Awkward Question

[Oh No]

I hate to bring it up again, but the new ground development.

Does anyony know what's happening here?

This should be the topic for discussion if things were on stream.

[atfconline]

Ash said on the eL board that he saw the plans for it awhile back and it looks pretty deadly, so maybe he has some idea?

I really can't see how there is a problem. It's being built on council land, no existing houses in the immediate area to object. There should be no problem with planning permission.

[A face]

Nice to see this happening.

[atfconline]

Westmeath Independent

Construction work on Athlone Town Football Club's proposed new stadium could begin in the next few weeks, with the club fully expected to receive the green light to proceed this week. According to the Chairman of the club's Ground Development Committee, Tom McEnroe, final planning permission is imminent, and will give the club the all-clear to begin work on a proposed 6,000 all-seated stadium at Lissywollen, Ballymahon Road, Athlone.

The club has already been granted Government funding to the tune of €1 million for the stadium, which they hope will be fit to host matches by Autumn 2003. Mr, McEnroe said: "Once we receive final permission from Westmeath County Council, the funding activates itself straight away. To benefit from it, we must start works before Christmas. That is not a problem because once we get permission, which we fully expect this week, we can immediately begin the project." As part of the first phase, perimeter fencing and steel structuring, including in the Main Stand, will be implemented. However, he added, the planting of the actual pitch must wait until next Spring.

He said that the entire project, including the acquisition of land, will cost in excess of €6 million. The club are keen to get several fundraising exercise's, including a major Club Draw, up and running before the end of this year.

UNCERTAINTY
However, it has emerged that the club are uncertain whether or not they will be in line for a second round oi Government funding. Mr. McEnroe said: "Due to the uncertainty surrounding the proposed National Stadium, eircom League clubs are unsure about more funding at the moment. It is not a huge worry but we will be keeping a close eye on developments."

Previously, the club has expressed its wishes to hold a public meeting to inform people of their ambitious stadium plans. This remains the case, according to Mr. McEnroe. "We cannot show plans until their are fully finalised. And although a lot of people are keen to know what is going on, we have to wait until final permission is given. In terms of the plans, there have been a few things that needing sorting out. But that is always the case.

We are looking forward to getting permission so that we can hold that meeting. "You must understand that several times in the past the club has spoke out before things were concrete. We never wanted to do that this time because we do not want to disappoint anybody. The meeting will happen very shortly and all will be welcome," he said.

The club are also thought to be discussing the possibility of acquiring a main corporate sponsor, who would have the new stadium named after it. Mr. McEnroe has previously commented on the practicality of naming the ground after a main sponsor, and it seems more and more likely that it will happen. In return for becoming the main club sponsor, the ground would be named after the sponsor - similar to Longford Town's Flancare Park and local rugby club, Buccaneers home at Ericsson Park.