Galway GAA club seek permission for new pitch and walking trail
A planning application for a new GAA pitch and surrounding park amenities in Connemara was submitted this week.
The 4.5-hectare proposal includes the construction of a full-size GAA football pitch, spectator stands with capacity for 300 people (both standing and seated), a new walking trail, and a car park. The project is being put forward on behalf of Cumann Lúthchleas Gael Carna (Carna Gaelic Athletic Association).
An existing pitch is currently located north of the proposed site at An Phlantation, approximately 1 km from Carna town.
Plans include 26 car parking spaces along the south-eastern boundary, as well as a bus bay at the southernmost part of the site. Road access will be maintained from the current pitch, allowing two-way entry and exit to the site. Past the pitch, the road will become one-way, serving as an exit only on the southern side.
According to the site layout, works for the walking path and car park will be located beside the existing pitch.
A road safety audit identified seven potential issues and provided recommendations for the design team. Concerns include blind turns onto busy carriageways from the site’s entrance and exit, narrow internal roads that could force vehicles onto soft ground, and unclear road markings and signage.
An Ecological Impact Report raised no concerns regarding local wildlife, including bat populations.
Public submissions on the proposal are open until September 9, 2025, with a decision expected on September 30, 2025. The Civil Design report estimates the project will take approximately two years to complete.