COMHAIRLE CONTAE ÁTHA CLIATH THEAS
SOUTH DUBLIN COUNTY COUNCIL

MEETING OF TERENURE-RATHFARNHAM AREA COMMITTEE (2)

Tuesday, May 13, 2008

MOTION NO 5.

MOTION: Councillor J. Lahart

"That this Committee considers recommending the Parks Department to examine the feasibility of providing a residential Caretaker in the grounds of Rathfarnham Castle Park as part of any refurbishment/development proposals for the Castle Grounds into the future which would serve the purpose of providing security and a permanent presence within the grounds of the park."

REPORT:

While there are no staff in residence in Rathfarnham Castle Park, there is a daytime presence provided by depot staff, by staff of the Tree Council of Ireland, who are located in the ‘Seismograph House’ and by OPW staff, based in the castle. A night time presence is provided in the castle by a watchman employed by the OPW.

The Parks Department has recently raised this possibility with the OPW in a discussion about the night time security of both the castle and the park. The OPW have advised that they have had similar agreements in some of their properties elsewhere in the Dublin area and indicated a willingness to explore this matter further with South Dublin County Council in relation to Rathfarnham Castle Park.