Dublin is to lose yet another sportsground to a new housing development. AIB expects to secure in excess of £9 million (#11.43m) for its staff sports and social grounds at College Drive, Terenure, Dublin 6W, when it goes to tender next month through DTZ Sherry FitzGerald.

The seven-acre grounds and social club were only being used by about 150 members, partially because they did not have facilities for the increasing number of sports followed by staff, according to a bank spokesperson.

The bank has reached agreement with Sportslink in Santry to transfer its activities to that venue. The bank, which employs about 3,000 people around Dublin has agreed a package under which staff will pay an annual fee of £120 (#152.37) to use its facilities.

The Terenure grounds are zoned for residential use and will probably be targeted for a mixed apartment and housing scheme because of dual frontage on to both College Drive and Fortfield Grove, says Peter Lynch of Sherry FitzGerald.

The grounds are close to Terenure College and Bushy Park where Sheelin McSharry is developing a large apartment scheme.