COMHAIRLE CONTAE ÁTHA CLIATH THEAS
SOUTH DUBLIN COUNTY COUNCIL

MEETING OF SOUTH DUBLIN COUNTY COUNCIL

Monday, February 08, 2016

MOTION NO.5

MOTION: Councillor K. Mahon

That the Council design and promote a mobile phone app tied into walks and recreational areas in the County that encourages exercise and physical and mental fitness. For example someone walking in the waterworks in Bohernabreena would know how many calories were being burned during the walk, or what they could gain through a little extra exertion. This could have a positive impact on the use of local amenities and on people's attitudes to outdoor pursuits. This should remain free of charge, operated by the council and the info on the app should be tiered to suit all age and fitness levels.

REPORT:

A lot of work and resources would need to be employed to develop and maintain such an app for smartphones and is not considered feasible or sustainable to embark on such project. Such an app would have to be designed to be enabled to use the built-in GPS of your mobile device to track all of your fitness activities. Record your work out details, including duration, distance, pace, speed, elevation, calories burned, and route travelled on an interactive map. Such apps are available such as MapMy Fitness where you can also save and upload your workout data and you can view your route workout data, and comprehensive workout history. Other apps available on App Store and Google Play include Couch to 5K - C25K, MyFitnessPal, Argus, Fitnet, Strava, and Fitocracy.

In the circumstances it would not be productive to use resources to replicate what is already on the market. The required ongoing maintenance of an app would also be a prohibitive factor.