’s development officer at donalrogan@me.com. A feedback form will also be available at next week’s event. The closing date for responses is 19 June. An advertisement for the public consultation points out that all feedback will go to Kilcoo GAC and advises that submissions should not be made to Newry, Mourne and Down District Council prior to the lodging of any planning application.
In November 2024, local authority planners granted permission for a 4G practice pitch, a ball wall, and floodlighting on the area of the club grounds west of the community hall.
