Planners give green light for Lough Lene Gaels astro plans

Lough Lene Gaels Hurling Club have been granted permission to construct an all weather playing surface by Westmeath County Council planners.

The Collinstown club have been granted planning permission for the pitch as well as retention planning permission for an existing concrete ball wall. They can now progress with the construction of a 65m by 37m all-weather sports pitch with artificial (astroturf) playing surface, floodlighting and a 2.4m high sports edge fence with ball netting.

The club were recently informed that they were granted permission for the development in accordance with plans and particulars submitted subject to tow conditions.

The first condition is that the development is carried out strictly in accordance with the submitted plans and details received by the planning authority.

The synthetic astroturf pitch must have an internal drainage system including sand, to reduce the transport of micro-particles into the drainage systems and a steel boot-cleaning grid to clean crumb from boots.

Measures have to be implemented to ensure that surface water is not discharged into any surface water drainage system or surface water course. All proposed floodlighting designs must prevent any negative environmental effects and be in accordance with the requirements of ‘Environmentally Friendly Lighting Guide’” compiled by Dark Sky Ireland.

Work must take place between 8am and 8pm.

The application was made in June and the local authority planners reached a decision at the end of last month.