COMHAIRLE CONTAE ÁTHA CLIATH THEAS
SOUTH DUBLIN COUNTY COUNCIL

MEETING OF RATHFARNHAM/TEMPLEOGUE/FIRHOUSE/BOHERNABREENA AREA COMMITTEE

Tuesday, September 14, 2021

MOTION NO. 5

MOTION: Councillor D. O'Donovan

That the Manager reports on why changes were made to the location of the Ballycragh Teen Space, specifically in relation to the impact on local wildlife and give assurances that a full review will be carried out if wildlife is negatively impacted as a result of the relocation.

REPORT:

The change in location of the Teenspace in Ballycragh Park was required as an Irish Water pipeline is being planned right through the originally proposed site and it was not possible to change the layout to accommodate this.

A key asset in Ballycragh Park is the pond and the biodiversity it attracts, and Public Realm are very mindful to protect this. Public Realm do not expect that the new teenspace location will have any significant impact on local wildlife in the park. In order to ensure this Public Realm have committed to monitoring the teenspace for any potential negative impacts on wildlife and will take any measures required to protect it.

In addition, the Councils Heritage Officer has worked with an expert on swans and wetland habitats in the park for the past 5 years and has asked them to consider any possible measures which would be beneficial to local biodiversity and a report will be forwarded to Public Realm.  Public Realm are happy to consider any measures proposed to benefit wildlife in the park and will also carry out a full review if wildlife is neagatively impacted as a result of the relocation.