COMHAIRLE CONTAE ÁTHA CLIATH THEAS
SOUTH DUBLIN COUNTY COUNCIL
MEETING OF TALLAGHT AREA COMMITTEE
Monday, June 22, 2020
QUESTION NO. 9
QUESTION: Councillor C. O'Connor
"To ask the Chief Executive to update members on the whole issue of the Wetlands at Sean Walsh Park"
REPLY:
The Council engaged a consultant ecologist to assist in carrying out a detailed examination of the site south of the ponds at Sean Walsh Memorial Park. This work included carrying out ecological services 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 was completed and forwarded to the National Parks and Wildlife Services for review. Below sets out the draft plan of works:
- 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
In their response they endorsed SDCC proceeding with the works as outlined above and also recommended our carrying out interim measures to create a number of small pools, just south of the existing pond, to provide additional breeding areas for the common frog. Four shallow pools were excavated on the site for this purpose in early February, supervised by the Local Authority Heritage Officer. Small scale investigation works will also be carried out to establish the water table on the site. This will inform rehabilitation options for the site by the ecological consultants that are due to be appointed imminently. A tender for those services has been recently completed and the topographical survey has been carried out.