All-weather 3G pitch plans in South Dublin approved despite concerns over impact on residents
Plans for a new synthetic all-weather 3G pitch in South Dublin have been approved despite concerns over its location, parking provision and potential impact on nearby homes.
South Dublin county councillors voted to approve the Part 8 development at Greenhills Park at their June meeting by 20 votes to 15, with three abstentions.
The proposal includes a full-size 3G synthetic grass multi-sports pitch, perimeter and ball-stop fencing, six floodlighting columns and a single-storey pavilion with changing rooms and storage.
Map of the relevant area including a footprint of the proposal
The development forms part of South Dublin County Council’s €9.35m programme to deliver all-weather pitches across the county.
It also includes associated drainage and utility works, the realignment of a 112-metre footpath, CCTV, landscaping and new planting.
The project is intended to address a shortage of all-weather playing facilities, improve year-round access for clubs and reduce pressure on existing grass pitches.
A total of 839 submissions were received during the public consultation process, with 68pc (569) opposing the proposal and 32pc (270) supporting it.
Of those opposed, 164 submissions suggested alternative locations, while a further 58 accepted the need for the facility but objected to its proposed location within Greenhills Park.
Seven submissions supporting the project came from sports clubs representing a combined 280 teams and 4,435 players.
At the meeting, several councillors questioned whether the park was the most suitable location for the development.
Fianna Fáil councillor Yvonne Collins said that while she supported the provision of all-weather facilities, Greenhills Park was not the “right” site.
“Although it is a good plan, this is not the right location for it,” she said.
“I think we have to be mindful of the people who live closest to it. It’s a relatively small local park which is a huge amenity for residents.”
Cllr Collins also raised concerns about parking, saying nearby roads were already under pressure and that additional traffic could create difficulties for local residents.
People Before Profit councillor Kay Keane said some residents had highlighted the proximity of the proposed pitch to their homes.
“Their garden walls will literally be only so far away from the fence,” she said.
Independent councillor Ronan McMahon said the location of the pitch would affect older residents.
“There are huge benefits to South Dublin County Council providing all-weather pitches in this part of the county,” he said.
“However, I believe this is not the ideal site and that locating the pitch here will adversely affect local residents, many of whom are in their mature years.”
Independent councillor Alan Edge backed the proposal.
“There is no perfect space,” he said.
“It will be easy to designate an area for a pitch, it’s not easy when you’re dealing with housing estates that have been there for a very long time.”
He added that the pitch would be built “not for people solely who are living in Greenhills, but for future generations”.
Fianna Fáil councillor Emma Murphy also spoke in support of the project, highlighting the cost burden faced by clubs during the winter months.
“The cost to clubs during the winter for the rental of indoor facilities is chronic, and it’s something we really need to look at,” she said.
Despite concerns raised at the meeting and opposition from a majority of submissions received during the consultation process, councillors ultimately voted to approve the development.
South Dublin County Council chief executive Colm Ward said the decision to locate the pitch on an existing sports area within the park had been a “very conscious decision”.
“It mitigates things like the noise and traffic, because it’s already there to a certain extent,” he said.
the consultation process began in September 2025 and included public information evenings held in Greenhills. The process was briefly paused pending determinations from An Coimisiún Pleanála before being allowed to proceed in April 2026.
Following approval, the project will also include a revised landscape masterplan for Greenhills Park, incorporating screening around the pitch and additional tree and hedge planting to enhance biodiversity.