Rugby Club unveil impressive plans for Kingswood Farm site
CLONDALKIN Rugby Football Club (RFC) has lodged plans for the relocation of their existing grounds at Gordon Park to new lands at Kingswood Farm.
The plans for the new site include the development of a new two-storey clubhouse pavilion and four new rugby pitches.
This follows on from the club supporting a developer’s plans for the construction of 77 dwellings in Gordon Park last January, after the land was sold by the club.
The land was purchased by Greenwalk Development Limited, with the sale providing the rugby club with funds for the purchase of a larger parcel of land and an upgrade of facilities to meet increasing demands.
As reported in The Echo last August, it’s understood the deal was believed to be worth in the region of €4 million.
On February 25 last, the club submitted plans to South Dublin County Council for the relocation of their grounds to Kingswood Farm.
The proposal for the new site includes the development of four new rugby pitches, including a high-quality main competition pitch with floodlighting columns on either side.
The three remaining pitches will comprise a high-quality junior pitch both laid approximately level, and two back pitches as well as various grassed rugby training areas, all laid on existing land cross falls levels.
Other plans for the new grounds include the change of use of an existing agricultural shed to accommodate a new two-storey changing facility and storage areas.
The plans include a new two-storey clubhouse pavilion with supporting facilities including dressing rooms, physio rooms, a coffee dock, committee rooms, a members’ bar and lounge, plant room and toilets.
Provision of new landscaping throughout the site comprising trees, hedges and wildflower areas is included.
Permission is also being sought for a new cycle track and pedestrian access and stairs off the R136, a bicycle shelter, a children’s playground area, electrical car charging stations, vehicle parking and new vehicle entrance off the Old Country Roadway.
A decision on the application for planning permission is due from South Dublin County Council by April 21.
Clondalkin RFC was established in 1973 out of Moyle Park College. In 1977, members raised £27,000 for the purchase of a 5.5-acre patch of land known as Gordon Park.
Over the intervening years, Clondalkin RFC built a clubhouse with changing facilities and erected floodlighting in Gordon Park to enable greater use of the facilities.
But now, with upwards 600 members registered with the club, around 400 of which are playing, the club has outgrown Gordon Park – the place they had called home for over 40 years.
