Planning application for second phase of development at Trim Athletic Club lodged

A PLANNING application for the second phase of the development at Trim Athletic Club, Manorlands, Trim, to include a new clubhouse was recently lodged with Meath County Council.

The plans include the construction of a single and two-storey sports facility building with solar roof panels and an ancillary outdoor sports arena comprising of 200m six-lane running track, a six-lane 100m sprint track, a 500m perimeter running and walking trial, including long jump, high jump, javelin and shot put facilities with track and field lighting. Also included is car parking and set down area, bicycle parking and the erection of secure boundary perimeter fence around the site with vehicular and pedestrian entrance gates The stage two development includes revisions to previously granted phase one stage of the development.

Trim Athletic Club was set up in 1972 and has 300 members with both juvenile and adult sections. In documentation submitted with the application, the club outlines that proposed development is part of a strategic plan to promote and increase athletic participation in Trim and its environs. Trim has no athletic facilities so the club relies on schools, public paths and facilities in other towns for training. The club notes that while the town population and school's populations have grown exponentially, they have not seen the same growth in club members because of that they believe is a lack of athletic facilities in the town.

Trim Athletic Club has an agreement with Meath County Council to develop the site in the centre of town. The first phase involves securing the site and preparing the grounds for outdoor activities. Overtime it is intended to have indoor and outdoor facilities covering all 24 athletic track and field events.