Longford County Council update regulations governing the use of public spaces
Bylaws cover an extensive range of issues including the possession of controlled drugs, alcohol use, litter, graffiti, control of dogs, bonfires, barbecues and noise level
Longford County Council members adopted new bylaws governing public spaces at the April meeting of the local authority.
The bylaws are intended to regulate and manage the operation and day-to-day use of Parks, Playgrounds, Sports Pitches, Open Spaces, Multi-Use Games Areas (MUGAs) and Recreational Playing Grounds.
The bylaws are in force to ensure the facilities are used to the maximum extent, in safety and comfort and for the protection of the open spaces and recreational areas.
The parks will be open on days and hours fixed by the Council and no unauthorised person is allowed to enter any park when closed without the approval of the Council.
They cover an extensive range of issues including the possession of controlled drugs, alcohol use, litter, graffiti, control of dogs, bonfires, barbecues, and noise level.
Under the heading of vandalism it states that no person can damage, deface, injure, disfigure or in any way interfere with any seat, chair, bench, sculpture, CCTV security system, boundary fence, street furniture, goal post, public light, play equipment, sports equipment or fixtures, toilets, structure, notice or noticeboard or any property in the parks.
Bylaws also cover begging, gambling, the use obscene or profane language, behaving indecently, or importune or otherwise cause annoyance.
They state: “No person shall threaten, annoy, or otherwise interfere with any person using or enjoying the park.”
The use of all play equipment must be in accordance with any instruction given. The skateboard park must be in accordance with any instruction given.
They also state that no person can, unless they are a parent or guardian, operate or use a camera, camera phone, video, or any other video media device in a playground without the authorisation of the Council.
Addressing the meeting, Cllr Paul Ross said the local authority put a lot of work into updating the bylaws for the parks, playgrounds and open spaces: “This is a credit to the team who worked on it, they really did fantastic work,” he said at the meeting.
He continued: “This set of bylaws is an important document. We have to have regulations governing the use of public spaces, to address issues like anti-social behaviour, but also to ensure our parks look their very best and are attractive places for families to use.”
The new bylaws were unanimously adopted by members.