Kildonan Park redevelopment to go ahead after councillor approval

The redevelopment of Kildonan Park in Finglas is set to go ahead after Dublin City Councillors voted to approve the proposal at last week’s monthly meeting.

The local authority applied for planning permission for the project in March before being voted through by local representatives.

The plans include the construction of a full-sized all-weather football pitch with fencing and floodlighting, a playground, a small skate park, and a half basketball court.

Outdoor table tennis, grass areas for bowling, boules and croquet, gym and exercise equipment will also be included.

The park will also have tree lined paths with open grass areas.

The Existing Larney Park/Finglas United Grounds is to be incorporated into the park.

The council also wishes to install new tree lined paths, 100 new bicycle parking spaces, and a 400m running zone which will be marked out.

Independent councillor for the area Noeleen Reilly welcomed the vote saying that the local community has been lacking an appropriate public park for many years.

“I was very happy to support the redevelopment of Kildonan Park for Community use last night at the monthly council meeting.

“For over a decade, residents have been promised an upgrade of the park and I’m glad we have finally made progress on that,” she said.

“We have been in consultation with the community for a few years now about what can be added to the park.

“We will be looking at a play area for children, sports for senior citizens like boules, a baseball court, an all-weather pitch, and a relaxation area for people to come and just enjoy the park.

“This is a huge investment into the area and shows DCCs commitment to improving facilities for the people of Finglas West.

The works will be done in a number of phases and I’m looking forward to seeing it progress in the near future ”

Fianna Fail councillor Keith Connolly said over €1 million “has been secured for the redevelopment of the park through DCC Levies and the All-Weather Facilities Fund.

“I look forward to seeing the project progress in the coming months and I greatly welcome the plans to make the park a better facility for the community to enjoy.

“Construction is expected to start before the end of the year,” Connolly said.