COMHAIRLE CONTAE ÁTHA CLIATH THEAS
SOUTH DUBLIN COUNTY COUNCIL

south dublin county council crest

MEETING OF TALLAGHT AREA COMMITTEE (2)

Monday, March 28, 2011

MOTION NO. 3

MOTION: Councillor M. Corr

Cathaoirleachs Business

That the Manager provides a detailed report on the condition and status of playgrounds/MUGAs in the Tallaght area.

REPORT:

The existing children’s playgrounds and Multi-Use Games Areas (MUGAs) located in the Tallaght area, which are open to the public, are generally maintained and are the responsibility of the Parks Department. In the planning of these facilities particularly in RAPID areas, it was decided to locate them, as much as possible, away from  dwellings and beside existing Community and recreational facilities where they would benefit from overlooking, CCTV coverage and passive supervision by staff etc. The facilities provided have proved to be very popular with young people in Tallaght and have made an important contribution to increasing fitness levels, general participation in sport and in reducing the overall levels of crime and ant-social activity in the area.

All of these facilities are inspected on a weekly basis and records of inspections and repair works (which must be carried out by qualified contractors at the earliest possible date) are retained on file in the event of any public liability claims arising. All of the playground and MUGAS in South Dublin also receive a detailed Annual Inspection at the start of the year by an independent playground inspector and any works identified, are carried out as soon as possible thereafter. The playgrounds/MUGAs are subject, on an ongoing basis, to relatively high levels of vandalism and wear and tear.  Repair works are arranged and managed by the Parks Deptartment throughout the year, subject to the availability of finance.  

A public consultation process (Part 8) for the construction of a new playground in Tymon Park was recently advertised and the closing date for submissions is the 2nd May 2011.  Subject to the availability of the necessary finance and the approval of the Elected Members it is planned that the construction of this facility will commence later this year.