COMHAIRLE CONTAE ÁTHA CLIATH THEAS
SOUTH DUBLIN COUNTY COUNCIL

South Dublin County Council Crest

MEETING OF CLONDALKIN, NEWCASTLE, RATHCOOLE, SAGGART AND BRITTAS AREA COMMITTEE

Wednesday, June 18, 2025

MOTION NO.8

MOTION: Councillor E. Ó Broin

That this Area Committee, as a small measure to build community and help with loneliness,  agrees that a bench in Clondalkin Village or Corkagh Park or in the garden of Brú Chrónáin will have a, 'Happy to Chat', sign attached. See examples of such signs and an online article on the background to the initiative. https://www.bbc.com/news/uk-wales-50000204

REPORT:

The Public Realm Section would be open to exploring the ‘Happy to Chat’ sign proposal for a bench in Corkagh Park.  In doing so, the council needs to consider the needs of all park users and would not want to impose a ‘Happy to Chat’ requirement on benches that may be currently used by people who want quiet time for solace or reflection.  Putting a ‘Happy to Chat’ sign on such a bench would be counterproductive.

There would need to be a demonstrated demand for such an initiative to consider the matter fully.  If there is an interested group willing to take this on board by putting up temporary signs, they should contact the Public Realm Section to discuss the matter further.