A view of what the new dome might look like.

Athlone Tennis Club given green light for new airdome

Athlone Tennis Club has received planning permission for the Midlands' first purpose-built dome which will facilitate tennis throughout the year.

The club had sought planning permission for the development of an air-dome to cover three courts previously permitted along with a practice wall at Ballymahon Road, Cloghanboy, Athlone.

It's the second part of a development which also involves the construction of three new courts, three mini children's hardcourt tennis courts, LED floodlights, a new artificial clay playing surface and a modular clubhouse.

Pat Conway, a member of the club’s finance committee, said that the club is well on the way with the first phase of the development.

“We just need to raise €40,000 more. We hope to be in the club next spring.”

The club requires the extra funds to complete the final works on the three external courts and clubhouse.

The securing of planning permission for the dome means the club can now apply for the necessary funding for the structure.

Mr Conway said that the club is hoping to prepare funding applications for the LEADER programme which is already open and Sports Capital Funding is due to open up for funding in early 2023.

“We need to have discussions with them on the next phase,” he said.

The club's fundraising and finance team are continuously seeking funding opportunities and are actively involved in seeking commercial sponsorship from local businesses. It has the support of Leinster Tennis and Tennis Ireland.

Mr Conway added that they know the dome will cost in the region of €700,000 and they will have to engage in fundraising again to cover the costs.

“We previously launched a bond scheme which raised €120,000. Next time, we'll probably look for partnerships with businesses. We're looking at providing large scale advertising and hope to get sponsorship through that medium.”

He said the overall development would represent an amazing sports facility in Athlone and the club will be able to host national competitions, attract businesses to the area, support young players to achieve their full potential and enable it to increase membership from 440 to 700.

The club draws from a large catchment area and in addition to members from Westmeath and Roscommon, it has members from parts of Offaly, Longford and Galway.