Sports clubs face up to construction ‘nightmare’

ONE of the capital’s biggest GAA clubs, Na Fianna, will lose three playing pitches for up to six years during construction of MetroLink.

Home Farm soccer club could also lose an adjoining pitch on Mobhi Road, as the area is used to launch boring machines needed to construct a 14-metrehigh tunnel under the city.

Transport Infrastructure Ireland said the pitches would be restored to an “immaculate” condition once works were complete.

But Na Fianna said it was concerned that if the project goes ahead in its current form, it could result in a “nightmare” scenario. “We have a full-sized GAA pitch, two all-weather pitches and a clubhouse as well. Our understanding is that if the emerging preferred route were to go ahead, we would lose all three pitches during construction,” a spokesman said.

“They could be lost for three to seven years, which is a loss to us and a loss to sport. We have the best part of 3,000 members, and this will do untold damage.

“They said they would work closely with us to source alternative facilities, but green spaces on the northside of the city are few and far between. The history of clubs moving out of their home bases is the club dwindles or dies away.

“We would urge our members to get involved in this process. If we don’t, it could be a nightmare.” A spokesman for Home Farm said its pitch was primarily used by underage boys and girls teams, and that it would be calling a meeting of members to discuss the matter shortly.