Page 4 - Sports Infrastructure Brochure (6)

TOBIN CONSULTING ENGINEERS

SPORTS FACILITIES

IN IRELAND

A N A R T I C L E
B Y B R E N D A N D O O L E Y

The recent announcement of the Large Scale Sports Specific site conditions which need to be considered for
Infrastructure Funds by the Government, allows vital projects include:
funding to be distributed to various organisations Site ground conditions (for example: extent of
from the main provincial organisations within the earthworks, having to dispose of excavated materials

IRFU, FAI and the local GAA club. Improvement and versus re-using in the works, presence of rock,
expansion of their facilities has brought an susceptibility to flooding etc),
excitement and realisation of strategies and dreams Presence of utilities above and below ground,
for many clubs and organisations throughout the Access to power and type of power required for
floodlighting systems,
country.
Requirement for site infrastructure works such as new
The funding provided to the various clubs and societies or extended car parking, footpaths or access roads,
provide much needed financial support in realising their Requirement for maintenance sheds or compounds,
long-term goals. Regardless of the scale of grant awarded Requirement for storage facilities for large equipment
or proposed development works, capital investment for (for example athletics equipment)
any organisation represents significant outlay, Land acquisition requirements.
expenditure and risk.
In some projects, specific phasing may be a consideration
As clubs and organisations embark on their respective which can affect works through either delayed
developments and journeys, it is crucial that careful construction works or increased costs. Particular issues
planning, cost management and risk management is may arise where works can only be completed during the

undertaken regardless of the scale of the development off season in order to avoid closing facilities during peak
and that these organisations fully consider the pitfalls and periods when it is required. Temporary relocation to
potential risks to projects before they commence another facility including rental costs may need to be
construction. factored in.

Facilities such as all-weather pitches, synthetic playing A combination of the Irish climate, evolving sports science
pitches or running tracks are similar in nature and a level and high-performance guidelines are seeing more and
of cost certainty can be formed from the formation level more facilities being developed to allow sports to be
upwards once anticipated scope levels are known played indoors. TOBIN have unparalled experience in the

(obviously depending on specification of surfaces). design and delivery of both permanent and temporary
indoor playing structures.
It is the site specific aspects however which can throw up
the potential of unknowns, overspends and significant
cost differences from one project to the next.