By Dan Walsh at McCauley Bellefield Park
Rapparees-Starlights GAA Club, Enniscorthy, Wexford County Council and Enniscorthy Municipal District held a sod turning event at Bellefield GAA grounds today (Tuesday) on €1.5 million private-public-community investment programme that will transform the community and sporting facilities on offer.
Chairperson of Rapparees Starlight’s GAA Club, Ger McVeigh welcomed guests including Cathaoirleach of Enniscorthy Municipal District, Cllr John O’Rourke and the elected members, Minister James Browne, Chief Executive Tom Enright, project team members and council officials to the facility to officially celebrate the ambitious programme and in particular to mark the commencement of works under phase two.
Cathaoirleach Cllr O’Rourke described the project as “an exciting development for Enniscorthy and an enormous benefit for the entire community of Enniscorthy”. “This project is a testament to collaboration, innovation, and the dedication of everyone involved and as we turn the soil let it be a symbol of shared determination to create an inclusive community space that will benefit generations to come,” concluded Cllr O’Rourke who jointly turned the sod, aided by his niece Caoimhe O’Rourke, with Ger McVeigh of Rapparees-Starlights GAA Club.
Chief Executive of Wexford County Council Tom Enright spoke of the long-term benefit that the new facilities will bring to Enniscorthy. “Wexford County Council is pleased to be part of this wonderful project that will bring real, long-term health and wellbeing benefits to the wider town of Enniscorthy. These new facilities are a testament to the added value that can be brought to a project when private, public and community investment is aligned and coordinated.
“I wish to thank the Chairperson of the Rapparees Starlight’s and the Club for embarking on such an ambitious project and to particularly recognise the very generous contribution of Sam McCauley, which made this project a reality. Wexford County Councils contribution is focused on realigning and reimagining the entrance to this facility from the public road – by significantly enhancing the safety of the approach and entry/exit of the facility through a new pedestrian crossing and off-street public car parking we will transform the Bellfield Road area. The Council will also support the development of the new playground via the Department of Rural & Community Developments Community Recognition Fund, which we will formally announce soon,” concluded Mr Enright.
Sam McCauley reflected on his long association with the club, commended the project team for the trojan work, stating that “the proposed development of the front entrance will be effectively a shop window to the rest of the club facilities.”
The Project Manager, Pat Quigley, who gave a detailed outline of the entire development, said “this element of the development is in partnership with the Rapparees Starlight’s Club and Wexford County Council and will provide a state-of-the-art facility in the heart of Enniscorthy that promotes the health and well-being of the whole community.” Minister James Browne spoke in appreciation for the public private project and expressed the gratitude of Enniscorthy for Rapparees-Starlights GAA Club and Wexford County Council working together for the good of the community.
The overall project will see investment of over €1.5 million, with collaboration from the local community and the Rapparees Starlight’s Finance Committee raising €400,000; Wexford County Council providing funds of €400,000 and a greatly appreciated donation from local businessman Sam McCauley of €600,000.
The first phase, which is approaching completion, included the development of two new pitches, fencing and associated drainage works, main infrastructure for a sensory garden as well as a community walking track complete with lighting. Major ESB works were required with the removal of six poles and cables brought underground to a newly installed ESB pillar station. Funding for this phase was provided by philanthropic donation from local businessman and long-time club member, Sam McCauley, and renamed, McCauley Bellefield Park.
The second phase of the project, which is commencing February 2024, is a public-community partnership and will include the development of a new statement entrance for the Club, together with 25 new public carparking spaces, new footpath with bollards, fencing, public lighting and signage. A new pedestrian crossing on the Bellefield Road will be delivered as part of phase two, as well as a new pocket garden with seating and a playground for young children. Funding for this second phase will be from the Rapparees Starlight’s Club in association with Wexford County Council.
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