COMHAIRLE CONTAE ÁTHA CLIATH THEAS
SOUTH DUBLIN COUNTY COUNCIL

MEETING OF LUCAN / PALMERSTOWN / NORTH CLONDALKIN AREA COMMITTEE

Tuesday, June 23, 2026

QUESTION NO.12

QUESTION: Councillor A. Hayes

To ask the manager how many fines have been issued for dogs off leashes in public parks in this LEA in the last 12 months and to identify the number of fines per park.

REPLY:

It is a legal requirement that dogs are always accompanied and kept under ‘effectual control’ in public places. Under Control of Dogs legislation, SDCC Dog Wardens are authorised to issue fines to dog owners if dogs are not under effectual control.

In 2025, SDCC Dog Wardens issued 5 fines for failure to keep a dog under effectual control. To date in 2026, SDCC Dog Wardens have issued 2 fines for failure to keep a dog under effectual control.

In accordance with SDCC Parks and Open Spaces Byelaws, all dogs must be kept on a leash and under effective control when in any public park or open space in the county.

Park Rangers currently patrol parks on a 7-day per week basis. When Park Rangers witness dogs off leash, they will engage with dog owners requesting the dog to be leashed and highlight the dog run facilities if available. Due to the size of many of our parks and open spaces it is not always possible to have a Park Ranger on hand for all incidents. In the event that a member of the public wishes to report an incident relating to the control of dogs in parks, they can contact SDCC directly by phone and the issue will be reverted to the relevant Supervisor and Park Ranger.

SDCC is committed to promoting responsible dog ownership and will have an increased Dog Warden presence in parks throughout the summer months.

For more information on responsible dog ownership, please see the responsible dog ownership booklet.