COMHAIRLE CONTAE ÁTHA CLIATH THEAS
SOUTH DUBLIN COUNTY COUNCIL

MEETING OF LUCAN AREA COMMITTEE

Tuesday, June 25, 2013

QUESTION NO. 18

QUESTION: Councillor W. Lavelle

"To ask the Manager for a report on any actions being examined, considered or proposed in response to concerns raised by Weston Hockey Club and Lucan Harriers Athletic Club with respect to anti-social behaviour and criminal damage to facilities in Griffeen Valley Park?"

REPLY:

The Council works proactively with clubs in Griffeen Valley Park to ensure that the park and facilities are maintained to the highest possible standards within existing resources.  In recent years the concrete ESB bunkers which were located between the hockey pitch and running track were removed and replaced with smaller vandal resistant metal units.  This has deterred the congregating that formally occurred at this location.

 A 10 metre section of hedge was removed between the Hockey pitch and the Newcastle Road.  Youth were also congregating at this location and vandalising the hockey pitch boundary fence to gain access to the pitch.  The fence was repaired on numerous occasions and the problem has since abated.  Unfortunately a new locus has been established on the east side of the hockey pitch where a hole has been cut in the protective fence.  This was repaired in June but has recently been vandalised again.  Alternative methods of securing the facility are currently under consideration.

The Goal Posts were removed from the hockey pitch at the request of the club.  This was in order to make the facility less attractive to youths during the closed hockey season.

With respect to anti-social behaviour and criminal damage, clubs are advised to contact the Council and the Gardaí to report such incidences.  The Council will take whatever steps it can to prevent such occurrences however quite often input from the Gardaí is required who have the powers to enforce the laws under the Criminal Justice (Public Order) Act.