Birr Rugby Club granted permission to expand facilities

Birr Rugby Football Club has been granted planning permission to expand its facilities at its base at Scurragh, Townparks, Birr.

The club was granted approval by Offaly County Council to install two new concrete spectator stands and nine floodlights at its home grounds.

The club has also received approval from Offaly County Council to relocate its existing dug-out boxes, erect two metre high security fencing, five ball catcher nets with supporting columns, together with internal crowd control fencing and all associated site works.

The local authority granted approval for the planning application subject to eight conditions, one of which was that, when operational, "floodlighting levels and arrangements shall not cause excessive glare or distraction to road users or adjoining property owners" with certain measures as "diffusers, cowls, canopies and protective baffles where appropriate" recommended by the council to avoid such an occurrence.

The local authority also stipulated that floodlights should not be operational after 10pm daily "in the interest of traffic safety" and to "protect the amenity of properties in the vicinity".

The developer has also been requested to take "reasonable measures to mitigate any environmental nuisance" (noise and dust) which may arise during construction hours.

Founded in 1887, Birr RFC currently fields teams at adult, youth and mini's level. Its senior men compete in the Leinster Metro League and Group 2 of the Midland League, while its senior women play in Group 2 of the Midland League.