Hopes for major funding for regional sports campus the SRC
Large Scale Sports Infrastructure funding announcement perfectly timed for the SRC
With the opening of the €120 million Large Scale Sport Infrastructure Fund (LSSIF) scheme for applications on April 26, The SRC – The Shannonside Recreational Campus – committee believes that the Carrick-on- Shannon located campus is a prime project for such funding and are actively working on their application.
A graphic of what the new SRC sports campus will look like.
The scope and plans for the SRC are far reaching and include:
- All-weather full size 4g pitch compliant for GAA, Soccer and Rugby
- Outdoor floodlit grass pitch
- 400m 8 lane tartan track with all field sports catered for
- Large Indoor Arena catering for 2 indoor basketball courts
- Hi-performance gym
- A hurling wall
- Outdoor and indoor changing facilities
- Car and bus parking
To make an such an all-inclusive, community focused recreation campus of this scale a reality, funding is crucial.
The SRC Steering Committee, made up of Design & Build, Finance and Communication sub-committees have had their work cut out for them over the 10 years and no stone has nor will be left unturned to deliver the funding required to deliver this badly needed facility to the region.
To date, local private supporters generously funded the initial feasibility study. The Planning permission drawings and application process was Leitrim County Council grant aided,
The project build cost plan and business plan were Leitrim Development Company Funded. A successful application was submitted for a Community Forum Grant with €1 million obtained for Phase 1 (4g pitch) ground works.
An application has been submitted for Peace Plus funding and also for Sports Capital Infrastructure grant.
“As you can imagine, a project of the scale of the SRC comes with a hefty price, but the payout to the community young and old is immeasurable,” a spokesperson for the committee said.
“This year, like last year, due to incessant rain, has seen training sessions and matches for GAA, soccer and rugby postponed and cancelled as our county grass pitches have proved unplayable time and time again.
“Our underage and adult teams alike have been forced to travel to neighbouring counties to train on all-weather pitches or to pay for indoor facilities.
“Our athletes are still travelling to Sligo and Athlone to access training facilities and the Leitrim County Track and Field Championships are being held in Sligo this month due to there not being a 400m athletics track in Leitrim.
“The need for this facility for upcoming generations, for the wellbeing of our adult and elderly communities and our clubs is needed now more than ever.
“This recent announcement of Large Scale Sports Infrastructure funding it perfectly timed for the SRC. We are primed and in the ideal place to make good use of such funding,” the spokesperson said.
Ground works have recommenced at the site on Castlecara Road, Carrick-on-Shannon
Chair of the SRC Committee, Brendan Lowe said, “It is time for us all to come together and to make this happen for ourselves and the generations to come.
“All clubs and all individuals will have the opportunity to benefit from the SRC. This campus is not for any one sport, club nor community group, it is for the benefit of all.
“We will continue to pursue ever funding opportunity that becomes available and we will be making a strong application for this additional LSSIF funding.”