MTU Track Update - January 2023
MTU Track & Facilities Update
January 31st 2023
Overview of MTU Track
MTU (formetly CIT) Track is due to close in the next few weeks, probably in the third week of February, for the complete resurfacing of the track. The existing track surface, along with the substructure will be completely dug up and replaced. Preparatory work is expected to take 4 weeks, while laying of the track running surface is expected to begin in May and, weather permitting, will take eight weeks, with an expected completion date around late June
A key deadline for the works is that it must be complete in time for the 70th Cork City Sports on Thursday July 20th
A rather tired looking MTU Track eagerly waiting resurfacing
Unfortunately the entire track facility, including the indoor facility under the stand, and the field events area in the centre of the track will be off-limits during the works, as the entire facility will be a construction site. Consequently, Cork Athletics is examining ways in which the regular Track & Field Championships can be facilitated this year. There are several options under review, including delaying many of the Championships until later in July, August and September. Other options include holding them on grass tracks. Some Championships are qualification events for National Championships, so it may be necessary to hold these in the Mardyke, or even Castleisland. It is a pity that other tracks, like Bandon AC's new track, will not be developed by this summer
Trackside lighting is also scheduled to be replaced completely with LED lights, which should be a big improvement on the existing system. The current MTU track surface was relaid in 2001, so will be in great shape once all the work is done and it reopens in the summer
High Performance Facility to Open In February
Design view of new High Performance facility
Athletics Ireland and MTU have been granted funding from the Government’s Large Scale Sports Infrastructure Fund, to deliver an indoor community and high performance sports facility adjacent to the track. Work on this has been going on for the past two years or so, and is scheduled to open in the coming days. This facility will replace the existing Gym, which will be demolised to make way for the next phase of the Track Facilities Development
Artist's impression of the view of the Track from inside the High Performance facility
Design work work is progressing on the next Phase, which comprises the demolition of the existing Gym and the construction of another High Performance facility on the site of the Gym. This will include a double height area to facilitate Pole Vault, an indoor Long Jump area, along with a 60m Sprints Track. The buildings footprint will be approx. the size ot the existing Gym
