Harps stadium expecting significant work
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Finn Harps have confirmed that they expect ‘significant’ physical work on their new stadium in Stranorlar to continue in ‘early January’ after the last hurdle of legal red tape was substantially cleared last week.
It is understood that a number of bodies had to be consulted prior to finalising all legal and tax issues, and it took some time to get all matters signed off to the satisfaction of all parties.The club’s Stadium Development Officer, Mr Patsy Lafferty, confirmed that he expected the first draw down of grant money for the ambitious project to take place in January.
“The legalities were more or less sorted in the last couple of weeks, I would hope that they would be completely finalised in early January, so that we can get the grant money drawn down and have the contractors back on site on a full time basis.” he said.
Harps’ move to their new state-of-the-art 6,600 all-seater stadium across the river Finn in Stranorlar has been the subject of a long and protracted legal process over the last few years. The project was first mentioned to shareholders at the AGM of the Finn Harps Co-Operative Society in 2004, though legalities significantly stalled the advancement of the development.
Planning permission for the new stadium, to be located at a site adjacent to the Finn Valley Centre, was granted in 2005, while the tender for the project was awarded to Joseph McMenamin and Sons in 2006, with 2008 seeing the first sod turned on the site.
Planning permission was renewed earlier this year but further delays in the legal process caused more headaches, although Harps are now confident of making inroads to a new abode in 2011.
“It was torturous to an extent at times, but we should have the first phase draw down of grant money in January,” said Mr Lafferty. “That would mean that the builders would be on site on a full-time basis and after that we would see significant progress.”
Mr Lafferty said he would be ‘reluctant’ to put a date on an expected finalisation of the new development, which has to date had €1.25 million allocated by the Department. This money will be drawn down in a phased basis.
“The current economic climate is likely to mean that grant funding will come through a bit slower than initially planned. Department officials have indicated that the commitment to the project will be honoured, which is much appreciated.
“I would expect the site works to start in a big way in the next month or two depending on the weather, and then it will be all systems go. We will be continuing to keep close contact with the FAI and the Department with regard to future draw downs as the project progresses on site. ” he said.
Cllr Patrick McGowan welcomed the news, saying that it would give the county a 'massive lift.'
"I have been acting as a go-between between the Tanaiste's Office and the Department, working away behind the scenes and most of the legalities have been dealt with now. This couldn't be coming at a better time, with such high unemployment and with everyone at a very low ebb.
"Some people would have said that the Twin Towns didn't get enough in the Celtic Tiger, but this will be a great boost. It will bring with it a real feel-good factor and come the spring time we should see a lot of work on the ground.
"For the whole area this news couldn't have come at a better time, but as regards sport this is massive.
"Also, the contractor for the swimming pool will be selected soon and over €1million has been secured for an enterprise hub, which will be located just in front of the stadium. These projects are all going forward at the one time and Finn Harps will be at the centre of it. Great credit has to go to Patsy Lafferty and the team, they have done everything asked of them."
Earlier this year, the Co-Operative Society approved changes to its rules which allowed the advancement of a project that finally looks like it will come to fruition.
The stadium will incorporate an administration building, with modern dressing rooms and all facilities required by UEFA Licensing.
A junior pitch for local soccer is also being provided in the first phase. The project was initially expected to cost €9million, but that figure is expected to have been significantly reduced.
The FAI have designated the overall complex as their Regional Development Centre for the North West.
It is understood that a number of bodies had to be consulted prior to finalising all legal and tax issues, and it took some time to get all matters signed off to the satisfaction of all parties.The club’s Stadium Development Officer, Mr Patsy Lafferty, confirmed that he expected the first draw down of grant money for the ambitious project to take place in January.
“The legalities were more or less sorted in the last couple of weeks, I would hope that they would be completely finalised in early January, so that we can get the grant money drawn down and have the contractors back on site on a full time basis.” he said.
Harps’ move to their new state-of-the-art 6,600 all-seater stadium across the river Finn in Stranorlar has been the subject of a long and protracted legal process over the last few years. The project was first mentioned to shareholders at the AGM of the Finn Harps Co-Operative Society in 2004, though legalities significantly stalled the advancement of the development.
Planning permission for the new stadium, to be located at a site adjacent to the Finn Valley Centre, was granted in 2005, while the tender for the project was awarded to Joseph McMenamin and Sons in 2006, with 2008 seeing the first sod turned on the site.
Planning permission was renewed earlier this year but further delays in the legal process caused more headaches, although Harps are now confident of making inroads to a new abode in 2011.
“It was torturous to an extent at times, but we should have the first phase draw down of grant money in January,” said Mr Lafferty. “That would mean that the builders would be on site on a full-time basis and after that we would see significant progress.”
Mr Lafferty said he would be ‘reluctant’ to put a date on an expected finalisation of the new development, which has to date had €1.25 million allocated by the Department. This money will be drawn down in a phased basis.
“The current economic climate is likely to mean that grant funding will come through a bit slower than initially planned. Department officials have indicated that the commitment to the project will be honoured, which is much appreciated.
“I would expect the site works to start in a big way in the next month or two depending on the weather, and then it will be all systems go. We will be continuing to keep close contact with the FAI and the Department with regard to future draw downs as the project progresses on site. ” he said.
Cllr Patrick McGowan welcomed the news, saying that it would give the county a 'massive lift.'
"I have been acting as a go-between between the Tanaiste's Office and the Department, working away behind the scenes and most of the legalities have been dealt with now. This couldn't be coming at a better time, with such high unemployment and with everyone at a very low ebb.
"Some people would have said that the Twin Towns didn't get enough in the Celtic Tiger, but this will be a great boost. It will bring with it a real feel-good factor and come the spring time we should see a lot of work on the ground.
"For the whole area this news couldn't have come at a better time, but as regards sport this is massive.
"Also, the contractor for the swimming pool will be selected soon and over €1million has been secured for an enterprise hub, which will be located just in front of the stadium. These projects are all going forward at the one time and Finn Harps will be at the centre of it. Great credit has to go to Patsy Lafferty and the team, they have done everything asked of them."
Earlier this year, the Co-Operative Society approved changes to its rules which allowed the advancement of a project that finally looks like it will come to fruition.
The stadium will incorporate an administration building, with modern dressing rooms and all facilities required by UEFA Licensing.
A junior pitch for local soccer is also being provided in the first phase. The project was initially expected to cost €9million, but that figure is expected to have been significantly reduced.
The FAI have designated the overall complex as their Regional Development Centre for the North West.
About Chris McNulty
Chris McNulty is one of extratime's Northwest correspondents, covering Finn Harps and Derry City. Has worked as a sports writer with the Donegal News since 2007. View Full Profile