Regional Sports Hub in Tipperary the target of vandalism before it has even opened

Vandalism at the new Regional Sports Hub near the bypass road in Clonmel, which is scheduled to open soon, has been condemned.

District Mayor Pat English has stated that he noted with sadness that there was vandalism at the site, and it was a bad start for the new facility.

They would have to get to the bottom of who was responsible.

Cllr English also told a meeting of Clonmel Borough District that the residents of nearby housing estates including Northfields, Fairfields and Boherduff weren’t happy with the fencing erected at the sports hub.

Cllr Michael Murphy said that the governance of the sports hub was really important, and it was also important that there would be a clear understanding about who was responsible for security and the day-to-day running of the site.

He too condemned the wanton vandalism. The fencing that had been erected was more of a sound barrier than security fencing.

Cllr Murphy said the sports hub was a fantastic facility for the local clubs and had enormous potential to host national and international events.

Cllr John FitzGerald said that the security at such facilities was important. It was a terrible state of affairs that Clonmel Rugby Club had to manage security and even pay for extra security.

This vandalism had to be called out and some element of parental responsibility had to come into this as well, he said.

District Administrator Carol Creighton said there would be an onsite qualified sports manager at the sports hub. An official working group committee would be formed before the facility was handed over to Clonmel Athletic Club, Clonmel Cycling Club and Clonmel Triathlon Club, and officially opened.

Ms Creighton said that TUS (Technological University of the Shannon) would manage the hub, along with the sports manager.

TUS were very conscious of security and were aware of what needed to be done in this regard.

At present there was 24-hour security at the site.