COMHAIRLE CONTAE ÁTHA CLIATH THEAS
SOUTH DUBLIN COUNTY COUNCIL

south dublin county council crest

MEETING OF CLONDALKIN AREA COMMITTEE

Wednesday, February 16, 2011

MOTION NO. 20

MOTION: Councillor T. Gilligan

That this Committee asks the Manager to outline the usage of the fishing lakes in Corkagh Park.  The lakes were closed for renovation, however, no new works have taken place. Can the Manager clarify this situation? The tender for the fishing lakes states that the lakes must be open when the park is, can the Manager outline why this was not the case.  Does the Manager think the lakes will be open this time next year?

REPORT:

The fishery at Corkagh Park had to be closed on a temporary basis over the Christmas period due to the heavy snow conditions and the subsequent freezing of the lakes, which prevented any fishing taking place.

The facility is now re-opened to the public and is managed from the Camac Valley Caravan Park.  The shop and reception building is open for business on Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays each week (and on weekdays if the weather is suitable for fishing). This arrangement seems to be quite adequate to deal with the general demand for the use of the facility at this time of the year. The temporary closure of the shop/reception area from Monday-Thursday also facilitates the completion of refurbishment works, in progress over the coming weeks. Signs have  been erected on site notifying Fishermen and Patrons of this these temporary arrangements and providing contact details for the Camac Valley Caravan Park, where bookings can still be made and fishing permits purchased.

(1) The renovation works proposed at the fishery reception and coffee shop area include the upgrading of the public toilets to make them suitable for universal access and repair works to the outside deck area.

(2) The fishery reception and coffee shop building will be fully re-opened to the public seven days a week from Saturday 5th March next.

Despite the economic downturn, the fishery is operating quite well and it is envisaged that the business should grow further this year, benefiting from the general increase in the numbers of visitors using Corkagh Park.