Published: Wednesday, 13th January, 2010 5:30pm

Indoor running track planned for AIT

The existing outdoor track, pictured, could soon be joined by an indoor facility.

Athlone IT's growing reputation for top-class sporting facilities could be boosted further in the years ahead with news of ambitious plans to develop a brand new training and teaching building with a state-of-the-art indoor running track, the Westmeath Independent can reveal this week.

The facility spanning 5,000 square metres earmarked for the third-level site looks set to include standard and elite gyms, courts to host various sports including spectator seating, a number of dressing rooms, office space and teaching facilities. An indoor running track would also form part of the massive project, only the third of its kind in the country after Nenagh in Tipperary and the only 200 metre hydraulic running track, part of the Odyssey arena in Belfast.

The college recently published a tender seeking a design consultant for the venture, to carry out the role of architectural, structural, surveying, building services (mechanical & electrical) and health and safety role of Project Supervisor at Design Stage (PSDP). To this end, all expressions of interest will need to submit their applications for the major Athlone-based project by February 5 next. Athlone IT is already known countrywide as one of the leading third-level institutions in terms of sport and recreation facilities, no doubt due in part to the hosting of the National Finals of the Community Games for the first time during the summer. It will be home to the massive event for the next two years.

An indoor running track, if it comes to pass would add to the fantastic eight-lane IAAF approved synthetic athletics track, the most recent addition to sporting facilities in AIT, heightening the area's interest for athletes all over the country .

Other current facilities include playing pitches and a multipurpose centre which contains a basketball court, four badminton courts, two volleyball courts, futsal (indoor soccer) and a state-of-the-art fitness suite. Outdoors there is a full size GAA pitch, full size FIFA-approved 2 star international standard all-weather soccer pitch (floodlit) and two additional grass training areas.