Marrowbone Lane Community Engagement

1. Executive Summary

This report summarises the findings from the Marrowbone Lane Depot public consultation, conducted in October 2025 via the City Council’s Engage platform, paper surveys, individual submissions and those of sporting groups.

A total of 422 responses were received on the engage platform alongside 7 detailed submissions from local sporting, community organisations and individuals.

The purpose of the consultation was to gather views on how the site could best serve the local community while balancing the future of depot operations, new sporting facilities, and wider regeneration opportunities.

Three one to one meetings were also held with representatives of sporting groups.

To manage the large volume of feedback efficiently and identify key themes, AI tools were used to assist with summarising the responses. However, every individual response was also reviewed by staff members to verify the accuracy of the summaries, guaranteeing that all feedback was correctly represented.

2. Background and Context

The Marrowbone Lane Depot has served the south inner-city community for over a century, supporting key municipal services such as roads, waste, and water services. As part of the Dublin City Development Plan 2022–2028, the site falls under SDRA15 (Liberties and Newmarket Square), identified for regeneration and community enhancement. This consultation sought to inform the future direction of the site, balancing depot operations, a potential new multi-use community pitch, and improved site connectivity.

3. Consultation Overview

The consultation invited feedback from residents, sporting clubs, and community groups. Engagement took place through an online survey, paper copies available at St. Catherine’s Community Centre, and 7 direct written submissions from sporting and community groups. The online consultation was hosted on Dublin City Council’s Engage Consultation Platform. It opened for submissions from the 1st of October 2025 and ran until midnight on the 21st of October 2025. Please see section 8 for the full list of survey questions.

3.1 Public Consultation Drop-in Sessions

Four separate three hour-long drop-in information sessions took place in St Catherine’s Sports Centre over two days on the 9th and 14th of October in both the morning and evening. These sessions were run by the Service Delivery team in Transformation and supported cross functional Council teams from Planning and Community.

The teams displayed information boards and provided information booklets which included details on the following:

• The purpose of the feasibility & options study
• The history of the site
• The site as it is today
• Objectives outlining the future development potential for the site
• Potential Opportunities to deliver new facilities
• Details on how members of the public could engage with the consultation and have their say

Approximately 120 people attended over two days to view these information displays and engage in discussions on the proposed use of the site.

In total, 422 valid responses were received. Demographic and geographic data were collected to understand respondent profiles and local representation.

Three separate one-to-one discussion meetings were held with the following groups;

• Sporting Liberties/ Liberties Community Project
• St Kevins GAA Club
• The Liberties Football Alliance

A number of submissions were received from community/sporting groups.

For a full list of sporting and community groups please see appendix 3

Please note that many submissions received were from individuals with sporting community affiliations but not on behalf of the group.

Breakdown as follows:

Individual submissions: 83%

Sports/ Community Groups Submissions: 17%

4. Key Themes & findings from Consultation

Overview

The large response to this community engagement indicates highly active community and sporting groups in the Liberties who have strong desire to see sports/community facilities on the site. The majority of responses view such facilities as an essential part of community development and the engagement of young people from the area in sports; as well as supporting teenagers and adults engaged in sports activities.

The consensus among representative groups across the different sports shows cohesion regarding the overarching needs for the area.

4.1 Importance of a Multi-Purpose Pitch

The majority of respondents are strongly in favour of a new multipurpose pitch at Marrowbone Lane, with 95 % of respondents rating its importance as 5 out of 5 for the community.

There is a clear consensus among respondents that the Liberties and surrounding areas are severely lacking in green space and sporting facilities, especially for children and young people. The potential for positive social and health impacts was frequently highlighted.

The desire for a multipurpose pitch reflects a cohesion between groups for the overall benefit for the community.

"...Multi use facilities for all sporting disciplines in the hope of providing an outlet for the growing underage population in the area - the rugby or soccer pitch sizing would provide training and play areas for juvenile GAA sports and a skills wall would be a huge benefit for hurling & camogie training"

4.2 Proposed Uses and Activities

The most commonly suggested activities included Soccer, GAA and Rugby, youth training, and community fitness programs were also mentioned. Respondents emphasised multi-generational and inclusive design, with interest in flexible usage models.

There is strong emphasis on the need for a full-size, multi-use pitch (minimum 125m x 80m) to accommodate juvenile GAA, rugby, and soccer, and to ensure inclusivity for all sports.

1. Soccer / Football – 210 mentions (22%)
2. GAA (Gaelic Football, Hurling, Camogie) – 195 mentions (20%)
3. Rugby – 145 mentions (15%)
4. Basketball – 29 mentions (3%)
5. Athletics / Running Track – 28 mentions (3%)
6. Other Sports & Leisure Activities – 37

Key Facility & Design Requests

• Multi-purpose pitch – 70+ mentions
• Pitch size requirement (125m x 80m or larger) – 15 mentions
• Floodlights & Astro surface – 12 mentions
• Changing rooms & club facilities – 20 mentions
• Community integration (gardens, arts hub, markets) – 30 mentions
• Swimming Pool – 30 mentions
• Inclusivity (girls’ participation, wheelchair access) – 15 mentions
• Jogging track / walking track – 10 mentions
• Outdoor exercise equipment – 6 mentions
• Youth club / safe hangout spaces – 8 mentions
• Regeneration of St. Catherine’s Sports Centre – 10 mentions

4.3 Anticipated Benefits

Key anticipated benefits included improved health and wellbeing, youth engagement, community pride, and better access to recreation and green space in the Liberties. Respondents also noted potential for reduced anti-social behaviour through structured youth activity. Youth access to GAA, Soccer and Rugby were most frequently sited.

