Local Dublin North East Labour Deputy Tommy Broughan has received assurances from Dublin City Council about the safety of the small lake in the newly reopened Fr. Collins’ Park, Donaghmede, Dublin 13.

Deputy Broughan had earlier warmly welcomed the opening of this wonderful recreational and community facility. "Many local constituents have been in touch to say how much they appreciate the new park and how it greatly enhances Donaghmede and Clongriffin", said Deputy Broughan. "However, a number of residents (especially with young children) also expressed deep concern about the safety of the small lake in Fr. Collins’ Park which residents believe was up to six feet deep."

Deputy Broughan immediately contacted Dublin City Council on this matter and asked them to urgently report on all safety aspects of the water feature in Fr. Collins’ Park. Senior Executive Parks Superintendent Ms. Maryann Harris has now informed Deputy Broughan that "The consultant project managers to Dublin City Council, Ar+Arq Ireland, carried out a risk mitigation strategy of the park design as part of the Health and Safety requirements. This took into account a wide range of potential safety issues of users and workers in the Park. The design and the construction of the Park was completed under the 2006 Health and Safety Act and the current regulations."

Manager Harris told Deputy Broughan in relation to the lake that "the lake is designed to appear deeper than it actually is. The deepest portion is 1.2 metres, and that is only in two small locations in the central portion of the largest section of the lake. There is a shelf of 2 metres in width around the entire lake edge, and this is 300 mm in depth. If someone does fall in, there are 7 no. personal flotation/life belts located along the promenade. There are also panic buttons for security/assistance on the promenade. The floor of the lake is hard-surfaced to enable someone to stand readily if they need to rescue a child who has fallen into the water. We would not provide life guarding services, as it is an ornamental lake and not a swimming facility or pool. We have provided signage to remind the public that swimming and diving is prohibited in the water feature. We have experienced park users allowing their children to swim in the water feature and would urge them to be aware this is not permitted. We have a park ranger service at the Park and have relied on the rangers to inform park users of this, but the residents' support would be of great assistance to us in managing the Park."

"I welcome the comprehensive briefing report that I have received from Senior Manager Harris on this matter. However, I believe that the highest safety standards must be adhered to and maintained in Fr. Collins’ Park for the enjoyment and safety of all the park users", said Deputy Broughan.

"I am therefore asking the Parks Superintendent and City Manager John Tierney to review all aspects of safety and security in our beautiful new city park in Donaghmede. This review should include additional safety rails and protection for small children at the new lake if necessary. I will also liaise closely with our 19 Dublin City Council Labour Cllrs. on this matter", concluded Deputy Broughan.