Kilbogget Park Athletics Facilities – Floodlighting Installation Works

Project Overview

The site is located within Kilbogget Park, adjacent to the N11 at Cabinteely, Dublin 18. Kilbogget Park is a District Park extending to approximately 41.5 hectares and includes a range of recreational amenities such as playing pitches (GAA, soccer and rugby), all-weather facilities, an 8-lane World Athletics-standard running track, playground, walking and cycling trails, wetlands and sports buildings. 

The lands are zoned under Objective F – to preserve and provide for open space with ancillary active recreational amenities, within which sports facilities are permitted in principle. The proposed development is consistent with this zoning as well as relevant national, regional and County Development Plan 2022–2028 policies. 

The project has been progressed through the Part 8 planning process. Further details are available here.

Scope of Works

The development comprises the installation of floodlighting infrastructure, including:

• Floodlighting columns
• Associated foundations
• Underground ducting

The works will serve both the athletics track and soccer pitch, supporting organised club training and competition as well as wider community use of the facilities. 

Lighting Design and Technical Specifications

The floodlighting scheme has been designed using modern lighting technology to minimise light spill and reduce potential impacts on adjoining lands, trees and hedgerows. 

• Athletics Track: Average illuminance of 200 lux, in accordance with World Athletics standards
• Soccer Pitch: Average illuminance of 250 lux
• Lighting Columns: 
  • 2 no. columns at 18.29 metres
  • 4 no. columns at 21.34 metres
  • Galvanised steel construction, consistent with similar installations across the county 

Environmental Considerations

Environmental protection has been a key consideration in the design and delivery of this project. The lighting system is bat-sensitive and incorporates appropriate mitigation measures to reduce ecological impact. 

In accordance with the Ecological Impact Assessment (EcIA) and Appropriate Assessment (AA) Screening:

• No floodlighting will operate during April, May, August and September, to protect bat activity during sensitive periods. 

Operational Hours

Subject to completion, the floodlighting will operate during the following hours:

• Morning: 06:00 – 08:00
• Evening: 17:00 – 22:00 (Monday to Sunday) 

This DLR sports project represents an important investment in local sports infrastructure, enhancing the quality, accessibility and usability of facilities within Kilbogget Park for both club use and the wider community, while maintaining a strong commitment to environmental stewardship