By Dan Walsh at Enniscorthy Sports Hub
Tánaiste Simon Harris and Ministers Patrick O’Donovan and James Browne were in Enniscorthy on Friday morning for the sod turning ceremony on Phase Two €600,000 development at Enniscorthy Sports Hub.
The Tánaiste was joined by Patrick O’Donovan TD, Minister for Culture, Communications & Sport, and by Minister for Housing, Heritage and Local Government, James Browne TD. Also present were Senator Cathal Byrne, Cllrs Pat Kehoe, Patricia Byrne, Aidan Browne, Jackser Owens and John O’Rourke; Chief Executive of Wexford County Council Eddie Taaffe, Director of Services Carolyne Godkin, executives and officials of Wexford County Council and sports groups. Claire Lawless, District Manager acted as master of ceremonies.
Cllr Joe Sullivan, Cathaoirleach of Wexford County Council explained what the day was all about. He offered “a special word of thanks to Minister Patrick O’Donovan and his Department of Culture, Communications and Sport for the generous funding through the Large Scale Sport Infrastructure Fund (LSSIF). Your commitment to supporting the project is deeply appreciated and we are grateful for your partnership in this endavour.
Cllr Sullivan said that back in 2015, a €1 million investment delivered a state-of-the-art 400 metres, eight lane, all-waether athletics track built to world class IAAF standards and in-field facilities with floodlighting and car parking facilities that transformed the sporting landscape of Enniscorthy. “It gave our athletes a home, our schools a shared resource and our town a hub of activity and pride from the many successes of our local clubs,” said Cllr Sullivan.
He continued; “Now with the development of Phase Two we build upon the legacy thanks to €450,000 funding support, we will see the construction of a modern building complete with changing rooms, toilet facilities, a fully accessible Changing Places facility and a versatile open space area that will support the growing number of users and clubs.”
“I also wish to thank Wexford County Council for the ongoing commitment and supporting match funding of €150,000 for the project,” said Cllr Sullivan, who concluded; “This is an exciting development for Enniscorthy, The facility will be an enormous benefit for the entire community providing essential amenities for athletes and clubs that will benefit generations to come.”
Cllr Barbara-Anne Murphy was Cathaoirleach in 2014 and she welcomed the digntories and complemented Enniscorthy Municipal District Council for its support for Enniscorthy Sports Hub.
Cllr Murphy said; “The fact that we are going to have Phase Two here is really going to make a difference and I’m sure all the athletes and their families and parents that are using it are really looking forward to seeing it in action.”
Tánaiste Simon Harris said; “I want to commend the entire community and all project partners on reaching this important milestone. I have no doubt this facility will be a valued resource for many years to come, promoting health and fitness for people of all ages and abilities.
Today we lay the foundation for a space where ambition will be nurtured. This hub will help ensure athletes have the opportunity to thrive and stands as proof that our investment in sport is supporting growth and participation.”
Minister Patrick O’Donovan said; “The Enniscorthy Sports Hub project will be a key regional facility for Wexford, supporting local clubs, schools, aspiring athletes, while also attracting events and visitors to the area.
“With Irish athletes making headlines on the international stage, there has never been a better time to inspire more people to use facilities such as these. Through the LSSIF (Large Scale Sport Infrastructure Fund), we are delivering real results for communities across the country. I want to commend everyone who is involved in bringing this project to life.”
Minister James Browne said; “The Enniscorthy Sports Hub project is an exciting development for Wexford and will offer an opportunity for local athletes, clubs and schools to excel in their chosen sports. This new facility will also make Wexford a destination for all sorts of sporting events. I’m proud to be here as we mark the beginning of a new chapter for sport in Wexford.”
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