I wish to object to the proposed construction of a synthetic (astro turf) sports pitch at Greenhills Park on environmental, social, and traffic grounds.

Conflict with the Council’s own Climate Action Plan
This proposal directly contradicts the goals set out in South Dublin County Council’s Climate Action Plan and Biodiversity Strategy.

• The use of plastic materials and rubber infill will generate microplastics and create long-term waste that cannot be easily recycled.

• Replacing a living grass surface with synthetic turf removes a natural carbon sink, reduces biodiversity, and increases local surface temperatures and water run-off.

• This undermines the Council’s commitments to protect green spaces, support biodiversity, and reduce emissions.

2. Loss of open, accessible green space and creeping privatisation
Greenhills Park is a cherished public space, freely accessible to all residents. Converting a large section into a fenced-off, bookable sports facility represents a form of privatisation of public land.
Once installed, this pitch will primarily serve organised clubs and paying users rather than the full community, limiting casual and inclusive use of the park.

3. Importance of natural green space for community wellbeing
Access to open, natural grass areas is vital for both physical and mental health. Parks like Greenhills provide calm, restorative environments where people can walk, relax, meet neighbours, and connect with nature — benefits that cannot be replicated by fenced synthetic turf.
The loss of this shared, natural space would have a real social cost, particularly for children, older residents, and those who rely on the park for daily exercise and wellbeing.

4. Traffic and parking pressures
Residents already experience significant congestion and illegal parking during existing football matches. A larger, floodlit synthetic pitch will attract greater usage and visitors from outside the area, worsening traffic, noise, and safety issues on narrow residential roads.

5. Better, more sustainable options exist
Improving the existing grass pitches through better maintenance and drainage, or locating a new facility in a larger park such as Tymon Park with suitable parking and access, would meet sporting needs without damaging the local environment or restricting community use.

This proposal conflicts with the Council’s own climate and sustainability objectives, removes valuable public green space, undermines community wellbeing, and will worsen traffic conditions. I therefore strongly object to the development and urge the Council to explore more sustainable, inclusive alternatives that protect both people and nature.