The upgrade comes following over a year of campaigning and close collaboration between Carla, local councillors, clubs, and concerned users. The existing pitches had reached the end of their lifespan and were in clear need of resurfacing, with safety concerns also raised.

Speaking after confirmation of the project, Carla Lockhart MP said:

“I’m absolutely delighted, along with Council colleagues, to have helped secure this half-a-million-pound investment for Lurgan Junior High School’s football and hockey pitches. This is a major boost for local sport and a project that has been over a year in the making.

Thanks to strong forward planning when the pitches were first installed, a legal clause was included that bound both the Education Authority and the Council to resurface them when needed and that time has come.



I want to pay tribute to the local clubs who pushed determinedly for this, and to those who raised concerns in my office about safety and injuries your voices made a real difference.

A big thank you must go to Michael from the Council and Sorcha from the Education Authority for their hard work behind the scenes. Both organisations will share the cost equally, with the EA leading the contract.”

Project Details:

• Start Date: 10th September

• Completion Date: 19th November

• Works Include: Full resurfacing of both pitches and installation of new shock pads for improved safety and performance.

Carla Lockhart MP also confirmed she has raised the need for adequate toilet and changing facilities, which were dropped during the original project due to funding cuts.

“I’ve asked for immediate scoping and costings for these essential facilities, and I’ll continue to press for their inclusion going forward.

While there will be some short-term disruption, I’ve been assured the Council is working hard to accommodate all local clubs during the works.

This is a long-term investment in our schools, our sport, and our young people and it’s great to see it moving forward.”