The above image is an initial concept sketch and is subject to detailed design.

Project Description

In March 2024, the UCC student body voted in favour of a referendum to address shortcomings in the University's outdoor sports facilities. The referendum highlighted the challenge facing the existing facilities in meeting the needs of students and the growing demands of university sports clubs. It supported the development and enhancement of outdoor multi-purpose sports facilities, including increasing the number and improving the quality of pitches, changing facilities, and floodlighting at the Mardyke Sports Grounds, the Curraheen Sports Grounds (The Farm), and the proposed UCC Sports Park.

An integrated design team, led by Tobin Consulting Engineers, has since been appointed to deliver the first phase of the UCC Outdoor Sports Facilities Programme. This phase will include the preparation of masterplans for the proposed UCC Sports Park at Curraheen, the Mardyke Sports Grounds, and the interim use of the Curraheen Sports Grounds (The Farm). These masterplans will guide the phased development of both the Sports Park and the Mardyke facilities.

The first phase of the project will be delivered through a number of separate construction contracts and will include the following elements:

UCC Sports Park (Phase 1).

• 2 synthetic soccer pitches, complete with floodlighting and perimeter fence,
• 1 synthetic GAA pitch, complete with floodlighting, ball stop netting and perimeter fence,
• 2 new water based synthetic hockey pitches, complete with floodlighting and perimeter fence,
• Standalone equipment and maintenance stores
• New modular changing rooms

Mardyke Sports Grounds Facility (Phase 1)

• The resurfacing of the existing synthetic hockey pitch such that it will be converted into a recreational sporting facility, that can be sub-divided by netting.
• New changing rooms adjacent the GAA pitch
• New boat storage area
• Upgrading of the existing Floodlights

The Curraheen Sports Grounds (The Farm) (Phase 1)

• Installation of new LED floodlights
• Upgrading of the existing Floodlights
• New modular changing rooms

Project Team

Tim Cronin , Interim Director of Buildings & Estates, UCC

Finbarr Wall, Deputy Capital Projects Officer, Capital Projects, UCC

Design Team 

Current Project Status

The current status of the project is Masterplan Development and Preliminary Scheme design.