A Clare GAA club is looking to clear almost two hectares of forestry on its grounds to construct a second full-sized playing pitch.
The application submitted by Cratloe GAA club says the development would “instantly double the training and fixture capabilities for all 25-plus club teams”.
In the application submitted by Arnold Leahy Architects on CLG Creatlach’s behalf on June 17th, it’s stated the club’s facilities in Ballymorris have “reached critical capacity” and “can no longer sustainably support a rapidly expanding player base”.
It’s argued that the club, which fields five adult teams and 20 underage teams, needs a new playing pitch “to secure the future of sports participation in the region”.
The applicant is seeking the change of use of lands from forestry to recreation for the construction of a playing pitch, a 100-metre running track and 140 ancilliary surface car parking spaces.
In order to carry out the works, the application says it would be necessary to clear roughly 1.9 hectares of commercial forestry.
It says this was planted as a “monoculture ash plantation about 20 years ago” and that the trees are now “predominantly dead or dying due to ash dieback”.
In addition to pledging to retain as many trees as possible, Cratloe GAA club has committed to planting additional native trees and hedgerows, and to put a new hawthorn hedgerow in place to enhance biodiversity and provide visual screening.
Public submissions in relation to the plans can be made until July 21st and a decision is due to be made by Clare County Council on or before August 11th.
