Controversial bonfire site to be turned into wetlands
By William O'Connor
WITH RESIDENTS raising concerns over bonfire activity in the Kilnamanagh area, the topic was raised again at a council meeting this week.
Residents within the estate are living in fear and are terrified that gangs of youths will descend on one area of the green space located beside Kilnamanagh Football Club and the M50 which has been the centre of attention over the past few years.
A car burnt out at the site two years ago
Last year Gardai, along with council officials, were present to remove wood from the site and were also present on Halloween day to remove more bonfire material.
However, a number of youths did arrive on the night from within and outside the estate and had to be removed – the Garda Public Order Unit had to be called to disperse the crowd.
This week Councillors Teresa Costello and Charlie O’Connor raised the issue and asked the Chief Executive “What steps the Council is taking to secure the boundary at Kilnamanagh to prevent bonfires, illegal drugs and alcohol sales, and to facilitate local sports clubs in developing sports facilities at this location?”
South Dublin Council responded by saying: “With regard to the open space in Kilnamanagh where the bonfire has been located in the past, the Council’s Public Realm section has been liaising with the Climate Change / Water and Drainage Capital Section who have a grant under the EU-funded LIFE scheme for the Dublin Urban Rivers LIFE project, and this project includes the possible siting of a wetland within the Kilnamanagh area on the portion of open space in question.
“This will be subject to topographical survey and other engineering prerequisite requirements before progressing to planning and consultation, including environmental assessments.
“This work will be progressed by the Climate Change / Water and Drainage Capital Section in 2019 & 2020.”
The council also added: “In addition, the Public Realm Section intends to install a footpath around this open space – this will have the effect of increasing legitimate activity and providing passive surveillance in the area.
“This scheme was included in the 2018 public realm improvement works programme. However, it did not proceed as planned due to the possibility of conflict with the LIFE project mentioned above. These footpath works will be co-ordinated with the Climate Change / Water and Drainage Capital Section to ensure they are compatible with each other, and will proceed at the appropriate time.
“In addition to the above, the Kilnamanagh residents have requested a meeting with the Council in order to coordinate measures to be taken in the run-up to Halloween. This meeting request will be facilitated in the coming weeks and the elected members for the local area will be notified of the arrangements. An Garda Síochána will be invited to attend this meeting also and the issues of illegal drugs and alcohol sales will be raised with the Gardai when we meet.
“With regard to further development of sports facilities in the area, the Council is in regular contact with all the relveant sports groups in the area. There are at present however no plans to fence off the area of open space in question.”
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