COMHAIRLE CONTAE ÁTHA CLIATH THEAS
SOUTH DUBLIN COUNTY COUNCIL

MEETING OF LUCAN/PALMERSTOWN/FONTHILL AREA COMMITTEE

Tuesday, November 26, 2019

MOTION NO. 7

MOTION: Councillor M. Johansson

That the Chief Executive re-instate the swings at the Hermitage Park playground, which were originally there in 2015 but are now gone, and improve the upkeep of the playground such as grass trimming.

REPORT:

Hermitage Park playspace was completed and opened in 2015. Long grass is a part of the natural playspace as these areas are not designed to be overly manicured. The inclusion of mounds and meadows requires a maintenance regime that allows for longer grass with a 1-2 early cut. This is a very well used and busy playspace so it does get a lot of wear and tear.

Soon after opening originally in 2015; the council received numerous complaints as well as representations from many local elected representatives and local residents. The main complaint was that the swings attracted older children and young teens to congregate at the swings. There was particular anger locally when some rubber matting was burnt at the playspace and a photo of the fire and an article on it featured on the front of a local newspaper with a headline about youths destroying a local playground. Following much debate and requests from residents and local representativesl the rope swings in Hermitage Park were removed and it was agreed that the playspace would be redesigned to attract younger children. This work has since taken place and the playspace was extended in 2019. The sand pit has increased in size to include extra play equipment. A new climbing stack was installed where the swings had been and a wobble belt was installed and there was extensive resurfacing in the area. It is not proposed to reinstate the swings.