THE cathaoirleach of Dún Laoghaire Rathdown County Council, Cllr Barry Saul, officially cut the red tape on the first phase of the Samuel Beckett Civic Campus at Ballyogan last week.
In a major boost for public services in the wider Ballyogan and Carrickmines area, this investment by the council will provide for much-needed new community rooms and childcare facilities as well as a new leisure centre, including gymnasium, dance and fitness studios and three all-weather astro sports pitches.
The development marks the start of a rollout of new services that the council has committed to as part of its current capital programme. Additional services will be provided including an expanded leisure centre, public library and a skate park as part of future phases of the Samuel Beckett Civic Campus.
Speaking at the launch, Cllr Barry Saul said: “The construction of the Samuel Beckett Civic Campus represents the council’s commitment to the programmes and services which will improve the quality of life for residents of the county.”
Senator Neale Richmond (FG) welcomed the opening of the Samuel Beckett Civic Campus, saying the new facility will be a great boost for the local community.
The campus is named after playwright Samuel Beckett who was born nearby.
“I am delighted to welcome the opening of the Samuel Beckett Civic Campus,” Senator Richmond stated. “This is a super new community facility, and is much needed in what is a rapidly growing area with a very young local population.
“The campus features a gym, a crèche, three grass sports pitches, four artificial sports pitches, a playground, a skating area and changing rooms.
“This is the first phase of this new campus and the work must now go into planning for the second phase, which includes a swimming pool.”
The Senator added: “This is a really valuable community project that has been in development for quite some time and I was delighted to play my part in bringing it about as a local councillor, by approving the capital spend and by also by sitting on the board of DLR Leisure Services for the past seven years.”