Construction imminent for new Harps Stadium Project.

Finn Harps are delighted with the announcement by the Dept of Arts, Sport and Tourism that another €500,000 has been approved for the new stadium project at Stranorlar. This brings total government funding allocated to date to €1,250,000.

This is a great boost for the Club, and also for the Twin Towns and the County, and confirms the commitment of the Department and the FAI to the project.

Earlier this year, a number of final key issues were overcome, with the Trust successfully obtaining court approval for the move as well as obtaining approval for some of the tax issues from the Revenue Commissioners. The official sod turning was performed in May and it had been planned to commence works on site this month. While site works have not yet commenced, the contractors, Joseph McMenamin and Sons have been working on final design issues and have recently applied for a fire safety certificate, which is required to be in place prior to commencement of actual construction works. We anticipate that this should be in place shortly, and works will commence shortly thereafter. This development is critical to the clubs long-term plans to build sustainable structures for the future in line with UEFA Licensing.

Speaking to FinnHarps.com, Patsy Lafferty, Ground Development Officer expressed his delight at the news. "This is fantastic news, and a very positive indication from the Department of Sport for the Project. We are very appreciative of this support. The project couldn't have been brought forward without the assistance of various other parties, and on behalf of the Club I would like to acknowledge this and pay tribute to various local groups, organisations and individuals – including the local Trust, Councillors Patrick McGowan, JJ Reid and Alice Bonner, County Council officials, local landowners, as well as Tánaiste Mary Coughlan and Deputy Pat the Cope Gallagher and our Ground Development people. The FAI has been particularly supportive, and their advice over the last few years has been invaluable. Joseph McMenamin and Sons have also been extremely cooperative and are anxious to get on site. I would also acknowledge the key input of the relevant legal representatives who have ensured that legalities have been progressed to the satisfaction of all parties involved. While I would acknowledge that fans have been frustrated by the length of time taken to get on site, it has been critical to get every angle covered before doing so. This is a major project, so it is important that all is in order before commencement.

"In light of this good news, I would encourage all Harps fans to come out in their numbers this weekend to support Paul and the players for the Galway match. The fans played a key role in the second half of last season, and if they can come out in their numbers again this weekend it would be a great boost for the team."

The stadium will incorporate 6,800 covered seats, along with an administration building, with modern dressing rooms and all facilities required by UEFA Licensing. A junior pitch for local soccer is also being provided at an early stage of the project. The project will cost over €9 million, and will be located close to the existing Finn Valley Complex. The FAI have designated the overall complex as their Regional Development Centre for the North West.