COMHAIRLE CONTAE ÁTHA CLIATH THEAS
SOUTH DUBLIN COUNTY COUNCIL
MEETING OF CLONDALKIN, NEWCASTLE, RATHCOOLE, SAGGART AND BRITTAS AREA COMMITTEE
Wednesday, October 16, 2024
MOTION NO.
MOTION: Councillor F. Timmons
That this Area Committee call on SDCC to work with local elected members in creating Corkagh Park Fisheries into a community led facility
REPORT:
he former fishing facility at Corkagh Park was considered in the context of the Corkagh Park masterplan as approved by the Council. The masterplan report recommends that SDCC prioritise immediate future investment in the park on 3 main areas of action as follows;
- Improve / enhance entrances and access routes.
- Improve signage and branding
- Define activity zones (Nature, Family Fun, Event Lawn and central hub area)
A total of 21 projects were appraised as part of the masterplan for the park including fishing. The total estimated cost of delivery all 21 projects amounted to a capital investment of €29 million.
While it was accepted that all 21 projects could enhance the park, the list had to be evaluated and shortened to ensure the masterplan could be delivered within SDCC’s budget. The objectives for the masterplan set by SDCC included projects that represented an acceptable capital investment, are commercially viable in the medium to long term, are going to help animate and enliven the park, fulfil SDCC’s wider corporate objectives and are attractive from a design perspective.
The appraisal of the projects incorporated a qualitative assessment (analysing what extent each project delivered on SDCC’s objectives) and a quantitative assessment (financial outcome of each project in terms of both capital spend and ongoing viability) and a risk assessment.
Fishing scored comparatively low on the qualitative assessment and had medium level risks attached due to significant investment required.
Strategically, with the angling/fishing facility available in Ballymount Park, it was deemed not financially viable to pursue this project in Corkagh Park; however Corkagh Park lakes do feature in the masterplan for the park as part of the “engaging with nature” zone within the park.
The masterplan proposes lake enhancements such as viewing platforms and picnic areas with the aim to enhance the experience for all people and visitors to the park which will allow them to discover the peaceful and relaxing nature of the lakes as they stroll through the proposed nature zone of the park. Biodiversity enhancements will also be made around the lakes to encourage and enhance the existing wildlife.