A much-loved Finglas sporting facility is under threat, as Tolka Valley Pitch and Putt on Ballyboggan Road faces permanent closure — prompting strong criticism from local TD Paul McAuliffe.
McAuliffe, who represents Dublin North West, has voiced serious concern following confirmation that the course is set to close, with current operations due to cease entirely by the end of June 2025.
The facility, which is operated by TGM Golf on behalf of Dublin City Council (DCC), initially served notice last November that it would end services on February 28, 2025. However, a short-term extension agreement has kept the course open at weekends into the summer.
The closure will leave the area without any similar recreational amenity — a gap that McAuliffe believes will hit the local community hard.
“This vital resource should not be closed,” McAuliffe said. “It would be a major loss to our area.”
While acknowledging ongoing challenges facing the course — including financial viability, anti-social behaviour, and issues around fee enforcement — the Dublin North West TD warned against giving up on the facility entirely.
“There could be a big opportunity for Dublin City Council to involve younger people from the area and encourage use of the course as an alternative sporting outlet,” he said.
“The current financial issues must be addressed in the short term, but a long-term plan must be implemented to ensure a viable future for the facility — there are still thousands of rounds played there each year.”
McAuliffe also criticised alternative proposals floated for the site, such as converting the space into a walking track or extending the park.
“The idea that a walking track will somehow resolve issues with anti-social behaviour is misguided,” he said.
“This facility has real potential to be part of the solution. DCC has described the pitch and putt as a positive amenity that only serves a single group of users — but I believe it can serve many more.”
He believes a more community-centred approach could transform the site and unlock its potential.
“I believe that a community-led pitch and putt club, with the support of DCC, would be a great asset to the community for generations to come,” McAuliffe concluded.
The future of the Tolka Valley Pitch and Putt course remains uncertain, with local campaigners and residents now calling on Dublin City Council to reconsider its plans — and to recognise the value of accessible, grassroots sporting infrastructure in the heart of Finglas.
