Should Kerry have a designated dog park? – ‘The land for this is sitting there'
He referenced how current bylaws already restrict dogs at certain beaches during designated times, while dogs are also being 'slightly restricted' in some public parks.
Tralee Municipal Area recently acquired 42 acres of land that Cllr O'Brien believes a section of which should be cornered off and used as a dog park.
'We were told in the past this [park] isn't necessary. I disagree with that opinion. I think it's something we should be looking at as there is a huge amount of people with dogs,' he said.
'The land is sitting there. Why not make this park available. You would be very surprised – if people had a place to go with their dogs – how quickly it catches on,' Cllr O'Brien added.
In its reply, Tralee MD management reaffirmed its policy that was agreed on at a November 2023 council meeting that dog parks are not warranted.
It stated the matter would be reconsidered at the Environment, Climate Action, Marine and Emergency Planning SPC later in 2025.
The council added that under the Section 9 (1)(c) of The Control of Dogs Act 1986, owners are required to keep 'dogs under effectual control' at all times, and that Kerry County Council Dog Wardens and An Garda Síochána enforce the Act as authorised officers.
However, Cllr O'Brien feels the approach is outdated and does not reflect the wider need for designated dog spaces. He intimated the council was behind the times as Ireland already has such parks that are often referred to as 'off-leash parks'.
'This is done nationally and internationally. All large towns and cities have these parks and I do think we're trailing behind. I know the SPC has said no, but we have a big area of land. Corner off a section and make a certain area available on a trial basis. You would be very surprised how it takes off,' he said.
The motion was seconded by Fine Gael Councillor Angie Baily.
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