Martin O'Neill has written to Donegal County Council objecting to a proposed new kids' football pitch for Dunfanaghy Youths F.C.
The former Republic of Ireland boss owns the derelict 18th-Century Horn Head House in the north of the county, close to the mooted new football facilities.
Dunfanaghy Youths have been in need of a pitch for the last two years, and the propsed development would consist of playing and training pitches, a clubhouse, and a spectator stand.
However, in documentation seen by the Donegal Daily, O'Neill and his wife Geraldine have voiced their concerns with the proposed project.
EXCLUSIVE- Former Republic of Ireland manager Martin O’Neill has lodged an objection against the development of a kids’ football pitch in Donegal.
Dunfanaghy Youths - who provide football for over 130 children - have been homeless since 2018
Full story: https://t.co/JIrWxdVJNi pic.twitter.com/pqRIvE8J1i— Chris McNulty (@ChrisMcNultyDgl) June 9, 2020
"Ultimately Horn Head, a secluded and protected area, with especially high scenic amenity status is simply not appropriate for a large public gathering facility, i.e. a stadium.
"First, the environmental impact of erecting stadia in this area of scenic beauty must be recognised. Horn Head is renowned not just locally, not just in Donegal, but also throughout Ireland and would be adversely affected by this proposed development.
"Access and safety will be compromised by any such stadium construction. Further pollution concerns are obvious: Traffic congestion, floodlighting, and noise pollution."
O'Neill also noted in the letter the impact that will be felt by private residents, particularly on busy training and match days.
"If permitted, the development would be in use on a daily basis. Long winter evenings would necessitate the use of floodlighting which will have direct impeach on wildlife and the nearby residents.
22 June 2016; Robbie Brady of Republic of Ireland and manager Martin O'Neill celebrate following the UEFA Euro 2016 Group E match between Italy and Republic of Ireland at Stade Pierre-Mauroy in Lille, France. Photo by Stephen McCarthy / Sportsfile"The single file lane way upon which it is proposed the public and developers will access the stadium is the same access serving only five existing properties and it would certainly be unable to cope with what is being proposed.
"Serious practical problems for this very private area will arise; as it is likely the public would use the lane way as a turning and parking opportunity on match and training days."
The Derry native took charge of the Republic of Ireland for five years from 2013 to 2018, when he was assisted by Roy Keane. The highlight of their tenure was the last-16 showing at EURO 2016 in France.
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