UNIVERSITY OF LIMERICK - SPORTS PITCHES AND FLOODLIGHTING

UNIVERSITY OF LIMERICK - SPORTS PITCHES and FLOODLIGHTING

The project concerned the construction of all weather pitches and a natural turf GAA pitch along with 2no hurling walls, surface carpark and sports floodlighting for all pitches and hurling walls. The 2no full size GAA pitches can also be used as 6no soccer pitches. The project also included the resurfacing of the existing 400 metre eight lane all weather athletics running track along with the provision of ancillary facilities adjacent to the main UL Sports Arena building. The engineering services installations included MV/LV Power distribution, LED floodlighting and associated automatic lighting controls, CCTV, BMS, Pitch Irrigation(turf pitch) and lighting of a jogging / exercise track. A  pavilion building with changing and toilet facilities was also provided as part of the development. a new medium voltage substation was required to support the power requirements of the development and this included an extension to the existing campus MV ring main. A study was carried out to compare the use of traditional metal halide sports lighting against new generation LED sports lighting. LED sports lighting was selected on the basis that it provided many benefits including lower running costs, less maintenance, instant switching, excellent light spill control and variable programmable pitch illumination levels. The pay back period of additional investment in a LED sports lighting installation was also found to be favourable. The sports lighting was designed in accordance with CIBSE Lighting Guide LG-04.