Council calls out abuse of Fairview Park pitches
Soccer players in Fairview Park have been urged to desist from their unauthorised use of official playing pitches.
The call by Dublin City Council follows complaints from a number of clubs that have lettings on pitches in the north Dublin park.
Complaints have also been lodged by the park ranger regarding organised groups apparently using the pitches without permission, nor any concern for the regulations governing their use.
Although the groups involved have not been specifically identified, and would not identify themselves to park staff, Metro Éireann has learned that they include non-Irish nationals from different parts of the world, including Africa.
In a statement, the council expressed concern that the groups have shown no interest in ending their unauthorised use of the park.
“When advised to stop by the ranger, they either ignore his requests, claim ignorance or lack of understanding, or avoid [times] when the ranger is present and carry out the unauthorised use of the pitches when he is not present.”
The statement added that the unauthorised use has been happening for some time, even when the pitches have been called off due to waterlogging.
“Those with the lettings have a level of frustration when they see the playing surface on which they have a letting being abused… The result is the reduction in the quality of the surface and the potential that the pitches could be considered unplayable for a longer period.”
The council added that the groups involved have “brought equipment of unknown standard to the pitches and there is no way of knowing what insurances if any that these groups have.”
The situation is now “escalating and developing a worrying nature that if not addressed will lead to anger, resentment and problems in ethnic and racial relationships.”
The council advises people who want to use Fairview Park and other parks in Dublin City Council to read the conditions of letting that clubs must adhere to, and to consult the council’s sports section which administers the pitch letting system throughout the city’s parks and public open spaces for permission.
