COMHAIRLE CONTAE ÁTHA CLIATH THEAS
SOUTH DUBLIN COUNTY COUNCIL

MEETING OF SOUTH DUBLIN COUNTY COUNCIL

Monday, July 13, 2015

QUESTION NO. 2

QUESTION: Councillor P. Gogarty

To ask the Chief Executive what strategy is in place to deal with undesirable activities in public playgrounds where small children play (an example being a recent situation on 17th June last where teenagers were kicking a ball in the enclosed playground at Griffeen, Lucan and an woman got hit by the ball as did a pram  and people were abused, including the Park Ranger, who reportedly then had difficulties in getting said individuals to leave); whether there is a case for CCTV at such locations or allowing rangers to photograph obnoxious offenders for passing on to Gardai; or whether the law only allows for the Gardai to be called in in such circumstances; and if so, what additional measures can be put in place to deter such spoilsports from interfering in the enjoyment of young families, while not taking a draconian approach to other teenagers who are simply having fun without interfering with anybody else.

REPLY:

The use of the Councils Parks are covered by the 2011 Parks and Open Spaces Bye-laws.

All users are obliged to show courtesy to other park users. Where this does not happen, Park Rangers Service can intervene and request persons breaching bye-laws to desist or leave the park. If the activity does not cease and/or the people involved will not leave the park, the Gardaí are then called to assist.