Community consultation planned for soccer pitch and play space in De Selby
By Mary Dennehy
CONSULTATIONS with the community of De Selby will continue into the development of an unofficial soccer pitch and play space in the area.
Facilities in the area, or lack of, was raised at a recent Tallaght Area Committee meeting, when Sinn Fein councillor Cathal King lodged motions on the installation of an unofficial soccer pitch and the development of a play space.
The entrance to De Selby estate
According to South Dublin County Council, the installation of goal posts on the open space at De Selby Park and Crescent was initially proposed back in 2016, with an agreement reached to put the posts in place.
However, when council staff went into the estate to mark locations for the goal posts they were approached by a group of local residents who were opposed to the development.
“The staff left the estate and the goal post installation did not proceed at the time,” the council said.
“A petition against the goal posts was subsequently submitted to the council which was signed by 68 people from 27 addresses in the estate.”
However, a number of residents have reissued a call for goal posts, with a recent community poll showing 131 residents in favour and 11 against.
Enhance anti-social behaviour
Speaking with The Echo, Cllr King said: “We are going to go and do a proper consultation with the community [in De Selby].
“There is huge support in the estate for the installation of an unofficial soccer pitch, but a few residents are concerned that it may enhance anti-social behaviour.
“I believe that if the community works together in the spirit that they have been, these issues can be resolved through working with gardai.”
It is proposed that the soccer pitch, which would be community-use only, would be installed on the green space, which runs along the left hand-side of the estate.
Calls for a play space, the location of which would be done in consultation with residents, have also been made.
However, according to the council, there is “no current provision” for one in De Selby.
The council added: “It should be noted in recent weeks the council has received a number of phone calls and emails from residents of De Selby which would indicate there is some division within the area with regard to any proposal for a play space at this location.”
Stressing the need for consultation, which will be undertaken in the coming weeks, Cllr King said that plans are underway to create a Neighbourhood Watch group in De Selby, with support from the community gardai.
“All of the residents need to come together as a community,” Cllr King said.
“There is nothing in the estate at all and residents should be able to have a soccer pitch and play space [without being worried about anti-social behaviour].”
