Banbridge Rugby Football Club - Floodlight Project

Banbridge RFC is proposing a major upgrade to our main pitch floodlighting system at Rifle Park, Banbridge. This project will replace the existing outdated and inefficient floodlighting with a modern LED system that meets current safety, performance, and environmental standards.

Banbridge RFC is a long-established, community-focused rugby club based in County Down, entering its centenary year. It offers inclusive rugby opportunities for all ages and abilities, from mini-rugby to senior men’s, women’s, and mixed ability teams and runs regular fixtures, training, and community events. Beyond sport, the club serves as a local hub, fostering participation, volunteering, and social connection. Planning permission/building control - The group have provided email confirmation that permission and building control are not required for this project as the proposed works involve an upgrade of the existing system, not the installation of new structures.

The project will reuse the existing lighting columns and infrastructure, with the work limited to the replacement of existing floodlight heads, cabling, and control gear. There will be no increase in height, no new poles, and no structural modifications to the pitch or surrounding environment.

Professional contractors providing quotations for the project (A Mac Electrics Ltd, SKW Electrical, and Webro Engineering Ltd) have each confirmed that the scope of work falls entirely within the category of electrical upgrade and maintenance, which does not require planning or building control consent.

Ownership: Lease agreement and proof of ownership from landowner has been received. This project enhances both the social and environmental environment by addressing safety, access, and sustainability. The new LED floodlighting will provide consistent, high-quality illumination, improving safety for players, coaches, and referees during darker months and eliminating dark spots that currently pose injury risks.

By enabling evening use of the main pitch, the upgrade increases access for women’s, youth, and mixed-ability teams, supporting broader participation and inclusion. Environmentally, the LED system will reduce energy consumption and maintenance costs, lowering the club’s carbon footprint. These savings will be reinvested into community rugby programmes.

Over 500 registered members currently rely on the main pitch, including mini and youth players, senior men’s teams, women’s and girls’ squads, and mixed-ability participants. Informal feedback from coaches, parents, and volunteers has consistently highlighted safety concerns and restricted access due to poor lighting. The upgrade will also benefit local schools, community groups, and spectators who use or attend the facility all year.

Banbridge RFC’s Facilities and Grounds Sub-Committee, supported by members with professional expertise, will oversee delivery, maintenance, and compliance, ensuring the upgraded system safe, efficient, and fully operational.