Council Leitrim update — 2026-06-15

Leitrim County Council has opened a call for Expressions of Interest under the Department of Rural & Community Development’s Outdoor Recreation Infrastructure Scheme (ORIS) for 2026‑27, aiming to enhance countryside recreational facilities across Ireland. The Department of Rural & Community Development has announced the scheme for 2026‑27, inviting local groups to submit Expressions of Interest by a deadline not yet specified. Projects may include new walking trails, car parks or sports facilities such as the padel courts in Dromahair.

In Dromahair, a planning application has been lodged for two padel courts within the existing Dromahair Community Park on Friarstown Road. The proposal, submitted by Mervyn Keegan, envisages two 20‑metre by 10‑metre courts surrounded by four‑metre high glass and steel mesh fencing. Each court will have an artificial turf surface laid over a concrete base with integrated drainage to allow year‑round play. LED lighting units mounted on columns between six and eight metres tall are planned, enabling evening use. Access pathways and net systems will also be installed as part of the development.

Padel—a racquet sport that has gained popularity across Ireland—offers a smaller court format than traditional tennis and is considered an accessible option for players of all skill levels. The Dromahair proposal seeks to utilise existing park access routes and parking facilities, avoiding the need for new infrastructure elsewhere.

The planning application is now under review by Leitrim County Council, with public submissions welcome before any decision is made. If approved, the courts would add a new recreational option for residents and visitors in the Dromahair area and could serve as a model for similar projects funded through ORIS.

For more details, see Leitrim County Council’s website.

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