COMHAIRLE CONTAE ÁTHA CLIATH THEAS
SOUTH DUBLIN COUNTY COUNCIL

MEETING OF CLONDALKIN AREA COMMITTEE

Wednesday, March 10, 2021

QUESTION NO.9

QUESTION: Councillor William Joseph Carey

"To ask the Chief Executive how and why the astro pitches and courts at Clondalkin community centre have been allowed to fall into such a state of disrepair as to deem them unusable and if there is a maintenance crew available to management of the centre for their upkeep. To further outline what measures can be taken to address the apparent vandalism that has taken place during the period of closure of the facility here?"

Reply:

There are two facilities on the Clondalkin Leisure Centre site, namely the skate park, which is managed by the Council's Public Realm team, and the all-weather/astro pitch, managed by Clondalkin Leisure Centre management.

Issues have arisen due to groups of youths congregating at the skate park site at night, with associated anti-social behaviour resulting in damage to the adjacent astro pitch.  During the lockdown period, the timber panels surrounding the pitch have been damaged, allowing unrestricted access to the astro.  This has required regular running repairs over the last year and the side walls of the pitch are now all badly damaged, with Gardai having to attend on several occasions.

While funding has been approved under the LCDC's Community Enhancement Fund, it has not been possible to install new hoarding due the current Covid constraints.  However, as soon as restrictions ease a contractor will be appointed to carry out the necessary works and the re-opening of the leisure centre will increase footfall in the area with associated improved security of the site.