COMHAIRLE CONTAE ÁTHA CLIATH THEAS
SOUTH DUBLIN COUNTY COUNCIL

MEETING OF LUCAN AREA COMMITTEE

Tuesday, April 26, 2011

MOTION NO. 19

MOTION: Councillor G. O'Connell

That the Manager bring a report to this Area Committee at an early date on the operation of the Griffeen Valley Park to include proposals on how it can

(a) be rendered less attractive to those involved in anti-social behaviour and so that it can

(b) support efforts by adjacent communities to make the general area, including the Park and its environs safe and crime free where residents can move about without fear or hindrance. 

REPORT:

Anti-social behaviour is an unfortunate aspect of our modern society. The consequences of it impacts particularly heavily on our parks and open spaces and  is more evident in some parks and open spaces at times when there is  not a presence of park staff. The majority of anti-social behaviour takes place during the hours of darkness after the parks have closed and our staff have finished work for the day 

Physical measures that have been taken to tackle anti social activity in Griffeen Valley Park include the provision of boundary walls and railings, installation of vehicle control barriers and kissing gates and routine patrolling by the Park Rangers.  Pruning of vegetation is undertaken during the winter months in an effort to improve passive supervision of facilities such as the playground and to deter loitering at night.  Pruning works have also been undertaken on the periphery of the park in the vicinity of residential housing estates to combat anti-social activities including fly tipping. 

Resident who experience anti-social problems are encouraged to report incidents to the Gardaí who have the powers to enforce the law under the Criminal Justice Act and other appropriate legislation.  The Council does support efforts of adjacent communities wherever possible and will continue to do so within existing resources.