08/10/2020
Indoor Training Facility – September 2020 Update
With the recent granting of planning permission for the facility to be built on the grounds of St Mel’s College, Longford Athletics Club have taken a step closer to having a state-of-the-art training facility in Longford town.
Location
The securing of a location for the proposed building on the College grounds has been crucial to the progress made to date. In collaboration with Longford Diocesan Trust, the site was agreed upon with the facility to be of mutual benefit to the club, St Mel’s College as well as the wider community.
Funding
In January 2019, we submitted an Expression of Interest to Longford Community Resources Ltd (LCRL). Over time, the funding application was worked on with information collected, paperwork compiled, spreadsheets pondered over and forms filled in - and there were many forms! Finally, in March 2020, the club submitted the LEADER funding application to LCRL. In April, we received word that the application was successful and that the club had been awarded €500,000 subject to criteria being met. Indeed, the securing of a site location was one such requirement in the application for funding.
Fund Raising
Behind the scenes fund-raising activities were discussed by the club committee in early 2019 and a goal was set to raise €100,000. It was decided to hold a raffle with a first prize of €20,000. Books of tickets were printed and subsequently dispersed to members young and old with ticket sales commencing in June 2019. Doors were knocked on and were knocked on again and again! Stalls were set up at the likes of Longford Shopping Centre, SuperValu and the Dublin Marathon Expo. By March 2020, all tickets were sold and the club had over €100,000 in the bank. The draw took place in the Longford Arms Hotel and young Luke Wilson of Ballinalee was the lucky first prize winner.
Facility Design
With a site secured, the next step was to start work on the design of the facility. Members of our task force visited a number of indoor training facilities around the country in their efforts to come up with a suitable specification.
Facilities Task Force committee chairman John Fitzpatrick: “We hope to build a 60m x 20m indoor facility with an 8-lane running strip, a long jump / triple jump pit, a high jump area, pole vault area and a high-performance strength and condition area to include a testing facility. Athletes and coaches concerned with elite performance will be able to establish baselines and be able to monitor progression which will help develop strong athletic profiles whatever their sport. Along with dressing rooms, a meeting room and reception area, this will be a top class facility the envy of clubs nationally.”
Planning Permission
Will Design Studio, represented by Architectural Design Consultant Brendan Quaine, were engaged to help in the design process and to draw up plans to submit to Longford County Council. McKenna Construction Consultants, fronted by Quantity Surveyor Damien McKenna, provided costs associated with the build. Club member Gavin McHugh, Managing Director of Downes Associates (), provided guidance and consultancy services. In February 2020, a planning submission was prepared and submitted to Longford County Council. Following Covid-19 related delays, the club received the good news earlier this month that planning permission had been approved.
Tender
The club recently went to tender for the building of the facility. Tenders were evaluated in recent weeks and a preferred contractor was selected. Contracts are due to be signed soon.
What’s next?
Well, our juvenile members are back training at the Mall and the seniors are out training too. A number of our athletes continue to shine on the national stage.
Additional funds will be needed to secure the development of this top-class facility, so fund-raising and sourcing will continue.
The final word goes to our chairman Donal Mulligan: “This facility will be a state-of-the-art facility for Longford. It has the potential to attract athletes and sports people from around the country. The facility is not for Longford Athletics Club alone. It’s for the wider sporting community in County Longford. It’s for anyone interested in fitness, mental health, activage-age groups, schools, etc. It’s for everyone and we really appreciate your support to date.”
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For more, see pages 68 & 69 of this week's Longford Leader
