Dundrum pitch worries

Dundrum pitch worries

24 February 2021

DUNDRUM United FC officials have said work is urgently needed to alleviate drainage issues with their pitch.

On several occasions over recent years, matches have been postponed at the pitch due to flooding.

The club and local politicians say it is an issue that needs to be addressed.

The plea comes after it was announced that a £115,000 funding package has been made available by Newry, Mourne and Down Council to improve changing facilities and parking at the Old Belfast Road complex.

Club secretary Ciaran Bonner says the problems are nothing new and that the club is suffering.

”Obviously, there is no football at the moment and that gives us time to hopefully remedy this problem.

“I live within sight of the pitch and when there is a spell of really wet weather, I can see how bad it gets.

“We are thankful for the efforts local politicians are making on our behalf. It will cost quite a bit of money to put it right, but if the pitch and car park were tended to as a matter of urgency, then I think we as a club would be quite happy with that.”

Mr Bonner said the club was an important part of the Dundrum community and needed amenities that were up to standard.

“We need facilities improved for sport generally in Dundrum. And we want everyone involved. 

“It is not only the footballers who get the use out of the facilities, but also people who run. The current pavilion that we have was only ever meant to be a temporary measure, but that has been in place since the late 1980s.

“We want everyone involved in our club and the quest to improve facilities. We have a strong club, there is good camaraderie around it, and it is good for the local area generally.”

The club is being supported by local Ulster Unionist councillor Alan Lewis, who confirmed that the council funding package.

Cllr Lewis said that all the issues affecting the ground at the Old Belfast Road venue needed to be addressed.

“I would call on all parties to support an increase in funding. There is little point improving the car park and pavilion if persistent flooding is affecting the pitch, regularly postponing play,” he said.

“We need to urgently deal with these issues and include adequate funding to ensure that all issues are resolved. 

“The pitch was constructed in mid-to-late 1980s with no drainage. It would be my opinion that the drainage needs to be sorted out before other works are completed.”

Cllr Lewis said he was fully supportive of the club’s efforts and confirmed he had asked the council to carry out a flood risk assessment and drainage survey.

“The council has invested a lot of money in other parts of our district. I want to see Slieve Croob getting a fair share. This pitch needs to be brought up to standard.”