While each phase of the project must now go through a statutory planning process, councillors at the May meeting of BMD were at least in unison following a comprehensive presentation of a masterplan to work from, by Dominic Gillan of Wicklow County Council.
The presentation follows a public event last month to present ideas for the Ballywaltrim Sports and Recreational Park and to gauge the public appetite for the project. The overwhelming number of submissions came from Ardmore Rovers supporters at 1,300, with 11 filed by Ballywaltrim United. Some 107 attendees completed a survey in favour of the variety of aspects put to them, with 77pc in favour of a dog park.
There was some resistance to the provision of adult exercise equipment, but huge support for the upgrade of facilities and an all-weather surface, running track, sand pitches, cycling connections and tracks, and different walks to link up with other areas.
Many expressed the view that the new facility should be “multi-sport”, and include everything from soccer and GAA to cycling.
There was the need to look at adequate changing facilities for users, especially to cater for girls, while any masterplan should also cater to the growing youth population in the area. It was also felt by respondents that there was a pressing need to resolve drainage issues, which have made pitches unplayable.
Outlining the roadmap for the project, Mr Gillan said the Council has confidence in the proposed phased delivery of the various planned developments in a managed way which will meet the users’ needs and minimise disruption to the use of the park. The Ballywaltrim users’ committee also expressed confidence in this approach and agreed that the management of the process is best achieved through the local authority.
The phases identified during the consultation process are as follows:
Phase 1
A: Development of terraced upgraded sand based pitches (No 2 and 3 on the western side of the grounds), along with improved drainage works to remove problematic ground water from the pitches. Pitch 2 is also enhanced in size to accommodate senior level games. The reconstructed pitches will allow matches to be played following reasonably heavy rainfall. If operated and maintained efficiently they will withstand up to 300 matches per annum.
The proposed works will not require a Part 8 (planning) process and can proceed immediately. The projected cost for these works s estimated to be in the region of €250k to €300k. This will be informed by the tender process which will be immediately initiated following approval of the master plan.
It’s anticipated that the grants will be notified in early summer, which will allow the work to proceed with planned completion in late August to September.
B: A widened footpath /cycle track will be constructed along the existing path running from the car park on the schools road to the swimming pool car park, giving improved access to pitches schools, emergency vehicles ambulances and gardaí to the grounds. In addition this will grant access from the cycling club who have 300 plus members to the Southern Cross. The addition of the cycle track will also allow stable access by maintenance vehicles to lighting and grounds maintenance without having to go on grass which is not trafficable during or following bad weather.
This aspect of phase 1B will require a Part 8 process as it incorporates a new piece of infrastructure. The cost of this work is estimated at €75,000. The proposal is to implement Phase 1B in the summer of 2024.
Phase 2
C: The Development of All-weather pitch, flood lighting and perimeter jogging track opposite the schools on the schools road side of the park. The surface will be graded and constructed in 3G AstroTurf to full size requirements. The pitch will be on the north south access and will be a cut and fill design with a practice wall and training area to the north end of the pitch. The pitch will be able to support up to 1000 games per year if properly maintained. With the addition of flood lighting matches and training will be able to occur throughout the winter months and into spring. The pitches will also provide extensive opportunity for the schools to use them across the week and throughout the school year.
D: The running track will be approximately 2.0m wide and run along the perimeter of the new proposed pitch. It will have a soft surface to allow for low impact use and will have general social use in mind along with school and club use by groups and individuals. The area will be lit and will provide a safe place for people to run throughout the seasons.
The projected budget estimate for Phase 2D is €1.2m.It is proposed to apply for multi-annual sports capital grant aid for this element of the scheme in September 2024. A Part 8 process must be completed before this date.
Phase 3
E: The developments of a MUGA pitch (multi-use game area) facility on the section nearest Gilspur heights. This will cater for juniors starting out and also provide for casual use when not rostered for training purposes. It may also be utilised by the local schools.
F: A pump action cycle track is also proposed here on ground which is not formally currently used. This facility is aimed at individuals who are not necessarily involved in organised team sports activity and should be seen as a fun place to come and learn how to cycle and use BMX type bikes.
These two aspects will require a Part 8 process as they involve new infrastructure in the park. The estimated expenditure is in the region of €200k. The process will be advanced in late autumn 2024.
G: Refurbishment and upgrading of the surface of the two eastern pitches, subject to analysis of the turf and specialist recommendations this will also include added ball protection nets and low level perimeter fencing to protect the pitches. This will allow increased use of these surfaces and the overall level of service of the grounds. These works will not require any planning process. The works will be planned on completion of the Astroturf.
H: Upgrading of St Fergal’s GAA pitch. This will require some improvement to the playing surface and some drainage works, hybrid surface at goal mouths and repairs to ball nets. Also access points to the two school if required.
Bray Emmets will be asked for a programme of improvements which can be scheduled for implementation. Dressing rooms here are also required, and as no work to date has been done on this, it needs to be addressed and the various options explored. This may result in a slight reduction in the length of the pitch if this is to be achieved.
A provisional cost estimate on the pitch upgrades subject to a final report prepared in conjunction with expertise for Bray Emmets is circa €120k. These works can be advanced at any time suitable outside the general playing season to minimise disruption or to- tie in with planned works.
Phase 4
I: The provision of additional changing facilities. A planning exercise has been completed to ascertain whether developing and extending the existing facilities or building a new club house at a different location in the park would be required. The extension of the existing club house is deemed the best option to pursue.
This proposal will also need to go through a Part 8 process and defined funding and financial plan. This process can be initiated at any stage as deemed necessary by the local authority.
The extension of the premises will necessitate the removal of some parking to the south face of the current building. However, there is space to widen the existing car park.
Phase 5
J: The proposal here is for the the Inclusion of adult exercise equipment in the area south of the cycling clubs as well as the addition of seating at advantageous locations throughout the park. These additions will enhance the passive recreational enjoyment of the space for non-sport participating members of the community using the park land.
Seating is mentioned as being extremely important for older members of the community but also for parents with young children who are attending activity in the park.
K: After redefining the area in term of various facilities additional tree planting is recommended along the spine walkways to enhance the park atmosphere of the grounds. These works will not require a part 8 process, but can be scheduled into the schemes progressive development or included in each phase rather than left to the end point for implementation.
