COMHAIRLE CONTAE ÁTHA CLIATH THEAS
SOUTH DUBLIN COUNTY COUNCIL

MEETING OF LUCAN AREA COMMITTEE

Tuesday, September 24, 2013

MOTION NO. 16

MOTION: Councillor C. Jones

"That the Manager will address the anti-social behaviour on the steps located opposite Kennelsfort Green at Palmerstown Park by removing the steps while retaining the right of way via the sloped pathway."

REPORT:

The steps on the open space leading from Palmerstown Park to Kenneslfort Green were provided approximately eight years ago at the request of residents living in the area to facilitate pedestrians moving from Kennelsfort Green to Palmerstown Park.  The steps were provided on a pedestrian desire line across a sloped grass area to provide safe access across the slope. Having reviewed the situation, the steps could be removed and the ground reinstated, leaving the existing footpath as the link between the two areas. 

However, it is likely that pedestrians will continue to use the route even if the steps are removed which raises a matter of liability for the Council. In removing the steps and returning the area to sloping grass, under wet conditions, this arrangement may lead to people slipping and falling on the slope. The removal of the steps would, in effect, be recreating the hazard which the provision of the steps was intended to address. 

The alternative is to leave the steps in place and take steps to deal with the anti-social behaviour that is taking place in association with An Garda Síochána and local residents.