The exciting initiative means that residents can avail of a state of the art, all-weather football pitch free of charge.

And, because there will be lighting, matches can still go on after the sun has set.

Barry Nelis, the county council official overseeing the project in Donegal, explains the background.

"This new pitch is part of an overall country-wide project organised by the FAI. We've five mini-pitches on the go in Donegal, one in each electoral area. The pitches are suitable for 5 or 6 a side football, and for basketball or volleyball. The idea is to encourage people, especially young people, to get out there and start playing.

"We've deliberately located the mini-pitch within the estate itself, where it will be overlooked by houses. Not only does this mean there will be plenty of young people near to hand to avail of the facility, but this will help to ensure that it remains a safe place for people to gather."

The groundworks are already underway and Barry expects the pitch to be ready by the end of the summer. "The fencing is in and the hard core has been laid. We expect the tarmac to go on this week or next week. Then it's just a matter of putting in the astroturf itself."

Five years work

Joe McLaughlin (Jackie), of the local residents association, says the facility is something they've been working towards for the last five years.

"We wanted something that would bring different parts of the community together, so it's not just a football pitch. Male or female, child, teen or adult, all will be welcome to play a variety of sports. We were very fortunate to obtain funding from Inishowen Partnership last year to buy equipment and kits.

"We'd also like to thank Aideen Doherty of the council's Community, Culture and Enterprise unit, who helped us apply for funding from the FAI and the Dept. of Tourism and Sport and the council itself, which provided the main funding through the Development Contribution Scheme."

"There are up to 200 children living on this estate and, I can tell you, they can't wait to get in and start using the new pitch."

A mini-pitch is also being built at Newtowncunninham National School. It should be ready just a few weeks after the one in Carndonagh. More about the second pitch next week.