Dublin GAA Secures Approval for State-of-the-Art Training Facility

Dublin GAA County Board has secured approval for a major novel state-of-the-art training facility in south Dublin, overcoming objections from local residents. The development will be located at the existing Spawell sports and leisure centre in Templeogue.

Planning Approval Granted

An Coimisiún Pleanála upheld the decision of South Dublin County Council to grant planning permission for the GAA cluster facility. The Commission rejected appeals, including those from the Orwell Park Residents Association. Subject to specific planning conditions, the facility is expected to provide a high-quality sports facility for the wider South County Dublin community..

Facility Features

• Three new floodlit GAA pitches with electronic scoreboards and dugouts
• An indoor training facility
• A stand with seating for 500 spectators, plus two uncovered terraces with capacity for another 500 attendants
• A pavilion including 10 changing rooms, shower facilities, a dining room, gym, tuck shop, meeting room, physio and first aid facilities, and a medical room
• A fourth pitch is already under construction
• A 105-meter long L-shaped hurling wall
• An all-weather surface sprint training area
• A 1.32km walking trail/jogging track

Project Background & Investment

Dublin GAA purchased the 13.8-hectare facility for over €9 million in 2017. The plans require the demolition of the existing golf driving range and partial loss of soccer pitches. The project has already secured a €7 million grant from the Government’s large scale sport infrastructure fund.

Addressing Concerns & Conditions

The Commission stipulated several conditions, including phased construction, restrictions on the commercial use of the kitchen and dining area, limiting floodlight use to 10pm between October and March, and implementing event traffic management plans. Measures to protect local bat and badger habitats are also required.

Revised plans, submitted in October 2024, addressed concerns regarding environmental impact and traffic, including redesigning and relocating the pavilion and overflow car parking area.

Community Impact & Benefits

Dublin GAA stated the facility will represent a very significant addition to the area’s active recreational infrastructure and enable the growth of Gaelic games in south Dublin. The provision of a jogging/walking trail is considered a significant community gain.

The number of car parking spaces has been increased to 155, excluding an overflow car park for 19 vehicles. A boundary wall, embankment, and numerous trees and hedgerows will be retained.

Long-Term Vision

Dublin GAA sought a 10-year planning permission, citing the need for extensive fundraising. The facility is intended as an accessible resource for clubs, schools, and community organizations, not a centre of excellence.

Resident Objections

The Orwell Park Residents’ Association raised concerns about traffic projections and the adequacy of car parking, predicting on-street parking in residential areas. However, a planning inspector concluded that the facility’s impact on the local road network would be limited and infrequent and would not create significant noise impacts.

Historical Context

The Spawell site was previously considered for a 25,000-seater GAA stadium. Dublin GAA’s current plans stem from a 2012 strategic plan identifying infrastructure deficits for Gaelic games in Dublin.

FAQ

What is the purpose of the new facility?

The facility is designed to provide a high-quality training and playing resource for Gaelic games in South County Dublin, accessible to clubs, schools, and the community.

What were the main objections to the development?

Local residents raised concerns about traffic, parking, and the impact on the local environment.

When is the facility expected to be completed?

A specific completion date was not provided in the available sources.

This new facility represents a significant investment in Gaelic games in Dublin, promising to enhance training opportunities and community engagement for years to come.