COMHAIRLE CONTAE ÁTHA CLIATH THEAS
SOUTH DUBLIN COUNTY COUNCIL

MEETING OF LUCAN/PALMERSTON/NORTH CLONDALKIN AREA COMMITTEE

Tuesday, October 27, 2020

QUESTION NO. 8

QUESTION: Councillor G. O'Connell

To ask the Chief Executive for a report on Glenaulin Park and to include if he is satisfied that persons in wheelchairs can gain ready access, who holds the keys for gates that are locked and to indicate plans for upgrading the Park.

REPLY:

Glenaulin Park covers an area of approximately 11 hectares. The Park is located in South County Dublin and has a shared boundary with Dublin City. As a result, the park serves residents in both catchment areas. There are 5 GAA pitches and 2 soccer pitches in the park. The pitches are used by Ballyfermot DLS GAA, Palmerstown Utd FC, St Patricks GAA. All three clubs have clubhouses in the park. At the east end of the park, Ballyfermot Sports Complex occupies a large site which is accessed via Gurteen Road.

The park has 9 entrances which are positioned at strategic locations to facilitate access to the park and connectivity through the park. The vehicle control gates located at the entrances have been designed to provide universal access for pedestrians, wheelchairs and prams. The opening of the gate is constructed in a manner that restricts access for motorbikes, quads and horses.

A number of years ago a request was received to provide access for a local resident who uses a mobility scooter. This type of vehicle is larger than a wheelchair and does not fit through the vehicle control gates. To facilitate access a larger lockable gate was provided beside the kissing gate at Glenaulin Road/Culmore Road. A key for the gate was provided at the time to the resident in question.

Future plans for the park include the retention of the existing user groups which provide a high level of activity in the park. One of the major user groups are the sports clubs and to this end the pitches are maintained to a high standard with grass cutting taking place on a weekly basis. To enhance accessibility to the Ballyfermot Sports Complex, a new gate and link path was provided on the north side of their boundary in October 2020. This will enable parks users to make use of the facilities therein. In consultation with Ballyfermot DLS, the GAA pitch nearest Gurteen Road will be repositioned in Q4 to provide a larger area for the club to train on.

Routine maintenance of the park which includes grass cutting, litter picking, hedge cutting etc. will continue on a regular basis.