Maguire welcomes Cargan pitch plan

Cllr. Maguire said that at their July meeting, councillors agreed to accept a tender for the completion of a new soccer pitch and ancillary works in the village.

He said: “This long awaited development will see the old pitch, which has lain in disrepair for over 10 years, being completely refurbished. In addition to the new 90 x 60m grass playing surface, the development will also include a new gravel footpath around it, several Gym Buddy excercise stations, a seated area and a new freestanding basketball facility.”

He added: “On the 2007 election canvass, the community made it clear to Sinn Féin that there was both a need and demand for recreational sports facilities in Cargan village, as existing facilities had became delapidated and no longer fit for purpose.

“We contacted council and following a site meeting with officers, some remedial work was completed as an interim measure and plans were set in motion for either finding a new site or developing the existing. The search for a suitable alternative drew a blank, therefore attention was focussed on developing the existing council owned facility,” said Mr Maguire.

He extended thanks to all those who had played a part in getting the project to its current stage, including - fellow councillors and council offers, the Department of Agriculture and Rural Development (which is providing part funding throughout the RDP), and, not least, the Glenravel & District Community & Residents Association for their “drive and support”.

Mr Maguire said that work on the first phase is scheduled to commence within a few weeks with completion by late September and that it is anticipated that the soccer pitch will be playable in time for the 2013 season.