Park safety measures to be implemented
By Maurice Garvey
SOUTH Dublin County Council are set to implement a three- to five-year plan to improve safety for residents in Willsbrook Park.
The park has experienced serious incidents of anti-social behaviour in recent years – with sheltered areas seen as an ideal spot to spark trouble.
Measures set to be introduced include the removal of overgrown shrubbery-vegetation, and installation of walkways to improve safety.
Minister for Justice Frances Fitzgerald hosted a meeting last month with residents from six Lucan estates to discuss issues arising from the anti-social activity in the park.
Fine Gael councillor William Lavelle then forwarded a motion at the Lucan ACM on October 27 – calling for measures to be adopted.
The motion recommended funding be provided in 2016 for a programme of works at the park to “remove poor quality vegetation”, to improve “visibility” and “deter anti-social activity”.
Cllr Lavelle said the residents’ meeting with Minister Fitzgerald was “well attended” and residents were “realistic” in what they hope to achieve. “The idea is that the works will commence in 2016,” said Cllr Lavelle.
Key points include pruning of shrubberies, a new footpath through the woodland (the focus of much of the anti-social activity), and a formalised pedestrian entrance at the Esker side. The installation of new public lighting is being separately reviewed.
Cllr Lavelle is hopeful that funds will be allocated from the National Transport Authority “to provide safer walking and cycling routes – particularly by school children travelling to schools on the other side of the N4.”
