COMHAIRLE CONTAE ÁTHA CLIATH THEAS
SOUTH DUBLIN COUNTY COUNCIL

South Dublin County Council Crest

MEETING OF LUCAN / PALMERSTOWN / NORTH CLONDALKIN AREA COMMITTEE

Tuesday, April 28, 2026

QUESTION NO.3

QUESTION: Councillor H. Farrell

To ask the Manager for details of measures being taken (where confidentiality is not an issue) to protect animal, plant, fungal, riverine, pollinator & insect, tree and bird species that may be protected or at risk ecologically, within Lucan Demesne, from the opening of the demesne as a public park, with an increase in dog and human traffic through what may be, in places, ecologically-sensitive areas. 

REPLY:

SDCC is delighted to be able to open the grounds of Lucan House to the public which will officially commence on the May bank Holiday weekend.  Access will be restricted to areas that are safe for visitors and fencing has been erected to protect some areas that are currently out of bounds.  In time the extent of the accessible areas will increase as the park develops. 

Defined paths will be used to guide visitors in area to minimise disturbance and habitat damage.  Dogs are welcome in the park however they must be on a leash at all times.  Signage to this effect will be visible within the park.  Buffer zones will be maintained around riparian areas to ensure the safety of visitors and ecological areas.   This will be achieved by reduced grass mowing in these areas.  A Park Ranger will also be periodically present in the park as required to ensure compliance with the Parks and Open Space byelaws.