COMHAIRLE CONTAE ÁTHA CLIATH THEAS
SOUTH DUBLIN COUNTY COUNCIL

MEETING OF TALLAGHT AREA COMMITTEE

Monday, September 24, 2018

QUESTION NO. 3

QUESTION: Councillor D. Richardson

"To ask the Chief Executive to report on the Play Space Programme and report on the Play Space for Saggart and Brittas?"

REPLY:

Playspace Programme 2014-2018

Introduction

The Play Space Programme will conclude at the end of 2018. Other locations proposed into the future can be considered in future years under the normal 3 year rolling capital programme.

The programme has been very successful to date and taking into account the difficulties encountered during the early phases. The Council can be proud to be in a position where it is now perceived to be at the vanguard of creating new play opportunities close to where children live. It can also be proud to have embraced a new type of play space delivery – using the concepts of Natural Play and where children can create their own play opportunities.

Delivery to date

The following play space projects have been constructed to date at an average cost of €68,000.

Lucan

• Griffeen Avenue, Lucan
• Sarsfield Park, Lucan
• Hermitage Park, Lucan
• Riversdale Estate

Clondalkin

• Quarryvale Park, Clondalkin
• Rathcoole Park
• Knockmitten Park

Tallaght Central

• Aylesbury Park
• Avonbeg Park
• Sean Walsh Park

Tallaght South

• Brookview Estate
• Killinarden

Templeogue-Terenure

• Kilnamanagh (Tree Park and Park Hill)
• Kingswood
• Beechfield Park

Rathfarnham

• Ballycragh Park
• Glendoher Park

In addition:

• The new Natural Playground in Tymon Park has opened to great acclaim.
• Griffeen Valley Park playground has been refurbished.
• Funding has been allocated through the Public Participation Network 300K – Have Your Say Campaign for the construction of a new playground in Waterstown Park, Liffey Valley

Planned Programme to the end of 2018

A list of the playspaces which can be completed by the end of the year that will utilise the current funding has been circulated to all members. Other proposed locations that remain, which will not be completed in this particular Five Year Programme, can be considered in future years under the normal 3 year rolling capital programme.

In relation to Saggart the preferred site which was previously discussed with the Councillors is not available at present due to the conditions of sale of the old school. However it may be the case that this condition may be waived over time at which stage we can review a playspace at this location. An alternative was offered to Councillors at the Saggart end of Rathcoole Park; however this option was not deemed acceptable.

In relation to Brittas; there is no public land currently available the council for play space construction. The Council have been in discussion with the local community who were eager to pursue a play area in land that is available to them. The community are currently considering their options in this regard. It remains open to the community to offer the land to the council for the council to proceed with a playspace development or develop the playspace theirselves. The council presented the community with a number of playspace options which they could review.