COMHAIRLE CONTAE ÁTHA CLIATH THEAS
SOUTH DUBLIN COUNTY COUNCIL

MEETING OF TALLAGHT AREA COMMITTEE

Monday, December 16, 2024

MOTION NO. 4

MOTION: Councillor J. Spear

"The Area Committee asks the manager to consider returning the new grassland area next to Scoil Santain off Bolbrook Villas, Tallaght to a regularly cut green space so that local children can use it as a space to play?"

REPORT:

The area in question next to Scoil Santain off Bolbrook Villas is managed as a short-flowering meadow. Short-flowering meadows (3 to 5 cuts per year) are designed to suit public open spaces in residential areas where long-flowering meadows may not be practical. This is an objective of the All-Ireland Pollinator Plan and an environmentally enhancing way of managing public open space. The cutting and collecting programme allow short flowering species to flower and set seed, while also aiming to reduce the overall competition from grass species as the ground is depleted from nitrogen.

This area has significant biodiversity value, with bee orchids and pyramid orchids regularly appearing during the growing season, thanks to the calcareous soils present.

During the planning stage for the meadow at Bolbrook Villas, it was noted that there are suitable play opportunities in Avonbeg Field, approximately 50 metres away. This includes a playground, a MUGA, and an informal kick-around area.

If the area committee is in agreement with this motion, the rectangular area in question off Bolbrook Villas will be returned to the regular two-week grass-cutting programme as requested.