Concern as Ferrybank's Clover Centre plans hit hurdle over size of playing pitch proposed

Concern has arisen over the size of pitch proposed as part of a new community-focused park, which is to be developed in Ferrybank.

Kilkenny County Council has appointed a multidisciplinary design team to develop a master plan for the new community park on a 9.5-acre greenfield site in Christendom, Ferrybank. 

The land, including sports pitches and a clubhouse, was transferred by the trustees of Clover Meats in late 2023, with the condition that it be used solely for community recreation.

The process began with a public consultation on May 1 at the Ferrybank Primary Care Centre, attended by around 60 people with the design team, Digby Brady. 

Feedback from this event was reviewed by the design team and Kilkenny County Council later that month. 

At this meeting, it is understood that former Clover Meats workers were adamant that the grounds be returned to their former glory, incorporating hurling and soccer pitches.

Further stakeholder meetings in May and June addressed local needs, including playing pitch demand, men's and women's shed use, and potential shared facilities. An asbestos survey has been completed on the derelict building on site.

The design team and Council are now assessing constraints and opportunities, with another consultation planned for late July. 

A conceptual proposal is expected to be presented to Piltown Municipal District members in late 2025. 

Initial plans seem unable to facilitate a full-sized all-weather hurling pitch, which concerned locals say would be unfavourable to Abbey Community College, who would like to play competition games throughout the winter season, near the school. 

For the local GAA and Camogie Club, extra facilities are also needed, as one full-sized pitch in the Ferrybank GAA club is no longer adequate to cater for the rise in teams playing the sport.

We will continue to follow this story in Waterford News & Star.