The realities that sporting organisations face was evident at the recent Ashbourne MD monthly meeting. A number of the officers of Killegland AFC made a presentation to councillors outlining the need for Meath County Council to help support the club in acquiring land to have full size football pitches an astro pitch and facilities for members. The club is currently spending over €28,000 on renting facilities to play and this is raised with fundraising events to keep the club going. ”A permanent home is needed to protect the future of the club.. The club formed back in 2011 and has grown from strength to strength.
The downside of the success means they are paying for facilities that eat up their income. They also pointed out that 50% of the kids have to travel out of the locality to play and without the support of the council the position will not change.
Councilors acknowledged the good work of the club but admitted the issue was availability of land and the actual cost. Developers are holding onto agricultural land with valuations commanding €29,000 per acre and land near Killegland cemetery consisting of one hectare selling for ”nearly a million” according to Cllr Alan Tobin. He suggested that the council should actively participate, saying ” I would be looking for the local authority to be buying pitches.”
Cllr Helen Meyer echoed the similar thoughts of Cllr Tobin, ” I think it is very difficult for you at grass roots level trying to fund raise for this. The price of land is just outrageous, you need to have the council on board. ” Community services are all over subscribed and the council needs to address them.”
Cllr Joe Tormey pointed out out that there is land at the Coach development and for the Director of Service Barry Lynch to bring it back the CEO. ” I don’t see why we should have to buy it, They should be giving it over. The developers have bought more land and they are talking with planners. We need to be getting something back from the people that own Coach, that are building all the extra houses.”
” We have done it with Ashbourne United, we’ve done it with Donaghmore (Gaa club), we can do it with these going forward. We all know the needs of Killegland and it is very good what you are doing. ” he added.
Cllr Tobin also commented that the cllrs were never disclosed the amount of levies that were collected on the Coach developments. with properties selling for in excess of €500,000. The levy goes into the council funds but the local community see’ ”no gain” from these levies.
Barry Lynch couldn’t comment specifically on each planning application but confirmed this was an issue with clubs all over the county looking for support. The council is looking at the overall county development plan, there is a social infrastructure audit in each community to see what’s there. The problem is you can zone something but the land owner may not make it available.”
”It’s a big challenge, all the members are supportive.” he commented. The councillor’s thanked the club officers for their presentation at the meeting highlighting their needs.
