Smoking to be banned in council-run playgrounds
It is the latest ‘no-no’ to be added to a long list of proposed playground bylaws expected to come into force before the end of the year.
Smoking will be included in a wide list of ‘offences’ which, if contravened, will lead to a €75 on-the-spot fine.
The council published a set of draft bylaws in 2011 and, as it has not received any submissions from the public, intends to plough ahead with implementing them, most likely by the end of this year.
The anti-smoking clause will be introduced at the request of councillors Veronica Neville (FG) and Frank O’Flynn (FF).
The bylaws will also be breached if people enter playgrounds after dark. This is primarily an attempt to stop anti-social behaviour such as teenage drinking sessions.
Littering is also punishable by a fine, as is leaving broken glass behind.
Other offences include breaking playground equipment, or daubing graffiti. All dogs, except guide dogs, will be banned from the play areas.
Gambling and playing loud music is also punishable as is walking on flower beds, cycling, skateboarding, or even playing football.
In an effort to deter paedophiles, the council will also prohibit the use of cameras, video cameras, or camera phones unless they are operated by adults taking pictures of their own family members.
Failure to pay the €75 on-the-spot fine could result in a day in court where the ‘offender’ could end up being ordered to pay a fine of up to €1,904.60.
