Draft plan outlines new neighbourhood park for Knocknacarra

The broad outline of a new neighbourhood park to serve Knocknacarra has been unveiled by Galway City Council.

A draft framework plan for Kingston recreation and amenity lands was published this week following an extensive public consultation process.

The plan, in its conclusion, says it “makes sense” to explore linking the existing facilities at Millar’s Lane to the development of new facilities at lands at Kingston – adjacent to St John the Apostle National School.

The plan includes huge input from local sports groups, community organisations, residents’ associations, and individuals.

The lack of public parks and open spaces in Knocknacarra caused “great frustration” for a large number of people who gave feedback.

There was a “general feeling of being victims of poor planning . . . alongside a fear that the proposed project may take too long to happen for a generation of children,” according to the draft plan.

“A large number of submissions received highlighted the desire to see an open space facility accessible to all members of the community,” it states.

The draft plan says a large number of submissions highlighted the need for Knocknacarra National School to have access to the proposed park and sports facilities.

Many residents are unhappy.

Kingston Gardens Residents’ group were not opposed to the development but had “serious concerns” around access to it, parking and traffic.

Whiteoaks Residents’ Association had “strong objections” to access to the lands through an existing gate, which has been subject to ongoing legal action, the report states. Clybaun Court residents submitted a “strong objection” to accessing the Kingston lands through their estate.

Gort Siar Residents’ Association emphasised the need for a “mixed-use recreational facility” as part of a proper plan for the entire area.

Gleann na Coille want the facility to cater for children, taking into account the growing population of Knocknacarra.

A number of submissions, including from Galway Hockey Club, outlined the need for a shared surface suited to hockey due to an “acute citywide under-provision of hockey facilities” compared with other sports.

Barna Knocknacarra Rugby Club outlined an “urgent need” for a suitable facility to host mini rugby.

The lack of pitch provision for rugby within the city was highlighted compared to the “wealth of provision of GAA and soccer facilities”.

“The absence of changing and toilet facilities in McGrath’s Field is a particular issue for the continuation of girls’ participation in the sport, while the limitation of space is preventing the club expanding to meet demand and potential,” the report said.

Salthill Knocknacarra GAA made a submission emphasising “how bereft the locality is of public parks and the importance of retaining and developing lands as community park”.

Knocknacarra AFC welcomed the proposal for a park and sports facilities but also looked for “improved communication” with the Council over Cappagh Park.

Galway Archers made a submission highlighting a for indoor and outdoor facilities; and Galway Orienteers outlined a desire for the development “to be suitable for orienteering incorporating suitable control sites.”

Other submissions called for a biking track and trail, a handball alley, a walking and running track, a sensory garden, bowling and boules.

Galway St Patrick’s scout group outlined how it offers a constructive alternative for children not suited to sports and made suggestions based on its need for an indoor and outdoor facility.

The public consultation process, according to the report, has confirmed a “clear deficit of provision” of facilities for many sports, most notably hockey and rugby.

“The public consultation has highlighted the flexibility and willingness of sports clubs to enter into shared provision arrangements if required, however the differing surface requirements for various sports means this may not always be feasible,” the report notes.

The Kingston lands undoubtedly hold the potential to meet a significant level of demand, it “makes sense to explore the idea of expanding the parameters of this project to examine the potential synergies between the Kingston lands and the nearby Millar’s Lane facilities.”