Sean Dolan's granted planning permission for new indoor pitch and clubhouse development

Dolan's have been working with Radius Housing Association on Phase 2 of the ambitious Piggery Ridge development for more than four years, plans they hope will transform the club facilities into some of the best in Ulster.

It is a project which Dolan's are hoping will benefit the entire community and while some hurdles still remain to be cleared, the granting of planning permission at Wednesday afternoon's council meeting is seen as a major step forward for the project.

"A significant step forward has been achieved in our goal to deliver on Phase 2 of our Development Plan for additional facilities with the granting of planning permission," read a club statement, "We have been working in partnership with Radius Housing to deliver a scheme which will invest over £16,000,000 into the local Creggan community and whilst there is still work to be done to realise our vision, we are confident that the will is out there to ensure that this significant investment is delivered upon.

"It is important to remember that not that many years ago Dolans was on its knees after an arson attack on our club facilities. Indeed, many people within the GAA were questioning the very future of the club. However, with the determination of club members, the club was able to deliver a fit for purpose set of changing facilities as well as one of the best pitches in the Derry County Board area.

"As you can see from the photos, the club hope to develop a state-of-the-art 3G Indoor facilities which will enable us to provide Gaelic games throughout the entire year. Additionally, the 3G indoor facility will also be a great resource for the entire Creggan community, as well as the wider sporting fraternity in the North West.

"Furthermore, we intend to extend our existing club facilities to enable us to provide additional facilities to our club members and in particular, our playing members."

As part of the project Radius Housing is planning to deliver 119 much needed new homes to the area.

"Finally, 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," continued the statement, "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!

Welcoming the decision, Sinn Féin Foyle MLA Karen Mullan said the decision was great news for Sean Dolans GAC and the whole community.

“It's great news for Sean Dolan's GAC and the Creggan community that planning approval for these new facilities has been given the go-ahead," said the Foyle MLA.

“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 Sean 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. They are quite literally rising out of the ashes into a stronger, more resilient club with first class facilities.

“Sean 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’.