Race against the clock to secure astro-turf pitches within funding deadline

By JACQUELINE HOGGE FEARS that sports funding allocated for the development of astro-turf, all-weather pitches in Tuam may be lost, increased this week as the deadline for drawing down the funds enters its final month. Construction work on the project was due to begin earlier this month, with an eight-week building programme envisaged, however contracts have yet to be signed between Galway County Council and the successful contractor, who has yet to be announced. The €180,000 council development was granted to Tuam Celtic Football Club last March, having been stalled for several years over original plans to locate the facility in the Palace Grounds.[private] However, a change of location was eventually agreed and a lease signed with the football club eight months ago. A number of conditions were attached to the offer of funding from the Department of Arts, Sport and Tourism, including a stipulation that the facility will have to be constructed and the grant drawn down by the end of the year. With only five weeks left in the year, officials within the club are nervous that the money may be lost. Bart Gormley, Chairman of Tuam Celtic FC, said he remained hopeful that the pitches would be realised within the deadline. 'I am slightly concerned at the ongoing delay in starting construction work on the pitches but officials within Galway County Council have assured me the project is safe, so I am hopeful that we will see work commence shortly,' he said. 'It's my understanding that 80 per cent of the funding has to be drawn down by the end of the year and if the groundworks begin in the next week or so there is no reason why they can't be completed by the end of the year, which would account for 80 per cent of the work. 'That can be achieved but it is a race against the clock for everyone so we're just hoping that there's not going to be any more delays, all of which have been down to red tape. 'There were some legal issues the council raised with us but they have all been addressed and dealt with, we have done everything that has been asked of us. 'No one wants to see these pitches completed more than the club, the recent rain has made our pitches unplayable and it is costing us money to send our members up to the Tuam Stars astro turf pitches and the Mercy grounds to train. 'I am in regular contact with council officials so we just have to hope something happens sooner rather than later to ensure we don't lose the funding.' Eugene Cummins, Director of Services for Corporate, Housing and Emergency Services was unavailable for comment when contacted on Tuesday evening.[/private]