COMHAIRLE CONTAE ÁTHA CLIATH THEAS
SOUTH DUBLIN COUNTY COUNCIL

South Dublin County Council Crest

MEETING OF RATHFARNHAM / TEMPLEOGUE / FIRHOUSE / BOHERNABREENA AREA COMMITTEE

Tuesday, March 14, 2023

QUESTION NO. 3

QUESTION: Councillor David McManus

To ask the Chief Executive to consider the installation of a dog park in Rathfarnham Castle Park, how such locations are chosen for a dog park and if a statement might be available?

REPLY:

Rathfarnham Castle Park is a 7 hectare urban park which provides a number of opportunites for both passive and active recreation as well as providing an important ecological function. The provision of a dog run would require an area of approximately an acre in size and regrettably this space is not available.  The main open space to the rear of the castle is approximatley the size required however it is felt that this is currenlty in use for general recreation and could not be given over for the sole purpose of a dog park. 

Due to the unavailability of a suitable site within the park, it is not possible to develop a dog run in Rathfarnham Castle Park. Suitable locations are chosen based on local needs and identifying a suitable site that is not in conflict with existing park features. The Public Realm Section will examine other parks to see if a dog park can be facilitated elsewhere, this will be subject to site identification and funding.