Residents of Castleknock in Dublin are set to benefit from exciting new outdoor sporting facilities.

Construction has officially got underway on the project, which will see a new all-weather running track and third generation (3G) synthetic sports pitch built at Porterstown Park.

Deputy Mayor Daniel Whooley and Dublin West TD and Minister for Sport Jack Chambers were on hand to mark the beginning of construction on site.

The new floodlit facility in Castleknock will consist of a six-lane synthetic running track built to approved international athletics standards, together with a 3G all-weather pitch built to FIFA approved standards providing for soccer and other sporting codes.

Deputy Mayor of Fingal Daniel Whooley said: "In a young, diverse and growing area, sport is universal, inclusive and brings communities together. Facilities like this are vital in promoting a healthier and more active lifestyle. The development of this major new recreational hub will help encourage further participation in sport so that it can thrive and prosper in Dublin 15 and beyond."

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Minister with responsibility for Sport and TD for Dublin West, Jack Chambers commented: "Fingal has a proud sporting tradition and it's wonderful to see work underway on what will be a fantastic addition to the area. It will provide a first-class venue to help assist in the development of young athletes, and I hope it will also highlight the benefits of outdoor pursuits and encourage a healthier lifestyle for people of all ages and abilities in the local community."

Chief Executive of Fingal County Council, AnnMarie Farrelly added: "The upgrade of the Porterstown Park Recreational Hub is part of our commitment to deliver much needed facilities in the Dublin 15 area. This state-of-the-art running track and sports pitch is designed to meet the requirements for a wide range of sporting codes and will be available for use by a large number of clubs, schools and community groups."

Other works to complement the facility includes additional connecting paths, blue badge and bicycle parking spaces located for convenient access to the track and pitch. The project – which is being led by the Council's Parks & Green Infrastructure Division – will become a valuable sporting amenity for the people of Dublin 15 and the wider area.