Most schools have a space like this. Grey, worn down, and largely left alone. In this case, it was a set of old tarmac basketball courts sitting idle at a busy school in Roscrea, Co. Tipperary. The hoops had rusted, the markings had faded, and the space was rarely used.
The school wanted to change that. They had a large footprint of outdoor space that wasn't working for students - and they needed a solution that could accommodate multiple sports, hold up to Irish weather conditions, and bring some colour and energy back to the grounds.
The brief was clear: take a dormant space and turn it into a safe, versatile, all-weather sports facility. With Tipperary being strong GAA country, the surface needed to handle hurling as well as soccer, PE classes, casual play, and structured running.
The goal was a multi-use sports facility that the whole school community could access and use throughout the year.
A full transformation was carried out by the certified SchoolsGrass.ie install team:
This project wasn't about laying a surface and moving on. It was about creating a facility built to last - and to perform in Irish conditions.
The contrast is straightforward. Previously: tarmac courts, faded markings, rusting hoops, and a space that went unused. Now: a green sports pitch with a red running track, a secure perimeter fence, and a facility in regular daily use.
SchoolsGrass.ie works exclusively with schools and crèches, designing solutions around the specific safety, durability, and compliance requirements of those environments. Projects range from straightforward play area upgrades to full-scale sports facilities like this one in Tipperary.
A facility like this is planned with the next ten to twenty years of students in mind. The surface requires minimal maintenance and is designed to deliver consistent performance and safety year after year. The 10-year guarantee gives schools confidence that the investment is protected.
Sport and physical activity are a core part of school life - for physical health, for engagement, and for community. A facility like this provides:
This project in Tipperary shows what is possible when underused school space is properly redeveloped. From an idle tarmac yard to a multi-sport, all-weather facility - it's a practical upgrade with long-term value for students, staff, and the wider school community.
If your school has a yard, court, or outdoor area that isn't being used to its potential, SchoolsGrass.ie can help. The team specialises in turning underperforming spaces into safe, durable, all-weather facilities designed around how schools actually operate.
Get in touch today to talk through the options for your school.
