COMHAIRLE CONTAE ÁTHA CLIATH THEAS
SOUTH DUBLIN COUNTY COUNCIL

MEETING OF RATHFARNHAM / TEMPLEOGUE / FIRHOUSE / BOHERNABREENA AREA COMMITTEE

Tuesday, December 09, 2025

MOTION NO.13

MOTIONS: Councillor Y. Collins

That this Council identifies existing and possible locations within this area for dog parks and/or dog trails where dogs may be walked "off lead" and considers allocating certain hours within which this may be done

REPORT:

Section 4 – Animals of the Parks and Open Spaces Byelaws requires all dogs to be kept on a leash and under effective control when in any public park or open space in the county.

The Byelaws also recognise that many dog owners want space to exercise their dogs off-leash, and this is only permitted within designated dog-run areas. The Council currently provides off-leash dog runs in Sean Walsh Park, Jobstown Park, Tymon Park, Corkagh Park, Griffeen Valley Park and Ballymount Park.

Following requests from elected members, the Council has plans to provide an additional designated dog-run in Dodder Valley Park, adjacent to the Speaker Conolly Pub. The area will be kept in a natural long-grass condition so dogs can explore and move freely through it. Maintenance strips will be cut to create clear walking routes, and a footpath will run through the space so pedestrians can pass safely. Keeping the grass long supports biodiversity and pollinators while offering a simple, low-intervention dog-run design that balances recreation with ecology.