COMHAIRLE CONTAE ÁTHA CLIATH THEAS
SOUTH DUBLIN COUNTY COUNCIL

MEETING OF TALLAGHT AREA COMMITTEE

Monday, October 21, 2019

MOTION NO. 2

MOTION: Councillor M. Duff

That this Area Committee, in view of the numerous complaints from school management, parents and local residents regarding Anti Social activities at the bridge and pathway at the rear of Scoil Aonghusa, Castle Park, including the daily selling and storing of illegal drugs, the bonfires of stolen household rubbish and recycling bins and the large gathering of gangs at this part of the Thirty Acres, calls on the Chief Executive to take immediate action to address the issue of security, including CCTV, access and public lighting at this location. 

REPORT:

There are construction works on a new library building currently underway at the eastern section of Bancroft Park which has necessitated temporarily shutting the entrance at Castletymon Road and Tymon North Gardens.  The temporary closure of this entrance has decreased public access to that section of the park. Lack of legitimate activity and passive surveillance has had an impact in terms of an increase in anti-social activity at this location. Once the building of the library is completed this area will no longer be an effective cul de sac and usage will increase once more, in addition the library will bring an element of activity to this part of the park and is also designed to overlook and add passive surveillance at that eastern location.

The Council's Public Realm Section has had discussions with local residents regarding alterations and improvements to the park boundaries which the residents feel would improve the area by preventing access to the park for scrambler motorbikes.  A tender process has been completed for these fencing works, an order has been placed for the agreed works and a commencement date is awaited from the appointed contractor.

The Public Realm Section will consider further improvements which local residents and elected representatives have suggested such as the installation of some public lighting in this part of the park, such works could be considered for inclusion in the minor improvement works programme for 2020.  Bancroft Park was listed as a walking and cycling route as part of cycle network plan for the area, subject to funding being available if this project was to proceed it would incorporate public lighting along the route through the park.