We know there is a lot of interest in progress from everyone so here is a brief update as we head into the new season.
REMINDER OF PROGRESS SO FAR
REMINDER OF PROGRESS SO FAR
- January 2023: The club passed a vote at an Extraordinary General Meeting to move forward with the proposal for ground development in Gortnaglough.
- August 2023: We submitted a Capital Sports Grant Application for €200,000 to support the construction of an Astro Playing Pitch at Gortnaglough Community Park, on the current grass pitch furthest from the clubhouse.
The Grant submission included a budget quotation of €597,213 (including VAT) consisting of:
- Civils and Astro Surface €432,334
- LED Lighting €115,770
- Safety Railing and Gates €34,127
- Ball Stop Netting €14,982
To meet government requirements for evidence of own funding as a percentage of overall project cost, certain items were excluded from the submission:
- Generator (or 3 phase)
- Remote Control of Lights
- CCTV
- Goalposts
- Maintenance Equipment
- Extension of Car Parking - December 2023: Thanks to successful fundraising events, local business support, and sponsorships, we reached a milestone of over €250,000 in funds banked.
- May 2024: We received full planning permission from Cork County Council, with favorable conditions that align with our plans.
- June 2024: We were advised by the Minister of State, the FAI, and other clubs that any work started before the grant award would invalidate our application. Unfortunately, this delayed the project, as we couldn’t use our own funds to begin. The estimated completion is now August 2025, aiming to be ready for the 2025/26 season.
CAPITAL SPORTS GRANT
- Expected Announcement: It now seems likely that successful applications for the 2023 Capital Sports Grant will be announced by the end of September 2024, much later than anticipated. A recent press release from the Department of Sport noted a record number of submissions, meaning the funding pool may be diluted, and awards could be smaller than expected.
- Impact on Our Project: There is a possibility that we may receive a smaller grant or none at all, which could significantly affect our project’s progress.
- Optimism: Despite the challenges, we remain optimistic and maintain our target to have €500,000 raised by Autumn 2024, leaving a potential shortfall of around €150,000 to be covered through additional fundraising or bank loans.
NEXT STEPS
- Tender Process: In anticipation of a September announcement and with cautious optimism, we are beginning a formal tender process with 3-4 specialist contractors.
- Extraordinary General Meeting (EGM): Following the grant announcement, we will hold an EGM to share the project’s details and seek approval to proceed.
- Preliminary Works: If approved, some preliminary works may begin before May 2025, including:
- Bringing a 3-phase electricity supply to the clubhouse for floodlights.
- Cutting down tall trees along the south sideline and behind the far goalmouth*
- Digging internal trenches and laying conduit for 3-phase electricity and CCTV from the clubhouse to pitch 2. - Contractor Award: The successful contractor will be awarded the project, and a start date will be locked in.
- Fundraising Initiatives: We will begin planning our next fundraising efforts to cover any shortfall not met by our current bank balance and the Capital Sports Grant, aiming to secure the necessary funds by August 2025.
PROJECT SUMMARY
- The Astro pitch will be located on the footprint of pitch 2, extending towards the row of floodlights on the large training pitch adjacent to the car park.
- 1.2-meter-high fence with a handrail will surround the pitch.
- Full-size FIFA standard Astro surface will be installed (~6438m², 100.6m x 64m), with 2 meters between the sideline and the fence, bringing the total enclosed area to ~7210m².
- Existing dugouts on pitch 2 will be incorporated into the design.
- The Astro surface will extend 2 meters beyond the fence, from the dug out towards the car park for spectator space (the area between pitch 1 and pitch 2)
- Three floodlight pillars will be installed along each sideline.
- Ball stop netting will be placed behind both goals.
- *We have been advised that the tall trees along the south sideline and behind the far goal should be removed to protect the playing surface from debris
- Walkway and driveway access will be provided for emergency vehicles from the Car Park area to the Astro pitch.
- Four small-sided, retractable goals will be available for games across the pitch.
#LetsGoAstro
August 2024 - Development Group
August 2024 - Development Group
