COMHAIRLE CONTAE ÁTHA CLIATH THEAS
SOUTH DUBLIN COUNTY COUNCIL

MEETING OF RATHFARNHAM AREA COMMITTEE

Tuesday, November 12, 2013

MOTION NO. 5

MOTION: Councillor J. Lahart

"That the Manager arrange for the Environmental Health Officer to visit the laneway to the rear of Willbrook Park (prior to the Nov. RAC Meeting) and prepare a report for members concerning the state of the laneway from a health and safety viewpoint - particularly with regard to the presence of foxes and rodents - and for the Manager to outline their response to the state of the laneway pending the transfer of its care to local residents - as agreed in several motions to this Committee over a period of more than five years."

REPORT:

This laneway, which is owned by South Dublin County Council, extends the full width of six properties and is accessed only from a locked gate on Ballyboden Road. It is understood that each of the householders has a key to gain access but that the laneway is currently unused. It is noted that a public watermain runs through the lane to which the Council requires unimpeded access and accordingly its incorporation into the rear gardens of houses at Willbrook Park would not be feasible.

Currently, there is no dumping of rubbish etc in this laneway and it is not deemed a risk to public health. However, it is heavily overgrown with natural vegetation and therefore a possible undisturbed area for animals.

The Council's Public Realm Maintenance Section will carry out work to cut back the overgrowth and clean up the laneway in question, following a request from the Development Department to do so.  This work will be carried out in the coming 2 to 3 weeks.  Further maintenance work will be planned for this laneway in accordance with the specific requirements of the area, and it is proposed that this will be best determined over a period of time commencing now and running into the Spring of 2014.