Sports pavilion work to start at Dodder Valley Park
By Mary Dennehy
THE SOD has been turned on the new sports pavilion in Dodder Valley Park, after the idea was fielded more than a decade ago by South Dublin County Council.
Construction on the pavilion is due to start over the coming weeks, with the completed facility providing changing room facilities for local clubs and groups once complete.
Mayor of South Dublin County Council, Cllr Mark Ward, officially performed the sod turning for the new Pavilion at Dodder Valley Park, Old Bawn.
The Mayor was joined by Daniel McLoughlin, Chief Executive SDCC, Teresa Walsh, Director of Services, staff of South Dublin County Council and guests to celebrate this event
Speaking at the event, Mayor Mark Ward said: “The provision of facilities in this park will support the development of Dodder Valley Park and allow recreational facilities to progress further within this well-used park.”
The Dodder Valley Park pavilion was among three projects passed in 2015, which also included the provision of pavilions in Griffeen Park and Corkagh Park.
Following a Pavilion Programme tender process between 2016 and 2018, a contractor was appointed to design and build the initial project in Dodder Valley.
In a comment to The Echo, a council spokesperson said that the pavilion will provide changing rooms, which will be available to clubs and groups using the sports facilities within the park.
“The use of the pavilion will be subject to an agreement between the proposed users and the council”, the spokesperson said.
While the pavilion is being welcomed by the community, a number of residents’ groups and associations have asked if suggestions made through the Part 8 consultation stage have been incorporated into the design.
Some of the suggestions made related to the use of anti-graffiti paint on the pavilion, landscaping, lighting, visibility within the area and car park security.
According to residents, the community was promised ongoing consultation after the Part 8 process – which they claim did not happen prior to this week’s sod turning.
However, Jim Lawlor, of the Old Bawn Residents’ Association, told The Echo that a meeting has now been planned for next week to discuss what suggestions made by the community have been included in the design.
Mr Lawlor also noted that information on how the pavilion will be managed, and by who, is also being sought.
When contacted by The Echo, a spokesperson for the council said: “The Part 8 was passed by the council and the outcome of the Part 8 took into account many of the submissions from members of the public.”
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