COMHAIRLE CONTAE ÁTHA CLIATH THEAS
SOUTH DUBLIN COUNTY COUNCIL

South Dublin County Council Crest

MEETING OF RATHFARNHAM / TEMPLEOGUE / FIRHOUSE / BOHERNABREENA AREA COMMITTEE

Tuesday, September 13, 2022

MOTION NO. 5

MOTION: Councillor Alan Edge

To provide an update on the playgrounds in Dodder Valley Park.

REPORT:

Work is due to commence on the three playspaces and playtrail in Dodder Valley Park in October, subject to successful lead in period etc.

The playspaces will be located at the Old Bawn entrance to Dodder Park, on the Firhouse Road opposite the Speaker Connolly and at the Cherryfield entrance to Dodder Valley Park. A play-trail will link all 3 locations.This tender process required two tender processes before successfully selecting a contractor.  Our previous preferred tenderer withdrew from the project as their costs had risen too much. We were also unable to negotiate the construction of the playspaces with the second placed tenderer as their costs had also increased beyond their tendered rates.This required that we had to retender for the project however we are very happy with the current proposals. 

Each of the 3 playspaces have been designed to serve the needs of children up to age 12 with each space having its own specific identity.  The Old Bawn playground contains a range of equipment for all ages but has more of an emphasis on younger children.  The Playground beside the Firhouse Road carpark contains all universally accessible equipment.  This is an ideal location given the proximity of the car park and will offer a range of equipment to suit all users. All of our experience of providing accessible play around the county has all been brought together in this one site so we are very confident that it will become a very important place for many families.

A third  play area will be close to the Cherryfield entrance to the park.  Again this will have a range of play facilities suitable for all ages but with more space to run around and climbing equipment which will be attractive to older children.  The play trail has many natural features, however the highlight will be a large mound slide near the Firhouse Road car park.  This is also likely to be one of the highlights along the Dodder Greenway for children and adults alike.