Galway City Council, Mervue 3G pitch
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Services
Project summary
- Feasibility investigations
- Pitch design
- Construction monitoring
When developing new sports facilities, or improving existing ones, clients are increasingly seeking sustainable solutions. This is particularly pertinent with artificial surfaces and the changing landscape of infill options available for this type of playing surface.
STRI Group provided the design and construction monitoring for a new 3G pitch in Mervue, for Galway City Council. The council has been extremely proactive in its approach to upgrading existing sports facilities and expanding and constructing new facilities. These improvements to the sports infrastructure will help to cater for the growing demands of clubs and communities across the city and beyond.
Senior Technical Consultant and project lead Greg Whately was involved from the project inception, conducting a feasibility study and site investigation which included on site soakaway testing. This included assessing the existing ground conditions, access points, potential environmental impact, size of the area and potential impact to members of the public as the site is part of an amenity park. Using the data gathered, the design and detailed specification was formulated, as well as all the required drawings and documentation to allow the works to be tendered.
the
challenge
This project incorporated several elements not usually considered part of a typical 3G pitch construction. These included retractable goals and net extensions above the weld mesh fencing which help to further enclose the pitch to reduce the number of balls leaving the facility, ultimately reducing the risk of members of the public being struck by a wayward ball.
The design of this pitch was unique to enable fulfilment of Galway City Council’s requirements and to align with their sustainability goals, including the use of more sustainable materials. This was in part due to the upcoming EU ban on the sale of polymeric infill materials including rubber crumb, which is due to come into effect in 2031. This upcoming European Regulation will see the sale of rubber crumb infill banned for sports pitches in a push to move the whole industry towards using products that have a minimal impact on the environment.
the
solution
As part of a wider strategy to reduce microplastics and comply with EU legislation, STRI investigated using an organic infill product. After examining a few different organic infill products and assessing their suitability, Mervue became one of the first pitches in Ireland to use Brockfill, a wood particle infill product as the pitch infill, helping to futureproof the pitch whilst reducing its environmental impact.
the
results
Works on site were completed within seven weeks, with construction monitoring visits and key stage inspections carried out by Greg Whately throughout ensuring consistency for the client in terms of quality control and stakeholder communication.
Set in an urban public park, the pitch will be utilised by a neighbouring GAA (Gaelic Athletics Association) club, with a booking system for the public meaning more people bet to benefit from this fantastic new facility.
Independent pitch performance testing was completed prior to handover to Galway City Council to ensure the new pitch met the required standards and ensure it will perform to the highest standards for many years to come.
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