Southern Gaels resubmit plans for new home
Southern Gaels Hurling and Camogie Club has lodged a fresh planning bid for a new home at Knockanea, Ballydonagh, with Westmeath County Council.
Planning permission was initially granted by Westmeath County Council for the development in July 2025, but was refused by An Coimisiún Pleanála on foot of an appeal by David Bracken, care of Liam Madden of Convent Road, Longford. Similar to the initial planning application, the club is proposing the development of a new playing pitch with floodlights, two goal ball stops, perimeter pitch netting, two dugouts and a groundskeeper's shed on a greenfield site of almost 13 acres close to exits 8 and 7 of the M6 motorway.
The project in the Fardrum area also includes a walking track with public lighting, car park facility, works to the site entrance and signage.
A consultant statement submitted with the planning application said the new development was necessary due to an "unprecedented growth" in playing numbers in all age group levels.
The club said that the "provision of a local hurling and camogie club facility" can help to "improve amenities for employees and the families", as Athlone is a regional growth centre under the National Planning Framework 2040.
It cited its inability to locate a "suitably sized site" in Athlone "over a number of years".
Concerns regarding floodlighting both on the appellant’s home and the M6 motorway gave cause for An Coimisiún Pleanála to refuse permission for the proposed development in December 2025. As part of the new application, the club has detailed mitigation measures to be implemented to "minimise potential distractions" for motorists and intrusion into nearby properties.
"These include adjusting the angle of the light fittings and using louvres within narrow beam asymmetric floodlights, as advised by a suitably qualified lighting specialist, to ensure light is directly precisely where needed in one direction, preventing unnecessary overspill," it said.
The Commission also expressed concerns regarding traffic safety and access to the development in its decision to refuse planning permission.
In its resubmission, the club has outlined the expected number of players, from underage to adult level, training and matches "to support the proposed car parking provision for a proposed single playing pitch".
The proposal will have 48 car parking spaces with two disabled parking spaces, two bus parking spaces and twelve bicycle stands available.
It is noted in the documentation that the development is not proposed to host intercounty games with large attendances and is for local club games only.
"The applicant will also prohibit illegal parking on the public roadside by their members and visitors," the statement added.
The club has also welcomed the conclusion of a public information and feedback session on an active travel scheme from the vicinity of the proposed development on the Dublin Road to Ankers Bower via Creggan roundabout, which suggests an "estimated seven minute cycle trip from the Creggan roundabout to the proposed site".
The planning application included letters of support for the development from the Fardrum residents' committee, the "property owner at the existing site entrance".and elected representatives and local sports clubs.
Southern Gaels hurling and camogie club teams, which currently caters for over 400 members from underage to adult levels, currently train and play matches at Páirc Chiaráin, the home of Athlone GAA
The resubmitted planning application is due to receive a decision September 6.