New astro turf sports pitch with lighting installed at Rahard, Hollymount

Roundfort Recreation CLG has lodged a planning application with Mayo County Council to construct a new astro‑turf sports pitch complete with floodlights at Rahard, a small locality near Hollymount in the Claremorris area of County Mayo. The proposal, submitted on 5 May 2026, is recorded under reference 2660351 and is currently awaiting a decision, which is scheduled for 29 June 2026. The site address listed in the council file is Rahard, Hollymount, Claremorris, F12 Y750.

The development will involve the erection of a modern, all‑weather playing surface designed to accommodate a range of sports and community activities. Floodlighting is a key feature, intended to extend the pitch’s usability into the evening and winter months, thereby providing a year‑round venue for local clubs and schools. In addition to the pitch itself, the application includes associated site development works such as access roads, drainage, and perimeter fencing. The plans show a 2.4‑metre high fence surrounding the area, a standard measure for safety and to delineate the playing field.

Roundfort Recreation CLG, a community‑run organisation, has expressed that the new pitch will serve as a hub for sporting events and social gatherings, helping to foster greater participation in physical activity across the region. While the application details the technical aspects of the pitch and its lighting, it does not yet specify the exact dimensions of the playing surface or the number of lighting fixtures. The council’s decision will likely consider these factors, along with the impact on traffic, noise, and the surrounding environment.

The application arrives amid a busy period for planning in Claremorris. In recent weeks, the council has received several other proposals that reflect the town’s ongoing development. Among them is a request to rebuild and extend an existing shed into a single‑storey garage with an adjoining car park in Carrowmore South, Clogher, Claremorris (F12K7T3). Another application concerns the construction of a new porch or sunroom extension to an existing dwelling in Cloonfaughna, Bekan (F12 HK72). In addition, a proposal to construct a new slatted cattle shed with a milking parlour near Claremorris (F12PY98) and a plan to install a new wastewater treatment system at a residential property have also been submitted. These projects illustrate the diverse range of developments the council is currently evaluating, from residential to agricultural to recreational.

The astro‑turf pitch proposal is part of a broader trend in County Mayo to enhance community facilities. Similar projects have been approved in the past, such as the construction of an astro‑turf multi‑use games area with a perimeter fence, which was granted in early May. The new pitch at Rahard would add to the county’s portfolio of modern sporting venues, potentially attracting regional tournaments and providing a high‑quality training ground for local teams.

The council’s decision process will involve a review of the application against planning policies, including considerations of land use, environmental impact, and community benefit. The applicant has provided detailed plans and a site development scheme, but the council will also assess whether the pitch’s lighting will cause any undue light pollution or disturbance to nearby residents. The decision deadline of 29 June 2026 gives the council a little over a month to conduct its assessment, a typical timeframe for such applications.

For residents of Rahard and the wider Hollymount area, the proposed pitch represents a significant potential upgrade to local amenities. It could become a focal point for community life, offering a venue for sports, school events, and social gatherings. The inclusion of floodlights would allow for evening use, which is particularly valuable in the shorter daylight hours of winter. Moreover, the pitch could serve as a catalyst for further development in the area, potentially encouraging investment in surrounding infrastructure and services.

The application has already attracted attention from local media, with coverage on the local news website localnews.ie. The site has highlighted the application’s submission and the council’s upcoming decision, providing residents with a platform to stay informed. As the decision approaches, community members are encouraged to review the council’s planning portal for updates and to submit any comments or concerns they may have.

In summary, Roundfort Recreation CLG’s proposal for an astro‑turf pitch with floodlights at Rahard near Hollymount is a notable addition to the range of developments currently under consideration by Mayo County Council. The project promises to enhance sporting facilities for the Claremorris area, but its approval will depend on a thorough assessment of its impact and benefits. Readers can find the full council file and related planning documents on the Mayo County Council website, as well as updates on localnews.ie.

Summary written by localnews.ie from the original source coverage. Click through for the full report.