COMHAIRLE CONTAE ÁTHA CLIATH THEAS
SOUTH DUBLIN COUNTY COUNCIL

South Dublin County Council Crest

MEETING OF SOUTH DUBLIN COUNTY COUNCIL

Monday, December 12, 2022

QUESTION NO.25

QUESTION: Councillor C. O'Connor

To ask the Chief Executive to give details of his further plans to provide additional Teen Spaces across the County and will he make a statement? 

REPLY:

SDCC recently completed a review of teenspace amenities delivered around the county as part of the teenspace programme. This review included an online consultation process with teenagers to ensure that the spaces are meeting the needs of the teenagers who use them, and that people feel welcome and safe. The consultation process was supported by feedback from teenager consultations during the delivery of the programme and from local councillors. SDCC presented the findings in an interim report on teenspaces at Area Committee Meetings around the county in October and November 2022 and are delighted to report that an additional €900,000 has been granted to continue this programme over the coming years. The following locations have been added to the programme:

Regarding the completed projects, teenagers informed the review that they enjoyed having places to hang out with their friends and relax in a pleasant area designated to them, without fear of being asked to move on. They also gave feedback on the type of facilities they particularly enjoyed; with seating and unstructured activity featuring quite highly. The music post provision also was very popular. In terms of changes to the design of the spaces; the amount and variety of seating was requested to be increased, with consideration of basket swings and sheltered areas. SDCC will take the feedback on board and continue to engage with teenagers from each location prior to design to make sure the facilities respond to the needs in each area.