Fingal not cutting grass

Tim Robbins

So parks all over Fingal are not getting their grass cut. Just when the World Cup is about to start, kids will have lost their local kick about area.

I can't believe more people aren't up in arms about this. It's a complete disgrace.

Discuss...

sdanseo

Tim Robbins wrote: »

So parks all over Fingal are not getting their grass cut. Just when the World Cup is about to start, kids will have lost their local kick about area.

I can't believe more people aren't up in arms about this. It's a complete disgrace.

Discuss...

Alan Farrell emailed me and presumably a pile of others about this a while back, apparently it's some new initiative to encourage biodiversity and improve the environment by sowing some wild flowers on the greens and thenceforth abandoning them to the elements.

Utter tripe if you ask me, someone in FCC has more than one screw loose. Email the head of parks and complain - senan dot tunbull @ fingalcoco.ie. Fair dues to Alan trying to get it binned.

digme

Ireland is bankrupt.

Fingalian

Last year they did not cut the verges in rural areas which makes bends really dangerous as you can't see around them. I don't expect them to be cut this year either so be careful on the back roads. I'd say Fingal Coco are down big time on Development levies and Bin Tag receipts, so they are trying probably trying to cut down on costs. I'm all for establishing wild life corridors and I've done it and the results are great, however I think it is disingenuous of Fingal Coco to claim they are trying to encourage bio diversity when it is probably more about cutting costs. Seems to be plenty of money for foreign junkets though.Where are the kids to play?

Bluetonic

Fingalian wrote: »

Where are the kids to play?

Probably best to deal in specifics from here on in.

What areas have been left to turn into a meadow which is depriving kids? Surely to God these kids have legs and can walk to the next area?

Taking Balbriggan as an example the numerous FCC maintained pitches around the town are hardly over subscribed each and every day.

Martron

digme wrote: »

Ireland is bankrupt.

Yeah but seemingly Fingal is not!

I have said in other threads on similar topics. fingal has more money than uit had 3 years ago. And they have no program of works outlined for the year.

I heard this straight from a local politician.

sNarah

Tim Robbins wrote: »

So parks all over Fingal are not getting their grass cut. Just when the World Cup is about to start, kids will have lost their local kick about area.

I can't believe more people aren't up in arms about this. It's a complete disgrace.

Discuss...

I believe a more elaborate explenation should be in order. I read the press release in the Fingal Indo and though "Okay - that's a bit odd but sure, why not, as it will improve how the green area's look and create a better environment for wildlife."

From their website:
1 - This measure effects 20% of all green area's available in Fingal.

Fingal Growing Places is a 5 year project beginning in 2010 to transform open spaces in Fingal to increase Biodiversity. This year we're changing 20% of green areas in the county to make them more wildlife friendly. Year 1 sites have been chosen right across the County to include a range of sizes and types of open space. The project follows best practice in managing green areas across Europe and we have also taken examples from several UK Councils who have transformed their public green areas in this way.

2 - They clearly state that if you feel that the area where children play is affected, they will cut an area for them:

Can we still use our green?
Of course. As your grass grows the Council will continue to cut a path around the edge and through your green on a regular basis. Litter picking will continue as usual and we will also cut an area of shorter grass where children can play. If your green doesn’t have a formal pitch your local parks Depot will cut a play area for children.

I really don't see how this is a bad thing?

Paulw

sNarah wrote: »

I really don't see how this is a bad thing?

Because what they are saying, and what they are doing are not the same. 20%?? I'd say it's more like 80% from what I have seen.

Maybe it is 20%, when you consider all the football, GAA, etc pitches under their control, and the fact that about 60% of all the land is actually designated and used playing areas.

My main objection is that this was all done without any consultation with the residents. It was simply imposed on people.

The only way to now get your grass cut is to chase and hassle the council and councillors.

dan_d

We had it last year. Didn't interfere with anyone, as they left large spaces cut for kids to play football, and also cut the local pitches. They just didn't cut sections of the overall green area - didn't interfere with anyone, as I said.
My 2 cents:D

Paulw

I guess it would really depend on the size of the area, what playing area there is, and how well the whole place is maintained.

It could work very well, with proper discussion with residents.

Alan Farrell

Paulw wrote: »

I guess it would really depend on the size of the area, what playing area there is, and how well the whole place is maintained.

It could work very well, with proper discussion with residents.

There are two main thrusts of this discussion.

No consultation & the appropriateness of the areas selected (i.e. in the middle of a housing estate).

