Synthetic grass pitch plans boost for Sean Walsh Park

THE development of a synthetic grass sports pitch at Sean Walsh Park hit the back of the net this month when the project was passed by councillors.

It was also agreed at July’s virtual South Dublin County Council meeting that Old Bawn Community School will have use of the new all-weather sports pitch, which is being developed on the existing grass pitch facility in the park.

Located beside Tallaght Stadium, the new 92m x 52m pitch will be surrounded by a 5m high weldmesh type fence, with an additional 1.4m ball-stop fence on the northern side.

Six floodlighting columns will allow for evening use, with CCTV, which will be monitored by An Garda Siochana and South Dublin County Council, being installed.

Plans also include the planting of new trees in Sean Walsh Park and necessary landscape works including storage areas, footpaths and planting.

According to the council, the proposal has undergone Appropriate Assessment Screening under the Habitats Directive and screening for Environmental Impact Assessment.

Three submissions were received during the Part 8 public consultation stage which, now closed, included a submission from Ursula McCabe, the Principal of Old Bawn Community School.

Generally welcoming the proposal, Ms McCabe noted the lack of green spaces or pitches within the school’s own site.

She also noted how the school had used the existing grass pitch facility in Sean Walsh Park for sports days, training and PE.

However, the condition of the grass pitch in recent years stopped play.

In its submission, Tallaght Community Council (TCC) supported the concerns of Old Bawn CS.

At Monday’s virtual meeting of South Dublin County Council, it was agreed that Old Bawn CS would have use of the new pitch, which has been welcomed by the school community.

After hearing the news, Old Bawn CS tweeted: “We are delighted that we will get the use of this pitch for our students.

“This will make an unbelievable difference. Roll on 2021/2022.”

A third submission was lodged by Mark Byrne of Transport Infrastructure Ireland (TII), who noted the need to ensure signage and lighting structures do not cause a traffic hazard.

In response, the County Manager outlined in his report that the detailed design stage for the scheme examines the lighting proposals further and incorporates any mitigation measures required in relation to the pitch and lighting.

The new synthetic pitch is one of a number of Urban Regeneration Development Fund (URDF) projects across the Tallaght town centre area.

It is hoped that the new pitch will meet demand for increased match play and training provision.

According to the council, the multi-use nature of the pitch should lead to use across a number of sports, including GAA, soccer and rugby.