By Ryan Sands
PLANS to install an air dome at Down GAA’s forthcoming Ballykinlar county hub have been earmarked for approval.
Planning permission for the €15.4m Ballykinlar Centre of Participation, Wellbeing and Shared Learning Hub was granted in July 2021; however, in March, an application to replace its multi-use games area (MUGA) element with a tent-like dome structure was submitted to council planners, who have now recommended it be approved.
Plans for the air dome illustrate that it would be situated in the centre of the site and would be surrounded by four full-size pitches.
It is set to include two small sports pitches, each of which would contain two tennis courts.
A design and access statement says that the introduction of the dome would allow ‘year-round usability’.
‘The proposal replaces the previously approved open-air MUGA with a covered facility of similar footprint,’ it reads.
‘Additional built form is limited to a modest entrance lobby structure and minor ancillary elements associated with the dome.
‘The scale of development remains consistent with the approved use of the site for sporting purposes.’
The document also states that the dome will ‘use a neutral, light-coloured membrane to reduce visual impact’ and has been ‘designed with inclusivity in mind’.
‘The air dome represents an efficient solution for extending the usability of the sports facility throughout the year, reducing weather dependency,’ it concludes.
‘The lightweight nature of the structure minimises construction impact and allows for potential reversibility.
‘The proposed development represents a logical and sustainable enhancement of an already approved sporting facility.
‘It builds upon the extant permission; improves usability through year-round provision; maintains an appropriate scale and layout; and ensures safe, inclusive and efficient access.’
In February, Down GAA began the search for a contractor to deliver the 12.5-hectare hub by 2028.
As well as four full-size pitches (three of which will be floodlit) and the MUGA, the 2021 planning permission included a two-storey building that will contain a covered spectator stand, office space, player facilities and a museum.
