Plans for a multi-purpose pitch in the Liberties - but locals have their doubts
Plans are moving forward for the provision of a multi-purpose sports pitch in the Liberties, although after so many “false dawns” the Dublin 8 community have their doubts it will be delivered.
Dublin City councillors were updated on the redevelopment of the Marrowbone Lane depot site at the most recent South Central Area committee meeting held last Wednesday. Following a public consultation period in October 2025, the overwhelming majority of respondents highlighted the need for sporting facilities in the area which Dublin City Council are now endeavouring to provide.
Marrowbone Lane is home to the largest depot in the south of the city and has served the community for over 100 years through the provision of roads, waste, and water services. While Executive Manager Jamie Cudden described the area as a “challenging site” due to existing services, he stressed that Chief Executive Richard Shakespeare wishes to see the project proceed and his team are working toward ensuring it becomes part of the Capital Programme for sports.
The consultation period for the project revealed a strong desire from sporting groups and individuals to address the lack of green spaces in the Liberties. With local clubs, like St. Kevin’s GAA, Liberties Saints RFC and many football clubs forced to travel outside their area for training and matches, it’s clear there’s a need for a multipurpose pitch in the area .
“My concern is that it doesn’t happen, is long fingered, stalled or blocked. This is an essential piece of infrastructure that will have benefits for all the community that will be multiples of the cost. Get it done asap to ensure another generation doesn’t miss out,” one submission said.
“I would be worried that people of the area aren’t listened to and giving false promises, this area has been deprived of sporting grounds for too long, we’re not asking for much, just a place to call home,” another stated.
The aim would be to ensure the use of the pitch is as broad as possible, although Administrative Officer Eoin Swift did indicate that the site may not permit a GAA-sized pitch and that a rugby-sized pitch is more likely. However, a rugby-sized pitch could act as a space for juvenile GAA practice and a skills wall could be used for hurling and camogie training.
Sinn Fein Councillor Ciaran O Meachair welcomed the update, but highlighted that the majority of those who contributed to consultation expressed concerns surrounding its delivery. “The local community in Dublin 8 have had so many false dawns before, so it’s important that we deliver this time,” he said.
Describing the project as likely to be “one of the most expensive pitches ever delivered in the state,” Cllr O Meachair said it’s essential that they make the argument that this represents “a strong investment in the future of Dublin.” Labour Cllr Darragh Moriarty agreed that there is strong support in the community for a pitch, but many wonder “if this will actually come to fruition.”
However, Cllr Moriarty hopes that, with a dedicated project management team now involved, that this project is “being pushed along.” He stressed the importance of preparing for future complications that might arise, as they will have to account for existing services at Marrowbone Lane that could “potentially slow us down.” Most important for Cllr Moriarty is getting a budget locked in for the project and providing an estimated delivery date.
While Mr Cudden stated that previous multi-purpose pitch projects come in at an estimated cost of €1.5 million, he agreed that they will now need to investigate the feasibility and “potential contamination” at the brownfield site. He said he hopes that some works will proceed in 2026, but that councillors will have to wait for a future update to receive a more concrete timeline for its delivery and budget.
The overall goal of the project is to balance depot operations with the provision of sporting facilities in Dublin 8. This comes as part of SDRA15 regeneration plans in the Liberties and New Market Square.
Hundreds of submissions, both online through the council’s Engage platform and as part of in-person information sessions showcased the desire for a multi-purpose pitch. Other suggestions included the provision of floodlights and an astroturf surface, changing rooms and club facilities, a swimming pool, running track, and outdoor exercise equipment.
The provision of a youth club and a “safe hangout space” for adolescents were also key findings, as well as the overall regeneration of St. Catherine’s Church. “We only have one shot at getting this right, and we should make it as broad as possible,” one submission stated.
Additional suggestions also included the provision of toilets, a seating area, walking and cycling connections, as well as acting as a place for cultural and music events. The biggest concerns raised by contributors related to the pitch not being large enough, the impact on traffic and parking in the area, as well anti-social behaviour and security concerns.
“Lots of football, rugby, GAA, clubs in the area would benefit. Similarly, schools would benefit. Currently little to no green space in the Liberties so these facilities would be in massive demand,” a respondent said.
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