Residents’ warm welcome for new park upgrades

THE allocation of €500,000 to upgrade St Cuthbert’s Park in Clondalkin, is a welcome one for the community, who are “central to the success of the project”, according to South Dublin County Council.

The Chief Executive’s report for September 2022, details the range of local groups, clubs, schools, organisations and residents, who have had their input during the process to upgrade the park.

St Cuthbert’s, an amenity serving Deansrath, Kilmahuddrick and Bawnogue, has had its anti-social issues over the years – namely scramblers and illegal dumping.

Residents who responded to a council survey, welcomed the plans, citing Clondalkin Celtic’s move to be located in the park permanently as a positive step.

“We need to make our local park a safe family-friendly space that we can all enjoy. Unfortunately, this is not the case now,” said one resident.

“The community needs to reclaim the park.

“The more people will use it, the more people will enjoy and look after it,” said another.

According to the report, the vision for St Cuthbert’s Park is to create a “safe, clean environment free from anti-social behaviour for people of all ages to meet, exercise and enjoy nature.”

Nicholas DeJong Associates were appointed to develop and implement the design plan for St Cuthbert’s.

Consultation commenced with meetings with Clondalkin councillors and the high-level task force for the park.

Results from a 2021 survey were incorporated into the process.

A community survey was carried out with 158 responses received by the closing date of August 4, 2022.

A report is currently being finalised which will inform the design proposals for the park. Further consultation will be carried out at the Part 8 stage planning stage, in the coming weeks.

“Enthusiasm around the park development is high and local residents and the council are eager to make the project a success,” said the chief executive’s report.