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SOUTH DUBLIN COUNTY COUNCIL

MEETING OF RATHFARNHAM/TEMPLEOGUE-TERENURE AREA COMMITTEE

Tuesday, February 13, 2018

MOTION NO.5

MOTION: Councillor D. O'Donovan

"To ask the Chief Executive for an update on the actions promised by Public Realm to residents of Rathfarnham Woods at their Deputation of June 2016."

REPORT:

"A Deputations Meeting with the Rathfarnham Wood residents association took place in June of 2016.  The meeting agenda covered a number of areas, the following Public Realm related issues were raised at the meeting and dealt with as outlined in the responses below. 

(1). Trees in the estate and at the boundary of Rathfarnham Castle Park - It was agreed that a survey of trees would be carried out and work would be scheduled as required by the survey.  The survey was carried out and tree pruning and removals carried out and completed in January 2017.  A public consultation meeting on the work was held with the residents and the programme of pruning and removals was agreed in full with them in advance of work commencing.  The residents have now requested that trees at two specific house locations in the estate be examined again with regard to safety concerns and inspections of these will be arranged as requested.

(2).  Rebuilding and capping of the low wall at the entrance to the estate at the junction with Grange Road - an undertaking was given to complete this work at an early date and this has been completed.

(3).  The following issues have been raised with regard to maintenance of the park at the deputation meeting, at a subsequent site meeting and more recently by way of email correspondence submitted to the Council.  A response is inserted below in relation to each of the items raised.

• There is encroachment of footpaths which needs to be cleaned off - this work was done after the site meeting however there is an ongoing need for this work to be carried out in the park and more work of this nature will take place this year.
• The large fallen tree at the rear of the Castle needs to be removed and the area tidied up - this job was carried out and completed following the site meeting.
• The playground is in need of attention - this is dealt with on an ongoing basis, the playground is inspected daily and work scheduled as required. 
• The group requested that litter bins at the playground and at Rathfarnham Wood pedestrian entrance to the park be replaced with solar powered compactor bins  -  while some litter bins have been replaced the procurement of solar powered litter bins has not happened as yet.
• The pond needs to be desilted -   this has not commenced as yet.
• Improve the water circulation by re introducing the circulation pump which we understand has been out of order for years - it was pointed out to the residents that this pump is still in service and comes into operation as required.
• Concealed open drain at entrance to Rathfarnham Castle Park - this was looked at during the site meeting and no action was deemed to be required by the Council.  This open drain is a natural feature of the wooded area and should be left untouched. 
• Rodents around the seating areas at the pond - the Council has an ongoing arrangement in place for the treatment of these areas by a pest control specialist.  The feeding of the ducks at these locations probably provides a source of food.  Signage will be erected here to request park users not to feed the ducks.
• Seating needs to be reassessed - upgrading of some seats has taken place, remaining seats will be examined in this regard.
• Opening & Closing times signage on all entrances needs to be examined - this will be done and signs replaced as required.
• The formal garden requires a plan for its maintenance -  the hard landscaping works in the formal garden are still in good repair however the planted areas require attention, as does the pond and fountain.  A maintenance plan will be put in place here.
• No railing at pond - it is not proposed to put a railing in place here.
• No lifebuoy at pond - this is required and will be provided as soon as possible.
• Graffiti in a number of locations - this will be examined and removed.
• Directional signage needs to be examined and some signs removed and replaced - this will be examined.
• General maintenance issues such as weed control and sweeping of leaves - these works will be scheduled for attention at the appropriate time throughout the year."