New athletics track approved in Offaly

Naomh Mhuire Athletics Club (AC) in Daingean has received planning permission for a new tartan athletics track on a site at Gorteenkeel, Geashill.

A planning application was submitted by the club to Offaly County Council in June for the upgrade of club facilities and the local authority this week granted permission for the project, which includes a running track, car park and new vehicular entrance from the public road.

The planning permission is subject to six conditions, one of which is a requirement for the developer to take reasonable measures to mitigate any environmental nuisance (noise and dust) which may arise during construction.

Speaking prior to the granting of planning permission, Naomh Mhuire AC committee member Pauline Colgan said the proposed development would allow the club's membership base to grow further.

""Naomh Mhuire has over 100 members and such a development would allow membership to further increase.

"The club is in existence for 15 years and membership continues to rise. We are primarily a senior club but the proposed development would potentially allow us to attract juvenile members to the club," Pauline added.

The club has received a Sports Partnership grant towards the proposed development with plans for a number of fundraising initiatives to assist with the realisation of the project.