COMHAIRLE CONTAE ÁTHA CLIATH THEAS
SOUTH DUBLIN COUNTY COUNCIL

South Dublin County Council Crest

MEETING OF RATHFARNHAM/TEMPLEOGUE/FIRHOUSE/BOHERNABREENA AREA COMMITTEE

Tuesday, November 12, 2019

MOTION NO. 8

MOTION: Councillor Alan Edge

That the Chief Executive takes steps to improve the fencing around the perimeter of Kiltipper Park, presently designed to keep sheep out rather than dogs in, in view of reports from local farmers of a number of livestock deaths earlier this year and that more signage be introduced to the park in advance of lambing season. 

REPORT:

Kitipper Park is one of the County's more rural parks and marks the transition between suburban residential development and the rural areas of South Dublin. Kiltipper Park is also in the foothills of the Dublin Mountains and is adjacent to areas of ecological and environmental sensitivity and farmlands.

The control of dogs is particulary important in Kiltipper Park where the adjacent land uses are farming and the risk of dogs out of their owners control can lead to damage to lifestock. The Council has received information that reports were made to the gardai recently in relation to alleged illegal hunting with dogs in this area (not just Kiltipper Park).

Dog owners in public are asked to have respect for other people using public areas and have “effective control” of their dog.  The following link outlines the control of dogs required in South Dublin’s public places.

https://www.sdcc.ie/en/services/environment/animal-welfare/dogs/

Works are currently underway for Phase 1 of Kiltipper Park which includes new entrances, a car park and footpaths. The funding for these capital works was accessed from central government to enable active recreation and the works currently underway are focused on facilitating walking with links to the Dublin Mountains Way and completing a portion of the Dodder Greenway proposals. As part of the works; signage in relation to control of dogs and the sensitivities that dog owners should be aware of at this location in particular will be put in place at the entrances to the park. The dog wardens have also been made aware of the issues at this location. The Council have included for re-laying the existing hedges which is a environmentally sensitive way of ensuring traditional hedges are stock proof. This will occur on a phased basis in line with best practice but we will review the works to focus on areas where the boundaries would benefit from re-inforcement.