Plans to construct houses on football club’s pitches
By Aideen O'Flaherty
A LOCAL councillor has said that South Dublin County Council has been “thwarting Knocklyon United Football Club’s efforts and not supporting them”, following news that there are plans for the council to build social housing on one of the football pitches that the sports club uses.
The council outlined plans for the development of 42 social housing units, on land which is currently used as a pitch by Knocklyon United FC, at this month’s Rathfarnham /Templeogue-Terenure Area Committee meeting.
Independent Rathfarnham councillor Deirdre O’Donovan told The Echo: “Knocklyon United is a club that is run by volunteers who get kids active.
“The council seem to be thwarting Knocklyon United’s efforts and not supporting them.
“Instead of supporting this club, they’re planning to take a pitch away from them when there will be 4,000 other houses being built in the area in the coming years.
“It makes no sense; how can they take amenities away from an area with all of the houses that are being built?
“Knocklyon United has 700 kids who train with them – they’re at the heart of the community.”
Cllr O’Donovan added: “My view has always been that I will not vote to put housing on football pitches.
“This is not a class issue – this is a common sense issue.”
Council plans
The council outlined plans for social housing developments in three different areas at the area committee meeting, namely Homeville on the Old Knocklyon Road, Stocking Lane in Rathfarnham and Knocklyon, Ballycullen.
A spokesperson for SDCC told The Echo: “South Dublin County Council has identified a portion of its lands at Knocklyon for a potential housing development.
“As indicated at the Area Committee meeting yesterday, plans are at an early stage and will be subject to detailed planning consultation in the coming months.”
A spokesperson for Knocklyon United FC said that they did not wish to comment on the matter at this time.