"...It would provide an opportunity for young kids to play a new sport, helping to improve their physical and mental health. Along with reducing crime within the local area"

Many local clubs (notably Kevins GAA, Liberty Saints Rugby, and many football clubs) currently indicated they have no home ground and must travel outside the area for training and matches.

"Lots of football, rugby, GAA, clubs in the area that would benefit. Similarly, schools would benefit. Currently little to no green space in the Liberties so this facility would be in massive demand"

4.4 Concerns Raised

Concerns were mainly around traffic congestion, parking availability on the site, security from antisocial behaviour and long-term maintenance. Some respondents expressed apprehension regarding the balance between depot operations and public access. Ongoing consultation and clear communication were requested.

The most common concern is that the pitch will be too small to accommodate all sports, especially GAA (minimum 125m x 80m is repeatedly specified) and that the needs of local clubs and the community will not be prioritised.

"...To be inclusive the pitch must be big enough to accommodate all sports 125 x 80m"

Several respondents are worried about anti-social behaviour, noise, and the impact on nearby residents, especially regarding proposed access points, particularly the streets around the historical Quaker burial ground.

Some are concerned about delays, broken promises, and the risk that the project will not be delivered or will be deprioritised in favour of depot/industrial use.

"...I would be worried that the people of the area aren’t listened to and giving false promises, this area has been deprived of sporting grounds for too long, we’re not asking for much just a place to call home"

There is a strong call for the project to be delivered quickly, with many expressing frustrations at years of delays and broken promises.

"...My concern is that it doesn’t happen, is longer fingered , stalled or blocked.. this is an essential piece of infrastructure that will have benefits for all the community that will be multiples of the cost.. get it done asap to ensure another generation does not miss out"

A minority feel the site should prioritise green parkland, housing, or other amenities over sports pitches.

Many stress the importance of genuine, ongoing consultation with local clubs, schools, and residents, and want the process to be transparent and inclusive.

4.5 Additional Ideas and Suggestions

Suggestions included additional amenities such as lighting, seating, toilets, and changing facilities, as well as safe cycling and walking connections. Several respondents proposed integrating environmental and biodiversity improvements within the site layout.

"...Please provide ample walkable green space that can be a destination and by also walked through, improving connectivity from cork street"

5. Submissions from Sporting Groups/Community Groups

Seven formal submissions were received from local sporting organisations. These submissions provided detailed feedback on pitch design, facility access, and operational management.

Sporting Liberties

Clubs Affiliated: Sporting Liberties

Summary of Submission:

Sporting Liberties urges Dublin City Council to prioritize and fast-track the development of a full-sized, multi-purpose playing pitch at Marrowbone Lane under a separate schedule of works to avoid delays. The pitch should be located beside St Catherine’s Sports Centre, designed for inclusive, multi-sport use, and include features such as lighting, changing rooms, and a skills/practice area. The submission highlights priority access for local schools and youth groups, flexible community use for events, and a clear, time-bound delivery plan. It positions the project as a vital opportunity to improve health, inclusion, and regeneration in the Liberties while creating sustainable, community-focused infrastructure.

Liberty Saints RFC

Clubs Affiliated: Liberty Saints Rugby

Summary of Submission:

Liberty Saints RFC calls on Dublin City Council to prioritize and fast-track the development of a full-sized, multi-purpose playing pitch at Marrowbone Lane under a separate schedule of works to avoid delays caused by the wider site’s complexity. The pitch should be located beside St Catherine’s Sports Centre, designed for inclusive, multi-sport use, and include features such as lighting, changing rooms, and a skills/practice area. The submission emphasizes priority access for local schools and youth groups, flexible community use for events, and a clear, time-bound delivery plan. This project is presented as a unique opportunity to enhance health, inclusion, and regeneration in the Liberties.

St Kevins GAA

Clubs Affiliated: St Kevins GAA

Summary of Submission:

Kevin’s Hurling & Camogie Club strongly supports the Marrowbone Lane redevelopment and calls for the playing pitch to be prioritized and delivered under a separate schedule of works to avoid delays. The club advocates for a full-sized, multi-sport pitch adjacent to St Catherine’s Sports Centre, equipped with lighting, seating, changing rooms, and storage, and designed to accommodate GAA activities such as underage hurling, camogie, rounders, and the Kevins Heroes program for children with additional needs. The submission emphasizes priority access for local schools, flexible community use, and the inclusion of a skills wall and practice area, alongside a clear, time-bound delivery plan. It frames the project as a vital opportunity to address the lack of facilities in the Liberties, improve youth participation, and create inclusive, sustainable sports infrastructure.

