Lack of sport facilities in Tramore means 'thriving' clubs are limited 

Clubs in Tramore are calling on Waterford City and County Council to build more sports facilities in the town.

Eight clubs, including rugby, football, athletics, basketball, GAA, camogie and badminton, penned a letter almost two years ago asking the council to provide the facilities needed to grow their clubs.

Leading the charge is Tramore Rugby Football Club, who say sports are well represented, but the facilities are just not there.

“Rugby is thriving in Tramore thanks to the passion of parents, coaches, and players.

“We have the numbers, the enthusiasm, and the talent. What we lack is a pitch to call our own — and that’s what is holding the town back.

“Rugby, basketball, athletics, badminton — we’re all dealing with similar problems.

“Even the established clubs like GAA and Soccer with facilities are creaking at the seams, Tramore has the numbers and huge will, but the sports infrastructure is lagging several decades behind,” said club chairperson Aidan Healy.

In their 2023 letter, the clubs say some have outgrown their facilities, others don’t have any at all, while some are unfit for purpose or the clubs don’t own.

Tramore Rugby FC points out that their efforts, though limited by the lack of facilities, are bearing fruit.

The club’s U14s reached the Pan Munster Cup last year and Ardscoil na Mara has excelled in competitions like the John O’Neill Memorial Tournament.

Tramore RFC say they have built one of the largest minis rugby sections in the East Munster Division with 200 members, including more than 100 children aged six to 12 years.

The Tramore Badminton Club has a waitlist of over 50 people and just one court, which shows a growing interest but capped potential.

“These successes prove that Tramore has the players, the volunteers, and the ambition.

“What’s missing is even just a basic level of infrastructure to match that potential,” said Tramore RFC Secretary, Peter Kelly.

At the start of the month, Sinn Féin TD Conor McGuinness raised the issue of sports facilities in Waterford in the Dáil, and in particular Tramore.

He said the town has the largest town population in Waterford, but has just 5.5sq/m of pitch space per person when compared to the next highest, which is Dungarvan at 15.3sq/m.

Speaking afterward, Deputy Conor McGuinness called on the government to provide more support to Tramore and sporting towns like it.

“Tramore Rugby Club has been without a home for far too long,” he said. “Despite the growth of the game in the town and the huge voluntary effort of players, coaches, and parents, the club still has no permanent facilities. That’s simply unacceptable.” 

“This is about participation, inclusion, and opportunity for young people in Tramore. A thriving rugby club can be an anchor for a community, but it can’t thrive without a home. The Government’s funding model isn’t working for towns like Tramore – it’s too slow, too bureaucratic, and too focused on large, headline projects,” said Deputy McGuinness.

Mr Kelly said it Tramore has been ignored for too long.

“This isn’t about rugby versus GAA, Dungarvan or anyone else.

“We want to see all areas doing well, but this is about fairness and proper planning. Tramore has been short-changed for decades, and young people and dedicated volunteers are paying the price.” 

“If Tramore keeps building houses without building pitches and other facilities, then the next generation will have nowhere to play.

“The demand is there, the players are there, the volunteers are there,” Kelly concluded. “What’s missing is vision. Tramore deserves better. If we don’t address this, we are creating social problems for the future,” said Mr Kelly.