COMHAIRLE CONTAE ÁTHA CLIATH THEAS
SOUTH DUBLIN COUNTY COUNCIL

MEETING OF SOUTH DUBLIN COUNTY COUNCIL

Monday, May 11, 2026

MOTION NO. 4

MOTION: Councillor L. O'Toole, Councillor S. Barnes

That this Council calls on the Chief Executive to examine the development of a Public Realm Safety and Accessibility Strategy for the administrative area to enhance safety and accessibility in public spaces, particularly for women and young women, to include an accessible resident reporting and response mechanism, to consult as appropriate with elected members, community groups, An Garda Síochána and other relevant stakeholders, and to report back to the Council with findings and recommendations.

REPORT:

Ensuring the safety and accessibility of our public parks and open spaces remains a top priority throughout every stage, from initial delivery to ongoing maintenance, regardless of whether these responsibilities rest with the local authority or are undertaken through planning and subsequent management. The fundamental goal in designing any park or open space is to make it accessible and user-friendly for all members of the community. Before any design work begins, each site is carefully visited and assessed to identify specific concerns, with thoughtful solutions incorporated to address these issues through strategic design.

To help deter motorised vehicles from entering these areas, controlled points of access—such as kissing gates and baffle walls—are strategically installed. Further, the addition of amenities like multi-use games areas (MUGAs), playgrounds, pitches, and calisthenics facilities not only encourages higher footfall but also enhances passive surveillance, making parks safer through increased presence.

Another key aspect involves the use of selective lighting, which illuminates walkways as needed, while intentionally avoiding the creation of pinch points, cul-de-sacs, or hidden corners that could foster antisocial behaviour. During operational phases, ongoing measures are put in place to maintain the appeal and safety of these spaces. Regular upkeep—such as keeping parks clean, maintaining clear pathways free from overgrowth, and ensuring grass is cut—demonstrates the active efforts of maintenance staff and park rangers. Their visible presence reinforces safety, and actively addressing and removing identified ‘dens’ throughout the county helps prevent unwanted gatherings.

The regulation of opening and closing times, mainly during daylight hours, further promotes use at the safest periods. Collaboration with An Garda Siochana and community groups fosters a proactive approach, keeping the council and stakeholders informed about activities and working together to discourage negative behaviours and create a welcoming environment for all. This collaboration will continue through the newly established South Dublin Local Community Safety Partnership (LCSP). The LCSP will commence public consultation on its three-year Community Safety Plan at a public meeting taking place on 14 May 2026 at 7.30 p.m. in Tallaght Stadium. Improving the safe accessibility of public spaces for all will be a key focus of this plan. The LCSP provides a structured forum for collaboration between Elected Members, community representatives, State agencies, An Garda Síochána, and other relevant stakeholders. It also offers an accessible means for residents to report issues or concerns through a dedicated email address (lcsp@sdublincoco.ie), ensuring that appropriate responses and follow-up actions are undertaken.

These spaces are open to the public, and users are free to come and go as they wish. The combined design and maintenance strategies are aimed at enhancing the safety and overall experience for every park visitor, not just focusing on any one group, but ensuring that all users feel secure and welcome in our parks and open spaces.