It’s kick-off time for unique sand-based pitches in Firhouse

DELIGHTED kids and their parents joined in the fun at an official sod-turning event to mark the imminent upgrade of the local pitch at Firhouse recently

The Mayor of South Dublin County Council, Cllr Mark Ward, opened the sand-based pitches at Firhouse and performed the sod-turning as part of the upgrade.

The Mayor was joined by Daniel McLoughlin, Chief Executive of South Dublin County Council, Teresa Walsh, Director of Environment, Water and Climate Change and guests to celebrate both events.

The sand-based sports pitches are the first of their kind to be built by South Dublin in the county.

They were designed by Sports Labs Ltd and constructed by CRL.

Sand-based pitches are specifically designed to cater for maximum use, to provide for active recreation and encourage active lifestyles. The imminent upgrade of the adjacent pitch was designed by STRI Ltd and will be constructed over the coming months by Haffey Sports Grounds Ltd.

Speaking at the event, Mayor Ward said: “The sand-based pitches represent a considerable investment by South Dublin County Council in active recreation in the county. This underlines the council’s commitment to the provision of sports facilities and underpins our support for the health and welling being of the citizens of the county.”

Peter Lougheed, Co-Chairman of Firhouse Carmel Football Club, who are the current users of the pitches under license from South Dublin County Council, added: “Firhouse Carmel FC has been one of the cornerstones of the community in Firhouse since 1974.

“We have been offering soccer to children from the ages of five to 18 and we are delighted with the continued investment from the council in the area.

“These pitches will be used for our Academy and small-sided games teams up to the age of 12 and we have over 180 children of our 300 members facilitated in these teams.

“The development of the Academy has been one of the success stories of our club over the past six years and the superb quality of the playing surface will afford the players the best opportunity to showcase their skills and enjoy the games.”