A small but enthusiastic group attended a public meeting organised by the committee of the Delvin Sports and Leisure Centre on Thursday 31st January.

The meeting provided an overview of the project to date and an update on the current position. It also provided an opportunity for the committee to respond to some frequently asked questions and a forum for local residents to share their views on which direction the project should take going forward.

Anyone visiting the site in Ballyhealy could be forgiven for wondering what was going on and asking why there isn’t a centre in place. However, it is important to remember that until quite recently, this was just a field! With very limited resources, the land has been cleared, water and electrical supplies have been added, a professional grade sports pitch has been laid and a walking track has been opened. The foundations have also been laid and plans drawn up for the building what will eventually rest on them. Hours and hours of meetings have been attended and mountains of paperwork dealt with to get this point, but progress is being made and the project is very much alive!

Delvin Book Fair – Sunday 5th May

The full term plans for the centre building are impressive and ambitious but they are also realistic. The committee are dedicated to providing an indoor facility on the site at the earliest opportunity – even if it does not have all the proposed facilities in place from the start. People have been extremely generous with donations of concrete blocks, cement and other materials as well as much needed cash. Phase one will now cost €25,000 to complete and will provide a basic multi-purpose hall that can be used for community events. Subsequent phases will see the hall kitted out with changing rooms and other facilities.

Progress on the build is being made but maintaining the existing site facilities has eaten in to the available funds. Aside from utility charges for water and electricity, the sports pitch costs in excess of €1,600 a year to maintain, grass has to be cut and other maintenance needs to be carried out.

So will the centre ever be built? The answer is yes – with your continued support!

Delvin Spook Trail – Returning October 2013

So What Can You Do?

• Volunteer! Many hands make light work, so if you have any time to spare please get in touch with the committee. Aside from the day to day work, events such as the Book Fair and the Spook Trail need brains as well as brawn to make them work, so help is always welcome.
• Donate! Please remember to donate when using the walking track and also remember that the site is available for hire at very reasonable rates. This is a not for profit organisation so every cent does make a difference!
• Stay Informed! New ways are being looked at to help share news and information about the project. Watch this space!