From Finbarr O’Mahony - Dublin GAA
Rúnaí, a chara
As you hopefully already, a number of years ago we acquired the site at Spawell. It was then and remains our ambition to develop this site as a cluster facility for use by Clubs, colleges and schools. This site was purchased to provide much need facilities for GAA within the county, we are aware that given the high cost and lack of land that we needed to support clubs in this regard.
We have submitted a planning application for the development of this site and the final date for third party observations/submissions is 14 December 2023. See link below to the application, the planning reference is SD23A/0304.
https://planning.agileapplications.ie/southdublin/application-details/65124
While full details are available via the link below is a recap of what we are trying to develop.
- We are looking to develop GAA Cluster Facility including 4 full sized pitches on the site, all supported by appropriate floodlighting, fencing and ball stop netting. A single-story building housing dressing rooms, gym and toilets.
- Proposed construction of a small stand (max 500 people) with some uncovered terracing either side for not more than 250 either side (this is to facilitate people who would like to attend our internal club adult and juvenile games).
- Additional training facilities including a Ball Wall, warm up area and sprint area & small indoor training area (which can used for warmups and coaching courses).
- There will also be a walking/jogging track with outdoor exercise equipment, providing a local amenity.
When fully developed the facilities will be available to Clubs, Colleges and Schools. We will be able play our own internal club competitions on site facilitating the playing of games, especially those requiring neutral venues.
As discussed at this week’s county committee meeting on Monday, we are asking all Dublin clubs to support this application, as this will benefit all Dublin clubs not just those in the area.
Clubs and individuals can make observations in support of the application (link provided below, planning ref is SD23A/0304). This gives our clubs or indeed individual members the opportunity to outline the significant lack of available facilities to clubs within South Dublin (and indeed Dublin as a county), outline the need for these pitches especially the addition of floodlights to maximise use of the pitches, the benefit that this facilitate will provide to the community and clubs of Dublin. Without appropriate facilities we will not be able to continue to grow our games in the city and county.
