The Mayor of Clare has officially opened the county's first synthetic running track at the Lees Road Sports and Amenity Park in Ennis.

The 400m metre track, which is complemented by an athletic field capable of hosting a range of track and field events, cost around €900,000.

The project was jointly funded by Ennis Town Council and Clare County Council.

A €600,000 Sports Capital grant was provided by the Department of Arts, Sports & Tourism.

A newly upgraded cross country running track and a car park with a capacity for 228 parking spaces, including eight disabled spaces, has also been opened at the site.

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The Lees Road Sports and Amenity Park, which is located on approximately 134 acres of woodland at Drumcliffe, comprises four conventional playing pitches, a floodlit all-weather pitch, a cross country running track, woodland amenity walks and Clare’s first specifically designed and purpose built Skateboard Park.

Clare Mayor Madeleine Taylor Quinn said the provision of the synthetic running track enhanced the County's sports and recreational infrastructure.

"I have no doubt that the people of County Clare will benefit greatly from what is now one of the most comprehensive and state of the art sports and amenity complexes in Ireland," said Mayor Taylor Quinn.

"I want to congratulate everyone associated with the project especially the main contractors Thornton's and Michael Boland," she said.

"Both the car park and the running track have been completed to a high standard and quality of finish."

(PR/JM)