State-of-the-art clubhouse is part of the housing deal

THE proposed development of a state-of-the-art clubhouse for a local football team, as part of the plans for the construction of 620 houses in Killinarden, has been welcomed by a local councillor..

The residential development will be located on lands  currently used by Sacred Heart Firhouse Clover FC, but they will be provided with the new clubhouse as part of the development.

The clubhouse will be developed in tandem with the first phase of the construction of the residential aspect of the development, according to Sinn Féin councillor for Tallaght South, Dermot Richardson.

Cllr Richardson, who voted in favour of the plans at Monday’s monthly council meeting, told The Echo:

“They’ll be getting a state-of-the-art clubhouse that will be developed for Sacred Heart Firhouse Clover.

An aerial view of Sacred Heart football club pitches

“I’ve been working with the club on this for a number of years, and it’s been a dream of theirs to get their own clubhouse.

“It’ll be built in tandem with the first phase of the houses, so they’ll be built together. The community are the winners here.”

Sacred Heart Firhouse Clover FC is the result of a merger between the two teams in 2019, which was brought about to strengthen and secure the future of the two clubs.

Both clubs have been based in Killinarden since the merger, and the prospect of new sporting facilities signifies “a bright future”, according to the chairman of Sacred Heart Firhouse Clover FC, Alan Gibbons.

Mr Gibbons said: “The club is delighted with the news of new sporting facilities to be built in phase one of the project.

“Our executive committee has been working behind the scenes for the last six years on this project.

“Our club, established 30 years ago, has come a long way recently, also merging with Firhouse Clover at senior level nearly three years ago.

“This new facility will further strengthen our role in the community and will enable us to keep our existing members and our community with the most up-to-date, highest quality facility to train and play matches.

“Also, we can further our working relationship with Foróige, local primary and secondary schools, men’s sheds and the pigeon club. The future is very bright.”

Mr Gibbons added that the club wants to thank local councillors and South Dublin County Council “who have been very supportive”, and also the PM Group who helped to bring a design project for the clubhouse to the planning stage, before the club was offered this current proposal from the council.

The plans are expected to be lodged this year as a Strategic Housing Development and, if planning permission is granted, the first phase of the project is expected to begin in late 2022.