FINE Gael councillor Dan McSweeney has voiced serious concerns about Limerick City and County Council’s growing focus on developing dog parks while, he says, many communities remain without basic playground facilities for children.
Cllr McSweeney raised the issue in response to the launch of a public consultation on the locations and designs of new dog parks by the local authority.
The proposed sites outlined by the Council include the People’s Park, Norwood Park, O’Brien Park, Castletroy Park, Caherdavin Green, Bellfield Gardens, and Kilmallock.
Under the 2025 Mayoral Fund, Mayor John Moran allocated €130,000 towards the development and improvement of dog parks in 2025 and future years.
In contrast, McSweeney claimed that only €100,000 has been designated for the development of a single new playground across the entire city and county.
“While the addition of dog parks is welcomed, it is extremely concerning that we have many communities — such as Patrickswell and Clarina/Ballybrown in my own locality — that still lack access to a local playgrounds,” Cllr McSweeney told the Limerick Post.
“As our population continues to grow, we need to prioritise the
delivery and improvement of children’s play facilities — particularly
in areas where none currently exist. If tough funding decisions must be made, children’s play areas should take priority over dog parks as our population continues to grow.”
Cllr McSweeney said that “it’s crucial that Council investment reflects the real needs of families across Limerick City and County”.
“In far too many communities, children still don’t have a safe or dedicated space to play within their locality — and that’s simply not acceptable in this day and age,” he said.
Limerick City and County Council said that it considers it important that dogs of all sizes can exercise off leash, enjoy freedom, and engage in social interaction.
“Dog parks are already open for use to the public at Mungret Park, Baggot Estate Park, and The Demesne Park, Newcastle West. But thanks to an allocation of €130,000 from the Mayor’s Fund by Mayor of Limerick John Moran, the local authority will now be developing further dog parks and consider upgrading existing dog parks in 2025 and future years,” the Council said.
