To: Chief Executive of Dublin City Council, Mr Richard Shakespeare
Protect Our Basketball Courts – Keep Inchicore Active!
We are asking Dublin City Council to:
- Immediately stop the demolition of the 2 council owned basketball courts
- Consult with the local community in Dublin 8 about recreation needs
- Provide proper replacement sports facilities before removing any existing ones
These courts are vital for the physical and mental health of our community, especially our young people.
Why is this important?
These courts are vital for the physical and mental health of our community, especially our young people.
We, the local residents and supporters of Inchicore, are calling on Dublin City Council to stop the planned demolition of the two basketball courts beside Inchicore Sports Centre, Dublin 8, which is due to take place around April 14th, 2025 as part of the Emmet Road Development.
These courts are an important part of our community. They are regularly used by children, teenagers, families, and local sports groups. Removing them would take away one of the few safe and accessible places where people of all ages can play sports, stay healthy, and connect with others.
Under Irish planning law, Dublin City Council must protect recreational and open spaces when developing new housing. But right now:
- The plan to build a new pitch in Mercy Secondary School has been cancelled.
- Goldenbridge Cemetery is being counted as open space, but it is private property, and not suitable for active sports or public access.
- The Emmet Road Development will increase the local population by 800–1,000 people, yet it is reducing active sports space instead of increasing it.
According to national planning guidelines, there should be at least 2.5 hectares of public open space per 1,000 residents, with a balance between active and passive recreation. The planned demolition clearly goes against these standards.
✍️ Please sign this petition to protect our local sports spaces.
Let’s work together to make sure Inchicore remains an active, healthy, and fair place to live.
Let’s work together to make sure Inchicore remains an active, healthy, and fair place to live.
