COMHAIRLE CONTAE ÁTHA CLIATH THEAS
SOUTH DUBLIN COUNTY COUNCIL

MEETING OF RATHFARNHAM/TEMPLEOGUE-TERENURE AREA COMMITTEE

Tuesday, September 08, 2015

MOTION NO. 3

MOTION: Councillor D. O'Donovan

"That the Chief Executive outlines what measures SDCC intends to take to deal with the teenagers engaged in Anti-Social Behaviour at Ballycragh Park, making the playground a no-go area for the children it was intended to serve."

REPORT:

Following a deputations meeting with residents from the Firhouse and Ballycullen areas earlier in the year an undertaking was given to arrange daily patrols by the Council's Park Rangers in Ballycragh Park.  These patrols have been taking place twice daily since then and any issues identified by the Rangers have been dealt with by them, with individuals having been removed from the park on a number of occasions. 

The Council's Community Services Section have reported problems at the community centre in Ballycragh Park ranging from general nuisance to acts of vandalism on the centre which have included the smashing of the glass in 5 windows and also the centre being broken into on 3 occasions now in recent months. The vandals if picked up on cctv all have scarves and hoodies on, to hide their identities.  These issues have been reported to the Gardai by community centre staff.

The Council's Public Realm Section is currently considering a request to install public lighting in the park at the rear of the community centre.  Also, a request has been made to the Council's Community Services Section for permission to extend the centre's cctv system out into the park.  This matter will be pursued by Public Realm once permission has been received to do so.  It is felt that the installation of both lighting and cctv in the park would help to improve the situation and deter further vandalism and anti-social behaviour.