COMHAIRLE CONTAE ÁTHA CLIATH THEAS
SOUTH DUBLIN COUNTY COUNCIL

MEETING OF LUCAN AREA COMMITTEE

Tuesday, January 29, 2019

MOTION NO. 7

MOTION: Councillor G. O'Connell

That this Area Committee ask the Chief Executive for a report on the control of dogs in the Lucan LEA. How many Dog Wardens are available and if other outdoor staff, e.g. Park Attendants, can also be more actively involved in enforcing dog related bye laws. 

REPORT:

South Dublin County Council currently employs two full time Dog Wardens within the administrative area.

The Dog Warden's role is the enforcement of the Control of Dogs Act 1986 as amended.  This includes:

• responding to complaints relating to dogs not under effectual control and/or dangerous dogs 
• carrying out of Licence Checks and the initiation of enforcement proceedings where possible
• seizure and collection of unwanted/stray dogs and removal to the Dog Pound. 

The Dog Wardens can be contacted on 01 414 9000.

The Bye-Laws for Parks and Open Spaces 2011 came into force on the 1^st August 2011 and are for the use, operation, protection, regulation and management of Parks and Open Spaces owned, controlled and managed by, or in the charge of South Dublin County Council.   

Section 4 of the Bye-Laws deals specifically with the control of dogs, while Section 8 and 9 deal with enforcement, penalties and fixed payment notices in relation to the contravention of any of the provisions of the Bye-Laws.

Park Rangers as employees of the Council are authorised to enforce the SDCC Bye-laws. In the event that a member or members of the public fails to co-operate with an instruction or direction of a Park Ranger, the next step, depending on the severity of the breach of the Bye-laws is to seek the assistance of An Garda Siochána to enforce the Bye-law. They are empowered to direct the public to comply with the Bye-laws and a frequent activity in this regard is to request members of the public to put dogs on a leash.

There are currently 3 Park Rangers employed to patrol the parks in the Lucan area.  Their work is not exclusive to Lucan only as they also cover parks and open spaces in Palmerstown and North Clondalkin. The Park Rangers patrol the parks on foot and by vehicle, 7 days a week during official park opening times.

The Council is currently erecting “Keep Your Dog on a Lead” signs in Parks across the County.