Council aiming to improve driving range at Ballyearl

The move comes following a drop in the numbers of people using the facility over recent years.

At their monthly Leisure Committee meeting last week (October 7), members were reminded that there has been an ongoing review of the golf facilities at Ballyearl with a view to increasing the use and income generated by the driving range and golf course.

A report drawn up by council officers proposes the following capital improvement works: Purchase and installation of a fully automated tee system for the entire lower tier of the driving range (13 bays) - estimated cost around £42,000; purchase of a new ball wash machine at a cost of approximately £10,000 and upgrade of the driving range lighting system costing around £17,000.

Members were presented with an economic appraisal of the scheme, including details and costs of the project brief.

The council’s Director of Environment Services, Hugh Kelly said that the council was planning to invest in the facility in a bid to “bring people back” to use it.

UUP Cllr John Scott commented: “Hopefully we will go ahead with this and benefit the ratepayers of the borough.”

Members agreed a recommendation that the economic appraisal for the refurbishment and upgrading of golf facilities at Ballyearl be approved.

That decision still has to be ratified when full council meets on October 28.