Dublin People - Locals cry foul over pitch delay

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Locals cry foul over pitch delay

Thursday, 12 June 2008

SPORTS mad Dublin 15 locals are still patiently waiting for an all-weather pitch in Mulhuddart to officially open, even though it appears to have been ready since before last Christmas.
According to sportsman Gerry Murray, many locals have reached the end of their tether and have decided to use the pitch even though it’s still not officially ready.
“Everyone in the area had enough of waiting so we found a way to access the pitch through some broken railing on the Castlecurragh side,” he revealed.
“Are we supposed to sit by and watch this pitch lying idle for the summer just because the council hasn’t signed off on it? It’s ridiculous.”
In correspondence, seen by Northside People, Fingal County Council revealed that final works would be carried out on the pitch and it will be completed within a fortnight.

However, that letter dates back to early February and locals are still waiting for the saga to end.
“Two apartment blocks have been built nearby in less time than it has taken for this pitch to be opened to the public,” a frustrated Mr Murray claimed.
“Work on the all-weather pitch in Corduff began at the same time as the Mulhuddart one and that one has been open and in use for months now.”
According to the frustrated Northsider, the pitch was due to be used for a summer sports competition.
“We have been running this soccer competition every summer for six years in Mulhuddart,” Mr Murray explained. “However, the council has told us that we should now use Corduff’s facility as ours is not ready.” .
Local TD Joan Burton (Lab) described the situation as “a disgrace”.
“I don’t understand how the council could let this go on for so long,” she told Northside People. “This facility has been pretty much finished for the guts of a year.
“I’m really not convinced with the various bureaucratic excuses that the council is giving in relation to the delays.”
Deputy Burton added: “A large population of the local area is made up of children who are more than willing, ready and able to use this pitch over their school break.”
A spokesperson for Fingal County Council explained how works on both the Corduff and Mulhuddart pitches began at the same time.
“The same contractor was used for each,” it was stated.
“Unfortunately, problems arose in the construction of the Mulhuddart pitch, resulting in the pitches being completed at different times.
“The pitch in Mulhuddart is more or less ready for opening and the community committee in Mulhuddart are hoping to hold a grand opening in the coming months.”
The spokesperson apologised to all those who have been inconvenienced by the delays.
“We look forward to providing first-class all-weather facilities to them as soon as possible.”

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