Access to the garda sports pitches would support local clubs says Tipperary TD

Fianna Fáil TD Jackie Cahill has called for the Templemore Garda College sports pitches to be made available to local sports clubs.

He told the Tipperary Star that local people have come to him to ask if it is possible to use the sports facilities.

Deputy Cahill said he has written to the Minister and an application is being prepared by local clubs.

He said he would give the clubs bid 100% of his support and that there was ‘huge scope for cooperation’ with the Garda College.

“There are facilities in the middle of town and clubs crying out for space,” said Mr Cahill. Mr Cahill praised the growth in local clubs, especially in ladies’ sport.

But he said they now need more resources, and the garda pitches would make a real difference.

Mr Cahill said in a statement this week the pitches had not been used by the college for several years but are well-maintained by the OPW.

As they are paid for by the taxpayer, Mr Cahill believes they should be available to the community. Public amenities and facilities such as these have been developed using taxpayer’s money, and they belong to the state.

“As such, this should be reflected by granting local groups access to these facilities so that the public might benefit from them. The potential to further utilise the Templemore Garda College sports pitches is very promising.

“I hope that we will see cooperation from the Garda College and OPW in relation to this matter, and I will continue to work with all to see a mutually beneficial agreement being put in place”.

“JK Brackens GAA, Templemore Camogie Club, Templemore Ladies Football Club, BT Harps Soccer Club and Templemore Athletic Club have all individually been given access to the pitches over many years, but this practice has now ceased, leaving the clubs with a lack of space.

“I am pleased to support a formal arrangement being placed before the Garda College and OPW that would see these groups again being granted access to the pitches in Templemore,” said Mr Cahill.

Mr Cahill said he also continues to work to restore community access to the Templemore Garda Pool.

He said he is in contact with the Minister for Justice Simon Harris about the upcoming meeting to discuss the ongoing issue at the Garda swimming pool.