COMHAIRLE CONTAE ÁTHA CLIATH THEAS
SOUTH DUBLIN COUNTY COUNCIL

MEETING OF SOUTH DUBLIN COUNTY COUNCIL

Monday, February 13, 2012

QUESTION NO. 16

QUESTION: Councillor W. Lavelle

To ask the Manager to provide a further detailed update on the proposal to provide dog-runs in council parks during 2012 including a timeframe for these projects?

REPLY:

It is proposed to provide an off leash area for dogs in Griffeen Valley Park on a pilot basis in 2012.  The Council's Dog Warden Service have advised that an area, approximately the size of a football pitch, secured by means of a hedge/fence with designated access points, and convenient to the greatest number of dog walkers would ensure the best chance of success. 

The Dog Wardens have also advised that the provision of a dog run would greatly assist them in the enforcement of the Bye-laws relating to the control of dogs in the park. The 2011 Park Bye-laws contain specific provisions relating to the control of dogs and provide for the designation of areas in public parks for use as dog runs, also known as "off leash" areas. 

A suitable area meeting the above criteria has been identified in Griffeen Valley Park adjacent to the GAA pitch at Hayden's Lane. The site is approximately 5,000 square metres, centrally located within the park, convenient to the main pedestrian routes through the park and is partially enclosed by existing hedgerows.

It is proposed to proceed with this project in the coming months and it is expected to have the facility in place and operational by May. The project will be monitored and reviewed during the remainder of 2012 and based on the experience gained, it would be hoped to expand the provision of dog runs to other regional parks in the county in 2013, subject to resources available at that time.