Minister slams ‘taxpayers’ money going up in smoke’ at new Louth soccer pitch

Flares were thrown onto a brand-new astro turf pitch at Oriel Park in Dundalk by Drogheda United fans as the two Co Louth sides faced off in the League of Ireland on Friday.

Mon, 23 Feb, 2026 - 09:50

Gráinne Ní Aodha, Press Association

The Sports minister has paused funding to all astro turf pitches in the League of Ireland after a new pitch in Co Louth was damaged immediately after it was opened.

Flares were thrown onto a brand-new astro turf pitch at Oriel Park in Dundalk by Drogheda United fans as the two Co Louth sides faced off in the League of Ireland on Friday.