Clann na nGael facilities expansion project on hold

A local GAA club's plan for a major new development encompassing a second playing pitch, a spectator stand, walkway and a sensory garden, has been put on hold after the local council requested a revised site layout and more information on car parking and lighting before making a final decision.

Clann na nGael GAA, based in Johnstown in South Roscommon, submitted the proposal in December in a bid to develop a second playing pitch with a 1.4 metres high metal fence, a 45m seated stand and a two-metre-wide walkway around the boundaries of the grounds.

In addition, a sensory garden with a 950 metre length of solar lighting, along with a set of two 13-metre-high ball stops and four 21.43-metre-high poles to provide flood lighting to 350 Lux Standard would be installed as part of the project.

However, on February 14, Roscommon County Council opted to seek several points of further information on aspects of the project before giving a verdict on the sports facility development.

In relation to the additional pitch and spectator stand, the council referred to the potential for the development to increase visitors to the facility, and it asked for evidence that the existing car parking/bus parking facilities have the capacity to cater for additional demand when both pitches are in use at the same time.

The local authority also requested a revised site layout plan to show details of the proposed sensory garden and how it would present on the ground, the location of surface water drain/sewer and more details about the lighting with any measures proposed in order “to prevent glare and light overspill” for nearby residences and users of Athlone to Ballinasloe regional road.

In addition, there were questions in relation to the existing wastewater system and the potential increase in usage, plus whether it is of “adequate size/capacity” for the proposed development.

Roscommon County Council also queried the capacity of the planned 45=metre spectator stand at Clann's base in Johnstown.

The GAA club now has six months to answer all points of the further information and submit the revisions to the council to enable a final verdict be announced in relation to the proposed improvements to the popular sports facility.

Clann na nGael was formed in 1936, as an amalgamation of Drum and Clonown clubs. The club has been crowned Roscommon senior football champions a total of 21 times since then, the most recent in 2018.

Johnstown, the home of Clann na nGael, was developed and opened in 1971.