Former GAA President Nickey Brennan has urged the GAA to intervene over the possible sale of a section of Dolphin Park which would affect Kevins hurling and camogie club.
The park consists of two adult pitches and three juvenile or “cross” pitches and is located on the edge of the most densely populated area in the country.
Kevins GAA have voiced their concerns over retaining access to the playing fields which are currently being considered by property developers.
And Brennan has called on decision makers to take the country’s youth into consideration before reducing the amount of green spaces in Dublin any further.
“There’s two clubs involved and both are using the facilities at the moment,” Brennan said.
“And I think the notion of anyone selling the green space in Dolphin Park is absolute heresy – that cannot be allowed to happen.
“We have seen enough from the presentation to know the scarce amount of green space in Dublin 8.
“So the notion that some would be sold for housing is absolutely wrong and would severely impact Kevins in particular because the club is growing in terms of the number of boys and girls playing hurling and camogie.
“It is a phenomenal club in an area of Dublin that has been socially deprived for a long period of time. And you can see with the attendance tonight that there is a passion and a great vibe about the club.”
Tom Ryan, who was appointed as the Director General of the GAA in March, will likely be involved in any attempts to force a change of plan.
And Brennan believes Ryan will intervene thanks to his track record of helping clubs in the past.
“This particular dilemma cannot be solved without the involvement of the GAA – there’s no question about that,” Brennan added.
“And I think the GAA will get involved because it has – and Tom Ryan in particular – has been most helpful in sorting out issues with clubs over the last 10 years or more that got into a lot of financial difficulty.
“I don’t think he is oblivious to the challenge he is facing here and I think he will face up to it. He’s only had a few short weeks in the job and he needs to be cut a little slack on that.
“But the bottom line is that if this planning is sent off to Bord Pleanala and if they approve it, it might cause a lot of distress in this area and I think there will be a lot of anger if such a development takes place.
“This area simply cannot afford to lose green space. It’s already looking at trying to develop space on the other side of the canal in Teresa’s Gardens, which will be a multi-sports complex and we’re talking to Dublin City Council about that.
“Kids are playing their sport on concrete which is not fair at all. In terms of the social development of those kids and the healthy development of those kids – they just need green space.”
Written by James Hopper
