New Training Pitch And Walking Path Proposed For Kilrea GAC

Plans for a new training pitch and perimeter walking path at Pearse’s GAC in Kilrea aim to ease pressure on existing facilities and reduce the need for teams to travel elsewhere.

The proposal would see agricultural land adjacent to and north-east of the club’s grounds at 130 Drumagarner Road converted into a sports facility.

It includes a full-size fibresand pitch, spectator fencing and two end ball catchers. An existing access from the development site onto Drumagarner Road would be made redundant, with access provided through the club’s existing entrance.

A planning statement supporting the application says the club faces substantial demand for training space across all age groups, with winter weather and waterlogged pitches reducing available training hours.

It says teams currently travel to facilities in Maghera, Magherafelt, Coleraine and Cookstown when existing pitches become unplayable.

The proposed development, covering approximately 0.97 hectares, is intended to provide a more resilient training surface and help keep activities closer to home.

Fibresand is a reinforced natural turf system incorporating sand and stabilising synthetic fibres. The statement says the pitch would include an engineered drainage system designed to improve its performance in wet conditions.

The facility would be used for training, community sport, youth development sessions and health and wellbeing programmes. The statement also highlights the use of the club’s existing facilities by local schools.

A walking path around the pitch would provide an additional recreational amenity.

According to the supporting document, existing parking within the club grounds would be sufficient for the anticipated training demand, and no new vehicular entrance would be required.

The statement describes the scheme as a non-commercial development by a voluntary community organisation. It argues that the additional pitch would support youth participation, improve year-round training opportunities and reduce journeys to facilities outside Kilrea.