Vandals destroying local pitch

A NORTHSIDE soccer club is calling for fencing to be erected around pitches which are continually ripped up by scrambler bikes, quads and joyriding cars.

The issue is a contentious one in the Ballymun area as locals believe the fencing was promised but it still hasn’t materialised, much to the detriment of the regularly used sporting amenity in Coultry Park.

The impressive park itself cost in the region of e4 million to complete and includes an eight-acre full size grass soccer pitch with a complete drainage system and grass viewing embankments.

However, the facility is vulnerable to vandalism from vehicles because of a lack of perimeter fencing.

According to David Mangan of Sandyhill Shangan FC, the club has had to repeatedly call off matches because the pitches have been unplayable as a result of vandalism.

“The park to this day looks stunning, however there has been a serious ongoing problem in relation to cars, quads and motorbikes accessing the facility,

? he told Northside People.

“This has resulted in serious damage being caused to the park, particularly the soccer pitch area.

“The majority of these vehicles enter the park to drive on the pitch and while doing so put children’s lives in danger. The damage has been so extensive that the pitch has not been playable for long periods of time.

“The number of incidents are far too many to document but the gardai, Dublin City Council and Ballymun Regeneration Limited (BRL) are aware of the serious problem.

?

Mr Mangan told of how during one match a motorbike sped up the grass embankment and onto the middle of the pitch, which put the players and spectators in danger of serious injury.

Principal Ray Dempsey of Gaelscoil Bailemunna echoed Mr Mangan’s calls for fencing to be erected.

“There certainly are some issues with the pitches being damaged by bikes and we can’t use it as often as we’d like,

? he said.

It is understood that the club previously offered to pay for the fencing to protect the pitches but were later told after lengthy discussions with BRL and Dublin City Council that the fencing would be provided through the final phase to complete the park.

However, the situation has not progressed any further, much to the anger of local TD John Lyons (Lab).

“I find it incredibly disrespectful that despite all our efforts and talks to get the fencing, the plan was once again dropped by Dublin City Council,

? Deputy Lyons told Northside People.

“I think it shows a complete lack of respect that myself and other members of the community could be treated in such a way.

?

Deputy Lyons believes it is vital that a little extra money is invested in park to protect it as an amenity for years to come.

“The council should spend the money to protect the pitches rather than be prepared to pick up the bill for all the repairs that will be needed in the future.

?

A spokesperson for Dublin City Council confirmed that the council is currently considering a solution

“to protect all park users

?.

“The city council is considering options to prevent access by motorcycles to Coultry Park, which includes play spaces for children as well as a playground, mini-all weather pitch and an open space, which is used by Sandyhill Shangan FC as a playing pitch,

? he stated.

“There was a consideration given to installing a tubular pipe fence around the playing pitch but that would not stop the motorcycles from entering the park and endangering public safety.

?