COMHAIRLE CONTAE ÁTHA CLIATH THEAS
SOUTH DUBLIN COUNTY COUNCIL

South Dublin County Council Crest

MEETING OF LUCAN / PALMERSTOWN / NORTH CLONDALKIN AREA COMMITTEE

Tuesday, April 26, 2022

MOTION NO.6

MOTION: Councillor P. Gogarty

That the Chief Executive lists all the playing pitches of various sizes under its remit in the LEAs covered by this committee, clarifies whether an audit has been carried out or will be carried out in relation to requests for field sport playing pitch spaces versus pitch availability between Council owned, club-owned, school-owned and privately owned facilities; commits to doing so, if not done already; outlines the precise process whereby clubs can request pitches; outlines whether there is a transparent process whereby this information can be accessed by members of the public; and if a statement can be made on the matter.

REPORT:

At present, under direct SDCC management, there are 15 no. Soccer-sized grass pitches and 5 no. GAA-sized grass pitches in the Lucan LEA. In addition there is: 1 no. GAA-sized grass pitch at establishment stage, 1 no. multi-sport-sized Astro pitch and 1 no. grass cricket pitch under construction.

There are 23 no. Soccer sized grass pitches and 5 no. GAA sized grass pitches in the Palmerstown-Fonthill LEA.

A Sports Pitch Strategy was completed by SDCC in 2020 that assessed the demographics of the county and projected growth in population over the next 15 years along with existing and projected team generation rates. It also assessed the amount and quality of pitches available in the county and any plans for same at the time. In relation to meeting Sports Pitch demand the Sports Pitch Strategy sets out 5 key recommendations as listed below; a short note is also set out below in relation to on-going actions against these recommendations: 

The annual pitch maintenance budget covers normal maintenance of pitches including cutting of grass, repairs to the pitch surface, repairs to goal mouths, minor drainage works on pitches such as verti-draining and replacement of goal posts.  The budget in 2022 is €361,000 which includes a sum of €150,000 for engagement of specialist contractors to do minor drainage improvements as well as goal mouth repairs and replacement of goal posts.  SDCC manage regular grass cutting of pitches by direct labour. 

A once-off sum of €450,000 has also been provided in 2022 for more intensive pitch improvements, which will facilitate the delivery of a more intensive maintenance programme. 

In addition; SDCC have applied for Sports Capital Grants to upgrade existing pitches with extensive works to include levelling drainage and other infrastructure investment works. Some of the projects in recent years include:

Capital investment in pitches is on-going; SDCC successfully applied for and received Sports Capital Grant funding for the following pitch facility upgrades granted February 2022 as below:

 

The new online Pitch Allocation system was launched last year and went live for 2021/2022 season.  Once clubs are allocated pitches via the online system they are given free access to “Pitch Manager” software which enables the club to manage and record all activity on the pitches allocated to them.  Using this software is a condition of the Allocation of Pitch/Sporting Facilities – Policy & Conditions.

Clubs are required to fully engage in the usage of the software, which will then allow SDCC gather valuable key data to better manage and maintain pitches.  It will also help identity any pitches that are underused and provide more availability for pitch sharing etc. 

SDCC continue to be flexible in pitch reconfiguration where applicable to meet club and local requirements. 

1 new GAA-sized pitch has been completed and is under establishment at Tandy’s Lane Park Lucan, a further Cricket Pitch is under construction at Airlie Park, Lucan. A new Soccer-sized pitch has been completed and is under establishment at Dodder Valley Mount Carmel, as is an 8-lane grass athletics track. An existing small sized pitch was extended to a full sized GAA pitch at Rathcoole Park with a smaller pitch adjacent.

The following proposed new pitches are at pre-planning or just completed planning stage: 

3 Million Euro has been allocated within the 3 year capital budget for Astro Pitches (AGPs)

1 multi-sport-sized AGP is under construction at Airlie Park Lucan. A further AGP is at detailed design stage at Sean Walsh Park and a third AGP has just completed feasibility stage and preliminary design is under way at Knocklyon Park, Woodstown. There are further AGPs planned for Clonburris SDZ area (1 multi-sport sized AGP, 1 soccer sized AGP)

Pitch Allocation

The allocation of playing pitches/sporting facilities is granted on a year to year basis subject to Clubs undertaking to abide by the various Acts, Bye-Laws, etc governing the use of County Council Parks and Open Spaces.

The South Dublin County Council’s Allocation of Pitches/Sporting Facilities – Policy and Conditions can be found www.sdcc.ie/bookapitch

In 2021, the Council introduced a new online Pitch Allocation and Booking system which went live for the 2021/2022 playing season.

All clubs were required to register on the system and submit their annual application form and application fee, for the allocation application to be considered.

Clubs are then notified of their proposed allocation and fee for same. On receipt of the appropriate fee an official allocation is made.

Any new clubs that wish to apply for the use of playing pitches/sporting facilities are asked to email publicrealm@sdublincoco.ie and an invitation to register on the system will be issued. Once registered an application can be made.