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Stadium

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Croke Residents Meeting

Tuesday 23rd September 2025

Chairperson: Noeline Blackwell

1. Attendees

  • NFL Operations: Jennifer McCandie
  • Croke Park Stadium: Peter McKenna, Tony McGuinness, Brian Conlon, Edel Smyth
  • Community Liaison: Billy O’Keeffe
  • An Garda Síochána: Superintendent Cormac Brennan
  • Dublin City Council: Trevor Maher

2. Introduction

The meeting was opened by the Chair, Noeline Blackwell, who welcomed attendees and outlined the purpose of the meeting. She confirmed that the minutes from the previous meeting are available on the Croke Park website and that all outstanding actions would be reviewed.

3. Community Updates

Fixtures and Community Fund

  • Billy O’Keeffe provided an overview of the remaining fixtures for the year.
  • The Community Fund assessment will take place next week with 16 applications under review.
  • Ticket draw for Leinster/Munster match to occur on 8 October.
Resident Query: Are Croke Park paying for the litter pick or relying on volunteers?
Response: Volunteers work with DCC and contractors to conduct the post-match/event clean ups.

4. NFL Event Overview

Presenter: Jennifer McCandie (NFL Operations)
  • Presentation on the NFL’s approach to stadium conversion and fan experience.
  • Fans are expected to arrive early (3–4 hours before kick-off).
  • Gates to open at 11:00 to reduce congestion.
  • Road closures will occur earlier than usual due to expected crowd build-up.
  • Enhanced security measures: metal detectors, K9 units (Garda National Dog Unit), and vehicle mitigation barriers.
  • Entertainment: Performances at 14:00 and 14:45; national anthems and halftime show (artist: Miles Smith, 6-minute duration).
  • Pyrotechnics and stage movements noted.
  • Bag Drop: Located at Ballybough for oversized items.
Resident Concerns:
  • Early road closures and resident vehicle access.
  • Requirement for passes not explicitly stated in legislation.
  • Conflicting guidance from Gardaí regarding access to homes.
Response (AGS):
  • Gardaí have discretion to impose restricted access for safety reasons.
  • Resident passes facilitate smoother movement through cordons.
  • Not all Garda members are familiar with the area, but efforts are ongoing to improve consistency and communication.

5. Law and Access Issues

Residents raised concerns regarding Section 21 of the relevant legislation, questioning the legality of requiring passes and restrictions on entering one’s home.
Superintendent Brennan clarified that passes are not legal requirements but operational tools to maintain safety and order.
Residents expressed frustration with inconsistent enforcement and the lack of clear guidance at Garda cordons.
Action:

  • Improve resident communication regarding road closures and access points.
  • Ensure community helpline is actively monitored on event days.

6. Safety, Security and Behaviour

  • Resident complaints of anti-social behaviour and public urination.
  • Portable toilets increased but still insufficient.
  • AGS to enhance crowd control presence for NFL and future events.
  • Request to review pedestrian safety on Clonliffe Avenue and small walkways prone to overcrowding.
Action Items:
  • Review closure of narrow pedestrian walkway (potential crush risk).
  • Increase number of bins.
  • DCC to ensure street cleaning post-events.

7. Feedback on Previous Events

  • Mixed reviews on improvements since Coldplay and Oasis concerts.
  • Residents reported noise, late-night disturbances, and obstruction by Garda cordons.
  • Inconsistent communication between event security and residents.
  • Residents requested more respectful and consistent engagement from authorities.

8. Infrastructure and Operations

  • Queries regarding stadium generators and operational timings.
  • Assurance given that all generators are managed per safety standards; timings to be communicated.
  • Half-time show marquee: in use from 08:00–20:00.
  • Sound checks to occur during the day prior to the event.

Action: Peter McKenna to provide generator operation times to the resident in question.

8. Community Engagement and Future Planning

Peter McKenna outlined:
  • Development of focus groups for ongoing resident input.
  • Interim report to be presented end of November 2025, with a final report by February 2026.
  • Continued commitment to the Community Fund; NFL contributes on the same basis as other events.
Resident Feedback:
  • Request for discounted tickets for residents.
  • Concerns about community engagement and lack of tangible benefits.
  • Suggestion to form a Residents Advocacy Group to maintain consistent communication.

9. Meeting Close

Chair’s Summary (Noeline Blackwell):

  • Acknowledged that some issues remain unresolved.
  • Recognised that the meeting agenda should prioritise review of previous actions.
  • Apologised for any miscommunications and reaffirmed commitment to constructive dialogue.
  • Confirmed that NFL presentation slides and official minutes will be published on the Croke Park Residents’ Portal.

Meeting adjourned at: 21:15