Pitch firm answers Ireland's call

The turf at the Aviva Stadium will be made by a Northern Ireland firm

When the stars of Ireland's rugby and football stars step out on their hallowed home ground in Dublin it will be an Ulster-made pitch they score on.

County Armagh company Clive Richardson Ltd has won the contract to build the pitches at the Aviva Stadium in Dublin, which replaces Landsdowne Road.

On completion in 2010, Aviva will have a capacity to hold up to 50,000 people.

Clive Richardson Ltd employs 160 people across three sites in Annaghmore, Carryduff and Dublin.

Clive Richardson, MD of Clive Richardson Ltd, said the new pitches - one turf and one synthetic - will be the first of its kind on the island to using fibrelastic rootzone which combines sand and elastic to improve surface resilience and traction.

"This is going to be a world class stadium and we are privileged to be part of this exciting project," he said.

"The Aviva stadium, when completed, will be spectacular and this is matched by a truly innovative pitch design with underground pitch heating and infield sprinkler system making it comparable to other modern international stadiums."

The company which has recently carried out similar work for the RDS Stadium in Dublin said it will be investing over £2m from the Northern Bank over the next two years to further upgrade equipment and machinery.

It also plans to expand further in the UK market as other stadiums seek to replace and upgrade their pitches.

Kevin Kingston, Northern Bank General Manager for Corporate and Markets, said that the contract will see six new jobs created.

"Our work with businesses such as Clive Richardson Ltd illustrates how we are continuing to act as strategic financial partners for local businesses throughout difficult economic conditions," he said.

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