Southern Gaels withdraws latest planning application for new playing grounds

Southern Gaels Hurling & Camogie Club has formally withdrawn a recent planning application for a new home at Knockanea, Ballydonagh, Athlone.

The GAA club's planning application was put on hold by Westmeath County Council in September, the local authority requesting further information on the proposed development on a greenfield site of almost 13 acres close to exits 8 and 7 of the M6 motorway.

In a message issued to its members, the club said it had decided to "withdraw the application" following the request for further information on the development from Westmeath County Council.

The club said it wanted to "allow sufficient time" to complete the necessary consultations and reports, and "we do not believe this can be fully completed within the current planning timeframe".

Southern Gaels said that a new planning application would be submitted "once all the required information is in place".

The club stated that it "remains fully committed to progressing the development" and that it would continue to keep its members and community updated.

The club has proposed the development of a new playing pitch with floodlights, two goal ball stops, perimeter pitch netting, two dugouts and a groundskeeper's shed on the site, but Westmeath County Council is seeking clarity on a number of issues.

Planning permission was initially granted by Westmeath County Council for a development on the Knockanea, Ballydonagh site 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. A new planning application was subsequently lodged in July of this year.

Citing its reasons for requesting additional information on the new application, Westmeath County Council stated that the planning issues which led to the refusal of permission by An Coimisiún Pleanála had "not been satisfactorily addressed" in the club's July submission.