COMHAIRLE CONTAE ÁTHA CLIATH THEAS
SOUTH DUBLIN COUNTY COUNCIL

MEETING OF LUCAN AREA COMMITTEE

Tuesday, December 6, 2011

QUESTION NO. 2

QUESTION: Councillor G. O'Connell

To ask the Manager to give an updated report on the measures in place to deal with anti-social behaviour in and around the Griffeen Valley Park and to include the effect, if any of these measures, and to generally report on progress in dealing with the issue?

REPLY:

Anti-social behaviour is an unfortunate aspect of our modern society. The consequences of it impact particularly heavily on our parks and open spaces and while it is more evident in those parks and open spaces that do not have a daily staff presence, 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. 

The pedestrian gate at Griffeen Glen Park/Elm Green has recently come to light as an area causing difficulties for local residents.  In June 2011, the gate was opened and closed in accordance with Park opening hours on a trail basis.  The trial was not successful and was abandoned due to persistent vandalism of the locks.  As reported to the area committee meeting in October 2011 is now proposed to replace this gate with a kissing gate.  The provision of a kissing gate will be considered in the context of the 2012 works programme.

The recently completed Grand Canal to Adamstown green route project provides a link from the Grand Canal to Griffeen Avenue.  This enables park users and cyclists to link up with the existing cycle path network in the northern section of Griffeen Valley Park.  The project which was funded by a grant from the Department of Transport under the Smarter Travel Programme, also provided for the installation of a lighting and CCTV system to enhance security of this new route.  Feedback from users has been positive.

Vandalism in the playground was occurring on a regular basis to one item of equipment – the birds nest swing.  This item is specifically designed for users of all abilities and was a well used item.  The incidents of vandalism had been increasing in recent years and despite replacing the swing with a more robust seat it was not possible to keep the item in a safe condition. As a result the item was removed.  Options are currently being considered regarding replacement equipment.

Residents 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 Parks Department is in regular contact with An Garda Síochána and liaises with them regarding any specific incidences that may occur in Griffeen Valley Park.