RTÉ ran a report on DSD's new campus on the 6:1 News on Monday 19th September 2022. Justin Treacy of RTE and his cameraman Colm visited the campus a few days beforehand to record footage and to interview a number of our DSD folks.
OK, it is a big story for us in DSD, but why was it in the National news? The reason is that, as David Gillick pointed out, the area of Dun Laoghaoire Rathdown has not had a running track for 11 years since the removal in 2011 of the UCD track, which still holds the 4 x Mile Relay world record of 15:49:08 thanks to the dream team of Eamonn Coughlan, Marcus O'Sullivan, Frank O'Mara and Ray Flynn on 17th August 1985.
11 years with no track for athletes to train on. And then, all of a sudden, two new tracks come along: UCD's one, which is virtually ready to go, and the DSD Mondo one which is part of our campus project.
Phase 1 of the campus project includes the track and trails, the carpark, footpaths, and
all the siteworks. This phase is almost complete. AGC are currently doing the trails down by the forest and stream. Once finished, the network of running trails will be amazing with a variety of slopes and all lit for safe winter running. We also have grass running trails near the track.
Phase 2 has yet to be designed fully. We hope to do a partnership with Dun Laoghaire Rathdown County Council to draw down the LSSIF funds from the Department of Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sport and Media. Once the LSSIF is in place, works will begin and DSD members can look forward to a brand new hall and indoor straight running track.
DSD wants to provide athletes to represent Ireland in the Olympics, World and
European Championships. This campus, once complete, can play a key role to achieve this dream. Having said that, as ever, it will primarily be the commitment of DSD coaches and athletes to put in the hard work that will make this really happen.
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