COMHAIRLE CONTAE ÁTHA CLIATH THEAS
SOUTH DUBLIN COUNTY COUNCIL

MEETING OF TALLAGHT AREA COMMITTEE

Monday, June 22, 2015

QUESTION NO. 5

QUESTION: Councillor B. Ferron

"To ask the Chief Executive if the lower walking track in the upper Waterfall end of the Dodder Valley Park can be inspected, this needs serious maintenance. There is soil encroachment on the pathways, the undergrowth needs serious pruning and access to the riverbank needs to be improved to all people to fish and importantly enjoy the visual amenity along this lower walking track.

The fence & trees need to be removed beside the waterfall at the bridge to restore this protected structure to its former glory as a key, visible landmark in the park. The trees were planted in the last 6 years to reduce anti social behaviour. Since then the new cycle track, new bridge and significant increase in walking clubs using this park has massively increased the positive, recreational activity & passing supervision in this park, reducing the need to block the river with this Tree barrier."

REPLY:

The location in question along the Dodder has been inspected and the issues referred to have been noted. The issue of soil encroachment onto footpaths will be addressed over the Summer months. The request to prune the undergrowth and to clear access to the riverbank will be examined with the assistance of the Council's heritage officer with regard to biodiversity in these areas and following this an agreed programme of pruning works will be devised and implemented. The request to clear the area adjacent to the waterfall needs careful consideration to ensure that any such works that might be carried out do not give rise to a public safety risk. The matter will be examined to determine what work is required and what the likely cost would be, it can then be proposed for inclusion in the capital works programme when it is reviewed in 2016.