COMHAIRLE CONTAE ÁTHA CLIATH THEAS
SOUTH DUBLIN COUNTY COUNCIL

South Dublin County Council Crest

MEETING OF LUCAN AREA COMMITTEE

Tuesday, November 29, 2016

MOTION NO. 21

MOTION: Councillor D. O'Brien

"That the Chief Executive assist Ballyfermot de La Salle GAA Club who play in Glenaulin park with the upgrades they are trying to get for the club.

1. They are looking for the path that runs behind the Goal at the changing room end to be moved closer to the goal so they can have a training area.

2. They are looking for the licensee agreement with SDCC regarding the lights on the changing room to be changed

3. They are looking to be allowed to put a sign up on the changing rooms"

REPORT:

  1. The path that runs behind the goal at the east end of the pitch is 3 meters wide and approximately 90 meters long. The work that would be required to excavate and dispose of the existing path, install a new path, and reinstate the ground to create a training area would be cost prohibitive. It was noted however that the run off area at the west end of the pitch is approximately 23 meters long and approximately 18 meters long at the east end. The pitch is approximately 133 meters long. It may be possible to create a training area by moving the pitch to the west of its current location and if necessary reducing the length of the pitch. This is something that could be explored further and the club are welcome to contact the Public Realm Section should they wish to pursue this option.

With reference to part 2 of the Motion, if the change in the Licence agreement relates to the use of lighting for evening/night time training the Public realm position is as follows:

“The use of lighting for evening/night time training leads to concentrated wear and tear on grass pitches and training areas. Where this activity takes place during the late autumn/winter/early spring months, it coincides with the poorest conditions for grass growth where daylight hours are short, rainfall levels and water tables are high, drainage is slow and ground temperatures are low. All of these factors impact adversely on the ability of grass to recover from excess wear and tear. 

Any increased wear to grass surfaces at this time of the year results in the deterioration of the grass sward which in turn leads to ongoing problems such as loss of grass cover, compaction and weed growth throughout the rest of the year. Where grass playing surfaces are damaged at this time of the year, there is an increased probability that such surfaces will become unplayable for an extended part of the year. Where significant damage has occurred, they may have to be taken out of play completely for anything up to two years to enable repairs and recovery to take place.

For the reasons outlined above, the Council does not favour the use of lighting for evening/night time training on grass pitches or training areas in public parks.”

With regard to item 3, details of the size, nature, and text of  proposed signage should be submitted to Environment, Water, & Climate Change Department for consideration.

Ballyfermot de la Salle GAA club occupy the site and premises under a Management Licence from the Council. Any request to alter the licence or seek consents under the terms of the licence should be submitted by the club for the attention of the Economic, Enterprise & Tourism Development Department.