COMHAIRLE CONTAE ÁTHA CLIATH THEAS
SOUTH DUBLIN COUNTY COUNCIL

MEETING OF JOINT POLICING COMMITTEE

Friday, September 11, 2009

QUESTION NO.

QUESTION: Councillor W. Lavelle

That this committee resolves to initiate preparation of a new coordinated strategy involving both the Council and Gardai aimed at tackling anti-social behaviour in and around the county’s parks.

REPLY:

The Joint Policing Committee prepared a workplan for 2009 and included in this is the following Actions:

1. To establish small working group comprising of Community Gardaí, SDCC Parks Department and local community representatives
2. To  identify the  levels of anti-social behaviour in two public parks and open spaces and to pilot a initiative to  improve co-ordination between Gardai ,SDCC and community representatives

Work has begun on the implementation of this action and a progress report will be submitted to the next JPC meeting.

In order to support the provision of safe public parks and regulate behaviour , the Council has adopted a system of Bye-Laws which are enforced primarily by staff of the Parks and Landscape Services Department  supported by local Gardaí.  There  is regular and ongoing liaison with local Gardaí who provide positive support and assistance to Council staff through regular park and open space patrols undertaken by Community Gardaí and the Garda Mountain Bike Unit. The Gardaí also assist with situations where members of the public ignore requests from  staff to obey the Bye Laws, in particular, where the activity is considered hazardous to other park users.