Dublin inner city sports stars unite in bid to retain 'lifesaving' local pitch
Sport stars, politicians, and the community have united in an in bid to save a “vital” north inner city local sports pitch.
Dublin City Council’s plans for a new housing development at the Multi-Use Games Area known locally as the Strand has sparked widespread opposition from notable names. Stars including Kellie Harrington and Troy Parrot have explained how important the facility at Portland Row has been to the local community over the years.
Olympic gold medalist Kellie Harrington said that this was the pitch she first learned how to play with friends and where she was first introduced to “other people playing sports while myself and my friends played on the sidelines.” She said the popular facility was where “neighbours became role models”.
Speaking on Liveline, Kellie acknowledged the need for housing but said it shouldn’t come at the expense of such an important local amenity. “They are planning on building three-bedroom houses for families. Where are those children going to go, where are they going to play?” she asked.
“There’s buildings going up everywhere and space is being taken away day-by-day, we’re losing out. Those kids are going to end up hanging around on street corners, getting in trouble, and getting arrested by the guards. Once that happens you can’t get out, it’s a vicious cycle.”
Ireland star Parrot said on Instagram the pitch is a "vital part of our community" and a "safe place for all to build friendships and practice our trade.” The hat-trick hero called for people to “back our children, back our community, save our pitch.”
One local rep who has been highlighting the importance of the Strand is Social Democrats Cllr Daniel Ennis. He said the beloved pitch is a place “where friendships are forged and communities made.” He said: “My first interaction with sport was on this pitch, watching my da play football here and further on, playing here myself."
Cllr Ennis explained that the pitch provides a space for young people in the community to engage in recreational activities in a healthy and safe way. “If that pitch wasn’t there, I’d be on the street corner,” he said.
Pierce O’Leary echoed these statements as he revealed “sport gave me the tools I needed to stay in school.” The boxer used to play on the pitch after school and said it was that discipline that helped gain his Junior and Leaving Cert.
Former footballer Olivia O’Toole said while the area “may just look like a wall to some people” it was a place that “saved my life.” She explained it was “where I learnt my trade from kicking the ball back and forward.”
Keith Treacy said to take away this “great infrastructure” would deny the people of Dublin 1, Dublin 3 and surrounding areas a neutral space to play competitively. Grace Richardson said losing the pitch will put a major strain on the community the teams she coaches with Sheriff Youth Club are always inundated with new members who need a proper space to train.
This pitch has been used by some of Ireland’s most successful and acclaimed sports stars, but a new 49-unit housing development is planned to take its place. This is due to be delivered by Tuath Housing and Dublin City Council .
While the proposed development has sparked widespread opposition, the council has previously committed to upgrading an adjacent sportspace on nearby Dunne Street to offset the impact. A report referenced by The Journal also said the design team has described the pitch as “seemingly underutilised.”
“It is locked for the majority of the time for security purposes, and must be booked in advance. It lacks good passive surveillance and does not provide an easily accessible play facility for local residents,” the planner’s letter said.
Tuath Housing have acknowledged the community concerns around the new housing development but said the acute need for housing in Dublin must be considered. They feel the concerns must be balanced in the context of a clear need to provide homes.
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