DLR Sports Forum Minutes 23rd March 2016

Venue – County Hall, Dun Laoghaire Time: 7pm – 9 pm

Clubs Represented – Three Rock Rovers Hockey, Foxrock Cabinteely GAA, Dublin Tennis, Shankill FC, Shankill Bowling Club, Genesis Hockey Club, Rosemont Mulvey, St Michaels RC, Leicester Celtic FC, Cabinteely Athletic Club, Ballinteer St Johns, Shankill Martial Arts, Marlay Parkrun, Shankill GAA, Kilmacud Crokes GAA, Cabinteely Crickets, Kilmacud Crickets, Belpark Triathlon, Impact Martial Arts, Glenageary LTC, Ballyogan Celtic, Rosemount Taney TC, Cabinteely FC, Park Celtic, Lakelands FC, Cuala GAA, St Josephs Boys AFC, Monkstown Boxing, Orwell Wheelers, Astra Handball, Cabinteely Parkrun, St.Brigids RFC, Dundrum AC, Granada FC, Seapoint RC, Dublin Sailing, Deerpark LTC, Cricket Leinster

Introduction and Welcome  An Cathaoirleach, Cllr. Barry Saul thanked and welcomed all in attendance as well as providing an overview of what the evenings discussion would entail.

Presentation on Council Sports Facilities – Existing and Potential Future  Rob Harknett (Sport For Business) outlined that he was contracted by the County Council to work with them in this initial phase of facility planning and the discussions around this Sports Forum meeting.  Tim Carey, Acting Senior Parks Superintendent, then took a 20 minute presentation on the current situation the County Council faces with regards to existing demand and the limited land/facility resources to meet this demand.  The presentation included : . Annual current spend on sport and capital investment over the past 10 years . Grass pitches were highlighted as a topical example of the challenges facing the Council regarding provision – 90 pitches providing just €45,230 in income that would cover the cost of maintaining just 3 top level grass pitches . The Council is severely restricted with regards to provision of additional grass pitches as there is no more public land available – a map of the County was provided representing this lack of space . The Council believe the current situation is unsustainable and greater communication and planning is required to maximise use of limited facilities and resources into the future . Highlighted that the Council believe that future provision of all types of sports facilities will need to be multi-use and include the input/support of a number of clubs (across various sports) in the area . The presentation ended with Tim outlining 9 survey questions that the County Council would like all clubs to complete in order to provide a clearer picture regarding facility provision and needs in the County. . The survey need to be completed by the club Chairperson before the 15th April https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/W3MDHVH  There was then a Question & Answer session facilitated by Rob Harknett and with the following panel: o An Cathaoirleach, Cllr. Barry Saul o Richard Shakespeare, Director Municipal Services Dept. o Tim Carey, Acting Senior Parks Superintendent o Barry Dempsey, Sports Officer o Shane McArdle, Coordinator Sports Partnership  A large number of questions were fielded and individual club representatives outlined the issues they face with regards to facility access and provision – included issues around pitch provision, historical issues, toilet and changing rooms required where children train and the need for more clubs to work together in meeting their facility needs.  When all survey responses are collected and analysed a follow-up meeting will be called to move planning and discussion around facilities further

Information Update for Sports Clubs  Shane McArdle (LSP Coordinator) gave a brief update on the recent work being carried out by the Sports Partnership and upcoming events/workshops that clubs may be interested in.  The update was circulated and included: o The Community Coaching Programme is now complete o Nominations sought for the Celebration of Volunteers event o Legislation around child protection in sport o Potential grants schemes o Coach/volunteer training

Close of Meeting  Both An Cathaoirleach, Cllr Barry Saul and Pat Smith, Chairperson dlr Sports Forum welcomed all for attending and for inputting into the meeting.

AOB and Next Meeting  Date & Venue of next Sports Forum meeting TBC.