COMHAIRLE CONTAE ÁTHA CLIATH THEAS
SOUTH DUBLIN COUNTY COUNCIL
MEETING OF RATHFARNHAM/TEMPLEOGUE-TERENURE AREA COMMITTEE
Tuesday, December 13, 2016
HEADED ITEM NO. 9
Play Space Programme The Park Ballycragh.
"Following a recent request for a review of the playspace at Ballycragh; with regard to the high usage of the play space by groups of teenagers and the resultant increased littering and general displacement of younger children (for whom the playspace was designed to cater for); the following actions are underway:
Public Realm have been working with the Community section on developing a strategy to deal with this issue. It has been decided that the most effective approach will be to consult directly with the teenagers currently congregating at the playspace; in order to ensure an agreed and effective solution is reached.
Contact has been made with the local secondary school and the Council intend to work with a group of young people on developing solutions. First step will discover the reasons for the use of the playspace and if a more suitable location or facility could be provided for them. It is felt that direct teenagers involvement with the process will increase possibility of successful and lasting outcomes; it is envisaged that involvement might be particularly useful for students attempting a Gaisce Award or as a project for transition year students.
It is envisaged (subject to agreement) that the students could give a presentation of the outcome of their consultation and proposed solutions in the Park Community Centre. Community centre Management, Councillors and local people will be invited to the presentation and proposals can be considered.
It is felt the above strategy will ensure young people's right to be consulted on decisions that affect them; and as playspaces depend on the buy in of all users including some unintended users, will help ensure a successful outcome for the younger children as well. It is expected to have a meeting to kick off the direct consultation process later this week; councillors will be kept informed of any progress. It is envisaged that this process may also prove useful to inform the teenager facility study programmed for 2017."