COMHAIRLE CONTAE ÁTHA CLIATH THEAS
SOUTH DUBLIN COUNTY COUNCIL

MEETING OF LUCAN AREA COMMITTEE

Tuesday, June 23, 2015

MOTION NO. 10

MOTION: Councillor D. O'Brien

"That the Chief Executive give this committee and updated report on the progress if any, has been made on finding premises for Esker Boxing Club in Lucan, and Palmerstown Boxing Club in Palmerstown. These two clubs are a great addition to the county and help keep many children off the street. All involved in running the clubs are doing a great service to the area’s they are in.”

REPORT:

The following report was made to the March 2015 meeting of this Area Committee in relation to Esker Boxing Club:

"The Council's Community Team have been actively engaged with the Esker Boxing Club for a considerable period and have had several meetings with the Club since the start of the New Year to assist them in addressing their accomodation needs and related issues.

At present they are located in Goodwins Industrial Estate, in an old warehouse unit. They have a short term lease on this premises which is due to expire in July 2017. The unit is of a very basic standard and would benefit for an immediate remedial upgrade subject to the identification of a source of finance which will be difficult given the short term nature of the letting. However all options are being examined to address this issue.

The Council recognises the valuable contribution that the Esker Boxing Club brings to the Lucan area. The clubs needs will be factored into any sporting developments that will be provided in the area but it is considered premature to consider their exact needs in advance of the planning and design phase of any future facility." 

The Community Services Team continues to engage with all the stakeholders to assist with the provision of more suitable accomodation for both Boxing Clubs. Of particular concern and as referenced previously is the current accomodation being used by Esker Boxing Club.  The utilities arrangements on site require upgrading and efforts are being put in place to develop a plan to address same.

The Palmerston Boxing Club have current premises and their needs are primarily around expansion / additional space. The provision of additional resources in the area has and remains a significant challenge. The Community Services Team Member has been tasked with assisting the club to develop a strong business case for their needs which would be beneficial to them in accessing Sports Capital Grant funding in the future.   

In the meantime work is also ongoing to strategicaly address the community / sporting facilities deficit in the Lucan area. The needs of the boxing community will as indicated form part of this strategis approach.