Offaly GAA's architect says Faithful Fields expansion 'much needed'

A LETTER lodged with Offaly County Council says Offaly GAA must add a pitch to its centre of excellence in Kilcormac because the County Board is adopting the GAA's 'One Club Model'.

Kenny Lyons Associates, the architects for Offaly GAA's Faithful Fields expansion plan, explained in a letter to council planners that the One Club Model is a collaboration across all Gaelic games including men's and women’s football, hurling, and camogie.

The adoption by the County Board of this model “means that management of rotation of the use of grass pitches in very wet winter conditions could be difficult and therefore all-weather pitch will be essential for the site,” the letter says.

The Faithful Fields complex at Ballybrackan already has four grass pitches, an all-weather synthetic warm up area, a ball wall, 200 parking spaces, six dressing rooms, a gym and a canteen

“These facilities will also be used with the planned synthetic pitch and training area, working together as one complete site.”

The architects added that the proposed development is a much-needed additional facility “to the existing Faithful Fields grounds, providing high-quality, year-round training facilities for all players under the Offaly GAA’s One Club Model. By making use of existing access routes, amenities, and parking, the development ensures minimal impact on the surrounding area while significantly enhancing the usability of the site during poor weather conditions.”

Access to the proposed synthetic will be by the existing vehicle and pedestrian entrances.

A letter of consent to the application has been lodged by the landowner, K3 A.E.R Limited, whose director is Tom Leonard.
Offaly GAA has also told the planning authority that because it is a voluntary, not for profit organisation, it is seeking an exemption from any planning application charges.

The development, which is at the rear of the existing site, will involve the change of use of land from agricultural to sports and recreational use.