The Astro Pitch at Portlaoise Leisure is in dire need of repair and will soon become unplayable Laois County Council has heard.
This is the view of local Fianna Fail Cllr Catherine Fitzgerald.
“There is huge demand in the town for the use of this facility,” Cllr Fitzgerald said.
“But it is in dire need of repair before it becomes unplayable.”
Cllr Fitzgerald said the goals and the nets need attention, but the biggest concern is the pitch, which has begun to flood, will soon become “not fit for purpose.”
LaoisToday reported on these problems over a year ago following an interview with CCFL football club, Towerhill Rovers.
The club had previously used the AstroTurf pitch as their home ground, but ended their agreement with the Leisure Centre facility when they began to see a sharp rise in player injuries from playing on the pitch.
Mr Donal Brennan, Director of Services said the Council “will be liaising with the Board of Laois Leisure in terms of their long term sustainable capital investment requirements and the prioritisation of same.”
Cllr Fitzgerald said the response was “inadequate,” as the pitch is has been a great facility and enjoyed by so many people.
The motion was strongly supported by Cllr Barry Walsh, who confirmed the dangers of the playing surface, saying he had played on the pitch in recent weeks and saw the dangers first hand.
Cllr Walsh mooted the idea of applying for a Sports Capital Grant to help cover the costs of the repairs.
Cllrs Caroline Dwane Stanley and Marie Tuohy also put their support behind the cause, reminding the Council that the AstroTurf pitch is also popular amongst schools in the town.
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