Indoor dome part of new Letterkenny sports complex plans

Plans for the development of a new sports complex in Letterkenny to include an indoor dome have been lodged.

Atlantic Technological University (ATU) Donegal have sought planning permission from Donegal County Council for a regional sports complex at Carnamuggagh Lower, Knocknamona.

Included in the ambitious project is the construction of an indoor dome with a height of 11.2m that planning documents say will be ‘suitable for various sports and activities’.

The planned dome is smaller in size than the Connacht GAA Air Dome in County Mayo, which rises to a height of 26m and is the largest sports air dome in the world.

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ATU Donegal submitted a detailed planning application this week for a project that has been in the works for several years.

An artificial grass GAA pitch will be included with line markings to enable the planing of rugby and two cross-play soccer pitches.

A sand-based grass GAA pitch will be development and will also be able to host rugby and two soccer pitches.

Two natural grass soccer pitches, which will house a cricket crease, will feature as part of a development that will include four synthetic five-a-side soccer pitches.

Outdoor sports and recreational areas will include a six-lane athletics sprint track, a 5m high hurling and handball wall, walking and running trails, a children’s play park and a community garden will be developed.

A pavilion building will contain changing facilities, office and reception area, a self-catering facility and storage.

The massive development will necessitate a new junction from the N56 with the existing vehicular entrance from the N56 to Knocknamona Crescent to be closed.

A range of associated works, including roads, footpaths, a cycleway, parking and pedestrian access will also be carried out.

ATU Donegal’s application includes a natura impact statement and an environmental impact assessment with Donegal County Council to make a decision by August 21 next.