A SULKY racing track, more adult outdoor gyms and an equestrian centre are all proposals being considered as part of a joint sports strategy between Clare and Limerick local authorities. And while equine activities feature prominently on the councils’ wish list, the initial study says the last thing the two counties need are more golf clubs. Planning expert, Ciaran Lynch, this week gave a presentation to the Limerick city council’s committee on future planning based on the outcome of a study into the sporting and recreational needs of the Limerick/Clare area.
The study will form the basis of a public consultation document about what facilities might be needed in the two counties and how existing facilities can maximise their use.
“We found there was potential to make better use of existing facilities. There are a lot of venues that are not commercially viable and rely on volunteers to operate”, Mr Lynch told the meeting.
Mechanisms need to be put in place to facilitate those who cannot afford to use private facilities and negotiations should be held with the owners of those facilities.
Looking at what facilities will be needed in the future, the researchers found that there was a need to locate a medium-sized stadium in Limerick. An equine centre and a sulky racing track are also items on the local authorities wish-list, Mr Lynch said.
Committee Chairman Cllr Diarmuid Scully (FG) said that an equestrian centre “would have to be open to people who have a tradition of horses.
“We see horses being kept on our estates and on halting sites. In a proper environment, people can experience horses in a way that isn’t against the law”, he added.
“Considering the asset that is the river, we should encourage and support water-based sports such as kayaking and canoeing. There is also a need for more children’s playgrounds and outdoor adult gyms and the needs of all age groups and of people with disability need to be taken into account,” he added.
Mayor Gerry McLoughlin (Lab) said that it would be ” a huge advantage if there were a cycling route linking Limerick and Ennis”.
All the proposals are available on the local authority website and are open for public comment.
