The possibility of a multi-purpose sports facilities being built in the district could be stepping closer after the council invited delegates from a number of different sporting codes to a meeting last week where the avenue of multi-facility project funding was discussed.
Windmill Stars Chairman Damien Hillen was one of those who attended the meeting.
“The Council invited the clubs to the meeting – Newry Mitchels, Newry Rugby Club and the Carnbane League were there and it was unanimously agreed that Newry desperately needs improved facilities. The way funding is now it’s only multi-use and multi-code type bids that are being looked at. It’s only at the discussion point now but the plan is to look at Derryleckagh – the eight acre site behind the playing fields – and to put some sort of funding project together that would reconfigure that whole area so that it becomes a use for different codes,” said Hillen.
Carnbane League Secretary Brian Naughton appeared to agree with that sentiment.
“All the major funding projects at our level are partnership projects with three or four sports – Council led partnerships that provide top of the range facilities. This is the way forward. I’ve seen great facilities in Monaghan, that’s the way facilities are being provided at grassroots level,” he said.
“We have attended meetings with the Council relating to such a partnership involving a number of sports being agreed for the Newry and Mourne area. Further meetings will take place in the New Year 2016.”
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