Regeneration area boost as sports facility gets go-ahead

ONE of Limerick’s regeneration areas has received a major sporting boost following the signing of contracts for the development of a €355,000 all-weather pitch in Kings Island.

The 60x40 metre astro-turf pitch will be developed at the shared Star Rovers and Athlunkard Villa grounds at Assumpta Park /Lee Estate and will come complete with upgraded changing room facilities, floodlighting and additional car parking.

The contracts for the development of the project were signed by Star Rovers FC with specialised contractors Crawford Group.

Work will begin later this month and the facility is set for completion by February.

The planned pitch was a key objective of the Limerick Regeneration Agencies Action Plan for St Mary’s Park.

The facility will be the latest in a range of investments in the area including the local Kings Island community centre cafe, the community garden, the Island Bank walkway and the Kings Island creche which was recently opened by former president Mary McAleese.

Speaking at the contract signing, the agency’s project manager, Brian Geaney, said that the provision of enhanced sports facilities was a strategic objective of the regeneration programme.

“This investment comes under the social regeneration pillar and this is equally as important as the physical or economic regeneration of Limerick. ,” he said.

Kieran Hogan of Star Rovers stressed the importance of sporting facilities for all communities.

“We have been waiting for something like this for years for the area and are thrilled now that it is finally coming to fruition.

There is a fantastic sporting tradition in this city and the more sports facilities the better it will be for communities, not least in Regeneration Areas,” he said.