COMHAIRLE CONTAE ÁTHA CLIATH THEAS
SOUTH DUBLIN COUNTY COUNCIL
MEETING OF TERENURE-RATHFARNHAM AREA COMMITTEE (2)
Tuesday, September 09, 2008
MOTION NO 9.
MOTION: Councillor C. Brophy
"That the Manager provide a detailed statement in relation to Rathfarnham Castle playground to include why double yellow lines have not been provided as promised, the current situation regarding the provision of monitored CCTV on a 24-hour basis, the closing and locking of park gates, the erection of signs for car parking and the playground, and the incidence of anti-social behaviour since the playgrounds unofficial opening."
REPORT:
The Parks Department has installed a CCTV system, which continuously monitors and records activity in the vicinity of the playground. Parks Department depot staff monitors the system during daytime working hours.
Arrangements are currently being made to add a ‘voice over P.A. system’ and to have the CCTV monitored at night by a private security firm, via a broadband link, for a trial period. This will be reviewed after a number of months in operation to establish the effectiveness or otherwise of the arrangement.
There are a number of entrance points to Rathfarnham Castle Park some of which are fitted with lockable gates. There are other sections of the park e.g. part of the boundary along Rathfarnham Road under the control of the OPW that have no boundary treatment whatsoever and provide easy access at any time of day or night. The Council is aware that the OPW intends making a planning application in respect of works to the castle in the near future and it will include proposals for a new boundary treatment and a lockable pedestrian only gate.
At the request of the Rathfarnham Castle Residents Association, the Parks Department commenced, on 22nd May for a trial period, locking the gate at The Woodlands each evening. As the gate is locked by Park Rangers based in Tymon Park, the gate must be locked approximately one hour in advance of normal park closing times i.e. during the month of September the gate is closed at 7.00pm instead of 8.00pm. This is to ensure that the Park Rangers have sufficient time to return to Tymon Park to clear the park and lock all of the entrances by the official closing time.
The entrance at Grange Road consists of an existing lockable pedestrian gate which is not locked at present as it is used by residents of Rathfarnham Wood.
The current entrance at Rathfarnham Wood consists of an unlockable anti-cycle gate. In advance of any proposed alteration to a lockable pedestrian gate, the RCRA propose to consult with the residents of Rathfarnham Wood. If the residents of Rathfarnham Wood are agreeable, arrangements will be made to install an entrance gate that can be locked.
The entrance at Castleside Drive consists of an existing lockable pedestrian gate and double maintenance gate. OPW staff lock the double maintenance gate at night. In advance of any proposed alteration to locking the pedestrian gate, the Parks Department propose to consult with the Office of Public Works.
The Parks Department have advised the RCRA that the closing of all access points to the park may result in an increase in the levels of anti-social behaviour being experienced in the park and impede Garda access to deal with such problems.
The existing car park adjacent to Rathfarnham Road provides parking for access to the playground. The Parks Department has installed finger post signage at the following locations to indicate parking for the playground:
- Rathfarnham Road
- Castleside Drive Entrance
The installation of double yellow lines on public roads is not the responsibility of the Parks and Landscape Services Department. It is understood from the Roads Department that arrangements are being made to have the lining works carried out.