World class BMX track gets go ahead in Jobstown
By Mary Dennehy
PROPOSALS to build a world class BMX track beside the Tallaght Leisure Centre has been given the green light by South Dublin County Council, with hopes high that the facility will be open to the community by summer.
After a bumpy ride, that took nearly three years, the BMX track was passed in council chambers on Monday 12, following a public consultation stage (Part 8).
The international-standard track will be run by DCBMX on behalf of the council, with the “all-inclusive, community facility” catering to those who want to ride for fun right up to those interested in competing.
World BMX champ, Kelvin Batey, who started riding for Ireland in 2009, has been instrumental in the project and has played a key role in the design of the track and the development of a training squad.
Speaking with The Echo after plans were passed, Keith Stacey of DCBMX said: “We’re over the moon, we’re all delighted.
“This has been a big dream for a long time and getting it from a dream to reality has been a massive task.
“However, the hard work has paid off and hopefully we’ll have kids on the track for this summer.”
He added: “This facility will be a massive addition for the community of South Dublin County and Jobstown and will allow kids to be part of something really positive.
“This is the community’s track, it’s an all-inclusive, community facility, and it will be a success because of the community spirit both in Jobstown and the wider Tallaght area.
“We’ll also be linking into and working alongside youth clubs and groups across the area.”
According to Keith, this will be the first international grade track in Ireland, and will be the only track nationwide to have a proline – a bigger jump to develop junior league riders and also those competing at international or Olympic level.
The track, which is expected to cost in the region of €250k will run over 380 metres, will also have a spectator area and will be developed like an amphitheatre.
“South Dublin County Council has been invaluable in getting this project off the ground, especially Teresa Walsh, Suzanne Furlong and councillor Cathal King”, Keith said.
“They had the vision to see the value in this facility for South Dublin County and we are indebted to them for believing in us.”
When contacted by The Echo, Tallaght South Sinn Fein councillor Cathal King said: “This is going to be an absolutely excellent facility and there is great excitement in the area for it.
“It will help to create a state-of-the-art sports hub at the Tallaght Leisure Centre.”
According to Cllr King, one concern raised around the introduction of the BMX facility, was the future of the two existing soccer pitches located beside the leisure centre.
“People were concerned that the BMX facility would encroach [on the pitches], but this will not happen.
“One of the pitches will move a few feet up but there will be no loss of football pitch space.
“We got €50K in the Budget last year to put a state-of-the-art draining system into the two pitches, (because) when the weather is bad a flock of seagulls move onto the pitches there’s so much water.
“There will also be a new path to the pitches and parking on the road for matches and parking at the BMX track…the area will be greatly improved.”
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