Contracts to begin the € 18 million redevelopment of Fr Collins Park in Donaghmede, north Dublin, were signed yesterday, Dublin City Council said.
The 26-acre park, which is to be extended to 55 acres, will be the first self-sustaining facility of its kind in Ireland.
Wind turbines will generate electricity for the park's energy needs and a sustainable drainage system with reed beds will recycle and clean water for the park's lake.
Designed by Abelleyro & Romero Architects from Buenos Aires, Argentina, it will include new sports facilities and recreation areas with a lake and promenade. Several football pitches are planned, as well as running tracks, picnic and play areas, outdoor performing arts spaces and large water features.
Named after a local parish priest who was instrumental in its original acquisition for a public park, Fr Collins Park is being developed by Liffey Developments and Ar Arq Ireland on behalf of the council. Construction is expected to begin in the autumn.
Details were announced by the Lord Mayor of Dublin, Cllr Paddy Bourke, as part of a presentation of the council's community improvement works.
The lord mayor also outlined council plans for a "Youth Cafe" in the city centre. The council has already established two such cafes, in Ballymun and Marrowbone Lane, Dublin 8. They cater for an average of 250 young people aged 12 to 18 years per day.
A location for the planned city centre cafe, to cater for young people from all over the capital, has not been finalised, but the council anticipates that it will open in 2008.
Other initiatives outlined by Mr Bourke included investment in 33 childcare facilities, and in sports and leisure facilities, as well as redevelopment proposals for the Northside Shopping Centre area of Coolock.
