At last we know what’s behind the decision to remove the track. A planning application has been submitted to Dun Laoghaire Rathdown Council Council for the construction of a new lake in front of the engineering building. That means the car park and bus terminus will have to go, and will be shifted to where the track is now. For a link to the planning application see www.boards.ie/vbulletin/showthread.php?t=2056458422&page=2
Since the application only went in last week, that leaves three months until it is considered. I wonder can people submit objections, as with ordinary planning applications?
Background:
The UCD running track has “reached the end of its operational life” and “has had to be closed” for health and safety concerns.
“Our advisors have reported that as the surface is badly worn and becomes slippy when wet, it should be closed to all users. Works to redress this situation have already commenced and we hope to be able to provide an alternative facility on campus in the future, subject to funding becoming available,” says Martin Butler.
Brian Mullins, UCD’s director of sport, is “working to provide access to an alternative facility”.
Here’s the thing: why close down a perfectly adequate training facility before providing any sort of replacement? Belfield is the only track between Irishtown, three miles away and traffic-clogged, and Greystones in Co Wicklow. Over the years, Belfield has become a valued public resource for keep fitters as well as for more ambitious athletes. Its beautiful situation in a bowl adds to its appeal – it’s a calm and restful place.
On Monday, a few joggers were spotted running on the track, but the barriers will surely come up soon, though how the authorities are going to provide enough security to keep people off is another question. Far better to clean up what is there – for throwers and long jumpers, there is no problem with the facility, and anyone with half a brain warms up on the infield grass anyway. All it needs is a good scrub – far better than leaving it derelict.
* On Tueday, there were huge barriers and signs warning us all off a “construction site”. Three shallow trenches dug across the track (heartbreaking). Security came along in their white SUV and shone headlights down on the track for a few minutes. They then went away again.
* Sign up to the Facebook “UCD Save Our Track” page – and if you’re near UCD sign the petition. Over 500 signed in the first hour on Wednesday.
* Contact your local politicians and also the politicians for Dublin South East – Ruairi Quinn, (Min for Education; 8173995), Leo Varadkar (Min for Sport; 6041062), Oisin Quinn (8173995) and Dermot Lacey (01-6784700/087-2646990) both local councillors with an interest in sport.
* Contact John Treacy, CEO Sports Council.
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