COMHAIRLE CONTAE ÁTHA CLIATH THEAS
SOUTH DUBLIN COUNTY COUNCIL

South Dublin County Council Crest

MEETING OF SOUTH DUBLIN COUNTY COUNCIL

Monday, July 13, 2026

QUESTION NO. 21

QUESTION: Councillor J. Sinnott

To ask the Chief Executive to outline process for clubs to get access and permission to use a pitch that is managed by the Council?

REPLY:

South Dublin County Council maintains and allocates over 166 playing pitches annually for use by a wide range of sporting clubs, including Gaelic football, camogie, hurling, soccer, rugby, cricket, rounders, softball and athletics. These pitches support over 1,000 teams and are used by approximately 19,000 people across the County each week.

Playing pitches and sporting facilities are allocated by way of an annual licence. Allocations are subject to clubs complying with the relevant legislation, bye-laws, terms and conditions governing the use of SDCC parks and open spaces.

Clubs with existing allocations automatically receive an invitation to apply through the online pitch allocation system when the application window opens, generally at the end of June. Pitch allocations normally run from August to June. Clubs are required to submit an application form and supporting documentation, including insurance details and relevant league documentation, for review.

Clubs without an existing allocation may contact the Public Realm Section to be added to the waiting list for the next season. These clubs are then invited to apply at the start of the allocation process alongside existing clubs. SDCC actively manages pitch allocations and, where appropriate, implements pitch-sharing arrangements to support fair and efficient use of available facilities.

Where pitches become available due to club closures or the development of new facilities, local clubs are invited to submit expressions of interest. In assessing applications for newly available pitches, the Council has regard to factors including club membership levels, existing allocations and demonstrated demand, in order to support a fair and equitable distribution of resources.