COMHAIRLE CONTAE ÁTHA CLIATH THEAS
SOUTH DUBLIN COUNTY COUNCIL

MEETING OF TALLAGHT AREA COMMITTEE

Monday, November 25, 2019

QUESTION NO. 3

QUESTION: Councillor K. Mahon

"To ask the Chief Executive to update the Tallaght Area Committee regarding the ecologist report into the area known as the Tallaght Wetlands in Watergate Park and what processes are to be in place to ensure any future incidents of this nature are avoided?"

REPLY:

"The Council has engaged a consultant ecologist to assist in carrying out a detailed examination of the site in question at Sean Walsh Memorial Park. This work includes carrying out ecological advice for the surrounding areas of ponds and grasslands as well as the site in question, ecological surveys and providing advice and assessment in relation to the rehabilitation of a habitat and potential to encourage re-colonisation of the area.

This report has been completed and forwarded to the National Parks and Wildlife Services for review. Please see below for a indicative draft plan of works; in the first instance topographical surveys will be carried out.

• Site investigations to establish depth of water table/nature of water-holding capacity on site and adjacent to site
• Drawing up of Alien Invasive Plan Species Management and Control Plan for the area
• Management and conservation plan for Mentha pulegium
• Habitat rehabilitation plan drawing up and implementation
• Comprehensive ecological baseline survey of area and environs of the site
• Drawing up and implementation of Biodiversity and Habitat Management plan for the survey area and environs
• Ecological Monitoring

An Internal Working Group has been set up to review current procedures in relation to in river, stream and pond maintenance works and draft up guidelines and procedures etc. in relation to same."