State-of-the-art community and sports hub proposed for Limerick village

PLANS for a new state-of-the-art community and sports hub in Patrickswell have taken a major step forward this week.

It comes as council prepares for plans for the multi-million euro development in the village to go on public display.

In what is one of the biggest - if not the biggest - project in Patrickswell’s history, a new campus is to be built at Lisheen Park.

It’s been hailed as “transformational” for Patrickswell by local Fine Gael councillor Dan McSweeney.

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Valued at up to €4m, at the heart of the development will be a 350 square metre pavilion building.

This single-storey structure will provide space for dressing rooms, a referees room, public toilets, a meeting room space, a team-room and a shop among other things.

Surrounding this new landmark structure will be one all-weather synthetic GAA pitch and an all-weather synthetic soccer pitch, with areas for spectators beside each.

A multi-use games area providing space for sports like tennis, fustal, netball and other games is also planned.

New playgrounds, natural play areas and outdoor exercise equipment are also in the blueprint.

As is a boules court, a ping-pong table, seating and bike parking.

To facilitate the development, an existing multi-use games area, soccer pitch and its security fencing will be removed.

From next Monday, March 2, members of the public will be able to view 3D visualisations of the proposals and read more about what is planned.

The plans will be on public display until Tuesday, March 31 next, and the public can have their say on them up until Thursday, April 16.

Councillor McSweeney, who is based in the village, said: “This is a hugely positive move forward for Patrickswell and the surrounding area and reflects the hard work carried out by council and local stakeholders. Not only will this project deliver a state of the art home for Patrickswell soccer club, the proposed community and sports complex will be another transformational project for our village which will be available for all to use and enjoy.”

He says it’s really important the phases around the plan are executed as quickly as possible, especially the delivery of the play area, which is something lacking in Patrickswell as things stand.

He pointed out many families need to travel to Mungret, Adare and Croom for these facilities.

“As Patrickswell continues to grow, it’s essential that Limerick City and County Council continue to invest in quality amenities that support a thriving community. I look forward to seeing this project progress over the coming months,” he concluded.

In the past two years, Patrickswell has experienced something of a growth spurt, with more than 125 homes starting construction in the village.

Since the project is taking place on council-owned land, it will be up to members of the council’s metropolitan district to vote to accept or reject the plans.

This is likely to happen at the May meeting of the district.

In order to look at the plans and have your say, you can either visit the council’s offices in Dooradoyle or at Merchant’s Quay in the city centre during office hours.

Alternatively, they will be viewable online at https://mypoint.limerick.ie.

Make a submission by email to planning@limerick.ie, online at https://planning.localgov.ie, or for alternative ways, call council at 061-556000.