COMHAIRLE CONTAE ÁTHA CLIATH THEAS
SOUTH DUBLIN COUNTY COUNCIL

MEETING OF TALLAGHT AREA COMMITTEE

Monday, February 23, 2026

QUESTION NO. 3

QUESTION: Councillor A. Smyth

"Can I ask if there is a plan in place for upgrades to drainage in our parks across Tallaght particularly where it comes to the playability on sports pitches, cross county running etc. it has been noted with me by a number of groups where pitches are unplayable for 3 or more months of the year?"

REPLY:

Over the past five months, rainfall levels have been significantly above average, with prolonged periods of heavy rain through late autumn and winter resulting in sustained ground saturation across open spaces. January 2026, Dublin recorded 137.7 mm of rainfall, the second wettest January on record. This is a seasonal challenge rather than a site-specific issue.

The Council has allocated €350,000 in 2026 for small-scale pitch improvement works aimed at improving year-round playability. These works include surface aeration, sanding, turf repairs, overseeding, fertilisation and localised drainage measures to improve surface condition, recovery times and overall resilience.

In addition, the Council continues to secure and utilise Sports Capital Programme funding for larger scale pitch upgrades, including drainage infrastructure and full pitch reconstructions where required across the Tallaght area.