One of Dublin's oldest GAA clubs is facing the prospect of losing 50% of its playing pitches, due to construction of the Metrolink project.
Members of Fingallian’s GAA met Minister for Transport Darragh O'Brien this morning, calling for urgent action to address the situation.
Under the proposed plan for the project, the club, which has 1,600 active members, along with six local primary and secondary schools, would lose access to pitches, which account for 50% of the club’s playing space, from quarter one of 2027 for at least three years.
However, that is assuming construction begins and is completed on time.
Local Fine Gael Councillor Luke Corkery said there needs to be coordination to ensure the club does not lose out while progress on the Metrolink is being made.
"Swords absolutely needs Metrolink to happen, but I think we need a bit of joined up thinking, in finding a solution to the 50% of Fingallian's playing space, that is due to be lost when Metrolink works commence," he said.
The club faces losing half its playing space from the start of next year, but Minister for Transport Darragh O'Brien said all options will be considered to ease the transition.
"I approach this from a positive standpoint, because the relationship we have with the club has been really, really good over the years. They're central to the community here in Swords. We're working through the additional facilities with the club," Minister O’Brien said.
"Metrolink is a massive investment. It will be life-changing, transformational for the Swords and Fingal area."
A spokesperson told RTÉ News that Metrolink has suggested Dublin Airport's ALSAA Sports Centre as a substitute location on an interim basis.
While access and parking concerns were raised by the club, MetroLink is actively looking at potential works that would address these by clearing access paths, creating additional parking, upgrading public lighting, and ensuring ALSAA's commitment to reasonable upgrade works.
However, Chair of Fingallians GAA Charlie Rogan said that site is unsuited to their needs.
"It will increase a lot of car journeys around Swords and with the traffic congestion that's going to be caused by the ongoing works, it's only going to make it worse for people around the area," he said.
