Up Shoreline With A Padel

Keepy-uppy…

atest press release from Wicklow County Council, issued on Thursday, November 28th 2024…

The official opening of the refurbished running track and new Padel courts at Shoreline Leisure in Greystones took place on Wednesday, 27th November 2024.

The track and Padel courts were officially opened by An Taoiseach Simon Harris, along with the Cathaoirleach of Wicklow County Council Cllr. Paul O Brien, Chief Executive of Wicklow County Council Emer O’Gorman, Cathaoirleach of Greystones Municipal District Cllr. Tom Fortune, as well as Deputies, Minister Donnelly and Deputy Matthews, elected members of Wicklow County Council, Wicklow County Council staff, students from Greystones Community College and Shoreline Leisure Representatives.

Wicklow County Council was pleased to receive €436,032 in funding under the Large Scale Sports Infrastructure Fund (LSSIF), operated by the Department of Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sport and Media, under Ministers Catherine Martin and Thomas Byrne. The running track refurbishment project also received matched funding from Wicklow County Council’s own resources.

In his address Cllr. Paul O Brien, Cathaoirleach of Wicklow County Council said, “any County in Ireland would be thrilled to have this type of sports facilities, so the residents of Greystones and the surrounding areas are indeed blessed to have this on their doorstep.”

Cathaoirleach of Greystones Municipal District, Cllr. Tom Fortune mentioned that “the Padel tennis courts are Greystones worst kept secret and the buzz around the district has been building for months in expectation of their completion. I have no doubt that this new track and the new Padel courts will be very well used by residents of and visitors to our district. It will also be a great asset for the summer camps and available in all weather conditions.”

Chief Executive of Wicklow County Council, Emer O’Gorman added “we all know the importance of keeping fit and the benefits for not just physical health, but the mental health of those who participate. Keeping active has a hugely positive effect on everyone, young and old. Community facilities like Charlesland are vital if the country is going to reach the 60% sports participation target set out in the National Sports Policy.”

An Taoiseach Simon Harris expressed his delight in launching the newly refurbished athletics track and new Padel courts. He highlighted the progress of sporting facilities in the Greystones area over recent years and expressed hopes for continued growth. Following the successful 2024 Olympics for Irish athletics, he hopes this track will further produce future Olympic stars.

Numerous running clubs and individual athletes who regularly use this facility are thrilled to have the refurbished track, which has been built to world athletics standards, back open.

The new indoor Padel Courts, funded by Wicklow Recreational Services Ltd, are also a very exciting addition to the existing facilities at Shoreline Leisure Charlesland as Padel tennis continues to grow in popularity. The Shoreline team anticipates that these new courts will attract not only residents of Greystones but also players from across the county.

The opening of the track and courts mark ongoing public and private investment in the local community, so get your running shoes on or grab a padel racket, hit the track and courts at Shoreline Sports Park and enjoy the excitement of the track and padel tennis today!