A Dundalk councillor has called for a programme of maintenance and improvement works at Ice House Hill Park, warning that one of the town’s internationally recognised Green Flag parks is showing signs of deterioration.
At the September meeting of Dundalk Municipal District, Cllr. Sean Kelly urged Louth County Council to address a range of issues at the popular park, including damaged furniture, overgrown vegetation and ageing infrastructure.
In a motion before the council, Cllr. Kelly sought the repainting and general upkeep of the park’s perimeter railings, maintenance of public lighting and the installation of an additional litter bin near the picnic table area.
He also highlighted damage to seating within the park’s conversation circle and requested an update on plans to replace damaged seating.
The councillor said vegetation around the pond and along pathways was in need of urgent attention.
“Ice House Hill Park is a valuable recreational and amenity space that is well used by local residents and visitors. A number of maintenance issues have become increasingly evident, detracting from the appearance, accessibility and enjoyment of the park.”
He appealed to the council to look at addressing maintenance issues in order to “enhance the overall environment, improve public safety and comfort and demonstrate the council’s ongoing commitment to maintaining high-quality public open spaces for the community.”
In response David Hanratty, Operations and Environmental Deliver at Louth County Council said Ice House Hill Park is “maintained and managed in accordance with industry best practice.”
He added: “Evidence of this is reflected in the park’s achievement of the internationally recognised Green Flag award which it has retained for the past eight consecutive years.”
The meeting heard that the council’s operations section manages eight designated public parks throughout the county, with an annual maintenance budget of €200,000.
“The painting of railings and associated works form part of this year’s work programme,” said Mr. Hanratty. He added that the council is currently in the process of appointing an approved contractor and developing a programme for the delivery of these works.
“General maintenance will continue as normal, and any damaged outdoor furniture will be addressed on a priority basis, subject to the limited resources available.”
He added that the council “will endeavour to ensure that the park continues to maintain its Green Flag status.”
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