Na Fianna GAA pitches to be saved under new plans – Rock

A Fine Gael TD has said a sustained campaign to prevent the proposed MetroLink using the GAA pitches of a well known Dublin GAA club as a tunnelling site looks set to result in a hard earned win.

Deputy Noel Rock said under the latest draft revision to the MetroLink plans, to be published in the New Year, it is understood the use of Na Fianna’s pitches in Glasnevin as a tunnelling site will not proceed.

The Dublin North-West TD, who arranged Oireachtas hearings on the issue, welcomed a report today (Saturday) on new MetroLink plans as a good development but added all concerned would be keeping a close eye to proceedings.

“Under this draft proposal, there will be a stop constructed beneath Home Farm’s pitch with an 18 month build. Practically, instead of a six-year construction project involving all of the space at Na Fianna, there will instead be an 18 month construction period on a much smaller site beneath Home Farm FC.

“This solution came about thanks to the flexibility shown by many and to their credit. It’s important we make sure Home Farm are looked after during these 18 months of construction, Everyone knows of Home Farm’s historic contribution to Irish soccer and how many underage players they have catered for. They are an intrinsic part of Irish sport and long may this continue,” Deputy Rock said.

“Schools will be able to operate absolutely as normal during this period. I will hold the National Transport Authority to account on this.

“I am satisfied we are moving on from the idea of closing off this area of Glasnevin for the best part of a decade, am happy the campaigning was successful, and look forward to these revised drafts being fully published in the New Year,” Deputy Rock concluded.