Dundalk IT given the go ahead to convert JJB into sports education centre

What the new Dundalk IT Sports Arena will look like when fully operational

Dundalk IT have been granted conditional planning permission by Louth County Council to convert the former JJB complex at Bothar na Feirme into a sports and education centre.

The college plan to change the retail area at the first floor level into an area equipped for sports educational and training purposes. They also hope to use it as an exam hall when they see fit.

Meanwhile, the existing playing pitch area and associated changing area at the ground floor level will also be used for sports education and training uses, as well as as an exam hall.

The proposed development will also consist of a new pedestrian access point of Bothar na Feirme, the removal of an existing vehicular access along the western boundary, the reduction of 79 car parking spaces and the reconfiguration of the existing car park layout. There would also be a repositioning of the existing bus lay-by to provide for a dedicated cycle parking area, as well as elevational changes to include the erection of four new fascia signs.

It is also hoped to construct a new boundary wall to the north and west, in addition to landscaping and all site development works.

DkIT Sport, as the building will now be known, has been used by students since the turn of the year and was officially opened last Friday, with FAI President John Delaney attending.

It will open to the public in June and will be managed by the Holohan Leisure Group.

Its facilities will include a 20m swimming pool, changing rooms, steam room, jacuzzi, gym area, aerobic studio, indoor cycling studio, 10 indoor sports pitches and a dedicated high performance strength and conditioning training zone when fully operational.

The strength and conditioning training zone is the first of its kind in the county while the gym will include brand new, gold standard, Precor gym equipment.

The aim is to make DkIT sport “the best kitted out gym in Ireland.”

The indoor sports pitches will be available to local sports teams, clubs and the public for recreational use, as well as catering for children’s birthday parties.

A full timetable of group exercise classes will also be available.

The leisure centre will open on Monday June 29 and club membership options will be available to members of the general public.

A pre-opening membership sale is expected in early to mid June and will include use of the gym, studios, swimming pool, steam room and jacuzzi.

DkIT Sport to open to the public in June

DkIT Sport will be located at the former JJB facility at Dundalk Retail Park

The Holohan Leisure Group will manage the new DkIT Sport facility – formerly JJB – when it opens its doors to the public in June.

The centre at Dundalk Retail Park has had a limited opening to students in recent weeks and will include a 20m swimming pool, changing rooms, steam room, jacuzzi, gym area, aerobic studio, indoor cycling studio, 10 indoor sports pitches and a dedicated high performance strength and conditioning training zone when fully operational.

The strength and conditioning training zone is the first of its kind in the county while the gym will include brand new, gold standard, Precor gym equipment.

The aim is to make DkIT sport “the best kitted out gym in Ireland.”

The indoor sports pitches will be available to local sports teams, clubs and the public for recreational use, as well as catering for children’s birthday parties.

A full timetable of group exercise classes will also be available.

The leisure centre will open on Monday June 29 and club membership options will be available to members of the general public.

A pre-opening membership sale is expected in early to mid June and will include use of the gym, studios, swimming pool, steam room and jacuzzi.

New Dundalk FC Supporters’ Club to launch next month

A new official Dundalk FC Supporters’ Club will be launched next month.

The Lilywhite Supporters’ Club aims to run alongside the club to raise both funds and the profile of the club.

Set to be run as an independent group, it will be launched in McGuinness’ pub in Anne Street (formerly Peadar McArdle’s) on Thursday February 5^th at 8.30pm.

On the night there will be a Q&A with Dundalk FC players Stephen O’Donnell, Brian Gartland and Gary Rogers, as well as a few words from ex-Lilywhite Tom McNulty.

A raffle will also take place on the night where the prizes will include a season ticket and a home jersey.

Membership of the Supporters’ Club is €30 for the year, which can be paid in two installments. A family membership is also available at €50.

Those involved on the committee of the new Supporters’ Club are Alan Gray, Stuart McDonnell, Aidan Larkin, David Curran, Conor Hoey, Chris Clarke, Andrew Gallagher, Keith Wallace, Declan O’Shaughnessy, Dean Arrowsmith and Mark Murray.

You can keep track of the Supporters Club via their Facebook page.

Meanwhile, manager Stephen Kenny has reportedly agreed terms on a contract extension with Dundalk.

Dundalk Salmon Anglers hold AGM

Fishing on the River Fane

The Dundalk Salmon Anglers Association held their annual general meeting last Sunday.

Approximately 50 members attended the meeting in the clubrooms of the Dundalk Brown Trout Anglers’ Association in Toberona.

The meeting agreed that for 2014 the first time joining fee for senior members would be €80. This would apply to existing and new members and would have to paid before 1st May. After 1st May the fee will be increased to €130. The membership of the club is capped at 175 members each year, so the earlier you get your application in the better chance you have.

The fee for members over 65 is €45 and junior membership is only €10. There is no limit to the number of junior members. Day tickets will cost €15.

The Total Allowable Catch for the River Fane for 2014 is 411.

The average salmon catch on the association’s waters over the last five years (2008 – 2012) was 219, of which the average release back into the river was 40%. The average salmon caught on the Fane weighs 7lbs or 3kgs.

The Association controls fishing on approximately five miles of the Fane. When water conditions are right the fishing for salmon, sea trout can be excellent. There is no commercial fishery on the estuary or the river. The Fane is also one of the country’s top wild brown trout fisheries and a paradise for dry fly enthusiasts.

Any angler wishing to join the association can do so by going to their website www.dundalksalmonanglers.com or email secretary John McCaughey at dundalksalmonanglers@gmail.com or phone 086 067 6380.

Oak Gym opens its doors

The newly opened Oak Gym

Dundalk’s newest gym opened its doors for the first time on Friday evening.

The Oak Gym is located in Jocelyn Street/Distillery Lane in the old Little Chic shop, which has been most recently used as a base for the Martial Arts School of Fitness (MAS-F) club.

A good crowd showed up for the opening with owner Darren Donnelly reporting “great feedback” to date.

The gym will be open from 6am to 10pm daily with further details available by calling 087-1527803 or emailing oakgym@gmail.com

Membership is available for the year for €190 as a special opening offer. Standard membership will cost €230 for the year or is also available at a cost of €30 per month or €6 daily.

New gym opening in Dundalk

A new gym will open in Dundalk later this month.

The Oak Gym will be located in Jocelyn Street/Distillery Lane in the old Little Chic shop, which has been most recently used as a base for the Martial Arts School of Fitness (MAS-F) club.

The official opening will take place on Friday January 24^th.

The gym, which is being run by Darren Donnelly, will be open from 6am to 10pm daily with further details available by calling 087-1527803 or emailing oakgym@gmail.com

Membership is available for the year for €190 as a special opening offer. Standard membership will cost €230 for the year or is also available at a cost of €30 per month or €6 daily.