COMHAIRLE CONTAE ÁTHA CLIATH THEAS
SOUTH DUBLIN COUNTY COUNCIL

MEETING OF RATHFARNHAM/TEMPLEOGUE-TERENURE AREA COMMITTEE

Tuesday, February 09, 2016

MOTION NO.11

MOTION: Councillor D. O'Donovan

Cathaoirleachs Business

"That the Chief Executive brings members up to date on the planning situation in regard to the Spawell Driving Range.  There seems to be much confusion over who has responsibility for the golf balls leaving the range and hitting cars and properties in neighbouring estates.  What was the original planning permission for this facility"

REPORT:

The planning applications below specifically relate to the Golf Driving Range: 

WA/0800- Planning permission granted by Dublin County Council for a new golfing range with accompanying tennis courts, gymnasium, clubroom and bar.  

The details of this file cannot be located. Permission was granted on 30/06/1981.

S98A/0062- Planning permission granted by SDCC for a Metal Canopy to Driving Range.

The permission relates to the extension of an existing canopy at the golf driving range at the Spawell Grounds. The canopy granted permission slopes upwards from the existing canopy from a height of approx. 3m to 3.8m over a width of 3.7m.

 Condition 6 of the grant of permission states:

That the applicant shall confirm to the Planning Authority in writing that the development will not result in dispersal of golf balls (or other such related objects)outside the curtilage of the site. In this regard the applicant to indemnify the Council regarding any such claims prior to the commencement if development on the proposal.

REASON: In the interest of safety.

There is no record of the receipt of details of confirmation from the applicant relating to the dispersal of golf balls or other related objects outside the curtilage of the site, or details of any indemnification of the Council by the applicant.  Golf balls hitting cars on the public road would be an issue for investigation by the Gardaí.  Golf balls being on the public road may be an issue for the Litter Warden.  Golf balls affecting neighbouring properties would be a civil matter between the facility and the neighbours.