Parnell's get green light

GAELIC GAMES:PARNELL'S GAA club have received planning permission for a €30 million development of land in Coolock, north Dublin, that they believe will help regenerate the area.

As reported in The Irish Times in September, the opportunity arose after Parnell’s sold 22 acres near the airport for €22.5 million in 2007. They have since embarked on a joint venture with the Marist Fathers in Chanel College to construct a state-of-the-art facility that is expected to be completed by the end of 2010.

The club purchased 12 acres from the Marist Fathers, at a reduced price known as “sporting use value”, to develop facilities that will be primarily funded by the construction of a housing development – 17 houses and 53 apartments – a medical centre and a pharmacy.

The site, in Chanel College, will have two all-weather pitches, a sand-based grass pitch (all three floodlit), sports hall with championship-sized basketball court, gym, sports therapy centre and modern clubhouse.

Yesterday’s statement added: “It is estimated that 200 people will be employed during the construction phase of the project, while it will generate up to €5 million in wages for the local community.”

Current Dublin football goalkeeper Stephen Cluxton is their most high-profile member.

“This will simply transform the club,” said Cluxton. “We cannot wait for this development to get under way. I believe the club and the local community will reap the benefit of this decision for many years.”