COMHAIRLE CONTAE ÁTHA CLIATH THEAS
SOUTH DUBLIN COUNTY COUNCIL

MEETING OF SOUTH DUBLIN COUNTY COUNCIL

Monday, May 11, 2015

QUESTION NO.14

QUESTION: Councillor C. O'Connor

To ask the CEO to confirm proposals he has to improve safety in all council parks throughout the county appreciating the need to ensure that those accessing our parks feel safe and comfortable at all times. Charlie O'Connor

REPLY:

The parks of the county are considered to be amongst the safest parks in the country. Recorded incidents of crime and assault are extremly low and quite unusual.

There are a number of factors which contribute to the safety of a park. These include a regular staff presence carrying out routine maintenance works, a park ranger service operating seven days a week during park opening hours, a wide range of amenities and activities which contribute to a the sense of a safe place and in certain locations, the provison of CCTV systems to enhance public safety.

In addition to these factors, An Garda Síochána provide considerable support, assistance and advice on managing public safety. Community Gardaí and Mountain Bike units often include parks as part of their patrols. Issues of concern relating to public parks can and are for discussion through the Joint Policing Committee and the Community Safety Fora. At local level, there are regular meetings between local Gardaí and park managers to share information, discuss issues and agree responses.