COMHAIRLE CONTAE ÁTHA CLIATH THEAS
SOUTH DUBLIN COUNTY COUNCIL

MEETING OF LUCAN AREA COMMITTEE

Tuesday, March 22, 2011

MOTION NO. 14

MOTION: Councillor G. O'Connell

While commending Management and staff for their recent efforts, as a follow up to the offer made by Management in the Report to my Motion (Ref ID 24108) at the September meeting and following the subsequent report on CCTV at the Jan 2011 LCA, and as a follow up to the issues I raised in May and October 09 and Jan 10 and since, this Committee calls on the Manager to have movement sensitive lights and CCTV installed on Glenaulin Park where it bounds Culmore Road, Glenaulin Road and Glenaulin Green.  Residents, many of whom are Senior Citizens, living in these areas have to endure an unacceptable level of anxiety, spilling over at times into total fear and intimidation,  due to anti-social behaviour that results in constant worry, fear and disturbed sleep.  In addition, Park users including young children, are in constant danger from quads, broken glass and other fall-out from un-controlled vandalism. It is very much in keeping with the Councils policy of reducing the cost of yesterday that such a pilot scheme be introduced in a park such as Glenaulin that was developed during an era when the problems associated with such back-lands could not be anticipated.  This Council owes it to its citizens that we protect them today from the trauma resulting from the effects of yesterday's decisions and today's vandalism. The situation has now reached the stage where some residents are at breaking point and urgent strong action is called for.

REPORT:

As previously reported to the Committee, the issue of CCTV in Glenaulin Park has been raised on a number of occasions in discussions with Palmerstown Community Council and local residents. Part of the park on the Dublin City Council side is covered by a camera system installed in the Dublin City Council area which is under the control of the Gardaí. The possibility of extending this system is being examined in conjunction with the Gardaí and Dublin City Council having regard to the availability of resources.

Two access points to Glenaulin Park from the lane to the rear of Culmore Road were closed in 2010 as part of a programme of measures to deter anti-social behaviour in the area. The feasibility of providing lockable gates on the access points to Glenaulin Park from the lane to the rear of Glenaulin Road is ongoing and a report on this matter will be presented to the April Meeting of the Committee.

The staff of the Parks & Landscape Services Department continue to maintain Glenaulin Park to the highest standard possible within the resources available. The Park Rangers patrol the park on a regular basis and the Gardaí maintain a presence in the general area to deal with public order matters.