Jennifer Fay (34) started the Sheriff Street Running Club after the Covid lockdown and it now has over 150 members.
However, Ms Fay feels she hasn’t really had the chance to get to know her club members properly, sit in a common space and chat with them.
“The club has grown, and we have a tiny little football pitch that we warm up on, but we could really do with an actual green space,” she said.
“My own apartment is full of boxes with stuff for the run club, so even if we had a small facility like a shed for storage, it could be used for a men’s shed or other things that would suit the community.
“We just need more space. The run club has been going for three years and we’ve never had a bonding night in a common area because we don’t have anywhere in the area.”
Over the past three months, the community of Dublin’s north inner city has been participating in ongoing research to explore the potential uses of a neglected green space on Sheriff Street.
Over the weekend, urban community consultants, A Playful City (APC), presented this research to Dublin City Council, outlining proposals to revitalise Sheriff Street Park into a dynamic, community-focused area.
The residents of the north inner city have been collaborating closely with APC to consider various possibilities for this overlooked and underused green space, situated near the statue of The Dubliners musician Luke Kelly.
Luke Kelly statue opposite Sheriff Street Park
Sheriff Street Park, commonly referred to as Rainbow Park, is a fenced-off, barren stretch of grass with a few trees, which, according to residents, “never gets opened”.
There is also a small playground at one end which is reportedly a hotspot for dog waste, drug paraphernalia, and other litter. Many residents feel the area is restricted and unsafe due to ongoing anti-social behaviour and the presence of uncontrolled dogs.
Concerns about drug use and vandalism are also significant. Young parents have also expressed an urgent need for a safe space where children can play and enjoy fresh air together.
Residents have named the area Rainbow Park and have consistently raised issues of accessibility and cleanliness with public representatives, though these concerns remain unresolved.
Neasa Ní Bhriain, director of A Playful City, said: “This research highlights the community’s urgent desire to rejuvenate a neglected area in the densely populated North Inner City of Dublin. We are committed to amplifying the voices of all community groups involved in this project.”
Social Democrats councillor Daniel Ennis, who represents the area, told the Irish Independent he feels Dublin 1 needs to “better use” its open spaces.
“The very few play and green spaces we have left are being swallowed up. Places to come together and partake in free play are being eroded, and this is not only affecting the younger members of our community but people of all ages,” he said.
“Not only are spaces to play and socialise being taken away, but it will also tear away at our community spirit because of the lack of such spaces and facilities.”
Dublin City Council has been contacted for comment.
