COMHAIRLE CONTAE ÁTHA CLIATH THEAS
SOUTH DUBLIN COUNTY COUNCIL

South Dublin County Council Crest

MEETING OF LUCAN AREA COMMITTEE

Tuesday, May 23, 2017

MOTION NO. 12

MOTION: Councillor V. Casserly

"That this Committee noting the very serious problems of anti-social behaviour which blighted the funfair at Griffeen Valley Park for the second year in a row; And which spilled over into adjoining residential areas; Further noting the wishes of many people in Lucan that are public parks be reclaimed from the gangs and the thugs; Calls on the Chief Executive to decline any future requests for holding of this funfair at this location; And further calls on the Chief Executive South Dublin County Council to examine options for alternative funfairs and events in Lucan that would be suitable, secure and safe for all Lucan families, children and teenagers to enjoy."

REPORT:

In 2015 South Dublin County Council advertised tenders for the provision of Funfair/Circus for the 2015 – 2018 seasons within the county at the following locations;

  1. Tymon Regional Park, Tallaght
  2. Corkagh Regional Park, Clondalkin
  3. Griffeen Valley Regional Park, Esker, Lucan

There was one successful tender received for the provision of a funfair at the above sites. There were no submissions received in relation to the Circus tender.

While the successful tender met with the obligations and responsibilities of the temporary letting agreement (eg including the notification of the propssed dates, security / event management plans etc) the Council has become aware of difficulties in relation to crowd control and anti-social behaviour in the vicinity of the funfair.

The Council has had preliminary discussions with the Superintendent of the Lucan District and the owner of the funfair with regard to concerns expressed by Councillors and Community / Residents.

While the Council could examine revoking the temporary licence for use of this location for 2018, there may be contractoral issues to be considered. 

A full debriefing is currently being arranged. This debriefing will allow for reflection on the recent experience, discuss what elements worked well / didn't work well and identify possible opportunities for improvement.

Suggestions / options for alternative family oriented activities in our parks are always welcome and will be examined.