COMHAIRLE CONTAE ÁTHA CLIATH THEAS
SOUTH DUBLIN COUNTY COUNCIL

South Dublin County Council Crest

MEETING OF SOUTH DUBLIN COUNTY COUNCIL

Monday, February 13, 2017

QUESTION NO.8

QUESTION: Councillor W. Lavelle

To ask the Chief Executive for a report on the feasibility of introducing a volunteer park warden service in large public parks in our County?

REPLY:

Many agencies and organisations are supported and assisted through individuals who present in a voluntary capacity.  

Throughout the county, many individuals volunteer assistance and support through their participation in Tidy Towns/ Resident Associations/ Sporting clubs etc.

The objectives of the Dublin Mountain Partnership (DMP)Volunteer Ranger Service for example is to have a team of volunteers who are interested in supporting the work of the DMP and helping in the management of outdoor recreation.

The South Dublin County Volunteer Centre provides access to volunteering opportunities throughout the County for individuals, and supports organisations in finding and managing volunteers.  They have a comprehensive service available which supports volunteerism in South Dublin County.  South Dublin County Council provides support to the Volunteer Centre.  Details of the volunteer centre is available here: http://www.volunteersouthdublin.ie/

It is understood that the aspiration of volunteer park warden service in large public parks in our County is primarily to assist in activity which would enhance the aesthetic appearance of the park through engagement in litter (including dog foul) and illegal dumping management, as well as providing passive surveillance through physical presence.

This can be achieved through responsible citizenship approaches to dealing with such problems, in a non-defined manner, yet where by their own pro-active actions and example and provision of information to those who may not ( or who claim not to) be aware of rules and regulations pertaining to use of the parks and this anti-social and anti-environmental activity.  The Responsible Dog Ownership and the pledge that one takes when signing to this is a good example of this approach.

The sentiments expressed in this question are both positive and encouraging, but would require further examination.