COMHAIRLE CONTAE ÁTHA CLIATH THEAS
SOUTH DUBLIN COUNTY COUNCIL

South Dublin County Council Crest

MEETING OF CLONDALKIN AREA COMMITTEE

Wednesday, October 18, 2017

MOTION NO. 19

MOTION: Councillor T. Gilligan

"That the Chief Executive enforces a greater ranger presence as well as on the spot fines for dogs off their leads in Corkagh Park"

REPORT:

The Council operates under an approved Work Force Plan staff compliment, and currently there is an approved number of Park Rangers (14).

Section 4.1 of the Council's Parks and Open Spaces Bye Laws provide as follows in relation to Dogs:

 4.1       Dogs:-

 4.1.1    No person: 

  1. a) Shall take into or allow to remain in a Park any dog unless it is under effective control on a leash other than in areas designated (dog runs) or at times specified by the County Council. 
  2. b) In charge of a dog in a Park shall engage it in coursing or permit it to be engaged in coursing in a Park. 

4.1.2    Persons in charge of a dog in a park shall 

  1. a) Take reasonable care to prevent it from causing annoyance to any person using the Park or worrying, chasing, injuring or disturbing any animals, birds or other creatures in the Park. 
  2. b) Be liable for any damage or injury which may be caused by the dog. 
  3. c) Remove it from the Park if so directed by an Employee of the Council or an Authorised Person.

Because of the spance of Corkagh Park it is not always possible for personnel to be on locus of incidents as they arise.  However, to ensure that our parks and open spaces (as provided as public amenities) are used by members of the public to the maximum extent in safety and comfort, we are committed to activitation of a promotion campaign to reinforce the regulation of the ByeLaws in relation to dogs, which does not  provide for on the spot fines for dogs off leash.