St Catherine’s Boxing Club

Clubs Affiliated: St Catherine’s Boxing Club

Summary of Submission:

St Catherine’s Boxing Club urges Dublin City Council to prioritize and fast-track a full-sized, multi-purpose playing pitch in the Marrowbone Lane redevelopment. The pitch should be located beside St Catherine’s Sports Centre, designed for inclusive, multi-sport use, and include features like lighting, changing rooms, and a skills/practice area. The submission highlights priority access for local schools and youth groups, flexible community use for events, and the need for a clear, time-bound delivery plan. This project is presented as a vital opportunity to improve health, inclusion, and regeneration in the Liberties.

Solas Project

Clubs Affiliated: Solas Project

Summary of Submission:

Solas Project, a youth work organisation supporting over 900 young people annually in the Liberties, strongly advocates for prioritising and expediting the delivery of a full-sized, multi-use pitch at Marrowbone Lane. They call for the pitch to meet World Rugby standards, be integrated with St Catherine’s Sports Centre as part of a sports campus, and include essential facilities such as changing rooms, toilets, a clubhouse, and parking. The submission emphasizes multiple pedestrian access points, particularly from Cork Street, and insists that young people be central to the planning and design, aligning with Dublin City’s Play Strategy. Solas Project frames this development as a long-overdue investment that will transform opportunities for disadvantaged youth and strengthen community wellbeing.

Emerald Warriors RFC

Clubs Affiliated: Emerald Warriors RFC

Summary of Submission:

Emerald Warriors RFC calls on Dublin City Council to fast-track a full-sized, multi-purpose pitch in the Marrowbone Lane redevelopment. Positioned beside St Catherine’s Sports Centre, it will serve local schools, youth groups, and community events while supporting rugby, football, and GAA. This project addresses the club’s need for a permanent home and creates inclusive, sustainable sports infrastructure for Dublin.

Marrowbone Lane Flats Residents Association

Clubs Affiliated: N/A - Residents Association

Summary of Submission:

A representative of Marrowbone Lane Flats residents/Community Health Worker supports the inclusion of sporting facilities in the proposed redevelopment, citing the urgent need for green spaces to promote physical and mental health. While endorsing Dublin City Council’s continued presence and partnership, the submission stresses the importance of adding a multi-use community facility to replace the Donore Youth and Community Centre lost to fire, ensuring space for meetings and programmes. It also raises safety concerns about new routes and open areas, urging measures such as CCTV to prevent misuse linked to local drug issues. Overall, the response calls for balanced planning that combines sports, community spaces, and robust safety provisions.

The Liberties Community Project

Summary of Submission:

The Liberties Community Project strongly supports the Marrowbone Lane redevelopment and calls for the playing pitch to be prioritized and delivered under a separate schedule of works to avoid delays. They advocate for a full-sized, multi-sport pitch adjacent to St Catherine’s Sports Centre, equipped with lighting, seating, changing rooms, and storage, and designed for inclusive use across football, GAA, rugby, and other sports. The submission emphasizes priority access for local schools and youth groups, flexible community use for events, and the inclusion of a skills wall and practice area, alongside a clear, time-bound delivery plan. It frames the project as a vital opportunity to address the lack of facilities in the Liberties, improve health and wellbeing, and create sustainable, community-focused infrastructure.

6. Summary of Sentiment

Overall sentiment across the consultation was positive, with widespread support from sports clubs, community organisations and local stakeholders for a full-sized, multipurpose community facility. A small number of respondents raised concerns about impacts on existing depot operations or neighbourhood disruption. The tone of responses was constructive and forward-looking.

7. Alignment with Objectives

Feedback acknowledges the three key project objectives identified in the engagement booklet: (1) Depot service reconfiguration and consolidation, (2) Development of a multi-use community sports facility, and (3) Regeneration and improved connections across the site. Respondents expressed support for an integrated approach that maintains essential city services while enhancing community space. However, most submissions noted that the development of the pitch should be prioritised under a separate schedule of work from the wider site.

8. Appendices

1. Engagement communications and timeline – what we did

2. List of Sporting and Community Groups

Appendix 1. Engagement Communications and Timeline

Appendix 2.

List of Sporting & Community Groups the engagement with the consultation process:

• Usher Celtic
• Fatima Rangers Football Club
• St. Teresa’s Gardens Folklore project
• Liberty Saints Rugby
• Emerald Warriors RFC
• D8 Primary School
• St. Kevins GAA
• Maryland Community Association
• Sporting Liberties
• Youth Service
• The College of Dance
• Dublin Waldorf School (92 Meath Street)
• Roes Warehouse Local History
• The Liberties Majorettes
• Our Street
• Irish Homeless Street Leagues
• IRFU
• Liberties Community Project
• Solas Project
• St. Catherine's Boxing Club
• Marrowbone Lane Flats Residents
• Portobello LGFA