Long running saga for all-weather pitch closer to reality
THE long running saga of plans for an all-weather Astro pitch at a football club in Clondalkin, could be closer to a reality.
Last year The Echo reported that a shortfall in funding had frustrated efforts by Knockmitten FC to secure a suitable Astro pitch.
The club have continued to work hard on the issue, and it is their understanding that South Dublin County Council will have a final figure for them in 2023 – whereupon Knockmitten plan to work out a financial plan.
“I have been in regular contact with the council, to know if there is an agreement with contractors, pricing, and it is nearly finished,” said Tony Kennedy, Chairman of the Astro Committee for Knockmitten FC.
“What we need is a full pricing, then we know how much we have, and how much we need to raise. The council are working off a framework/assessment.
“I have been in contact with financial advisors who specialise in helping clubs, at a lower interest rate, and they will lend to us.”
In 2017, Knockmitten FC developed a concept for a 50m x 36m Astro pitch and submitted estimates to the council for a grant application.
When combined with a significant Sports Capital Grant, and matching contributions by the council and the club, the figure was in the region of €168k.
Following Part 8 approval for the development last year, detailed design cost from consultants came back significantly higher at €309,355k – a difference of €141,648.
The council then proposed plans for a smaller ‘cost optimal’ Astro pitch of 15m x 30m which would cost €160k.
This is half the size of the original plan, and not worth installing, according to the club. Tony said: “We are still going by the 50 x 36m Astro.
“The smaller one would end up being a white elephant.
“The proposed site is the old basketball court, old waste ground.
“It would be slightly bigger than Deansrath, which has a great Astro facility where my own boys have played.”
Acknowledging rising costs, Kennedy estimates the new figure could be in the region of €267k.
However, with a Sports Capital grant of €147k, matching contributions by the council and club, plus fundraising and a financial loan, the club are confident that 2023 will see the plan finally come to fruition.
