COMHAIRLE CONTAE ÁTHA CLIATH THEAS
SOUTH DUBLIN COUNTY COUNCIL

MEETING OF RATHFARNHAM AREA COMMITTEE

Tuesday, January 10, 2012

MOTION NO. 11

MOTION: Councillor J. Lahart

"That the Manager examine public access and use of Dodder Valley Park, particularly its entrance at Kilvere Estate (Butterfield Avenue) with particular reference to the following:-

Bye Laws regarding dogs off leashes;

Consistent dog fouling of the area in the environs of Kilvere around the entrance to the Park"

REPORT:

In relation to the control of dogs in our parks and open spaces, under the Bye-Laws for Parks and Open Spaces:    

4.1.1   No person:

 (a) Shall take into, or allow to remain in any Park, any dog unless it is under effective control on a leash, other than in areas designated, or at times specified by the County Council.

 (b) In charge of a dog in a Park shall engage it in coursing or permit it to be engaged in coursing in a Park.

 4.1.3    If a dog, other than a guide dog, defecates in the Park, the person in charge of the dog shall remove the faeces from the ground and dispose of it in a proper manner which may include disposal in receptacle provided for that purpose.  

It should be noted that primary responsiblity for the control of a dog in a public place, including cleaning up after it, rests with the owner.

The area will be examined in association with the Dog and Litter Wardens to establish the level of non-compliance with the Park Bye-laws following which further actions such as the use of dog fouling stencils and other signage will be considered.