COMHAIRLE CONTAE ÁTHA CLIATH THEAS
SOUTH DUBLIN COUNTY COUNCIL

South Dublin County Council Crest

MEETING OF RATHFARNHAM/TEMPLEOGUE/FIRHOUSE/BOHERNABREENA AREA COMMITTEE

Tuesday, December 10, 2019

MOTION NO. 6

MOTION: Councillor Alan Edge

That the Chief Executive update this Area Committee on the progress of the consultation on the much-needed Ballycragh Teen Space and specifically, whether schools have been contacted and if and when an online consultation aimed at teenagers is being considered. Also, can we get clarification as to the exact location proposed if known?

REPORT:

SDCC have had discussions with pupils in Firhouse Community School regarding what they would like to see developed for teenagers in the area. The tender which has been issued is based on that consultation.

Transition year students and their teacher devised a questionnaire and spoke to other students in the school about their activities after school and at weekends and what type of facilities they would like. Students in the school reported that they liked to meet up and hang out at Ballycragh Playground. It is close to the school and shops and its somewhere to sit. They had nowhere else locally to meet together.

They particularly liked the big basket swing. All students reported that they would prefer a place of their own to meet away from younger children. Seating and shelter were the main preferences and there was a range of requests such as wi-fi, play equipment, kickabout, exercise equipment and skate facilities.

The school were not available to continue further consultation prior to releasing the tender.

We have been in contact with the local Foroige group, who meet in the Park Community Centre, and they have agreed to help evaluate the tenders and to choose the best teenspace for Ballycragh Park. We will also invite local secondary school students to view the options and participate in choosing the best design at that stage.

The proposed location is in Ballycragh Park close to the junction between Killinniny Road and Parklands Road, across the road from the Scholars Pub. This location is close to the school and shops and crucially is well overlooked from the roadway.