COMHAIRLE CONTAE ÁTHA CLIATH THEAS
SOUTH DUBLIN COUNTY COUNCIL

MEETING OF LUCAN AREA COMMITTEE

Wednesday, December 16, 2015

MOTION NO.9

MOTION: Councillor L. O'Toole, Councillor G. O'Connell

"Given the difficulties in both getting local agreement   and in servicing existing sites, that the Chief Executive consider   reducing the number of play spaces for Lucan, and allowing a smaller number   of larger scale play spaces and that the locations selected are in a suitable   location non-intrusive to residents. Alternatively some of the money could be   used to provide MUGA for older children."

That the Chief Executive consider moving any surplus money which may arrive from some of the planned play spaces in the Lucan area which have not been taken up by residents to be used to install alternative facilities such as MUGA for older children."

MOVED AND REENTERED FROM NOV 47088 M27

P. Realm

REPORT:

Of the six playspaces listed in the 2014 - 2018 Play Space Programme for advancement in the Lucan Area Committee area in 2014 and 2015, one is open and in use, two are under construction, two are at design stage and just one planned playspace at Woodfarm Acres did not proceed as agreement could not be reached with the local community on a suitable site. This playspace was then successfully substituted with Riversdale which opened for play earlier this year. 

Members will recall that the 2014 - 2018 Playspace Programme was based on a review of existing play facilities which identified gaps in provision across the county. The playspace programme was intended to fill many of the identified gaps with local play facilities within the residential areas, primarily aimed at meeting the play requirements of younger children close to their homes. That remains one of the main objectives of the playspace programme. 

For 2016, three playspaces are listed for advancement at Ballyowen Park, Lucan Demesne and Finnstown Estate. It is proposed to advance community consultation on these playspaces in 2016. As two of the three proposed locations are public parks, it is not expected that there will be any significant issues raised by nearby communities for those particular projects. 

Arising from the experience at some of the new playspaces provided across the county in the last two years, it has emerged that there is an older teenage cohort, typically over 14 years of age for whom there is no specific programme of provision. This is under review having regard to national policy and best practice and it is intended to bring forward proposals in 2016 to address this.