Pavilion provision raises questions over maintenance
By Mary Dennehy
WHILE the introduction of changing room pavilions for soccer and GAA pitches in Tallaght, Clondalkin and Lucan was passed this week, the debate in council chambers raised a number of questions over the long-term maintenance and usage of the modular buildings.
The locations identified for the buildings, which will consist of six changing rooms, toilet facilities, referee’s changing room and storage space, are Corkagh Park, Griffeen Park and Old Bawn Park.
No submissions were received in relation to the developments in Corkagh or Griffeen.
However, the Old Bawn proposal received eight submissions, some expressing support for the sporting development and others branding the site chosen unsuitable for both the park and residents and a potential beacon for additional anti-social behaviour and graffiti.
Some residents also highlighted the lack of a car park, which is already causing problems to adjacent households.
After debating the issue in council chambers on Monday, all three pavilions were passed when 26 councillors voted in favour.
Independent Cllr Deirdre O’Donovan, who said that she grew up beside the park and was never able to use the public tennis courts due to broken glass and general disrepair, was the only councillor to vote against the development while Cllr Mick Murphy (AAA) opted to abstain.
While stating that the Old Bawn pavilion has more positives than negatives, Cllr Murphy expressed his concerns over the upkeep of the buildings and the need for an anchor tenant, which would take responsibility, alongside the council, for the pavilion.
He also queried the conditions of some of the playing fields in the park, which he claims have been left to fall into disrepair and are not used to their full potential.
Labour councillor Martina Genockey also added: “I think these pavilions are setting a standard for the county and a standard for sports in the county.
“However, there are significant problems with the pitches . . . some are in dangerous condition and have no goal posts.
“These pavilions mean nothing if significant work is not done on the pitches and that [if work is complete] they are maintained.”
The Echo understands that the council has been in communication with Shamrock Rovers, Thomas Davis and Tallaght Rugby Club in relation to the pavilion at Old Bawn. However, councillors suggested that, alongside anchor tenants, the buildings should be made available to other clubs and schools.
With an expected life-span of 40 years, the pavilions are expected to be on site by October of this year and are part of a county-wide programme to replace around 40 containers with these multi-functional buildings.
Council management stressed that, in relation to the pitches at Old Bawn, they would undertake drainage works and agreed that maintenance work is needed.
Management also explained that with all pavilions tenants would enter into an annual licence agreement, which would see them responsible for the daily clean-up of the pavilions while the council looks after general maintenance.
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