Soccer club on Carlow border takes big step to build home grounds

A soccer club in Laois on the Carlow town border has taken a big step towards finally having its own home grounds.

St Fiacc's FC in Graiguecullen has up to now had to rent grounds around Laois and Carlow to play their games.

In a deal agreed by landowners Laois County Council, they are now going to develop land next to the Carlow Northern Relief Road, building a clubhouse and two astro turf pitches.

The club committee has lodged a planning application to Laois County Council's planning office.

They seek to "construct two astroturf pitches, with flood lighting and associated drainage, the construction of a new club house, new fencing to boundaries, upgrading of existing entrance, associated car parking, connection to services, and all associated site works".

The council as landowner has included a letter in the application, confirming their permission for the land to be developed. 

Two years ago, the club signed a long term lease with Laois County Council for just under 2 hectares, so they could establish their first home grounds. 

Cllr Padraig Fleming at that time said that St Fiacc's was founded in 2002 but had "no grounds to call their own".

"They have 250 members and rent grounds from different places and it’s very expensive. When I was elected 11 years ago I met St Fiacc’s and they wanted this then. I thank the council and the hard working committee of St Fiacc’s,” he said in 2020.

A decision is due on the planning application by February 23, 2023.