COMHAIRLE CONTAE ÁTHA CLIATH THEAS
SOUTH DUBLIN COUNTY COUNCIL

MEETING OF SOUTH DUBLIN COUNTY COUNCIL

Monday, October 13, 2025

QUESTION NO. 22

QUESTION: Councillor F. Timmons

To ask the Chief Executive would he issue a report on how SDCC can address the need for play spaces in older estates for estates that want them?

REPLY:

In recent years SDCC has led the development of natural playspaces and an innovative teenspace programme, embedding play as a core part of public spaces, neighbourhoods and communities. This investment has expanded the countys' network of play provision to in excess of 50 playgrounds and new teenspaces, ensuring children and young people have access to quality, inclusive play.

Drawing on community feedback, international best practice and experience, the Council has recently approved a new Play Policy: The Nature of Play 2025-2030. The policy affirms a child's right to play, highlights best practice and sets out a five-year plan for play and outdoor recreation. Recognising play as key to growth and wellbeing these facilities also support SDCCs aim of creating inclusive, safe communities. In relation to the provision of new playspaces, teenspaces and upgrade of existing playspaces: the next step is a mapping exercise to identify residential areas with a deficit in play or teenage space provision. Following the mapping exercise, the committee members in each area will be engaged with directly to discuss the proposals in detail. This process will be underway over the coming months and is intended to result in the development of a playspace / teenspace amenity delivery programme, subject to approval of a supporting budget.