Athboy Cowpark sports facilities get green light

The latest steps in the development of facilities at the Athboy Cowpark took place in recent weeks with the grant of permission for sports facilities at the site, as well as formal confirmation of grant allocation towards a floodlit all-weather pitch from the National Lottery. A decade ago, Athboy Social Needs and Recreational Company launched ambitious plans for the Cowpark site, a 29-acre former commonage on the edge of the town, formerly owned by the Land Commission. These included social housing, sports and recreational, community and health facilities. Meath County Council has granted planning permission for community and recreational facilities on a site of just over four hectares, which will include an international standard soccer pitch, two five-a-side all-weather pitches, pavilion with changing rooms, toilets, office and showers, access road, coach parking and landscaping. There are 15 conditions attached to the grant of planning for this phase of the work. The Department of Transport, Tourism and Sport has also confirmed a grant allocation of €300,000 towards the provision of the floodlit all-weather pitch under the Sports Capital Programme. This is in addition to €200,000 committed by Meath County Council. The latest developments have been welcomed by the Athboy Social Needs and Recreation Company, headed by Liz McCormack, chairperson and Aidan Hora, secretary, with community representatives Jim Bird, Seamus Flood, Con Kelly and John Smith, and area councillors Eugene Cassidy and Ollie Fox. Ms McCormack said the facilities will be a fantastic addition to the sporting life of the community, and will be available for use by everybody. It will be the latest development at the Cowpark following the social housing at Coille Dios, the river walk, allotments and children's playground.