COMHAIRLE CONTAE ÁTHA CLIATH THEAS
SOUTH DUBLIN COUNTY COUNCIL

MEETING OF RATHFARNHAM/TEMPLEOGUE-TERENURE AREA COMMITTEE

Tuesday, September 13, 2016

MOTION NO.1

MOTION: Councillor P. Foley

Cathaoirleachs Business

"To ask the Chief Executive for a review of the Ballycragh park playground, located at the entrance to the Park Community Centre, in terms of its age appropriateness. The playground is equipped for children over the age of 7 and is attracting groups of teenagers who loiter in the area. Currently, there is no playground for the under 7s in the Firhouse/Ballycullen area. The location of the playground at the Community Centre and carpark is ideal for parents with younger children who are currently not able to use the amenity. Can the equipment being used now be moved elsewhere in Ballycragh park and new play equipment installed that is more suited to younger children"

REPORT:

"The Ballycragh playground is designed for children from 2-12 with most features aimed at younger children up to 8 years of age.  Older children and teenagers gather at the play space because it provides a “hangout spot” in their community.  They predominantly gather on the large basket swing.  Previously many of these children would have congregated around the shop entrance and pub carpark. 

The people involved in the community consultation including the Community Centre management were offered a feature located outside the boundary of the play space for these children to meet up and play.  This would have removed them from the play space and solved the problem.  Unfortunately, this idea was rejected.

We know that normal social behaviour for teenagers includes meeting in groups. Our experience is that these children would prefer to have their own facilities such as MUGA’s, skate parks or other social areas and not have to congregate in play areas. However, there is usually a strong reaction against anything that would attract teenagers into an area and this is a topic that requires some consideration and discussion."