COMHAIRLE CONTAE ÁTHA CLIATH THEAS
SOUTH DUBLIN COUNTY COUNCIL

South Dublin County Council Crest

MEETING OF LUCAN / PALMERSTOWN / NORTH CLONDALKIN AREA COMMITTEE

Tuesday, May 24, 2022

QUESTION NO. 16

QUESTION: Councillor Derren Ó Brádaigh

To ask the manager to outline clearly if the green area that has served as an unofficial playing pitch for Arthur Griffith FC kids (adjacent to the clubhouse on the Newcastle Road) will be reduced in size post phase 2 works, and to now further confirm that this green space will be resufaced and aerated to safe playing standard.

REPLY:

The multi functional wall was constructed in the Esker Park section of Griffeen Valley Park as a result of a local public vote as part of the Lucan "300K have your say" Participatory Bugetary Process. This project scored quite highly in the results and SDCC proceeded to consult further with stakeholders in the area; including AGP FC. AGP FC are currently allocated a number of soccer pitches at Griffeen Valley Park for their use under licence. With regards to the green space surrounding the Ball Wall; this area is not a designated pitch nor a training area, and SDCC have not allocated this area to any team for their use. At meetings the club were informed of this and acknowledged this to the council. There is an annual allocation of pitches to clubs who request them for match play, and clubs are advised to contact Public Realm Administration regarding additional pitches for match play if required. The area is considered a general parkland area, which it was prior to the initial works, and is available for the general public to use.

Phase 2 of teenspace works in the Esker Area are proposed as a result of the successful use of the multi-functional wall and how popular it has proven to be with teenagers in particular. The proposals include: an extension of facilities and includes additional basketball hoops which will free up the existing ball wall for other ball games which will be of use to both soccer, handball and GAA players etc. There is also a proposed informal kick about area which may of interest to soccer players, on an informal basis. The proposed works extend into the grassland area and will likely cause some disruption in the immediate area again as a result of normal construction practices, however the raminaing grass area will be reinstated during the construction period.