Astro pitch kick starts Limerick’s regeneration plan
Young people in Moyross got the first feel of a synthetic pitch costing €70,000 which has been laid in the estate.
Michael O’Kelly, of the Limerick Regeneration Agency, said: “This is a kick start and is giving people confidence that regeneration is happening in the area.
“The new pitch is lined out for soccer, basketball and tennis.”
Paddy Flannery, manager of the Moyross Community Enterprise Centre, said it will be their policy to keep the new pitch open for as long as possible every day, although it will need to be closed at night.
Mr Flannery said: “Our policy is to leave it open for as long as possible and just manage it. Moyross United have been using it two evenings a week. Limerick Institute of Technology Sarsfields use it every Thursday afternoon to teach the kids hurling. Limerick Youth Reach have also been using the pitch and when clubs are not using it, there are up to 20 young people out there at any one time. They love being here.”
Mr Flannery said while the regeneration programme to date in Moyross has involved demolition of houses, the new astro pitch represents the creation of something special that will be at the heart of the community.
He said: “It is providing a focal point for the community. It was a significant investment in the youth of the community and it is somewhere that will be here for a long time to come.”
There is no charge for the use of the pitch, but groups must book.
Mr Flannery said: “When there is an organised event in the big pitch, the kids can have free play in the small astro pitch right beside it.”
