Construction of new €1 million skateboard park to start in March
By Maurice Garvey
CONSTRUCTION of the new €1million skatepark in Le Fanu Park is due to commence in March.
Fianna Fáil Councillor Daithí de Róiste believes the site needs to be “properly managed” from the beginning, or risk becoming an “anti-social hub.”
“My fear, is that it is likely it will become a magnet for drinking,” said Cllr de Róiste.
“Gardai need to be involved from the start. Residents – particularly people paying mortgages across the road from the park who have suffered enough problems already – don’t need an anti-social hub where people can congregate.”
Dublin City Council and the Matheson Foundation co- funded the flagship project, in partnership with the Irish Architecture Foundation.
The IAF conducted numerous consultations in the local community during early stage plans for the project, which will be located adjacent to Ballyfermot Leisure Centre.
Cllr de Róiste isn’t so sure that a skatepark project is high on the list of priorities for the local community.
He continued: “Since I was elected in 2014, nobody has ever contacted me about the need for a skatepark in Ballyfermot. Although the project is well-meaning, I don’t think there is a significant demand for a skatepark.”
A spokesperson for Dublin City Council said: “Tenders for the project are currently being assessed. It is anticipated that appointment of a contractor will take place mid-February with construction to start in March and an expected completion date of late Autumn 2018.
“It will be the responsibility of the contractor to ensure that the site is fully secured during the works.”
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