COMHAIRLE CONTAE ÁTHA CLIATH THEAS
SOUTH DUBLIN COUNTY COUNCIL

MEETING OF SOUTH DUBLIN COUNTY COUNCIL

Monday, June 08, 2020

QUESTION NO.12

QUESTION: Councillor Eoin Ó Broin

On what basis or under what criteria does South Dublin County Council consider the installation of street benches for sitting, resting, people watching or chatting in built up areas of the county?

REPLY:

The driving forces for placing resting benches are in relation to improving public amenities, Age Friendly awareness, at the request of residents or residents associations, to create resting areas for people who need them, to create plaza areas where people can socialise, to allow people to spend longer outdoors, to promote exercise or to allow somewhere for people to enjoy the views.

Ideally the location would be a benefit to many as opposed to few, however risk is assesses and consideration is given on a case by case basis, sometimes with placing street furniture on a trial basis.    This includes a site survey as well as examining existing, proposed and intended uses in the area.

The surrounding facilities and uses are studied and the site constraints and opportunities are noted.   Design decisions are made  based on same. This would include decisions around the type of paving, planting and other features including seating and other street furniture.  

The above design decisions are made by personnel and / or consultants experienced and qualified in design of outdoor spaces.