Smoking and Vaping Ban Proposed In Carrigaline MD Public Amenities

Writes Leo McMahon

A ban on smoking and vaping in all of the county council’s outdoor amenity areas in the Municipal District (MD) was proposed by Cllr Audrey Buckley (FF) and supported at the recent meeting of Carrigaline MD.

Her motion called on the MD to adopt bylaws to apply to all outdoor playgrounds, multi-use games areas (MUGA’s) and other public amenity areas and for clear signage to be erected to inform people.

This matter, said Cllr Buckley, stemmed from while she was working with others in Crosshaven Development Committee and Tidy Towns during the litter league when they noticed how many people smoked while children were using the playground and from having to pick up cigarette butts etc. Bylaws and signage would of course be needed for the MD.

Seconding, an cathaoirleach Cllr Ben Dalton-O’Sullivan (Ind) said it was a great motion.

Director of services, Sharon Corcoran agreed it was a good idea and in a general comment, said there was also concern that children as young as nine or ten were vaping.  She predicted other MDs might like to do the same, adding that smoking had to be clearly defined and the implications of breaching any regulations.  Cllr Buckley’s motion was adopted.

 Cllr Audrey Buckley (FF) proposed A ban on smoking and vaping in all of the county council’s outdoor amenity areas in the Municipal District (MD)

Picnic Tables

There was also support for a motion from Cllr Patrick Donovan (FF) that consideration be given to installing wheelchair/age friendly picnic tables in Carrigaline Community Park.

In a report, executive engineer Vincent Florish stated: ‘The request is funding dependent. There is an allocation from the MD Town Development Fund in the 2026 budget of around €10,000 for a programme of installing additional picnic tables in all our MD areas parks at Ballinhassig, Passage West, Monkstown, Kilnagleary, Carrigaline, Drake’s Poll and Crosshaven’.

Cllr Donovan noted that the picnic tables and seats in the green area next to the playground at Passage West were wheelchair/age-friendly rather like armchairs with a table in the middle.

In support, Cllr Buckley said Crosshaven got some tables at the Point Garden under the Village Enhancement Scheme and were well used. ‘They should be everywhere,’ she added.  Cllr Dalton-O’Sullivan concurred.

Cllr Buckley had a motion seeking relining and reinstatement of two designated disabled driver parking spaces at Fountainstown front parking area which had previously been removed. Such bays would greatly assist access to the beach and amenities.

The engineer replied that the request had been tasked to the lining contractor.  Cllr Buckley repeated her call for the MD to have its own line marking van.

Toilets Sign

Cllr Buckley asked the council to install appropriate public signs at Lower Road, Crosshaven directing people to the public toilets near Crosshaven RNLI Station, Hugh Coveney Pier.  Cllr Jack White (FG) seconded. Acting senior executive engineer Alan Colgan said this would be done.  The councillor added that there were ongoing problems with the coin operated self-cleaning toilet at the Square in Crosshaven.

There was also a motion from Cllr Buckley requesting that the section of the R612 Fennell’s Bay road from Goat’s Cross to be resurfaced.  She was told it would be included in the 2026 programme. Cllr White seconded.

 ‘Slow’ and ‘60kph’ road markings on the R612 at from Myrtleville Cross towards the junction for Fountainstown road at Gortnanoon were sought by Cllr Buckley.  ‘Speeding there is crazy, as well as on the road from Thompson’s Farm. The local Garda is doing his best but recently someone’s pet was knocked down there’.  Mr. Cogan said he would ask for the line marking contractor to be contacted.

Cllr Buckley thanked the engineer and the team that carried out road resurfacing works from Roberts Cove to Doonvanig and for the bus stop work at Myrtleville Cross.

On a proposal by Cllr Buckley, the MD passed a vote of congratulations to the organisers of the recent Crosshaven Trad Sail weekend which included a superb fireworks display.

She also congratulated the 300 plus cyclists and organisers Carrigaline Lions Club, of the Fort to Fort Cork Harbour Charity Cycle and the RNLI and all involved with the recent Sea Sunday Blessing of the Boats.  Cllrs Donovan and White concurred.

Cllr White congratulated David Howard, Currabinny on winning the East of Ireland Amateur Golf Championship.