Plan to develop skate park in New Ross hangs in the balance unless funding is secured

PLANS to develop a skate park in New Ross may hit the skids due to funding issues, New Ross Municipal District chairman Cllr Michael Sheehan was told at the body’s March meeting. Cllr Sheehan has been trying to progress the skate park in New Ross for decades and has gotten it to planning stage.

Area manager Alan Fitzhenry said: “The council is to progress this project and have a consultant prepare revised plans and reports for a new skate park within Pearse Park. Once complete, these plans will be presented to the municipal district for approval and a Part 8 planning process advanced. Funding will then need to be sought to realise the project.”

Mr Fitzhenry said the recently opened skate park in the Min Ryan Park in Wexford Town has been hugely successful with large numbers of people using the park and it is anticipated that New Ross can benefit in the same way.

When asked how much it will cost to fund the project, Special Projects lead Brian Galvin said in the case of Min Ryan skate park 25pc was sourced through the Sports Capital funding with Wexford County Council footing the bill for the majority 75pc amount.

Cllr Bridín Murphy asked what location in the park the council had in mind, saying it's a compact area.

Area director Eamonn Hore said it would be located near the tennis courts, continuing the activity area of the park.