A GAA CLUB in Swords has said it is set to lose access to 50% of its playing space for the duration of the Metrolink works. 

The proposed 18.8km Dublin rail line, which will be the single biggest public transport project in the history of the State, will have 16 stations stretching from Swords to Charlemont with an end-to-end journey time of 25 minutes.

However, Fingallians GAA club in Swords has expressed concern over the Metrolink works, as well as works on the R132 in Swords.

The club held a meeting this morning and requested that all members attend to “show their support”.

The club added that the “loss of Balheary pitches will have a severe impact on Fingallians”.

Local Fine Gael councillor Luke Corkery attended the meeting and in a post to social media afterwards, he described the Metrolink works as an “existential threat to the club”.

“Metrolink is something that we absolutely need and something that is absolutely critical for Swords,” said Corkery.

He added: “But we really need to get our thinking caps on here on how we can deliver pitch space in the coming year before that happens.”

Transport Minister Darren O’Brien was at this morning’s meeting.

“It’s time to think outside the box,” said Corkery.

“We need TII, Fingal County Council, the Minister and the Department around a table to discuss the future of Fingallians GAA, who are set to lose 50% of their playing space when MetroLink works commence in Balheary.”

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Corkery said O’Brien has “committed” to a meeting after Easter and added: The club membership needs to fight to make sure it stays on the agenda.

“Keep making noise, keep sending emails – I’m right behind you.”

The Metrolink, with its planned rail line linking the capital with Dublin Airport and beyond, has an estimated cost of some €9.5bn.

It was granted planning permission last October and construction was due to begin in 2027.

The start date for construction however is likely to be pushed out as the result of a judicial review, undertaken mostly by residents of Darthmouth Square, which was dropped in a deal that saw Transport Infrastructure Ireland (TII).