COMHAIRLE CONTAE ÁTHA CLIATH THEAS
SOUTH DUBLIN COUNTY COUNCIL

MEETING OF LUCAN/PALMERSTOWN/NORTH CLONDALKIN AREA COMMITTEE

Tuesday, September 28, 2021

MOTION NO. 5

MOTION: Councillor Alan Hayes

That the Chief Executive and An Garda Síochána agree an immediate plan to mitigate against the impacts of late night vandalism and other anti social activity that is regularly occurring in our public parks.

REPORT:

Anti-social behaviour (ASB) is an unfortunate aspect of our modern society. The consequences of it impact particularly heavily on our parks and open spaces. While it is more evident in those parks and open spaces that do not have a daily staff presence, the majority of vandalism and anti-social behaviour takes place during the hours of darkness after the parks have closed and our staff have finished work for the day. 

Physical measures that have been taken to tackle anti-social activity in parks include the provision of boundary walls and railings, installation of vehicle control barriers and kissing gates and the routine patrolling of parks by Park Rangers.  Materials that are used in park construction are chosen to be as robust as possible and capable of withstanding the rigors of day-to-day use. While it is not possible to design out all potential ASB issues this is certainly factored in as part of the process.

The Public Realm Section liaise with An Garda Síochána on an ongoing basis in relation to park and open space matters. This line of communication is particularly important where problem areas exist or new ASB activities emerge. Where matters of a criminal nature or public order arise the involvement of AGS is necessary as they have the powers under the various Criminal Justice and Public Order Acts to enforce the law.

An integrated approach involving elements such as parental and community responsibility and measures such as zero tolerance policing are required to fully address this issue.