Radius/Seán Dolan’s GAC plan for 119 social homes and multi-use community building gets green light

Derry City and Strabane District Council Planning Committee this afternoon rubber-stamped the Radius Housing/Seán Dolan GAC application to build 119 social housing units on lands to the west of the club's ground at Bligh's Lane.

Permission has also been granted for the club to extend and refurbish its clubhouse to provide a new multi-use community building.

Improvement works can also go ahead on the club's existing car park and communal landscape areas.

In a statement the club said: “These houses will be built to a high standard and will provide housing units to young families as well as units for those with disabilities and the elderly....this will be a quality development and will see lands that were once occupied by the British Army being brought into a vibrant and welcoming space.

“We would like to thank all those who have helped us to date and in particular we would like to thank our local councillors and MLAs. We deeply appreciate all the hard work done by our club members who have kept faith with us when it was easier to walk away.

“We have seen a fantastic surge in support and participation within our club especially with our playing members both young and old. They are our future and are the reason why we are striving so hard to provide facilities which will be the envy of the entire county!”

Sinn Féin Foyle MLA Karen Mullan: “It's great news for Seán Dolans GAC and the Creggan community that planning approval for these new facilities has been given the go-ahead.

“For the past number of years, Sean Dolans have been working in conjunction with Radius Housing Association and a range of stakeholders to develop not only social housing but also state of the art sports facilities within the site at Piggery Ridge.

“The new facilities will include an indoor 3G facility, further development of the current clubhouse and additional social space that is intended to be used in activities that will also develop language and culture.

“Looking at these plans, it’s clear that Seán Dolans GAC is intent on building a community and cultural hub within the Creggan community. They should be commended for the sterling and tireless work to date by a small group of volunteers to get the club to this point with a vibrant underage structure which is providing an invaluable service to the youth of the TRIAX area. And quite literally rising out of the ashes into a stronger, more resilient club with first class facilities.

“Seán Dolans GAC are always welcoming new members and supporters, and I would urge the community in Creggan to get behind the club to ensure that this development is successful in building a vibrant Gaelic community not just in Creggan, but in this city."