The multi-million-euro development was expected to be finished before the end of the year
By James Roulston Mooney
The new Limerick Regional Athletics Hub in Newcastle West is scheduled to be completed by Spring 2023, according to Limerick City and County Council.
The new Athletics Hub is yet to see its athletic track completed to cap off the project, with significant rainfall in September leading to a delay in the project.
When completed, the new track in the county is intended to be up to the standard of international World Athletics tracks.
Ben Noonan, Senior Executive Engineer with Limerick City and County Council said: “Laying a sports track surface of this standard requires specific climatic conditions. September 2022 had 44% more rainfall when compared to September 2021 and 148% more than 2020.
“In order to ensure we have a track to the highest of standards, we must adhere to best practice and expertise thus lay the track when the weather conditions are conducive to doing so.”
The facility will include a variety of other track and field amenities – sports such as shot putt, javelin throw and high jump, among others, will be enabled.
Floodlights will also be in place to light the completed track and a fully lit walking path on the perimeter of the track will accompany it.
There will be also parking spaces for cars, buses and bicycles for those who wish to use the hub as well as toilets and a water point.
Gordon Daly, Director of Community, Tourism and Culture with the Council said: “The inclement weather has put a stall on the final layer of the track.
“However, the delay until Spring 2023, is necessary to ensure this top-class facility is built and maintained to the highest possible standard.”
The project is being funded by the Council along with the JP McManus Benevolent Fund and several Government funds.
All other works on the site aside from the track are set to be completed before the New Year.
