East Cork sports clubs lobby for facilities as population boom on way

Multiple sporting organisations in East Cork are mounting a joint campaign to highlight the shortage of sporting facilities in the region, with several relying on the goodwill of other clubs to provide them with temporary training and match venues.

Many clubs are now urging Cork County Council to help them buy land, especially as the population is set to rocket in the Midleton and Carrigtwohill areas.

Pressure on the clubs is set to increase as the county development plan (CDP) predicts the two towns will have a combined population of 34,000 in just two years’ time — and nearly 43,000 by 2034.

The campaign is being spearhead by East Cork Athletic Clubs, which has 2,150 members; Midleton AFC, which has 1,300 members, and the Imokilly ladies football and camogie clubs which boast 3,600 members. 

Mark Walsh, speaking on behalf of the campaign, said a site of between 20 and 30 acres is required to facilitate them. They have already identified a suitable location near Midleton which is currently agricultural-zoned, and which the landowner is prepared to sell for such a venture.

Mr Walsh said there’s an urgency in the ongoing review of the CDP to acknowledge and zone land for such facilities in the region.

“We’ve made numerous presentations to county council officials about this,” he said.

“The housing being created in the area puts an even greater need for such facilities. This campaign is to highlight these deficiencies. Ideally, they’d like a running track, multiple pitches, tennis courts and, in time, a swimming pool. We’ve identified agricultural land very close to Midleton which is suitable and the owner is willing to sell,” he added.

“Midleton AFC has been tirelessly working to acquire more land to accommodate the ever-growing numbers and dire need for additional pitches. Imokilly ladies’ football and camogie, catering for several hundred girls and women, have no home grounds for training or matches, and are desperately seeking green space. These are just a few the examples."

Mr Walsh said it would be difficult for clubs to lobby separately for community sports facilities, so that’s why they’re taking an amalgamated approach.

“While many improvements have been made in recent years, especially in the areas of walkways, cycleways and greenways, no space has been earmarked or allocated specifically for community sporting outlets, such as playing fields, athletics facilities and other sporting pursuits, essential to the health and well-being of a growing population across all age profiles,” Mr Walsh said.

“The lack of these in East Cork’s largest towns flies in the face of stated government policy. Unfortunately, the evidence would indicate that East Cork is being neglected in terms of the provision of community-based sporting facilities.”