COMHAIRLE CONTAE ÁTHA CLIATH THEAS
SOUTH DUBLIN COUNTY COUNCIL

South Dublin County Council Crest

MEETING OF LUCAN AREA COMMITTEE

Tuesday, March 28, 2017

MOTION NO. 23

MOTION: Councillor D. O'Brien

"That the Chief Executive arrange a site meeting with Ballyfermot de la Salle to discuss and agree a work program as agree on this motion below. 

51604 Councillor D. O'Brien Lucan Area Committee Lucan Area Committee Meeting 29th November 2016 Motions 16/11/2016

"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:

"A meeting will be arranged with Ballyfermot de la Salle GAA club to discuss realigning the pitch to provide a training area. 

The position in relation to lighting has not changed and is as set out in the report to the November 2016 meeting. The 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.”

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. The submission from the club regarding the proposed sign is still outstanding.  It is not possible to advise further on this issue at present."