COMHAIRLE CONTAE ÁTHA CLIATH THEAS
SOUTH DUBLIN COUNTY COUNCIL

South Dublin County Council Crest

MEETING OF SOUTH DUBLIN COUNTY COUNCIL

Monday, January 12, 2026

QUESTION NO. 10

QUESTION: Councillor H. Farrell

To ask the Manager if SDCC has considered or piloted "chatty benches" in any park in the county, as per the proposed pilot in Fingal's Malahide Marina Green; if not, would it be possible to consider a plan for suitable locations in green spots around the county.  

REPLY:

The council aims to design inclusive public spaces, a universal access approach is used, this approach encompasses the provision of benches, park furniture and facilities that cater to a wide range of needs and requirements. Public Realm are committed to offering a wide selection of seating options throughout parks and open spaces, including benches specifically designed for older individuals and those with disabilities, tables that are wheelchair-accessible, and seating suitable for individuals with young children. Additionally, some benches incorporate tactile and sensory qualities, and in teenspaces larger group benches are provided for teenagers. South Dublin County Council is also a signatory to the Barcelona Declaration, whereby this Council recognises the importance of addressing the needs of individuals with disabilities as an essential component of the decision-making processes.

The provision of €50,000 was made in the 2026 Annual Budget for the delivery of age friendly benches across the county. 

The placement of benches and other furniture is carefully considered to ensure safe and level access for all individuals, taking into account the specific needs of those with disabilities, in addition careful placement also ensures that benches are placed in safe areas, in areas that have a view or areas that are quiet and allow for restful contemplation and access to nature, which is increasingly seen as important to reduce stress. In recent years, the Council has designed and implemented wheelchair accessible picnic benches. These benches are a very welcome addition to the County’s public realm furniture.  They are universally accessible and inclusive and can be used by wheelchair users in the same way as non-wheelchair users.  The bench design varies and can facilitate 2 wheelchairs, one on either side of the table along the end of each bench.  Another design accommodates one wheelchair and allows easier access to a person with reduced mobility such as an elderly person or someone using a walking frame, where a bench seat would be too difficult to access. These benches are also particularly useful for people with buggies. All accessible benches require a hard surface circulatory route around the bench and a surfaced path leading to the bench.

Providing furniture in parks and open spaces that is as universally accessible as possible, encourages interactions across a broad spectrum of local communities and park visitors and allows people to decide their own interactions; to meet and greet each other or sit quietly, relax, and contemplate. By considering these factors, we aim to create an environment that accommodates the needs of everyone in our community. The recent provision of Park House Cafes in 2 SDCC parks has developed a focal point for people to meet each other. Informal feedback, received from regular park users in those parks, cite how they feel safe talking to people they know to be regular users of the park in the busy coffee shop environment, which is seen as a very positive benefit of such provision. By considering all the above factors, SDCC aim to create an environment that accommodates the needs of everyone in our community.