COMHAIRLE CONTAE ÁTHA CLIATH THEAS
SOUTH DUBLIN COUNTY COUNCIL
MEETING OF CLONDALKIN, NEWCASTLE, RATHCOOLE, SAGGART AND BRITTAS AREA COMMITTEE
Wednesday, January 21, 2026
MOTION NO. 14
MOTION: Councillor T. Gilligan
That This Area Committee requests the manager clarify the position regarding 'Park House Café and Hub’ at Corkagh Park. Response to include details of the following:
- What pets are allowed /not allowed.
- If it is a requirement to restrain pets?
- Are pets segregated, in separate areas or not?
- Must pets have muzzles, or not?
REPORT:
SDCC has funded a comprehensive upgrade of Corkagh Park which includes a new hub in the centre of the park with new facilities such as the Park House Café, plaza and performance space. This significant investment is intended to enhance the visitor experience and relies on the café operating successfully as a key part of the overall development.
SDCC welcomes pet and pet owners to avail of the Café facility. The Licensee has designated a pet friendly area outside of the café which doesn’t encroach on other customers enjoyment of the facility. These areas have been agreed with SDCC and are just outside the back entrance to the coffee shop.
We are also examining the possibility of including a segregated space, within the café similar to other pet friendly facilities but this has not been decided on as yet. You will appreciate that the café has only recently opened and is currently addressing initial operational challenges, with continuous improvements being made. Although the premises permits pets, it is not anticipated that animals other than dogs will attend, given that the park is predominantly used for dog walking. All pets should be kept under the control of the owner.
Muzzles are only a requirement for restricted breeds. The following types of dogs must be muzzled and leashed at all times when out in public:
1. American Pit Bull Terrier
2. Bull Mastiff
3. Doberman Pinscher
4. English Bull Terrier
5. German Shepherd
6. Japanese Akita
7. Japanese Tosa
8. Rhodesian Ridgeback
9. Rottweiler
10. Staffordshire Bull Terrier
11. Ban Dog (or Bandog)
12. Any crossbreed of the above.
For more info, see responsible-dog-ownership11.pdf
The Licensee is also preparing to introduce a hatch service offering takeaway options. This will be available to park users who wish to purchase items without entering the café. SDCC will speak to the Licensee about accelerating the commencement of this service.
There is now a permanent provision of a coffee shop in Corkagh Park which also supports the provision of publicly accessible toilets, baby changing facilities and shelter in the park. This is in line with SDCCs parks and open spaces strategy and supports and facilitates longer dwell time in the parks for visitors at a time when outdoor living and use of our parks is increasing in popularity. The provision of the coffee shop in Corkagh Park is a very welcome addition to the recreation facilities and amenities in this popular park.