By Dara Bradley

Proposals for the development of sports pitches at a green space in the Westside were unveiled to the public last week.

Hundreds of residents of Corrib Park, Coogan Park and Camillaun Park previewed the planned new sports amenities for the area, when the drawings went on public display at an information session in Westside Community Centre on Wednesday.

The development will comprise a full, natural soccer pitch, an all-weather soccer pitch with floodlights, a mini pitch, a playground and the development of a multi-functional games area, at a site behind Westside Community Centre, Church and Library. The development will include parking, drainage and groundworks.

When the original plans for the development went on display before Christmas, several residents of nearby estates raised concerns about the negative impact the flood lights would have on them.

The pitches have been reconfigured in the new plans, which aim to take into account these concerns. The development will be undertaken on a phased basis, with the first phase comprising of the all-weather soccer pitch, to be developed in conjunction with Corrib Rangers Soccer Club.

The development will be financed by Government grants and City Council monies. Residents are encouraged to make submissions to the Council about their views and observations on the new revised proposals.

Galway City Councillor Pádraig Conneely said the plans are ambitious and he urged residents associations in Westside to give “serious consideration” to all aspects of the plans.

The finalised plans will be put on public display again and then brought before a full Council meeting, where it will be voted on by elected representatives.