Omagh tennis club would love new roof to help cope with demand

CLIMATE change is having an impact on people’s ability to play tennis in Omagh.

That’s the claim put forward by the management team at the town’s lawn tennis club, who have applied for planning permission to build a canopy over two of the club’s courts. They say the club, which has more than 200 members, is struggling to cope with the demand for sessions because the uncovered courts are unable to be used during poor weather.

Omagh Lawn Tennis Club (OLTC) was established in 1892 and is located at Crevenagh Road in the centre of the town.

The club has four all-weather tennis courts with floodlights, only one of which is covered. There are also two children’s mini courts and a clubhouse.

The club is also seeking planning permission to replace the mini courts with a padel court, also with a canopy roof.

In a statement submitted with the planning application for the new canopies, a OLTC spokesperson said play is available all year round in the covered court but play on the uncovered courts is subject to weather conditions.

“The club currently has 211 members, up from 170 members in 2023 and now also has a further 187 registered users of the courts, who can book on a Pay & Play basis,” the statement added.

“The club would like to enhance its facilities in order to address the impact of climate change.

“With increasing periods of wet weather, severe frost and strong winds, climate change is impacting the ability of players to use the courts that are not covered.”

The OLTC spokesperson said use of the uncovered courts was as low as 4% during bad weather, compared with 74% usage of the covered court during the same period.

“At peak playing times (6pm-8pm) during the months of severe weather our covered court utilisation averaged 87%, whereas our external courts were often as low as 8% utilisation over the same period.

“Given the growing number of users of the club, court availability is becoming increasing challenging and is compounded further by the weather.

“We are the only club West of the River Bann with a covered court and are now attracting many members of other tennis clubs, who will travel to use our covered court facility.

“Our application to provide a cover over a further two of our covered courts, will ensure our facilities can be enjoyed by more individuals across the community throughout the entire year and ensure the sustainability of the club.”

The planning application is now being considered by Fermanagh and Omagh District Council’s planning department.