COMHAIRLE CONTAE ÁTHA CLIATH THEAS
SOUTH DUBLIN COUNTY COUNCIL

MEETING OF LUCAN / PALMERSTOWN / NORTH CLONDALKIN AREA COMMITTEE

Tuesday, February 28, 2023

QUESTION NO. 12

QUESTION: Councillor Derren Ó Brádaigh

To ask the manager when will the new astro pitch / Airlie Park open to the public and to outline what engagement has occurred to date to communicate with local clubs.

REPLY: 

It is estimated that 85%-90% of the Airlie Park project has been substantially completed. It is anticipated that the contractor will substantially complete the pavilion building and the associated hard standing area within the next 4-6 weeks. However, as with any natural works project, the anticipated opening date is dependent on the establishment of the seeding and planting. To-date circa 75-80% of the park has been planted and seeded, with the rest of the Park to be planted and seeded once weather permits over the coming months. The establishment period is heavily weather dependant and, therefore, it is not possible - at this juncture - to state the anticipated opening date. The design team works contractor and SDCC Parks Department are meeting on a fortnightly basis to continue to review and assess how establishment of seeding and planting is progressing, which will inform the decision on the anticipated opening date.

In terms of engagement with clubs, South Dublin County Council currently have over 166 playing pitches for various sporting clubs such as Gaelic football, Camogie, Hurling, Soccer, Rugby, Cricket, Rounders, Softball and Athletics etc. serving over 1000 teams. Some 19,000 people use these pitches on a weekly basis.

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 here: allocation-of-pitch-sporting-facilities-policy-and-conditions.pdf (sdcc.ie) 

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 their 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.

The grass playing pitches in Tandy’s Lane and Airlie Park will be allocated in accordance with the Policy and Conditions.

The All Weather Pitch in Airlie Park will be bookable through an online booking system.  We will meet with clubs in the area to examine expressions of interest in the near future.