COMHAIRLE CONTAE ÁTHA CLIATH THEAS
SOUTH DUBLIN COUNTY COUNCIL

MEETING OF LUCAN AREA COMMITTEE

Tuesday, June 27, 2017

MOTION NO. 19

MOTION: Councillor P. Gogarty

"That the Chief Executive outlines his current position in relation to supporting a clubhouse for Esker Boxing club off Willsbrook Road, given that planning permission was granted on the site (without prejudice), to outline what would be required from the club to ensure such a facility can be built on the site under licence/lease (eg other clubs using it, financial contribution etc), to outline what discussions have taken place to date, and to examine whether there is sufficient space for an additional potential facility at the rear of the site under the current planning permission."

REPORT:

South Dublin County Council has supported a number of clubs and organisations to provide premises which enable them to carry out their activities. 

There was funding available through the Sports Capital Programme which was advertised earlier this year and this programme was advertised nationally. The maximum available for a local facility under this programme was €150,000. When applying for this funding, organisations must show how advanced their project is and how they propose to match any shortfall. The Council met with members of the club on a number of occasions to assist them in preparing an application under this programme. However, the club were not in a position at that time to make an application. The Dept of Transport, Tourism and Sport administer this fund and it was most recently open in 2015 and 2017.   

Any group proposing to build a premises must be able to show how they propose to fund the initial build, the ongoing running costs of the building as well as the ongoing running costs of their sporting activities.  South Dublin County Council is available to meet clubs to discuss their proposals and advise them on the next steps. 

There have been many meetings with Esker Boxing Club over the past 18 months in particular in terms of identifying a suitable site for a club house.

This site, just off Willsbrook Road was rezoned during the County Development Plan meetings. The Boxing Club were looking at a couple of options and were looking specifically at one on another site with the Council but sought permission to build a multi-use premises on this site as a preference to them.

A letter of comfort did issue in December 2016 to Esker Boxing Club in this regard. Please note that the consent is clearly conditioned:

 “The consent is conditional on no development taking place until full planning permission has been received and the Council is in a position to enter into an appropriate agreement with the Applicant in respect of the lands.

The consent does not convey to Esker Boxing Club any interest whatsoever in the lands and is for the sole purpose of facilitating a planning application”

 A meeting is arranged with the Club on 27th June 2017 where they wish to outline their own specific plans and vision in relation to the future of the Club.