Sports facility proposal for Kilbarrack

A FOOTBALL pitch and running track at Greendale is being tipped for upgrade and refurbishment following three years of proposals from local groups.

Willie Dunne, chairman of Kilbarrack United Football Club, told Northside People, the club was in talks with Dublin City Council to upgrade the area to include an all-weather pitch, a playground and an area for rest and exercise for walkers and runners.

“This would serve as a great facility for the residents here,

? said Mr Dunne.

“At a football level, it means our members can train at home and play at home, even on bad weather days, but it would also be a park for the community, a place to meet, to rest to walk and for our children to play.

“Our next step is to meet with all our local groups and councillors to be sure that everyone is happy with what is being suggested and to take on board the ideas of our residents. These meetings are taking place over the coming weeks.

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Stephanie Regan, a Fine Gael candidate in the Beaumont-Donaghmede ward for the local elections and Cllr Pat Crimmins (FG), proposed similar ideas to Dublin City Council in January for this facility and both have worked closely with Kilbarrack United Football Club on this project.

Ms Regan, a local of Foxfield and Kilbarrack Road, said:

“This will be a great lift to the residents here and I am absolutely thrilled to have had some small success with this project.

“There are many green spaces at Kilbarrack Greendale but I think there has been a real need for a structured community space, with designated places for play and exercise.

“The all-weather pitch aspect has obvious benefits. I think the proximity to the shopping centre is a big plus as people are already drawn to the specific area.

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Cllr Pat Crimmins, who will contest the Clontarf ward in the local elections, said:

“As a councillor I have passed this area many times and I look forward to the day when this area can be upgraded and used as a community facility for all the residents of Kilbarrack and Greendale.

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