COMHAIRLE CONTAE ÁTHA CLIATH THEAS
SOUTH DUBLIN COUNTY COUNCIL

South Dublin County Council Crest

MEETING OF LUCAN/PALMERSTOWN/FONTHILL AREA COMMITTEE

Tuesday, June 23, 2020

MOTION NO. 29

MOTION: Councillor L. O'Toole

This committee asks that the CE reconsiders the proposals which I brought to the Lucan committee in 2017, (see motion below). While its noted that the PR are not in favour of introducing such a facility, upon feedback, queries, requests from many park users a 'puppy park' separate to the existing one would be very favourable by many dog owners of all ages. If anything the last couple of months has shown us how our parks and public amenities have and can continued to be used. This committee requests a report on how a facility could be introduced into the park, whats costs and considerations are involved.

MEETING OF LUCAN AREA COMMITTEE

Tuesday, November 28, 2017

MOTION NO. 17

MOTION: Councillor L. O'Toole

"That this Area Committee requests that the Chief Executive examine the possibility of designing a ‘puppy pound’ at Griffeen Dog Park which would assist those with new dogs and provide training in a safe and controlled environment."

 

REPORT:

“As previously reported under Motion 4 at the Lucan ACM in September 2016, the Public Realm Section is not in favour of introducing a "puppy pound".  This type of facility would be difficult to manage in the absence of a system to police it. 

The most appropriate course of action in this instance would be for dog owners to introduce their puppies to dog runs when they consider that they are ready for this experience. Puppy social skills and interaction with other dogs can be achieved through puppy training classes which all responsible dog owners should be encouraged to attend."

REPORT:

The experience of the existing dog run has an import role to play in considering the request to provide a puppy park facility in Griffeen Valley Park. The current dog run is approximately 4,400 square meters in size and has been on site since 2012. It is a well-used facility and frequented by a wide variety of dog breeds. This has necessitated further improvements to the facility to ensure its continued success. Apart from regular grass cutting other works that have been carried out include:

Signage has been erected at both entrances which displays the rules for the use of the dog run. The dog run operates an open access policy without a staff presence. It is a self-regulating facility whereby the onus to respect other users and their dogs lies with the individuals that visit it. Despite this there have been several incidents over the years which detract from the enjoyment of the dog run. The most significant issue is the type of dog that users bring into the dog run. The signage at both entrances displays a list of restricted breeds which are not permitted in the dog run. Despite having this in place restricted breeds have been brought into the dog run. This does not necessarily result in a negative experience for other users but demonstrates a disregard for the self-regulating policy that is in place. Similarly, not all users pick up the waste from their dogs and some even go so far as to pick it up and leave the bag hanging from the fence or throw it into the hedgerow. Bins have been provided at both entrances through which all users exit, so there is no excuse for users not disposing of the waste correctly.

Altercations between different dog breeds does occur and quite often this is between a large breed of dog interacting with a small breed of dog e.g. Husky and Maltese.

Given that the existing self-policing policy does not work it is hard to see how it would be possible to regulate the use of a puppy park. Erecting signage that restricts access based on the age of a dog would not be self-regulating or enforceable.

The Public Realms position on the introduction of a puppy park in Griffeen Valley Park has not changed. Such a facility would be difficult to manage in the absence of a system to police it. It would impose an unacceptable risk on SDCC and there are no proposals to provide one.

It is still considered that the most appropriate course of action in this instance would be for dog owners to introduce their puppies to dog runs when they consider that they are ready for this experience. Puppy social skills and interaction with other dogs can be achieved through puppy training classes which all responsible dog owners should be encouraged to attend.