The proposed multi-sport complex on the St Thomas estate, South Co. Dublin is one step-closer to becoming a reality after the project was allocated €5.25m through the Large Scale Sport Infrastructure Fund (LSSIF).
The project, which was granted planning permission in July of last year, was first set in motion in 2013 when Dundrum South Dublin Athletics Club (DSDAC) purchased 15 acres of land on the estate.
In 2016, the club purchased 10 additional acres and began working with Dun Laoghaire-Rathdown County Council to design the complex and apply for planning permission.
It is understood that the facility will accommodate multiple sports clubs including DSDAC, Fencing Ireland, Dundrum Archers, Special Olympics, Orwell Wheelers, Belpark Triathlon and Trojan Gymnastics.
The complex will consist of a 400m external running track, field athletics facilities, an 80m indoor sprint track, a 700 sqm multi-purpose sports hall and gymnastics centre.
In a statement, DSDAC said it is “delighted” that the funding has been allocated.
“This project is very important for one of the most populated places in the country, which has few sporting facilities for minority sports, and no athletics track available to the public,” it said.
“Having partnered with several minority sporting bodies (including gymnastics, cycling, fencing, archery, triathlon and Special Olympics), DSD volunteers have been tirelessly working with Dún Laoghaire Rathdown County Council to see the St Thomas Multi-sport Campus become a reality.”
Labour councillor for the area, Lettie McCarthy said, “I am delighted St. Thomas’s received this funding.
“We need to invest in the health and wellbeing of our children and young people. Facilities like this are a wonderful asset to our area and deserves all the support it can get.
“I have a long relationship with DSDAC and I know the tremendous service they have provided to so many of our children over the years. It’s such an exciting project and I wish it every success.”
