First sand-based pitches in county are officially opened
By William O'Connor
THE SAND-based pitches at Firhouse were officially opened on Monday along with the sod-turning for the imminent upgrade of the adjacent pitch.
The sand-based sports pitches are the first of their kind to be built by South Dublin County Council in the county. They were designed by Sports Labs Ltd. and constructed by CRL.
Opening of the sand-based pitches in Firhouse
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 of South Dublin County Council Cllr. Mark Ward said: “The sand-based pitches represent a considerable investment by South Dublin County Council in active recreation in the county, underlining the Council’s commitment to the provision of sports facilities and underpinning our support for the health and wellbeing of the citizens of the county.”
Mr Peter Lougheed, Co-Chairman of Firhouse Carmel Football Club, who are the current users of the pitches under license from South Dublin County Council said “Firhouse Carmel FC has been one of the cornerstones of the community in Firhouse since 1974, offering soccer to children from the ages of 5 to 18 – 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 Academy development 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 opportunity to showcase their skills and enjoy the games.”
Mayor Mark Ward 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 these two events.
