New £1.2 Million 3G Pitch Unveiled at Donard Park After Major Upgrade

Newry, Mourne and Down District Council has officially unveiled its newly redeveloped 3G sports pitch at Donard Park in Newcastle. The £1.2 million investment has transformed this site into a modern, state-of-the-art facility.

The upgrade replaces the old 2G surface with a modern 3G pitch, offering a high-quality training ground and enhancing the park’s role as a community sports hub which meets the Council’s multi-sports facility strategy for the Mournes area.

The upgrade allows for Associated football competitions to be played to Intermediate standard, with new seating areas for 400 spectators, significantly enhancing the experience for both players and audiences.

Donard Park 3G Pitch was delivered by Newry, Mourne and Down District Council, in partnership with the Department of Education and the Irish FA. The project provides high-quality sporting provision for local schools and sports clubs across the Mournes area.

Newry, Mourne and Down District Council Chairperson, Councillor Phillip Campbell, said,
"This redevelopment represents a significant investment in our local community and demonstrates our commitment to improving health, wellbeing and sporting opportunities across the district. Donard Park 3G Pitch will now provide modern, safe and high-quality facilities that can be enjoyed by all — from casual users to elite players. It also strengthens Newcastle’s reputation as a hub for sport, recreation and community life."

Education Minister Paul Givan said, "I am pleased to work in partnership with the Council to support the redevelopment of Donard Park 3G Pitch. The departmental investment of over £600,000 from Fresh Start funding will deliver state-of-the-art, inclusive facilities which will be accessed by Shimna College through a long-term licence agreement. This project is a value for money approach that provides the school with access to high quality sports facilities, which will enable them to deliver the PE curriculum and a wide range of sporting activities for pupils.”
This project was also funded by the Irish FA/DCMS Grassroots Facilities Investment Fund, which is supported by the UK Government’s Department for Culture, Media and Sport. The fund is administered by the Irish FA, with delivery support from Co-operation Ireland.

Graham Fitzgerald, Irish FA Chief Operating Officer said, "We welcome this investment, which will help increase participation in sport across under-represented groups, particularly women, girls and athletes with disabilities. Donard Park 3G Pitch now provides a venue that is accessible, inclusive and fit for the future of football in the region."

The upgrade of Donard Park 3G Pitch aligns with Newry, Mourne and Down District Council’s Sports Facility Strategy, which prioritises partnership working to meet community needs and maximise access to funding opportunities. The new facility will not only boost participation in sport but also create social and economic benefits for Newcastle by attracting visitors, supporting local clubs and contributing to the town’s overall vibrancy.