Concerns grow over lack of major events at Limerick Regional Athletics Hub as costs soar

CONCERNS are being expressed that the Limerick Regional Athletics Hub in west Limerick appears to be underutilised, raising questions over its ongoing running costs.

Figures released by Limerick City and County Council show revenue generated by the world-class facility, which opened in Newcastle West in September 2023, falls far short of the running costs.

Ahead of the November meeting of the Newcastle West Municipal District, Councillor Jerome Scanlan requested information on daily usage, national events hosted, revenue, and running costs. While a detailed system for tracking daily user numbers is still being developed, council officials admitted that, to date, no national events have taken place at the track.

According to the information provided, local events and training sessions make up the bulk of activity. These include the LCETB Athletics Day, previously held at the University of Limerick, which saw around 200 students from eight secondary schools across the city and county take part.

Other events include the County Juvenile Championships, as well as training sessions for the Irish Wheelchair Association, National Transplant Games, Munster Athletics Development Squad, and Special Olympics Ireland. While these activities provide some use, overall attendance remains relatively modest.

The figures, which were revealed during the meeting, underline the financial challenge. Revenue for 2024 was €18,647, risingslightly to €16,471 so far in 2025. However, expenditure for 2024 was €135,687, with costs to date in 2025 already at €104,132.

With no major national events and only moderate local usage, the gap between running costs and income has raised eyebrows among councillors. Clubs such as West Limerick AC and St Mary’s Athletic Club use the track weekly for training, and some primary schools, including Scoil Iosaef NCW and Feenagh NS, have begun to use the facility for PE and sports days. Nevertheless, participation remains limited compared to the track’s potential capacity.

Cllr Scanlan expressed concern that the hub “is not washing its face,” stressing that the facility represents “a massive overhead for the council” with substantial ongoing operating costs. He said the intention behind his question was to highlight what income is being generated and to underline the need for increased usage.

Describing it as a “state-of-the-art, wonderful facility,” he commended the council for securing funding but emphasised the need for greater visibility and engagement. “I don’t want it to be a well-kept secret. It is so easily accessed by the people of west Limerick and north Cork, we need to get more people through the gate.”

Funded by the Local Democracy Reporting Scheme