Major €1.3m upgrade to pitches and community amenities for Skerries gets underway

Fingal County Council has commenced work on the redevelopment of the GAA and soccer pitches at Skerries Town Park, with a €1.3 million investment designed to enhance sports and recreational facilities for local clubs and the wider community. 

The start of the project was officially marked with a sod‑turning ceremony, attended by the Mayor of Fingal, Cllr Tom O’Leary, Local Community Groups, Skerries Town FC, Skerries Harps GAA Club and Senior Parks and Landscape Officer at Fingal County Council, Kevin Halpenny. 

The major upgrade will significantly enhance the quality and usability of the pitches through the installation of enhanced drainage systems, enabling increased year‑round play. 

Mayor of Fingal, Councillor Tom O’Leary, said: “It is fantastic to see this important investment in Skerries Town Park finally getting underway. These pitches are at the heart of the community, used by local clubs such as Skerries Harps,  Skerries Town FC, and Skerries Athletics Club , as well as by families and young people from right across the area. This much‑needed upgrade will make a real difference, providing high‑quality facilities that the people of Skerries can enjoy all year round.” 

Beyond the pitch upgrades, the project will also enhance the overall park environment. New landscaping works will be undertaken, while improved pathways will support better accessibility and connectivity for walkers, families and spectators using the space. Skerries Athletics Club are very much looking forward to utilising the new 3m Pathways for training.  These enhancements ensure the redevelopment delivers wider community benefits, making the park more welcoming for all users, not just sporting clubs

The project represents a significant investment in local sports infrastructure, supporting grassroots sport and encouraging greater participation in outdoor activity across all age groups. Importantly, the improved drainage will help reduce overuse damage, extending the lifespan of the pitches and reducing maintenance disruption, particularly during wetter months. 

Kevin Halpenny, the Senior Parks and Landscape Officer at Fingal County Council, added: “This €1.3 million investment responds directly to the growing demand on sports and recreational facilities in Skerries. These works will significantly enhance the quality, reliability and longevity of the pitches, ensuring Skerries Town Park continues to meet the needs of the community for many years to come.” 

Construction of the new pitches will take approximately five months and will be followed by a 12-month maintenance period during which the new pitches will be developed to achieve GAA and FAI standard playing surfaces. 

Access to Skerries Mills, the Community Centre, all-weather hockey pitch and tennis courts will be maintained throughout the project, while the new paths through the park will be open for use during the 12-month maintenance period.