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SOUTH DUBLIN COUNTY COUNCIL

MEETING OF LUCAN / PALMERSTOWN / NORTH CLONDALKIN AREA COMMITTEE

Tuesday, November 26, 2024

MOTION NO. 3

MOTION: Councillor P. Gogarty

That the Chief Executive acts immediately on the outstanding maintenance issues at Airlie Park Cricket Ground, including dealing with dangerous drain lines, sanding, spiking, seeding, fertilising and other issues outlined in the Cricket Leinster report from last March; and, if it is not capable of maintaining the main pitch to competitive standard, permits Adamstown Cricket Club to take over these operations, as members have already indicated a willingness to do so, in the absence of a credible maintenance programme.

REPORT:

The cricket pitch at Airlie Park is maintained by a landscape contractor who is working on behalf of the main contractor that developed the park.  This is a contractual arrangement which is in place until such time that the maintenance of the soft landscaping of the park is handed over the Council.  SDCC have raised the condition of pitch with both parties and requested works to improve the playing surface.  The gravel drains, aeration and fertilising were specifically identified as issues to be addressed.  Emphasis was placed on getting the works completed in October while weather and ground conditions were suitable.   The landscape contractor fertilised the pitch in October and clarification has been requested on what aeration if any has been carried out.  Top dressing (sanding) is not included in the maintenance contract and this will be carried out as an addition task before the cricket playing season commences in the spring.

Given the current arrangement that is in place it would not be appropriate for Adamstown Cricket Club to take on the role of maintenance.  In fact, to do so may create difficulties with the existing contract.  When the maintenance contract concludes in 2026, the maintenance of the pitch will be carried out by the Public Realm Section.