COMHAIRLE CONTAE ÁTHA CLIATH THEAS
SOUTH DUBLIN COUNTY COUNCIL

MEETING OF LUCAN AREA COMMITTEE

Tuesday, October 28, 2014

MOTION NO. 14

MOTION: Councillor G. O'Connell

"That this Committee requests the Chief Executive to bring forward costed plans for a facility in Waterstown Park that will provide a place where patrons, e.g. organised users, can meet to plan their activities, change their gear and avail of toilet facilities."

REPORT:

Waterstown Park is situated in the Liffey Valley Park and provides a rich habitat for a wide range of flora and fauna. A total of 687 species were identified in the park as part of the Bio Blitz study which was conducted in May 2011. Maintaining this diverse habitat is important and active recreational pursuits in the park are facilitated having regard to the management of the park and the range of habitats.

The active recreation activities that do occur in the park include walking, cycling and the use of the fitness equipment. On occasions, organisations, clubs or groups approach the Council requesting permission to use the park for more active pursuits. An example of this would be the Craic Assault Course which took place in the park in 2011. Where permission is granted organising groups are responsible for the welfare of their patrons. Planning for such events generally takes place elsewhere supplemented by on site meetings where required to discuss and agree specific details.

Given the unique setting of the park in the Liffey Valley, its importance in terms of biodiversity and the absence of any formal organised recreational facilities which would require changing / toilet facilities, for example, football pitches, there are no plans or proposals to provide such a facility for occasional use by groups using Waterstown Park.