COMHAIRLE CONTAE ÁTHA CLIATH THEAS
SOUTH DUBLIN COUNTY COUNCIL

MEETING OF TALLAGHT AREA COMMITTEE

Thursday, September 15, 2016

QUESTION NO. 2

QUESTION: Councillor M. Duff

"To ask the Chief Executive to please inform this Committee if he is aware of the poorly maintained condition of the Dominics Playspace and to indicate if he is is aware of the fact that the central sand pit play area is littered with broken glass, the grass areas are completely overgrown, that the large swings have been removed and that residents complained that used syringes were found in the play area. Please indicate what action he intends to take about these matters?"

REPLY:

The play space in question was until recently cleaned by a Gateway crew, once every two to three days.  This crew has now been disbanded and the work taken back into the mainstream public realm work programme.  The area is now being cleaned on a weekly basis. 

All public realm operational staff are trained in needlestick awareness and in the procedures for the safe removal of needles and are therefore equipped to deal with any syringes that they find.  Reports were received over the summer months of syringes being found in the play space, however when Council staff inspected and searched the area none were found. 

The Public Realm Section is aware of the present condition of the play space and arrangements have been made to have the area cleaned today Wednesday September 14th.  The large basket swing referred to was reported as having been damaged through vandalism and has been temporarily removed.  The swing will be replaced once repairs to it are completed.  The grass around the play space is being cut however it is not on a regular schedule at present.  It is hoped that this matter will be addressed in the coming weeks.