Plans lodged for multi-million euro GAA centre of excellence

Westmeath GAA has formally lodged plans for a major new multi-million euro centre of excellence and training campus at Springfield, Mullingar, marking a significant step forward for one of the county association’s most ambitious projects.

The 10-year planning application proposes the development of a 46.7 acre Gaelic games training and player development centre at Robinstown Road, Springfield.

The plans, which were officially launched by Westmeath GAA in August following overwhelming support from clubs across the county, envisage the project being developed in phases over the coming decade.

At the heart of the proposed campus will be six full-sized Gaelic games pitches, five grass pitches and one all-weather pitch, together with floodlighting and ball-stop netting. An all-weather hurling and ball wall is also proposed, alongside a 271-square-metre outdoor maintenance building.

The centrepiece will be a substantial 9,695-square-metre supporting facilities building, comprising 6,478 square metres at ground-floor level and a further 3,217 square metres on the first floor.

The building will include more than 5,300 square metres of changing and player support facilities, as well as a community gymnasium, physiotherapy and sports health suites.

There will also be conference, dining and hospitality facilities, together with community and civic assembly space. A 210-seat spectator area will be incorporated into the building overlooking the main pitch.

Access to the development is proposed via a new road and junction from the Robinstown Link Road, with parking for 335 cars, 10 coaches and 80 secure, covered bicycle spaces.

An Active Travel pedestrian and cycling connection is also proposed from the Delvin Road, adjacent to St Loman’s GAA grounds.

The plans place considerable emphasis on the environmental setting, and woodland retention, ecological buffers, native species planting, biodiversity measures and a linear walking loop form part of the landscaping proposals. A Natura Impact Statement has also been submitted.

Architect Bosco Dillon has designed the facilities around the concept of a “journey”, representing the progression of a GAA player from club and parish level through county and national success. The building itself has been conceived as a rising wave, intended to convey movement, speed and sporting energy.

A central internal ‘street’ will link the various facilities, and the design is intended to allow young players to interact with and draw inspiration from county-level athletes.