New Harps stadium starts in 2 weeks

THE League of Ireland has received a timely boost with the news that work on Finn Harps' new 6,600 all-seater stadium is to commence within the next fortnight.

The news comes after the club received the final piece of documentation required for the project to start.

The Donegal club's Ground Development Officer Patsy Lafferty confirmed that a Fire Safety Certificate had been granted and that work was imminent.

The delay in the granting of the certificate was due to some slight adjustments to the plans to allow it to stage outdoor concerts and other big sporting events. The alterations will enable Harps to cater for crowds of up to 15,000 for such events in their new home.

"It is a massive boost for the club," Mr Lafferty said, "and it gives everyone involved a huge lift at this time. "There's been a lot of sleepless nights to be fair and a lot of times when we thought that maybe it wouldn't go ahead."

The original time-scale on the project is two years, which could mean Harps could be playing at the state-of-the-art venue in 2011.

The development in Stranorlar will be built to completion before Harps move in. As well as 6,600 seats and a second pitch for junior soccer in the area, the development includes all facilities required for UEFA Licencing, a three-storey administration block and ample car parking.

Already, funding of €1.2 million has been granted to the development. Earlier this year, the first sod was turned by Pat The Cope Gallagher TD.