4.2.5 Athletics

It was acknowledged earlier that running is one of the most popular sports, however the infrastructure requirements in parks for this form of exercise is minimal. Indeed most runners would prefer to run on soft ground rather than a pavement. A standard 400m synthetic athletics track together with the ancillary but essential physical enclosure, changing rooms and car park are a significant size and investment and there are such facilities located in Irishtown and Santry. These facilities are also of a regional nature, so people travel to other facilities in the wider Dublin area in Tallaght, Clondalkin, Marlay, Cabinteely and UCD.

A smaller facility operates successfully at Chapelizod, managed by Donore Harriers. This is a model for athletics that requires greater consideration for other locations in the City and a feasibility study will be carried out with Athletics Ireland in this regard.