From the Galway City Tribune – Consultants are to be appointed in the coming weeks to progress long-awaited sports and recreation facilities on the ‘Kingston lands’ in Knocknacarra.

Following the appointment of a planning team for the project – on lands adjacent to Knocknacarra National School – a planning application is expected to come before councillors in the autumn next year.

The outline plans – already backed by the Council – are for the children’s playground; changing rooms/community centre; outdoor gym equipment; a pedestrian walkway; a two-way cycle path; and 75 parking spaces.

A hockey pitch will be developed at Millars Lane as part of the plan.

A pitch that can be used for both GAA and rugby, and a multi-use games area were also included in the outline plans, which have yet to be finalised by the consultants.

Local area councillor Donal Lyons said he had sought an update on the master plans for Kingston and South Park.

“I was informed by the Chief Executive, Brendan McGrath, that there will be an advertisement seeking the appointment of Consultants for Kingston master plan in the coming weeks, which will see consultants being appointed and bring the project to a Part 8 planning application [to be voted on by councillors themselves].

“This commitment is very welcome. This project hasn’t moved in the last three years. In April 2018, a public information day was held where the views of the local residents, parents together with local sporting clubs were asked for the views on developing the master plan for lands adjacent to the school.

“Later in 2018 the Kingston master plan was adopted by the members of the Council. However, despite continued representations over the years from all west ward councillors, no progress was made.

“It is hoped to have a planning application by Quarter 3, 2023. I understand that efforts are also being made by officials to purchase additional land not in the ownership of Council so that the original plan can be completed,” said Cllr Lyons.
This article first appeared in the print edition of the Galway City Tribune, November 11. You can support our journalism by subscribing to the Galway City Tribune HERE. The print edition is in shops every Friday.