14. Deputy James Geoghegan asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Defence his views on whether there is a need to enhance the community use of the playing pitches at Cathal Brugha Barracks; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6099/25]

Sentiment score: 0.11

My question to the Minister is to ask his views on whether there is a need to enhance the community use of the playing pitches at Cathal Brugha Barracks.

Sentiment score: 0.20

I thank the Minister. It is great to hear his own personal commitment to this advancement in addition to the Department. I wish to highlight our gratitude to the Department for the good faith negotiations they are having with Ranelagh Gaels and Portobello GAA, and for the years of community supports that the Defence Forces and the Department have offered up to the area. As the Minister said, it is about the long-term facilities there. Ranelagh Gaels is a club that started when I left school, although I might have been a bit better on the round ball than the oval ball had it been there when I was there. What has developed in our community is a club where more than 1,600 people are now members of Ranelagh Gaels. Every child at every door we knock on has a Ranelagh Gaels jersey. It has grown the sport not just among young boys but in particular among young girls and teenage girls. We know that to ensure we retain teenage girls in sport the changing facilities are a big part of it. This is why having this long-term arrangement would make such a big difference to the club.

Sentiment score: 0.29

This is very welcome. I am sure the club will be delighted to hear all of the Tánaiste's contributions to this debate. As he said, this shows in a positive way how the Defence Forces and barracks can become integrated in an urban community. The best way in which Cathal Brugha Barracks in Rathmines can be integrated in the community is through the level of support the barracks has always shown the two GAA clubs operating in the area. Demonstrating this investment in the future will make a massive difference to so many children in the area. Ranelagh Gaels have pioneered autism-friendly sports through the Ranelagh Rockets, which the club runs every Saturday and which makes a massive difference to the children who engage with it as well as for inclusion generally in the entire community. It has been such a wonderful initiative. It is great to have the Tánaiste's support.

Sentiment score: 0.56