Nature groups oppose €10m football academy

A PLAN to build a €10 million football academy near Donabate in north Co Dublin has been opposed by conservation and environmental groups.

Birdwatch Ireland, Conservation Volunteers Fingal, Coastwatch and An Taisce have all submitted objections to Fingal County Council to the siting of the academy close to a bird sanctuary at Rogerstown Estuary.

The proposal involves an indoor soccer pitch, seating for 400 people, five changing rooms, meeting rooms and parking for 190 cars and 14 coaches. The total footprint will be 8,170sq m.

The groups claim Fingal County Council's plans do not adequately consider the light and noise pollution, and threats to wildlife and habitats which would be caused. The council is expected to launch a planning application within weeks, citing a need for sports facilities for its growing population.

Coastwatch said the proposed academy is just 0.5km from the estuary, an EU-designated bird sanctuary, a Special Protection Area and a Special Area of Conservation. Rogerstown is also a world wetlands site, a nature reserve and a wildlife sanctuary.

Birdwatch said "the community benefits of wildlife protection should not be compromised in the process of providing this facility."

Conservation Volunteers Fingal said the proposal flew in the face of "the work which Fingal County Council has undertaken in the past four years" with the local community to promote the development of Turvey as a natural amenity and recreational area.

An Taisce pointed out that a football academy is much needed, but it must be located where people can get there without exacerbating congestion and climate change pollution, and without threatening protected wildlife.