Welcome boost for sports facilities in Claregalway with new athletics track

Sports facilities in Claregalway are set for a welcome boost after planning permission was granted to Coláiste Bhaile Chláir for an eight-lane running track and all-weather playing pitch beside the school.

Published 8th Jul 2026, 15:07 BST Connacht Tribune Sports facilities in Claregalway are set for a welcome boost after planning permission was granted to Coláiste Bhaile Chláir for an eight-lane running track and all-weather playing pitch beside the school. Sign up to our Connacht Tribune Today daily newsletter Sign up Thank you for signing up! Did you know you can manage your profile, and explore all of the available newsletters from Connacht Tribune within your account.

The decision has been welcomed by Galway West Deputy John Connolly (FF), who made a submission to Galway County Council in support of the new sports infrastructure.

While it is good news for the local community, there is still a four-week window for the decision to be appealed to An Coimisiún Pleanála before the project receives the final go-ahead.

The plans include an eight-lane athletics track, a 100m x 65m all-weather playing pitch and associated floodlighting at Droim na Gaoithe, Baile Chláir.

"The project is an ambitious endeavour which has the potential to provide a unique piece of sporting and social infrastructure for current and future generations in the immediate and wider community," said Deputy Connolly.

"The development of such a facility adjacent to a number of local schools will lend itself to fostering a positive attitude towards sport and physical activity among children and young people in the area."

Deputy Connolly said the facility would provide state-of-the-art resources for students undertaking PE lessons at Coláiste Bhaile Chláir.

While students will use the track during the school day, the facility is proposed to be open to the wider community in the evenings, at weekends and during school holidays.

He highlighted that the Baile Chláir Metropolitan Area Plan 2022–2028 recognises investment in community facilities has not kept pace with population growth.

Galway County Council granted planning permission subject to nine conditions.

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