I strongly object to the proposed development that would see the only open green space in Greenhills Park, a public amenity serving over 1,600 homes, turned into a commercial, pay to use facility. The proposed pitch, measuring 14,500m², is even larger than Croke Park’s (12,760m²). A facility of this scale is entirely unsuitable for a small residential park surrounded by family homes.

It is deeply concerning that SDCC engaged with the local football club months before informing residents, and even then, only a small number of homeowners bordering the park were notified with a vague letter dated 9th September 2025. This deliberate lack of transparency shows complete disregard for the residents of Greenhills by both SDCC and the local club.

I am a resident of St James Road, with my home backing directly onto Greenhills Park. This facility would sit only a few metres from my family home and my 1 year old boys bedroom. The late night noise and floodlights will inevitably disturb his sleep, impacting his daily routine and wellbeing as he grows. Many supporters of the proposal say “this will be great for the kids”, but what has been totally neglected by all is the wellbeing of the children that have to live around this facility and the constant chaos and life altering effects this will have on them.

I also live with a chronic illness, which is made worse by stress and poor sleep. Having a busy, floodlit facility metres from my home will have serious consequences for my health and quality of life.

This proposal is in no way a “great addition to the community” when the truth is, this is a pay to use commercial venture. This facility is not open to the children of Greenhills to use at their leisure, as the open space currently is, since only clubs that have Public Liability insurance will be allowed access. What we are losing is an open, inclusive space replaced by a fenced off facility for a select few.

It’s worth noting that a similar proposal in Knocklyon was rejected in November 2023 due to concerns raised by the local residents including fencing off part of the park reducing public access, increase of noise and traffic impacting the surrounding residential area, loss of green space and many more similar concerns raised by residents of Greenhills, and our concerns are EQUALLY VALID.

This proposal caters for specifics only. Football, GAA and Rugby is NOT every child’s or adults interest or hobby and is certainly NOT the only method of keeping an individual fit, safeguarding their mental health or keeping a child in school. A public park should cater for everyone not just a few specific sports.

My Key Concerns -

Main Entrance

The proposed main entrance is on St James Road. This entrance site sits on an extremely dangerous bend to which visibility for cars exiting is extremely poor. Making a site like this a main entrance to a commercial facility is poor planning and neglect to public safety. This entrance also leads directly onto laneways where many residents access their garages and back gardens. Many with oil heating require regular access for oil deliveries.

Parking and traffic congestion

Greenhills is a small residential area, not designed for the level of traffic this facility will attract. Currently, the park is used mostly by the local club, but this development would bring large numbers of visiting teams, spectators, and cars. We’ve seen the impact in places like Bluebell and Pearse Park, where traffic congestion and illegal parking have caused chaos.

At the public consultation, SDCC confirmed no parking assessment or traffic management plan had been carried out, a serious oversight. Greenhills Community Centre has also confirmed there is no agreement to provide parking for users of this facility.

At full capacity, the site could attract over 120 cars at a time, with matches overlapping as teams arrive early. Add to that any ongoing games on Greenhills boys FC senior pitch beside the community centre, and parking in the area will become completely unmanageable. Realistically, most users will not be local and will not use sustainable travel methods particularly in the cold, dark and rainy months.

Noise and light pollution

The facility is proposed to operate until 10pm on weekdays and 9pm on weekends. With family homes as close as 20 metres away this level of activity will have a detrimental effect on the lives of those living next to it. It will disrupt sleep patterns with the noise generated from matches and its surrounding floodlights, especially for those who rise early for work, shift workers and children whose bedtimes are well before 10pm.

The existing floodlights at the senior pitch beside the community centre already cause problems for nearby homes.

Management and Security

Who will ensure users leave the facility promptly after closing? Late night loitering and noise will likely continue well after 10pm. There are also unanswered questions about fire safety and site monitoring after hours. Who is responsible if an incident occurs?

Questions for SDCC

1. On what grounds did SDCC determine Greenhills Park is suitable for a facility of this size and intensity?
2. How this project aligns with SDCC Climate Action Plan 2024–2029?

Specifically in relation to enhancing climate resilience, increasing energy efficiency, and reducing greenhouse gas emissions.

This proposed pitch directly conflicts with SDCC committed targets due to its significant carbon footprint throughout its lifecycle, from manufacturing and installation to maintenance and eventual disposal.

South Dublin County Council ironically states on their website the benefits of having access to green spaces. Mental Health Benefits: Access to green spaces and trees has been shown to reduce stress, anxiety, and depression, promoting mental well-being.

This proposal shows, for SDCC profit comes before the well-being of the residents of Greenhills!

1. What noise and light assessments were conducted, including projected dB(A) levels?
2. What health impact assessments were undertaken, particularly for vulnerable groups?

In the EIA one of the questions is:

Will the Project cause noise and vibration or the releasing of light, heat energy or electromagnetic radiation?

Part Answer stated:

Noise generated at the pitch during the operational phase will be consistent with existing noise levels associated with sporting and recreational activities in the park.

Only the local club use this part of the park at certain times throughout the week for training and matches. This facility would bring many additional clubs that would not usually visit Greenhills Park, for periods of 12 hours a day until 10pm each night. There is also no current floodlighting in the area of the park where this facility is proposed for. Stating that “noise will be consistent with current levels” is simply inaccurate. This is a quiet residential park, not a busy sports complex.

The WHO Noise Guidelines for Europe recommend outdoor night noise levels not exceeding 40dB(A). Anything above that threatens health, especially for children, the elderly, and those with chronic illness.

Suggestions

Rather than removing an irreplaceable green space, SDCC should look to alternative brownfield sites for example, within the CityEdge development at Greenhills/Ballymount where a larger sports facility could be developed without impacting residents. This would revitalise an unused industrial area while keeping our park green and open to all.

Alternatively, SDCC could improve drainage on the existing grass pitches, as was successfully done in Tymon Park, ensuring better year round usability without destroying our green space.

I respectfully urge the Council to reconsider this proposal. The impact on residents wellbeing and quality of life would be enormous. The homes of Greenhills residents cannot be moved, this facility can.

Please protect our park, our health, and our community.