COMHAIRLE CONTAE ÁTHA CLIATH THEAS
SOUTH DUBLIN COUNTY COUNCIL

MEETING OF LUCAN AREA COMMITTEE

Tuesday, June 23, 2015

MOTION NO. 6

MOTION: Councillor P. Gogarty

Cathaoirleach's Business

"That the Chief Executive outline what measures are being taken to deal with motorcycle racing in Glenaulin Park, Palmerstown as this is intimidating users and causing noise for neighbouring residents."

REPORT:

The use of any motorised vehicles in parks or public open spaces is prohibited under Section 3 of the Parks and Open Spaces Bye-laws 2011. Details of Section 3 are as follows;

3. Traffic:-

      3.1  Save with the permission of the Council, no person shall bring into a Park any Mechanically Propelled Vehicle which includes for the avoidance of doubt motorcycles, motor-cross / quad bikes or other powered vehicles. Such vehicles may be removed from the park / open space by An Garda Síochána.

      3.2  Where a Mechanically Propelled Vehicle is permitted access to a Park (e.g. Council fleet, commercial suppliers), the vehicle shall be driven carefully subject to a maximum speed limit of 20kph on the authorised routes within the Park, other than where expressly permitted by the Council.

As with other types of anti-social behaviour, this type of anti-social behaviour often occurs outside of normal park opening hours. Where local residents witness such unauthorised use taking place, they should report such incidents to the Gardaí who are authorised under the Bye-laws to take action. While the Gardaí's powers of seizure do not extend to public parks and open spaces, under Section 3.1. of the Parks and Open Spaces Bye-laws, they have the power to remove such vehicles from a public park or open space.

If local residents have any information in relation to the owners / users of these vehicles, it would be helpful if they would provide this information to the Gardaí and /or County Council to assist in the taking of further action against the owners of such vehicles.

A review of the access points to Glenaulin Park was also undertaken and in total there are 9 different entrances. 6 of these are fitted with Kissing Gates and 3 are fitted with K barriers (Gurteen Road, Rossaveal Court and Glenaulin Road lane).  The kissing gate has proven to be an effective deterrent in preventing unauthorised vehicles and horses from entering parks and open spaces while facilitating universal access for all other users including prams, buggies, wheelchair users and cyclists.  The K-barrier which does not have any moving parts restricts access by narrowing the opening at waist height. While this type of barrier does work in certain situations it is possible to get smaller motor bikes through the barrier. It is likely that any motorbikes accessing Glenaulin Park are doing so via the K barriers. The 3 K barriers can be replaced with Kissing Gates to enhance security. While this may delay cyclists accessing and leaving the park it has been observed that their use adds on average no more than 10 seconds to journey times. 

Should this Motion be passed arrangements will be made to replace the 3 K barriers as outlined in the report, with Kissing gates.