Laois soccer club kicks off major development plans for new astro turf pitch

Mountmellick United Football Club are set to undergo a significant upgrade as plans for a new astro turf playing pitch have been submitted to Laois County Council. The proposed development, located in Smith Field, will see an astro pitch constructed, along with various infrastructure improvements to enhance the community’s sports facilities.

The main feature of the plans is a high-quality astro turf playing pitch. The pitch will be laid on a prepared base in accordance with the supplier's details and specifications, offering a modern, low-maintenance solution for year-round play.

A 3-meter-high security fence will surround the astro pitch, spanning approximately 442.6 linear meters, excluding access gates. A new 1.5-meter-wide footpath will be installed along with lighting spaced 30 meters apart, ensuring safe access to the facilities after dark. The footpaths and lighting are set to be provided by Laois County Council.

This will be a significant development for the club with the pitch in Smith Field having been used a lot over the winter months due to there being floodlights surrounding the pitch. The two pitches in Conor Davis Park don't have lighting so it provides the club with an opportunity for their teams to continue training when the evenings get shorter. 

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A footbridge is also proposed which will link Smith Field to Conor Davis Park where there are two more pitches that are used for match days and training. Existing grassy areas disturbed by the construction of the astro pitch will be reinstated, ensuring the development has minimal long-term environmental impact on the local landscape. Additionally, treated timber fencing will be erected along the riverbanks.

See site plan below.

The details have been posted on the planning website of Laois County Council.