COMHAIRLE CONTAE ÁTHA CLIATH THEAS
SOUTH DUBLIN COUNTY COUNCIL

MEETING OF TERENURE-RATHFARNHAM AREA COMMITTEE 2

Tuesday, January 08, 2008

MOTION NO. 3

MOTION: Councillor J. Lahart

"That the Manager review our standard of grass cutting and the unacceptable manner in which Parks department leave areas after grass cutting."

REPORT:

Grassed areas are cut as frequently as possible, which varies from 12 to 18 days between cuts depending on weather conditions, staff absences, machinery breakdown etc.  Variations in the standard of grass cutting occur particularly during peak periods of growth, especially in the early season when the rate of grass growth can exceed the desired frequency of cut which inevitably results in cut grass remaining on open spaces until it naturally decomposes into the sward usually within a matter of days.  The frequency and standard of grass cutting during this past season has been exacerbated by the unprecedented high levels and extended periods of rainfall which caused a slowing of the grass cutting process as well as rendering some areas of open space unsuitable for cutting on occasion due to waterlogging and the potential for wheel damage to the ground surfaces.