COMHAIRLE CONTAE ÁTHA CLIATH THEAS
SOUTH DUBLIN COUNTY COUNCIL

MEETING OF LUCAN AREA COMMITTEE

Tuesday, December 7, 2010

MOTION NO. 9

MOTION: Councillor D. Keating

That the Manager would consider allocating a small section of Griffeen Valley Regional Park as a "Dog Park" whereby residents can allow their dogs exercise without dog leads, and that this initiative be introduced as a pilot project, and that this pilot project would incorporate the usual dog litter regulations. As previously stated such a facility has been requested by quite a number of residents who would be very supportive of such a new initiative in South Dublin County Council.

REPORT:

Griffeen Valley Regional Park is designed to cater for both passive and active recreation.  Dog owners are welcome within the park and extensive areas of land do exist where owners can exercise their dogs.  The controlling and supervision of dogs is legislated under the Control of Dogs Act 1986 and is a matter for the owner.  It is also important to note that in accordance with Section 4.1.1(b) of the parks bye-laws “no person shall take into or allow to remain in a park any dog unless it is on a leash”.  

To provide a special and restricted area for dogs within Griffeen Valley Park will require an amendment to the bye-laws.  This matter is currently being advanced as part of the Parks Bye-law review process.  The provision of a dog run in Griffeen Valley Park will be considered on a pilot basis subject to the identification of a suitable site and the availability of the necessary resources.  The site required would be similar in size to the area occupied by a football pitch.