Councillors agree to progress new Ballymun skatepark

Dublin City Councillors have agreed to pursue the development of a new skatepark for the Ballymun-Finglas area.

The local representatives were speaking at a North West Area Committee meeting last week when they decided to progress the proposal.

Sinn Fein councillor Anthony Connaghan and Social Democrats councillor Mary Callaghan tabled a motion calling on the council to advance the project.
The motion was unanimously by councillors.

However, Connaghan said that funding for the skatepark still needs to be secured and a detailed design is required.

“We need to get this formalised and moved forward,” he said.

Connaghan also asked the council to consider whether one large skatepark or two smaller ones – one each for Finglas and Ballymun – would be ideal.

Independent councillor Noeleen Reilly said the project is a “no brainer” as when she visited the new skatepark in Le Fanu Park in Ballyfermot she heard “of how successful it has been since it opened.

“Ballymun was promised a skateboard park during the regeneration but it never materialised,” she said.

“Now is the time to follow up on that commitment and provide both Ballymun and Finglas with a park.

“Skateboarding is a fantastic way to keep children active and improve their mental health.

“Getting young people away from their screens and out in the open air has to be a priority,” she said.

Keith Connolly, Fianna Fail councillor for the area, said that councillors should learn from the mistakes made at the Cabra skatepark, which he says has not been as successful as the Ballyfermot facility.

Councillors Callaghan and Connaghan said they wanted a working group set up as part of the committee to begin work on the idea right away.

“I’d rather it was dealt with here,” said Connaghan.

The councillors agreed to establish a new group, with council officials and people involved in the sport, to work towards establishing at least one new skatepark.

Karl Mitchell, the council executive manager, said that that area committee is also looking at the possibility of providing more skateparks.

He suggested that councillors seek a presentation through the leisure and recreation committee and work out what is best practice.

There is no capital budget available, but the council could apply for sports grants, he said.

It is important that the provision of facilities is linked to an active youth group, which is the key to the success in Ballyfermot, said Mitchell.

“I’m 100 percent behind it, I just want to make sure it’s done right.”