COMHAIRLE CONTAE ÁTHA CLIATH THEAS
SOUTH DUBLIN COUNTY COUNCIL

MEETING OF LUCAN AREA COMMITTEE

Tuesday, January 28, 2014

QUESTION NO. 14

QUESTION: Councillor W. Lavelle

"To ask the Manager to outline the steps required to provide new playing pitches on lands at Grange, between the railway and Grand Canal; and to seek to commence works during 2014?"

REPLY:

In July 2006 South Dublin County Council approved proposals for the development of the lands at Grange for an extension of Griffeen Valley Regional Park.  This followed a consultation process under Part 8 of the Planning and Development Regulations, 2001.  The proposals included provision for the development of four sports pitches, two soccer and two gaelic.  At the time an arrangement was in place with a local developer to undertake these works. However, due to the changed economic circumstances, the planned works did not proceed. 

In the meantime a number of projects have occurred in the park which will influence its future development.  The provision of cycle and pedestrian paths linking Hayden's Lane to the Grand Canal has opened up the park to greater public use.  The construction of the Grand Canal footbridges has facilitated access to both sides of the Grand Canal.  The most significant development however is the approval of the Part 8 proposal for the planned new park depot.  The works will require the excavation and relocation of topsoil and subsoil within the park to accommodate the depot.  It is likely that some of the excavated material will be relocated to the site of the proposed pitches.  

The original Part 8 proposal also made provision for the construction of a car park (110 spaces).  It would not be desirable to develop playing pitches without the provision of car parking facilities as the road infrastructure in the area is not capable of catering for on-road car parking, the consequence of which would be significant disruption to residents and businesses in the area.

The current proposal therefore is to concentrate on the provision of the park depot in the first instance but  subject to a review of depot facilities county wide as as outlined to the Elected Members during the 2014 Budget discussions.  The provision of additional facilities e.g. pitches, car park, paths etc will follow once it is clear as to the depot location following the review and subject to the identification of the necessary resources at that time.