COMHAIRLE CONTAE ÁTHA CLIATH THEAS
SOUTH DUBLIN COUNTY COUNCIL

MEETING OF RATHFARNHAM / TEMPLEOGUE / FIRHOUSE / BOHERNABREENA AREA COMMITTEE

Tuesday, September 10, 2024

MOTION NO.8

MOTION: Councillor C Ahern

That the council examine and report on the opportunities for much needed teen spaces and playgrounds in the Ballyroan / Butterfield area.

REPORT:

Consultations carried out for the playspace programme from 2014 to 2020 found that there was no support from local residents for play areas in this general area. A number of local consultation meetings were held, and residents spoke of their fears around the anti-social activity they were certain would accompany any play provision. Without local support SDCC did not proceed with plans to develop playspaces in the area. A majority of residents, at consultations across the electoral area, expressed the view that play areas should be provided in the larger Parks such as Dodder Valley Park and Rathfarnham Castle Park rather than close to residential areas. New play facilities have been delivered in these parks.

During our 2019 consultation on Teenspaces residents, community groups and councillors were asked to nominate locations where they considered Teenspaces were required around the County. There were no suggestions for Teenspaces in Ballyroan/Butterfield.  The review of the Teenspace Programme in 2022 also sought suggested locations around the county and again there were no requests for Teenspaces in this area from teenagers or anyone else. 

Public Realm believe any Teenspaces proposed in this general area would meet strong opposition from residents.  Public Realm would welcome suggestions for specific locations that councillors believe would be suitable for teenspaces and welcomed by the community. We will consider all locations suggested subject to budget availability.