Park users have ‘slipped and fallen’ while entering dog run
PLANS are in place for improvement works to the entrance of the dog run in Tymon Park, according to South Dublin County Council.
The topic was raised at a council meeting last week by Cllr Justin Sinnott (SocDems) who said park users had “slipped and fallen while trying to enter the area with their pet”.
He also asked the council to consider installing inward lighting in the dog run as during dark winter evenings “it is impossible to see any dogs without the use of a torch”.
In response, the council said plans were in place for improvement works to the dog run entrance, but noted lighting would be “an unacceptable intrusion into the ecology of the area”.
“The council’s Public Realm Section have plans to improve the existing entrance to the dog run surface in Tymon Park by installing a self-binding gravel entrance,” stated the council.
“This will allow water to percolate and create a more appealing entrance for dog run visitors.
“In addition to this the council have plans to conduct additional works on the dog run which will include aeration and topdressing.
“Aeration and topdressing enhance the dog run’s durability, promoting better drainage and stronger grass growth to withstand the regular usage.”
In relation to lighting in the dog run, the council referred to its general policy about lighting in public parks.
“Public lighting in parks and open spaces is in general only provided where there are short pedestrian links between residential areas which are lit to facilitate permeability.,” it stated.
“It may not be safe to attract members of the public into a park in darkness by providing lighting as this may also attract anti-social elements into the area.
“Parks should therefore not be used during darkness when alternative lit routes are available along public roads which are passively supervised by passing traffic.
“The provision of lights in our parks would also increase the carbon footprint of the council and it could be considered to be an unacceptable intrusion into the ecology of the area.”
