As a resident to Greenhills and frequent user of this park, I would like to formally object to the proposed development of Synthetic Grass Sports Pitch at Greenhills Park, Greenhills Dublin 12. My objection is related to the negative environmental impact that this will have on our ecosystem as well as the contradictions to Irelands commitment to the UN Sustainable Development Goals.

Loss of Natural Ecosystem Services

Greenhills Park currently provides important natural functions, including carbon sequestration, stormwater absorption, urban cooling, and biodiversity support. Replacing natural grass and soil with a plastic surface would permanently remove these ecosystem services, contrary to Dublin City Council’s climate resilience objectives.

Microplastic and Chemical Pollution

Synthetic grass pitches shed microplastic fibres over time, which disperse into surrounding soil and waterways. If rubber crumb infill is used, it introduces further risks of toxic leachates (including heavy metals and PAHs) into the environment. This poses long-term risks to both ecosystems and human health.

Contribution to the Urban Heat Island Effect

Artificial turf surfaces can reach temperatures 30–60°C hotter than natural grass on warm days, intensifying local heat stress and reducing the usability of the park for the wider community. This contradicts Dublin’s climate adaptation strategies, which emphasise the importance of cooling green infrastructure.

Biodiversity Loss

Small parks such as Greenhills Park are vital habitats for pollinators, birds, and soil organisms. The introduction of a synthetic pitch will eliminate this biodiversity and fragment ecological networks, undermining Ireland’s obligations under the National Biodiversity Action Plan and EU Biodiversity Strategy 2030.

Waste and Carbon Footprint

Synthetic turf has a limited lifespan (8–10 years) and is notoriously difficult to recycle, typically ending up in landfill or incineration. The manufacturing and replacement cycles generate substantial carbon emissions, locking the community into an unsustainable system of plastic dependency.

Conflict with the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)

This development is inconsistent with several UN SDGs to which Ireland is a signatory:

• SDG 11: Universal access to inclusive, safe, green public spaces.
• SDG 13: Climate Action – through loss of climate-adaptive natural infrastructure.
• SDG 15: Life on Land – through elimination of biodiversity and ecosystem services.
• SDG 3: Reduction of illnesses from pollution, compromised by microplastic and chemical runoff.

Transport and travel

While the Greenhills community is currently well served by public transport, including the No. 9 and 15A bus routes, it is highly unlikely that the majority of visitors to the proposed development will rely solely on these services for daily travel. As a result, the small community centre car park will inevitably become overwhelmed, and surrounding residential streets will experience significant overflow parking.

In addition, recent reductions in on-street parking along Limekiln Lane have already increased pressure on local roads. The proposed development would intensify this issue, leading to traffic congestion, reduced access for residents, and potential safety concerns.

Furthermore, an increase in vehicle numbers will directly contribute to higher air pollution levels in the area. This runs contrary to Ireland’s commitment to achieving net-zero carbon emissions by 2050 and undermines local efforts to create a more sustainable community.

Contradicting four of the UN sustainable development goals which Ireland has committed to SDG 3, 9, 11 & 13.

There is no provision for the use of renewable energy to support or facilitate the proposed development. This is a significant oversight, particularly given Ireland’s legally binding commitments to reduce carbon emissions and transition to a low-carbon economy.

Developments of this scale should incorporate sustainable energy solutions, such as solar panels, heat pumps, or other renewable technologies, to minimise environmental impact and reduce future reliance on fossil fuels. Failing to do so not only places additional strain on existing energy infrastructure but also contradicts national and international climate objectives, including Ireland’s pathway to net-zero emissions by 2050 and the UN Sustainable Development Goals SDG 7 &13.

Greenhills is a well-connected community, with a network of roads and laneways that provide convenient and shorter walking routes throughout the area. This existing infrastructure encourages pedestrian movement and supports sustainable modes of transport, such as walking and cycling. The proposed development would restrict existing pedestrian movement by forcing residents to travel around the full perimeter of the site’s fencing to reach the opposite side. This would eliminate the current option of cutting across the open space, resulting in longer and less convenient walking routes for residents.

Such a design discourages active travel, undermines the community’s existing pedestrian connectivity, and contradicts sustainable planning principles that prioritise accessibility, walkability, and community integration.

Conclusion

While investment in local sport is welcome, this should not come at the expense of environmental health, biodiversity, and long-term sustainability goals. Alternatives such as natural grass upgrades, improved drainage, and multi-use natural surfaces would achieve the same recreational goals without imposing lasting ecological damage.

Creating an enclosure like the proposed removes clear, open green space that the wider community currently uses for recreation, relaxation, and informal play. This undermines the park’s role as an inclusive and multifunctional public amenity.

For the above reasons, I strongly urge the planning authority to refuse permission for the proposed synthetic grass sports pitch at Greenhills Park.