COMHAIRLE CONTAE ÁTHA CLIATH THEAS
SOUTH DUBLIN COUNTY COUNCIL

MEETING OF LUCAN AREA COMMITTEE

Tuesday, September 29, 2015

MOTION NO. 3

MOTION: Councillor P. Gogarty

"That the Chief Executive reports on its response during the recent summer months to minimise anti-social behaviour and make our public parks in Lucan and Palmerstown safer including in particular focusing on Waterstown Park (Quad bikes), Hermitage Park (playspace) and Glenaulin Park (motorbikes); to outline what successes have been achieved, what lessons have been learned and what additional resources can and should be allocated from either a Council and/or Garda and/or voluntary civilian perspective to enhance people's enjoyment of these facilities in the coming months and years and if he will make a statement on the matter."

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;

As with other types of anti-social behaviour, this type of anti-social behaviour often occurs at weekends or 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.

In addition to the above considerable resources are also expended on the protection of parks by the use of physical barriers such as walls, gates, bollards etc. While these measures assist in controlling unauthorised access, parks still have to retain a high level of permeability through gates and entrances to facilitate visitors. Sometimes unauthorised vehicles enter through these official entrances and at such times the only recourse is through the enforcement of the bye-laws. 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.

Works to address the issue in Waterstown Park during the summer months has related to the beefing up of park boundaries. 16 boulders were placed along the hedge line at Riverview/Riversdale Avenue. A further 6 boulders were placed at the boundary with Coates Field and these measures appear to have been effective in reducing the incidents of quads and scramblers. 

A review of the 9 entrances to Glenaulin Park was undertaken in early summer and a report presented at the Lucan Area Committee meeting in June. Following approval by the Members, 3 of the k barriers located at Gurteen Road, Rossaveal Court and Glenaulin Road lane will be replaced by Kissing gates to further restrict motorbikes accessing the park. These works will take place later this year.

The design for the playspace at Hermitage Park was chosen by representatives of the local residents associations after a comprehensive consultation process. Throughout the summer the area has been very well used with family groups picnicking around the playground and spending time there. There is usually a settling in period with playgrounds but it is clear that this playground is providing huge recreational benefits to the young people of Hermitage Park and other local estates.

The Council is committed to the success of the new play spaces across the County. We will provide ongoing monitoring of Hermitage playspace so that it continues to provide a clean, safe and fun place for the community to enjoy.

Residents are also encouraged to report any anti-social incidences to the Gardaí who have the powers to enforce the law under the Criminal Justice and Public Order Acts.