A NEW BOULES ARENA is planned by Killaloe/Ballina Sports and Community Facilities Development at Clarisford Park.
The community organisation has also applied for a new 4G astro all weather training pitch at the site.
An application has been lodged with Clare County Council by the community development organization for the construction of a new Pétanque (Boules) Arena with boundary fencing, lighting and spectator seating area and the replacement of the existing grass surface on the sand based training pitch with a 4G Astro All Weather Surface.
Clarisford Park is located in Killaloe on the Clare side of the River Shannon. The community park serves as the home ground of Killaloe/Ballina RFC and also features a running track and soccer pitch.
Due to the site’s close proximity to the River Shannon, a Natura Impact Statement has been issued with the application in order to address any environmental concerns that may arise during development.
The NIS states that the river is home to a number of habitats “including the priority habitats lagoon and alluvial woodland, the only known resident population of Bottlenose Dolphin in Ireland and all three Irish lamprey species”. Bird species such as cormorants, whooper swans and Light-Bellied Brent geese all live in close proximity to the site. The NIS acknowledges that there is potential for “significant effects” on the surrounding area during the construction phase.
For example, it mentions that “there is a potential for pollutants (primarily hydrocarbons from machinery and less so sediment) could be released. This could have a negative impact on Lower River Shannon SAC QIs that rely on good water quality, such as, Salmon, Otter, and Lamprey species”.
The new astro pitch will be made up of a shock pad and synthetic 600 Dual Fibre 4G Carpet. This will be built on top of the existing stone layer which is topped with a new geotextile layer. The existing floodlighting is to be retained along with the existing drainage system under the current grass pitch.
The new boules arena will feature three lines and six areas of spectator seating. The arena will be lit by a new array of four lighting columns and encompassed by timber fencing.
Boules or pétanque is a game in which the objective is to throw or roll heavy balls as closely as possible to a small target ball, called the Jack. To win, a team must reach a score of fifteen points. The game is typically popular with older players.
A decision on the proposed development is due to be made by June 22nd. Submissions and objections by the public can be made up until June 1st.
