COMHAIRLE CONTAE ÁTHA CLIATH THEAS
SOUTH DUBLIN COUNTY COUNCIL

South Dublin County Council Crest

MEETING OF CLONDALKIN AREA COMMITTEE

Wednesday, April 18, 2018

MOTION NO. 12

MOTION: Councillor E. Higgins

"That this Committee gets a report from South Dublin County Council on interactions with the Department of Education regarding the land next to St Finian's NS in Newcastle,  and the potential to use it for community gain in the form of a playground a more permanent playing pitch for use by local clubs and school children.

REPORT:

Playspace:

With regard to Newcastle there is currently no public land available to construct a suitable play space. The Council has made contact with the Department of Education in relation to the provision of an interim site for a play space in Newcastle within Department of Education owned lands. The Department has indicated it is willing to consider such a proposal and the Council is progressing a draft design for their consideration. The Council has not had discussions with them with regard to a pitch. The facility proposed is on a temporary basis only as it is the councils understanding the land available is not available on a permanent basis.

In the meantime the firm that has recently acquired the future building lands within the Newcastle LAP area has expressed an interest in providing a play space ahead of the LAP housing construction. The firm has engaged a Landscape Architect to pursue this idea and has drafted proposals. These will be subject to public consultation.

The delivery team is currently undergoing a recruitment drive to replace a number of staff.

Long term plans for parks and recreational facilities:

The provision of parks and other recreational facilities is limited by the lack of publically-owned land available to the council. The Newcastle Local Area Plan allows for public open space to be provided in tandem with the delivery of the development of the plan lands. Just to note the delivery of the Local Area Plan development will also provide for a number of play grounds / play spaces in tandem with development.