COMHAIRLE CONTAE ÁTHA CLIATH THEAS
SOUTH DUBLIN COUNTY COUNCIL

MEETING OF SOUTH DUBLIN COUNTY COUNCIL

Monday, October 13, 2025

QUESTION NO.21 (a)

QUESTION: Councillor F. Timmons

To ask the Chief Executive would he issue a report on what events are allowed in our parks and that the reply address how the issues of portaloos and supervision of large events are handled? 

REPLY:

South Dublin County Council take great pride in providing our parks and open spaces as a setting for many different types of events which include charity, family and community, commercial/promotional, filming/photoshoots, festivals, sport, music/concerts, arts and culture, and other activities, subject to prior approval.

All events must comply with the Parks and Open Spaces Bye-Laws 2011 and any specific conditions set by the council as part of the approval process. These bye-laws address “regulated and controlled activities”, including vehicular access and the erection of tents or structures. They also define how parks and open spaces should be used to ensure safety and comfort for all visitors, meaning that events must not unduly interfere with general public use.

In line with the byelaw requirements, written permission is necessary for all commercial and organised activities. For larger events, organisers must submit a Safety and Event Management Plan that includes details of health and safety personnel, first aid provision, and measures to protect park users, staff and visitors. 

Great care is taken to examine and assess each event application individually. The bye-laws impose certain restrictions, such as no unauthorized entry outside of opening hours and no vehicular access without prior consent. Organisers must provide a detailed site plan showing location of stages, toilets, vendor areas, access and emergency routes as well as crowd management and security arrangements. The Council or An Garda Síochána may specify minimum stewarding or security levels depending on the scale of the event. 

The responsibility for stewarding and supervising events rests entirely with organisers, who must supply their own volunteers or security. Applications should outline how this will be managed and include an indicative number of expected attendees. 

For larger gatherings, a traffic management plan is required, covering parking, drop-off areas, road closures, and signage. Waste and litter management must also be addressed, including how waste will be removed during and after the event.

Public Liability Insurance naming the Council as the indemnified party is mandatory, and no event will be approved without full documentation being submitted in advance.

If existing toilet facilities are inadequate, organisers must provide additional sanitary facilities. Portable toilets may be installed only with prior Council approval and must be removed on the same day unless security arrangements are in place.

The Council continues to regulate events in its parks to safeguard public safety, protect amenities, and ensure smooth management of activities. To apply for approval, event organisers should request an application form by emailing publicrealm@sdublincoco.ie An online application system will also be available shortly and details will be circulated once it goes live.