Causeway Coast and Glens Borough Council have approved a bid for Irish Football Association (IFA) funding for a new artificial grass pitch at Parker Avenue, Portrush.

Members of March’s Leisure and Development Committee were told that Council officers received notification, on February 19, that the IFA/ Department for Culture, Media and Sport Grassroots Facilities Investment Fund, to support grassroots activities in sport, had opened for applications.

Funding will support and be directed towards the installation of a new, accessible natural grass pitch or replacement/ enhancement of an existing, accessible natural grass pitch, the installation of a new, accessible artificial grass pitch (AGPs) or replacement of an existing, accessible artificial grass pitch, or the installation of a new, accessible small-sided Multi-Use Games Area (MUGA) that is suitable to host small-sided association football activities.

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Alderman Fielding said the current provision at Parker Avenue (PICTURED) was not fit for purpose, and welcomed a bid for IFA funding for a new artificial pitch. CREDIT GOOGLE

placeholder image — Alderman Fielding said the current provision at Parker Avenue (PICTURED) was not fit for purpose, and welcomed a bid for IFA funding for a new artificial pitch. CREDIT GOOGLE

Capital funding of £2.7 million is available for the 2026/27 year, with awards ranging from £100,000 to £500,000, and as the application portal closed at noon on the day of the committee meeting on Wednesday, March 18, members were asked to give retrospective permission to apply.

Only one application is allowed per council area and local authorities, schools, colleges and universities must provide at least 40 percent match funding, while all other applicants must provide a minimum ten percent funding.

Council’s Chief Executive, David Jackson, said Parker Avenue was selected for the application as council was able to submit an eligible project and supporting documentation, including full design/plans and costings, before the submission deadline.

The venue was also selected as it is “close to being shovel ready” and can be completed by March next year.

DUP Alderman John McAuley said it “highlights the need for as many shovel-ready projects as possible”, while TUV councillor Allister Kyle said a new pitch would be a “great addition to the area”.

DUP Alderman Mark Fielding said the current condition of the pitch at Parker Avenue has led to matches being cancelled, and a new artificial pitch would “definitely address these problems”.

He concluded: “We need to invest in our communities; those who work, live, and play sport in our localities all year round. Parker Avenue is not really fit for purpose at the minute, so this fund will assist us.”