COMHAIRLE CONTAE ÁTHA CLIATH THEAS
SOUTH DUBLIN COUNTY COUNCIL
MEETING OF RATHFARNHAM/TEMPLEOGUE-TERENURE AREA COMMITTEE
Tuesday, February 14, 2017
MOTION NO.2
MOTION: Councillor P. Donovan
"That this committee (recognising the Tourist potential of Rathfarnham Castle and Parks) supports Rathfarnham Castle Park as a " Green Flag for Parks" entrant/contender as part of the recently launched nationwide awards programme open to Public Parks, Country Parks, Cemeteries and Green Spaces."
REPORT:
"The Green Flag Award is the international benchmark standard for parks and green spaces. It aims to recognise and reward the best green spaces and encourage high environmental standards. The Green Flag is a sign that a park is managed to high standards, which have been independently verified. Awards are given on an annual basis and winners must apply each year to renew their Green Flag status. In order to commence participation by South Dublin County Council in the Green Flag Award Scheme it is proposed to submit a pilot entry in 2017. This would be in line with the approach taken by other local authorities in their first year of participating in the award programme. A number of parks, including Rathfarnham Castle Park, are currently being examined against the eight judging criteria for suitability as a candidate park for entry in 2017. Arising from this pilot experience, it is envisaged that further candidate parks will be put forward for entry in the Green Flag Award in future years.
It is important to understand that the Green Flag is an award which requires renewal on an annual basis and each site is judged on its own merits against the eight award criteria (set out below) having regard to the particular operational opportunities and constraints of the site. Each of the award criteria is equally weighted and it is acknowledged that not all parks may meet all the criteria. If a candidate park does not meet a particular criteria this may be explained in the Operations Management Plan which is submitted as part of the application. The Operations Management Plan required for entry in the Green Flag should set out under each award criteria heading how the park operates on a day to day basis in order to meet the criteria and success stories should be highlighted. It is intended to be a working document which should include a short to medium term action plan. The Operations Management Plan must be reviewed and updated annually in order to apply for renewal of a Green Flag.
Green Flag Award applications are judged against eight key criteria as follows:
1. A welcoming place
When approaching the Park, the overall impression should be positive and inviting. There should be good and safe access and good signage to and in the Park
- Healthy, safe and secure
The Park must be a safe and secure place . Equipment and facilities must be safe to use.
- Clean and well maintained
The Park should be clean, well maintained and free from litter and vandalism
- Sustainability
Methods used in maintaining the Park should be environmentally friendly as far as possible. Parks should minimise and justify pesticide use, eliminate horticultural peat use, recycle waste plant material
- Conservation and heritage
Particular attention should be paid to the conservation and management of natural features, wildlife and fauna, landscapes and built features.
- Community involvement
The Park should actively involve members of the community as far as possible. There should be evidence of community involvement within the Park and recreational facilities provided for all sectors of the community
- Marketing
A marketing strategy should be in place. There should be good provision of information to users, e.g. about, activities, features, ways to get involved. The park/green space should be promoted as a community resource.
- Management
An Operations Management Plan should be in place to address the previous 7 criteria. The plan must be actively implemented and reviewed annually."