Multi-use Ballyfermot sports facility ‘will meet current and future demands’

By Maurice Garvey

PLANS to develop a multi-use sports hall at the Orchard Community Development Centre in Cherry Orchard, have been lodged with Dublin City Council.

Cherry Orchard Project Manager David O’Donovan, says it would “add an extra dimension to the centre” but the proposal is reliant of securing funding.

Mr O’Donovan said: “It would provide an extra facility for community clubs in the area. But it’s literally at the planning stage now. It needs approval and funding from different agencies, it’s case of future proofing the area’s development.”

The plans state it is the intention of Dublin City Council to provide an additional multi-use sports hall at the Orchard Community Centre to complement the existing facility “to meet current and future demands.”

The present facility has been subject to a number of additions and alterations over the years since it was first opened, and it is intended that this latest intervention would make a minimal visual impact.

Proposals for the ground floor, include a multi-use hall to cater for sports facilities, with associated showers, changing and sanitary facilities.

First floor plans contain an open floor balcony space for use as an exercise and training area.

External finishes on each facade would match those existing building so as to minimise the impact of the proposed extension.
The finished height of the proposed roof extension would also match that of the existing sports hall roof.

Any additional rainwater generated by the proposed structure, will be disposed of in a sustainable manner via the adjacent park/ playground.

Submissions or observations to the proposed development, may be made, in writing, to the Executive Manager, Planning and Property Development Department, Dublin City Council, Civic Offices, Wood Quay, Dublin 8, before Friday, October 28.