Offaly GAA still awaiting planning permission for Faithful Fields development
Offaly GAA trying to come up with traffic solution at training ground
ISSUES over traffic access has delayed the securing of planning permission for the construction of a new astro turf pitch at Faithful Fields in Kilcormac, the Offaly GAA County Board heard on Monday evening.
Plans for the pitch were drawn up after the County Board leased an additional fifteen acres from local landowners but it has dragged on almost a couple of years with planning permission still not secured from Offaly County Council.
Chairman Tom Parlon told delegates that they will be submitting a new application in the coming weeks and hope it will be quickly resolved.
He revealed that initially the Council wanted them to have just one entrance for the entire complex, down a country lane leading to the new pitch but land owners and residents there had made a lengthy submission outlining their concerns.
As a result, Offaly GAA had to stick with their existing entrance and want to provide access to the new pitch through this.
Architect and Drumcullen delegate Peter Lyons stressed that Offaly GAA has a very good relationship with the local farmers and residents around Faithful Fields.
There have been garda concerns with traffic at match nights in Faithful Fields in the past with cars coming out onto a busy main road.
Mr Lyons stated that they are engaging with the Council and other stakeholders to come up with the best solution and hope all will be resolved soon.