‘Traffic disaster’ during athletic competition in Tymon Park

AN ATHLETICS competition held in Tymon Park recently caused a traffic “disaster” and saw park users who were not involved in the competition being “forced out of the way”.

The 123.ie All-Ireland Schools’ Cross Country Championships 2024 was held in the park on Saturday, March 9, and saw hundreds of people come into the area to compete and spectate.

Local councillor Mick Duff (Ind) said he witnessed traffic tailbacks and parking issues due to the influx of motorists and coaches that came into the area for the championships.

“It was a disaster,” Cllr Duff told The Echo. “It was a very, very large event that’s normally held in Morton Stadium.

“While I accept that Tymon Park is a fantastic facility and suitable for events, none of them can take place without a parking plan and a traffic management in place.

“From what I saw on Saturday, none of this was in place. Traffic was going nowhere on Castletymon Road.”

Cllr Duff added that the traffic issues were exacerbated by the narrowing of the road to facilitate a cycle track for the active travel scheme, leading to the removal of the ‘ghost lane’ on the road.

“The removal of that ghost lane means there is no flexibility,” he explained.

“There’s no room for manoeuvring now, none whatsoever.”

Park users were also similarly frustrated with the situation, primarily in terms of the impact the event had on the park itself.

Tymon Park after the Cross Country Championships at the weekend

Brian MacCormaic from Cairde Pháirc Thigh Motháin – Friends of Tymon Park said: “It was extremely upsetting to see the destruction to our beautiful Tymon Park, after a major cross-country event was allowed go ahead on Saturday last.

“Visitors who use the park regularly were forced out of the way during the event, and today [Monday], grass paths and walking trails have been reduced to muddy swamps, prohibiting regular users of the park from walking there.

“Nobody objects to the park being used for sports. And indeed, much of the park is already dedicated to team sports, pitches and club houses.

“But this should not be to the exclusion of regular park users, particularly to families, the elderly, and to children.

“It is clear from the condition of the park today that Tymon Park – or any other public park for that matter – is not a suitable venue for an event such as this.

“The damage to wildflower meadows, where Cowslip, Ox-Eye Daisy, Vetch, Goat’s Beard, Bird’s foot Trefoil, Self-Heal, and so many other native wildflower varieties have grown naturally since long before the park was developed is heartbreaking to see.”

He added: “Tymon Park belongs to the people, and decisions made regarding its use should be made by those who understand the ecological balances involved and the importance of biodiversity to the environment as a whole.

“Events such as this, similar to major agricultural and outdoor events nationwide, should be restricted to private land where farmers and land-owners are adequately compensated by the organisers, so that they can turn their land to its former condition after the event has taken place.”

The Echo contacted South Dublin County Council, which owns and maintains Tymon Park, for comment.

A spokesperson for the council stated: “SDCC were engaged with Athletics Ireland regarding a schools cross country event which is an annual event in Tymon Park.

“A traffic management plan was agreed with the National Basketball Arena and put in place. SDCC acknowledge there were issues due to ongoing works on the Castletymon Road.

“This will be reviewed for future events. Any remediation works required will be considered and carried out as soon as weather permits.”