Residents call for new running track in McAuley Park  

A grassroots campaign is gaining momentum in Artane and Harmonstown as local residents call on Dublin City Council to build a new running track in McAuley Park.   

In just two days, at the time of going to print, a petition launched on the Uplift platform has already gathered 200 signatures.  

The proposed track would run for 1km along the outer ring of the park, on the grass adjacent to the existing footpath.   

Locals believe this addition would enhance the park’s amenities and provide a valuable resource for fitness enthusiasts and community members alike.  

Trina O’Connor, who started the petition, highlighted the historical significance of McAuley Park — affectionately known by locals as “The Miler.”   

The park sits at the heart of a pioneering mixed housing estate built in the 1950s by the Irish government.

In 1961, the estate, school, and park were even visited by Prince Rainier and Princess Grace of Monaco on a fact-finding mission for their own urban planning.  

“Residents have identified the need for a running track to be installed adjacent to the walking path around the outer circumference of this circular park to enhance our local amenity,” O’Connor said.

“The park is actually closer to 1km in circumference — not a mile as the legend goes — so it is ideal for those looking to train for 5km challenges such as Couch to 5K.”  

Patrick Kelleher, a campaigner with Uplift, voiced his support for the initiative.

“No matter who we are or where we come from, we all deserve access to amenities and services in our local areas that enhance people’s quality of life,” he said.

“We need more green areas, more parks, and more opportunities for people to get out and about safely so they can connect with nature and their local communities.”  

Kelleher encouraged everyone in the area to back the campaign. 

“We know that people-power works, and when people in communities come together, they can achieve incredible things.

“We urge everybody who supports Trina’s vision to sign the petition — if it gets enough signatures, it could be enough to force our leaders to take action.”  

As signatures continue to pour in, it’s clear that the community’s determination to improve their local amenities is strong.

Whether Dublin City Council will respond to their calls remains to be seen, but the voices of Artane and Harmonstown residents are growing louder by the day.