COMHAIRLE CONTAE ÁTHA CLIATH THEAS
SOUTH DUBLIN COUNTY COUNCIL

MEETING OF CLONDALKIN AREA COMMITTEE

Wednesday, September 16, 2020

MOTION NO. 2

MOTION: Councillor Eoin Ó Broin

"The Grand Canal in Clondalkin is a great amenity for walking, cycling, jogging, fishing, bird and insect watching and even boating. There are however numerous matters that reduce the possibility for the general public to enjoy the amenity such as but not limited to: plastic and metal litter in the canal water, litter in the hedges beside the banks of the canal, bins not being emptied along the canal, bins being burned, gatherings of youth consuming alcohol in open air on hot days at the 9th Lock, the slipway at the 9th lock being used for horse washing, horse manure on both banks of the canal, scrambler and moped bikes speeding on both banks, dereliction of the Lock House, and open drug dealing. Given these problems this committee calls for a study visit of the area to be organised for local representatives and staff of SDCC, Waterways Ireland, Clondalkin Drug and Alcohol Task Force, the Gardaí Síochána, Clondalkin Equine Club and other relevant organisations." 

REPORT:

The Grand Canal is a valuable amenity as outlined in the motion and in addition to the uses listed provides a popular off road cycle route to the City Centre. Recent issues of anti-social behaviour led to the structured engagement of a number of relevant agencies and to specific actions being identified some which have been implemented and others are ongoing.

Waterways Ireland are responsible for cleaning and ensuring the Canal walkway is clean and tidy and for resolving any dumping into the canal itself. Their staff carry out regular patrols and look after grass cutting along the route. The Council, by agreement, pay for the weekly emptying of the bins along the canal by a Contractor. This also includes picking up litter in proximity to the bins.

Additionally Waterways Ireland as the landowners would have overall responsibility for issues of misuse and abuse of the Grand Canal route and as such are very involved in the cross agency approach.

If the Motion is passed, Waterways Ireland will in the first instance be contacted and asked to facilitate a study visit as requested.