*Kilrush Rugby Club.
KILRUSH Rugby Club are planning to install a walking track and flooding at its club grounds.
The club celebrated its 100th anniversary last year and plays games at its two pitches in Moanmore, just north of Kilrush. The team who play in purple and black also train and play games at an astroturf pitch in the town.
Planning permission has been sought by Kilrush RFC to construct as 2.5m wide walking track lit by 6m high lighting poles around the proposed track. Kilrush RFC is also seeking permission to replace its existing timber and galvanised floodlighting with new 15m lighting poles and install new club signage at the front gate. These developments come after East Clare counterparts Scariff RFC recently lodged plans for a padel facility at their grounds.
Operating times at the walking track are expected to be from approximately 5.00pm to 9.30pm from March to September each year. The proposed new club signage will feature the club crest in purple and gold, complete with the motto Nemo Me Impune Lacessit, No One Attacks Me with Impunity. The West Clare club enjoyed a golden era during the 1980s, winning the Webb Cup three times, a highly sought after trophy in North Munster.
Like other sporting organisations in the west of the county, Kilrush RFC has suffered heavily from a declining player base in recent years and now focuses on creating a strong underage structure.
The club has established an adult junior team, its first in five years as it aims to rejoin the Junior League. According to the club the “plans to install LED floodlights on the second pitch underscore the club’s commitment to enhancing its facilities. The ultimate goal is to create a strong, sustainable rugby program that serves both the club and the community”.
The proposed lighting columns for both pitches will have four fittings on each, composed of modern LED lighting with shielding in place in order to reduce light pollution on the surrounding area. The proposed lighting is in line with IRFU guidelines for “mid-level competition and high-level training”.
The planning application states that the proposed walking track will be “used by a variety of ages and skill levels and will be of great benefit to the wider community as a recreational attraction”.
Clare County Council has until the 29th of July to decide on whether or not to grant permission. Submissions can be made up until July 8th.
