Cork County Council’s draft bye-laws for playgrounds, multi-use play areas, skate parks and outdoor gyms is now out for public consultation.

People have until December 20th to make their views known. The bye-laws will then go back before a full meeting of the county council in the New Year where any submissions will be taken into consideration and the bye-laws amended if needs be.

26 different bye-laws are proposed to govern the use of the outdoor spaces, some of them quite stringent. “There’s a few rigid ones alright,” agreed Cllr Kevin O’Keeffe this week as he urged people to study them and give their input. “They are badly needed to deal with the type of unruly behaviour we’re seeing at the moment,” he said, pointing out that with the new bye-laws in place, council officials and the Gardai can enforce them and fines can be imposed for offences which should act as a deterrent.

It’s proposed to ban dogs from all such areas. Smoking would also be prohibited. Being in such areas after dark without the authorisation of the council wouldn’t be allowed and the use of cameras, camera phones and videos to take pictures or film without authorisation from the council would be forbidden. At the same time, the proposed bye-laws make provision for the use of CCTV, stating that it may be used by the council and the Gardai in an approved manner.

In another move designed to safeguard children, it is proposed that only adults accompanying an ‘appropriately aged child’ shall enter the playground, multi-use play area, skate part or outdoor gym.

Otherwise the bye-laws are the usual ones, forbidding litter, graffiti, vandalism, loud music and anti-social behaviour. It’s proposed to issue fines up to €75 for breaches.