COMHAIRLE CONTAE ÁTHA CLIATH THEAS
SOUTH DUBLIN COUNTY COUNCIL

MEETING OF TALLAGHT AREA COMMITTEE (1)

Monday, September 24, 2012

MOTION NO. 15

MOTION: Councillor J. Hannon

That a report be provided, and discussed, on the maintenance and management of the Dodder Valley Park open space lands, with particular reference to the following:

The difficulty of access for anglers and walkers to the river, due to excessive and uncontrolled overgrowth at the river banks

The incidence of drinking and littering with apparent lack of enforcement of the by-laws

Lack of an Information Board

Lack of control over dogs and no measures to deal with dog waste

Lack of maintenance of tennis courts

Infrequent grass cutting at the areas adjacent to New Bawn Park with weeds, nettles etc

REPORT:

The area of Dodder Valley Park referred to is the section on the northern side of the Dodder River from Old Bawn Bridge to Bolbrook.  Whilst the area is maintained to a good standard it does require more intensive maintenance which is currently not possible.  Nevertheless, there are areas which can be improved and these will be addressed, e.g. litter and dealing with access to the river by the anglers as well as the area adjacent to New Bawn Park. 

In relation to the Anglers contact will be made with the Angling Community to determine what measures can be undertaken to facilitate the activity.

Drinking in parks and open spaces and consequent littering is a constant problem in all areas of the county and where persons are identified the matter is pursued through the courts where possible.

The tennis courts are difficult to manage without a viable and active tennis club of which there is none in the area.  It may be that other activities should be considered in this area as a replacement for tennis and subject to the availability of the necessary finance to do so.