The plan aims to address all these needs through a reallocation of park spaces, consolidating and increasing the range of sports facilities within one centralised complex in Phase 1 to allow for better use of other spaces in the rest of the park. Access issues to the east of the park due to the DART line will also be improved in Phase 1, opening up these wild meadow spaces and coastal views for more park users. In the next phase, a new woodland playground and wetland/lake area will be developed on the site of the former pitch beside the Old Dublin Road.
Councillor Mary Hanafin, An Cathaoirleach of Dún Laoghaire-Rathdown County Council said:
Sports participation rates in the county of Dún Laoghaire-Rathdown are some of the highest in the country per capita. These facilities will be open access and free for the public to use. Bringing together these facilities for GAA, soccer, baseball, cricket, athletics and more in one centralised area will allow other zones in the park to be given over to uses such as biodiversity enhancement, play areas, and better overall enjoyment of the park for all users.”
Frank Curran, Chief Executive of Dún Laoghaire-Rathdown County Council said:
The Woodbrook Shanganagh area is one of the growth areas in the Dún Laoghaire-Rathdown County Council with a number of housing developments under construction at present. Without a clear, dynamic, and long-term plan for Shanganagh Park & Cemetery, park upgrades would happen in a piecemeal fashion. I welcome Phase 1 of the development which will provide additional sporting facilities and other uses into this central part of the park.”
Speaking on the Phase 1 development plans for the park, Eoin O’Brien, Senior Executive Parks Superintendent for DLR County Council said:
The Shanganagh Park & Cemetery Masterplan provides a framework for the future growth and upgrade of the park. It seeks to balance active and passive recreation and the protection and enhancement of biodiversity is a key aim of the plan. The development of the active recreation zone is a priority in the masterplan to support local clubs and community use. The upgrade will also encourage unstructured active participation with a new basketball area, natural play space and callisthenics workout zone. In addition, access will be improved for pedestrians and cyclists and extensive seating will be placed at key locations.”
