17/11/2016
Archived item. This item is published here for historical reasons. The information below may be out of date.
Proposals for a new Accessible All-Weather Pitch in South Dublin County move a step closer
Councillors in South Dublin County Council have given their backing for proposals to develop a new, accessible all-weather pitch which will be will be located in Hermitage Park, Lucan adjacent to Esker Celtic Football Club to enhance leisure facilities and boost participation for young people with disabilities in the county. This joint initiative will be co-funded by South Dublin County Council in partnership with the Football Association of Ireland.
The proposed Frame Football facility would cater for the footballing needs of children with disabilities, who require the use of a walker style frame. Improving access to sports is a key public health priority for the council encouraging and facilitating participation and engagement. The benefits of physical activity are universal for all children, including those with disabilities. The participation of children with disabilities in sports and recreational activities promotes inclusion, improves mobility and enhances overall well-being.
Cllr. Guss O’Connell, Mayor of South Dublin County Council said “I am delighted that the Council are working on this fantastic project with the FAI and Esker Celtic FC. This will be the first dedicated frame football facility in the Dublin area and confirms this Council’s commitment to providing accessible sporting opportunities and facilities for all. This proposed new facility in Lucan will encourage more young people in South Dublin to participate in healthy sporting activities. In doing so I want to particularly congratulate and thank the members of Esker Celtic Football Club and the other local sporting organisations who so generously volunteer their time and skills, not only in helping young people develop their sporting abilities but also in fostering and sustaining real community spirit and a sense of identity. ”
The Chairperson of Esker Celtic Football Club, Paul Cleary added "Esker Celtic and the FAI have been working together on 'Football for All' programmes since 2012. Currently we have 22 children ranging in ages from 6-16 years enrolled in the programme. In November 2015 we were approached by the FAI to pilot a new programme for children who use Frames as their main mode of mobility and we currently have 9 ‘Frame Users’ registered in the programme.As a club we very much welcome the development of this new facility which will enable us to be fully inclusive by encouraging children of all abilities to participate in sport and most importantly, have fun!”
John Delaney CEO of the FAI thanked South Dublin County Council for their partnership in the development of the facility:
“I’d like to thank Mayor Guss O’Connell and South Dublin County Council for their backing and commitment to develop this fantastic Frame Football facility at Esker Celtic FC,” said FAI CEO John Delaney.
“Our partnership with South Dublin County Council will provide a great platform for young people with disabilities to experience the joys of football that everybody, no matter what their ability, should enjoy.
“I’d like to thank Esker Celtic FC and all of those working across the FFA Frame Football programme here, including Colm Young, Keith Nolan, Debbie O'Donnell, and of course Chairman of the club Paul Cleary for their ongoing commitment.”
“Football For All is a key programme in the FAI and it delivers football opportunities to people who may not ordinarily get a chance to play the game we all love.”
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For further information contact: The Communications Unit, South Dublin County Council, County Hall, Tallaght, Dublin 24, D24 YNN5
Tel: 01 4149285
Email: communications@sdublincoco.ie
Note to editor: See accompanying imagery attached
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Accessible Football Facility proposed for Lucan -
Proposals for a new Accessible All-Weather Pitch in South Dublin County move a step closer