School pressing ahead with full-size astro turf plan

Coláiste Chiaráin is pressing ahead with plans for a new full-sized astro-turf pitch at the school

The school board of management recently received planning approval to erect six floodlights and ball retention fence/netting for the proposed all-weather playing pitch and for all necessary services to facilitate the pitch.

The facility, expected to be a full-sized 4G soccer pitch, and capable of being used for multiple sports, is to be developed to the front of the school and east of an existing car park.

In a letter as part of the application, the school's board of management said the Monksland/Bealnamulla/Summerhill area experiences a substantial deficlit in social and sporting infrastructure.

“This facility addresses a demonstrated community need,” it said.

The planning approval was subject to a number of planning conditions, including that it be operational from 7am to 10pm on weekdays and 9am to 9pm on weekends.