*Photograph: Antonio Marcos
SCARIFF RFC have been granted planning permission for a new all-weather pitch and padel facility at their grounds in Fossabeg.
Both developments were lodged by the East Clare rugby club last summer with Clare County Council initially requesting further information.
In its application, Scariff RFC refers to itself as “The home of rugby in East Clare”. The club competes in the Munster Junior Division 2. Munster and Ireland scrum-half Craig Casey opened a new €250,000 indoor training facility at the club in 2024 in a landmark day since the club’s founding in 1963.
The local authority expressed concern that the development could lead to an increase in traffic in the form of pedestrian and cycle activity. The cited the lack of a footpath nearby as a potential traffic hazard for the site. The local authority also highlighted potential problems arising from light spillage due to the proposed floodlighting.
The planner’s report stated that “the footpath and lighting networks in the town do not extend as far as the proposed development site, endangering pedestrians and cyclists who utilise both the existing and proposed facilities at the club”.
Scariff RFC responded however and said that a footpath would be constructed running to the entrance of their property. The rugby club also stated that the planned floodlighting would be directed in order to avoid glare on adjacent properties. The floodlighting has been ordered to operate between 7am and 10pm only in order to reduce light pollution in the area.
The planning department has granted permission for the all weather pitch and the padel court. Padel Tennis or Padel is a racket sport of Mexican origin and is played in over 90 countries around the world. The sport combines elements of squash and tennis and is played by the likes of Lionel Messi, Cristiano Ronaldo and David Beckham. It has been described as the fastest growing sport in the world with a facility opening in Limerick in January.
The proposed padel court will be located at the right hand side of the clubhouse and will overlook the new all-weather pitch.
Neither development can commence until the footpath is constructed. Clare TD, Joe Cooney (FG) has made a submission supporting the development.
