COMHAIRLE CONTAE ÁTHA CLIATH THEAS
SOUTH DUBLIN COUNTY COUNCIL

MEETING OF SOUTH DUBLIN COUNTY COUNCIL

Monday, October 12, 2026

QUESTION NO. 20

QUESTION: Councillor J. Sinnott

To ask the Chief Executive what criteria the Council uses to identify and prioritise locations for additional seating and benches in parks and public spaces.

REPLY:

We consider visitor numbers, accessibility, proximity to facilities, pedestrian activity, public requests, safety and the benefit to park users when prioritising new seating in parks and public open spaces.

Seating is generally prioritised in larger parks, along walking routes and near playgrounds, sports areas, teen spaces, cafés and other activity areas. Playground seating serves parents, guardians and carers. Benches may also offer views of the park, landscape and biodiversity areas, including local flora and fauna.

Seating is selected to suit each setting and users’ needs, including traditional and picnic benches and wheelchair-accessible seating. In line with age-friendly design, park benches generally have backrests and armrests. Teen and recreation areas may use alternative styles to encourage social interaction and add character.

Locations should be open, well used and visible, with natural surveillance. The Council generally avoids isolated sites or those where seating could encourage anti-social behaviour or inappropriate congregation outside park hours. It also considers nearby residents’ amenity and privacy, placing benches an appropriate distance from homes.

Smaller open spaces with limited recreational benefit are not generally prioritised. Seating is intended to improve the use, enjoyment and accessibility of parks and larger open spaces while helping users feel comfortable and safe.

The Council may relocate benches if experience suggests a better location, unforeseen issues arise or they contribute to anti-social behaviour or inappropriate congregation. Additional seating is subject to funding and programme priorities.