Ballycullen

Dublin 24 12 April 2006

Dear Mary, Marie, Mairead and Margaret,

I am in receipt of your letter of the 6^th April regarding Ballycragh Park and respond as follows:

We are in agreement that the maintenance of Ballycragh Park is in need of improvement and our staff are making their best efforts to keep it maintained given the level of available resources.

In regard to litter bins, the easiest task is to place one in position, it is the regular emptying and cleaning of the bin that absorbs labour. In our experience, litter bins do not reduce the volume of litter because civic minded people do not throw litter away and those who do not care, do not use litter bins. The dog bins were placed in this park on a trial basis, but we do not regard them as being successful. The park is not a source of litter and it is our policy to encourage people to assist us in the maintenance task by bringing their litter home with them. One source of litter is the local shops where we encourage a supply and maintenance of litter bins.

The reinstatement of the former bonfire site requires suitable weather conditions because wet soil cannot be cultivated and seeded. That work is planned for springtime. We would be appreciative of any efforts that your group can make towards the prevention of bonfires next Halloween. In our experience the number of bonfires can only be reduced where local community efforts are successful.

Rats live in all natural environments in balance with other living organisms and their elimination is not possible. It is regretted that people throw debris into the pond, we will arrange to have it cleaned as soon as possible.

In regard to the suggestion that we arrange the planting of trees and bulbs with local schools, we would be delighted to undertake that project as we do elsewhere in the County. In order to progress that project in time for next year, we would be pleased if your group would assist by making contact with the local schools and contacting Mary Keenan at our offices to arrange suitable dates etc.

In regard to a park warden, please note that we have a Park Ranger Service that is based in Tymon Park. They supervise the area from Tymon to Rathfarnham, including Ballycragh Park. They make daily visits to Ballycragh Park as part of their planned route. They also arrange guided tours of parks and should your group wish to contact them, they are available at Tymon Park, tel: 4520530.

In regard to the edge of the pond, we do not consider them to be steep, except for the sections that were planted. However, we will examine them again.

We propose to have signs placed at the entrances to the park with information on the park and the bye-laws, including the control of dogs. These are being reviewed at present and when adopted by the Council in a few months time, arrangements will be made to have the signs erected.

In common with all other public parks, Ballycragh Park is officially closed at night time and therefore, we do not intend to have public lighting installed.

Finally, if you wish to arrange a community day in the park, please advise us of the date and time and confirmation about public liability insurance cover. There are a number of other conditions in relation to stewarding, litter control etc., that would attach to a permission that would follow after you formally apply to this office.

Many thanks for your interest in Ballycragh Park and perhaps together, we can implement some improvements.

Yours,

Dr. Christy Boylan Senior Parks Superintendent