Munster Technological University has officially reopened its athletics track at the MTU Arena in Bishopstown following resurfacing works. The eight-lane running track is now up to international standard and is ready to welcome local, national and global athletes. The reopening of the track sees the return of a much-needed sports facility for athletes across Munster and has reopened in time for the 70th Cork City Sports event on the 9th of July.
The track was officially reopened by Thomas Byrne T.D., Minister of State for Sport, Physical Education and the Gaeltacht. Also in attendance were CEO of Athletics Ireland, Hamish Adams; President of MTU, Professor Maggie Cusack; MTU Vice President Finance & Operations, Paul Gallagher; Chair of MTU Governing Body, Jimmy Deenihan, and President of MTU Students’ Union Cork, Richard Noonan.
Speaking at the official opening in Cork, Minister Byrne, said: “As Sport Minister, I am delighted that my Department was in a position to provide substantial funding for this wonderful athletics project, which is of regional significance. The opening of Phase 2 of the MTU project also arrives at an ideal time for all fans of athletics in Ireland, following Ireland’s historic performance at the recent European Athletics Championships in Rome, and with the Olympics and Paralympics games just around the corner, they will no doubt inspire more people to use facilities such as this. As a Government, we are determined to invest in our athletics infrastructure and the significant funding allocated to the MTU project is a further demonstration of this commitment. I want to also wish the very best to all athletes using this facility tomorrow as part of Cork City Sports International meet.”
Patrick O’Donovan T.D., Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science, commented: “These are exciting times at MTU. I am delighted to see the completion of the athletics track upgrade and this, along with the recently opened sports arena, will provide for exceptional athletics facilities in the Cork region. I am also delighted that there are some major infrastructure developments that are ongoing in MTU Cork. These include a new Learning Resource Centre, the upgrade and retrofit of the Melbourne Building, and the ongoing plans to renovate and extend Blocks D and A under the Technological Sector Strategic Projects Fund programme. This shows the commitment of my government to provide the required infrastructure for learners and staff in our Technological Universities which will allow them to continue to be key economic drivers in their regions.”
The track reopening was carried out in partnership with Athletics Ireland. Hamish Adams, CEO of Athletics Ireland, said, “Athletes in Munster and beyond will be overjoyed to see the MTU Athletics Track reopen. The region has been lacking a high-quality athletics facility for some time now, so this state-of-the-art running track will be indispensable to them.”
MTU President, Professor Maggie Cusack, welcomed the track reopening, commenting: “Following a number of delays, including record bad weather last July and August, it’s wonderful to see the track reopen for the benefit of everyone from local sports clubs to athletes preparing for the Paris Olympics. This is a very special day for athletics in general but also for MTU and the wider community.”
MTU’s Vice President Finance & Operations, Paul Gallagher, added: “Our athletics facilities have come on leaps and bounds in the last few years. The funding through the Large Scale Sport Infrastructure Fund has been transformative in enhancing MTU’s sporting amenities. This track will be a fantastic resource for our students and all of those who come to MTU for state-of-the-art sports grounds.”
MTU’s Governing Body Chair, Jimmy Deenihan, commented, “We are delighted to celebrate the reopening of the MTU Athletics Track today just in time for tomorrow’s 70th Cork City Sports. The reopening of the track is a testament to the successful relationship we’ve had with Athletics Ireland and our local City and County Councils and Cork County Board Athletic Association of Ireland (AAI). It’s really a great asset of international quality for sporting talent across Munster.”
The improvements to the athletics track were funded through the Department of Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sport and Media’s Large-Scale Sport Infrastructure Fund, with these works marking the completion of phase 2. Phase 1 saw the completion of the MTU Sports Arena last year. Phase 3 is expected to see the development of a high-performance indoor athletics training centre, which will involve an approximate 5,000m² expansion of the MTU Arena.
About MTU
Munster Technological University is the southwest’s newest technological university consisting of six campuses across Cork and Kerry. The University has a student body of 18,000. It is a leader in higher education both regionally and internationally through the provision of a wide range of programmes ranging from apprenticeships and undergraduate degrees to Master’s and PhDs.
About the MTU Athletic Track and Stadium
The MTU Athletics Track was opened in 1979. The facility is overseen by the Track Management Committee with representatives from MTU, Cork City Council, Cork County Council and Cork County Board AAI. A shared partnership has existed between MTU and the Cork County Board AAI since 2010.
MTU Athletic Stadium has a seating capacity for over 1,080 spectators. This impressive Athletic Stadium complements the eight lane, international standard running track and infield area. The facility caters for all disciplines such as pole vault, high jump, long jump, javelin, shot put, discus and hammer.