CLARE COUNTY COUNCIL will commence a €1.3m upgrade of track and field facilities at Lees Rd next month.
Works to the 400m athletics track and associated field facilities will elevate the Ennis venue to international standards. The track will be closed for at least six months while the works are carried out.
€1.3m is being pumped into the development by the County Council with a further €175,000 from the Sports Capital Fund.
As part of this redevelopment, the Council has planned for the installation of a full PUR Sandwich System, an internationally recognised, high‑performance track surface. This system provides superior shock absorption and long-term durability, offering a 15‑year lifespan, double that of the existing spray-coat system. The new surface meets international certification standards, positioning Lees Road as a venue capable of supporting elite-level training and competition.
In addition to the track replacement, the upgrade includes a suite of essential ancillary improvements. These works will encompass a full overhaul of drainage systems, development of a second “D” area on the western side of the track, and modernisation of key field event zones including long jump, high jump, pole vault, and hammer cage facilities. Installation of protective covers and secure lane‑gating systems will enhance both usability and safeguarding of the site.
According to a spokesperson for the Council, “The track will be closed for the duration of the work, so approximately six months, but this work is weather permitting”. The spokesperson added, “In terms of associated field facilities, in this particular case it refers to facilities such as the long jump, high jump, pole vault, and hammer cage facilities. Also the installation of protective covers and secure lane‑gating systems”.
Sole Sports and Leisure Ltd has been awarded the contract to deliver the project, which has been designed by Clare-based McKenna Consultant Engineers. They are due to commence work in April
Chief Executive of Clare County Council Gordon Daly said, “This project marks a major milestone in ensuring that Clare continues to offer first-class, sustainable and inclusive sporting facilities for the community, clubs and athletes who rely on the Lees Road complex daily. This is the most significant upgrade to the track at Lees Road since it opened in 2004 and represents a strategic investment in sport, community health, and future athlete development in the county”.
Clare County Council Senior Executive Officer for Sport & Recreation, Eoin Troy, added, “This upgraded, county athletics facility will secure the long‑term future of the sport in Clare by providing athletes of all ages and abilities with access to modern, high‑performance track surfaces and significantly enhanced field event amenities. It also represents a major investment in developing both amateur and elite athletes across the county, ensuring they have the infrastructure needed to train, progress, and compete at the highest level”.
Mayor of the Ennis Municipal District, Cllr Mary Howard (FG) commented, “This transformative investment at Lees Road is a testament to Clare County Council’s unwavering commitment to nurturing sporting excellence and community wellbeing. By upgrading our athletics track to international standards and modernising field facilities, we are not only supporting our dedicated clubs and athletes but also paving the way for future generations to thrive”.
