Unsporting clubs get the red card

SPORTS clubs that insist on training on public green spaces or council pitches in Dun Laoghaire Rathdown without permission have been told to play fair or face the consequences.

Dun Laoghaire Rathdown County Council has been forced to write to all licenced sports clubs in the area that currently use their pitches reminding them of the rules.

“All clubs have been reminded that no training is permitted on council pitches or open space and that permission must be sought for the use of council pitches for any event outside of weekend league matches,

? a council spokesperson said.

It follows the development of what one local councillor described as a

“free for all

? after some clubs allegedly started taking over public green spaces or pitches without permission.

The council had received a number of complaints regarding the use of open space in residential areas for training sessions.

“Such spaces are not suitable for this purpose and the activity itself is not permitted under the licence granted by the council,

? the spokesperson added.

“We therefore had no option but to issue letters asking the clubs to remind all members and players that such activity was unacceptable.

?

Cllr Richard Humphreys (Lab) said he fully supported the council’s warning to withdraw playing pitch allocations from those particular clubs.

“I fully support the good work done by sports clubs in the county but a small minority have tried to create a free for all by taking over public green spaces or pitches without any permission,

? Cllr Humphreys said.

“This is unfair to all the other clubs that are playing by the rules. It is also totally unfair to residents around public green areas.

?

Cllr Humphreys pointed out that there are 40 clubs in the county with allocations across 90 pitches in various codes such as GAA, soccer and rugby.

“The council allocates pitches in our parks for weekend league matches and in addition provides all-weather facilities for training at Marlay, Cabinteely and Stepaside,

? he explained.

“Clubs need to engage with the council so that facilities can be allocated fairly across the county.

“Unfortunately in some cases, a minority has, without any permission, descended on public green areas at peak evening times mid-week causing traffic and parking chaos for residents. Green spaces have been damaged and even been used as toilet facilities without any regard for residents.”

Cllr Humphreys added: “This is unsporting behaviour and I am calling on this minority to play fair or else face a red card.

?