I have no problem with certain areas being a "managed" wild flower meadows. Cut the hay when required, plant flower bulbs etc. Malahide Castle, Ardgillan, Large areas of grass where there are no pitches, Coastal areas (like the seabanks in Malahide) are ideal and will no doubt save the Council tens of thousands a year but selecting a one acre area within a housing estate where kids play football or areas where young families interact is ludicrous.

The other issue I have is that this policy was introduced without public consultation or even a discussion with local public reps. The illusion of local democracy never ceases to amaze me.

Mr. Turnbull must be shamed into reversing this decision.

For your information: http://alanfarrell.blogspot.com/2010/05/no-grass-cutting-in-fingal-growing.html

Bluetonic

Not only is it likely that these areas will attract litter and perhaps vermin, but given sufficient time, it may also present opportunities for anti social behaviour. I also believe that this policy will seriously undermine the ability of our towns to compete in our national Tidy Towns competition, a source of great pride in many communities.

They are fairly wild conclusions to come to Alan, on what basis have you come to those? It's slight scaremongering in my opinion.

Also would it not be better for people to logically discuss the issue with Mr. Turnbull, rather than aiming to 'shame' him into doing something? Isn't that gutter politics?

Just getting back to the facts, what areas have been left to meadow which are depriving kids and families? As in there are no alternatives close by?

Paulw

Bluetonic wrote: »

They are fairly wild conclusions to come to Alan, on what basis have you come to those? It's slight scaremongering in my opinion.

Rats and mice thrive in wild fields. The idea of the council is to encourage wildlife, which will obviously include mice and rats.

Bluetonic wrote: »

Also would it not be better for people to logically discuss the issue with Mr. Turnbull, rather than aiming to 'shame' him into doing something? Isn't that gutter politics?

What sort of politics makes decisions without any public discussion? So far, the council have given no clear indication how people can opt out of this plan. To me, the gutter politics is more with Fingal Co Co than with councillors who encourage discussion.

Bluetonic wrote: »

As in there are no alternatives close by?

Would you prefer to be able to watch your kids play in the green space outside your house, or would you not mind if they played a few min down the road where you couldn't clearly see them?

Eoineo

As I've met with our local Parks Superintendent recently & our estate has a substantial green area I can pass on what I was informed:

The amount of cutting has been reduced within our estate. Some, but not all, of the area will be left to meadowland/pasture. A specific area will be kept clear for kickabouts. If it's not, we are to contact Parks directly and remind them of their commitment. And I certainly will be doing that if it's not suitable!

There are a good few playing pitches nearby but they are not in our estate. I completely agree with the person who says that kids should be allowed to play within the estate - rather than further down the road.

Bluetonic

Paulw wrote: »

Would you prefer to be able to watch your kids play in the green space outside your house, or would you not mind if they played a few min down the road where you couldn't clearly see them?

I would be happy for them to play a few minutes down the road where I live.

The majority of houses in Fingal don't have green space in front of them. Are these kids not to play? Are they unsafe when they don't play in front of the house?

I would imagine despite all the scaremongering that takes place kids are safe to play in most areas.

I don't know of any incidents which have taken place which would have been avoided if these kids were playing in front of their house. Do you?

Paulw

Bluetonic wrote: »

I don't know of any incidents which have taken place which would have been avoided if these kids were playing in front of their house. Do you?

You obviously haven't seen the threads, newspaper reports and school warnings about attempted abductions of children in the Fingal area? Newspaper reports in the Irish Independent, The Evening Herald and other papers, never mind a number of threads on boards, and a number of schools sending alerts to parents.

Bluetonic

Paulw wrote: »

You obviously haven't seen the threads, newspaper reports and school warnings about attempted abductions of children in the Fingal area? Newspaper reports in the Irish Independent, The Evening Herald and other papers, never mind a number of threads on boards, and a number of schools sending alerts to parents.

How many attempted abductions have there been? I've noted few reported in the media. Reports which may or may not be true, reported in tabloid newspapers. I'm surprised that if its so prevalent there hasn't been a warning by the Gardai. I'm sure the cases are extremely isolated and yes I have read the previous thread.

For years (since I was growing up in the 1980s) there have been reports of attempted abductions yet in Balbriggan at least I don't recall any abductions.

I stand by my opinion thats it not unsafe for kids to play down the road away from the front of a house.

As I said already the majority of houses in Fingal don't have green spaces in front of them, what are these kids to do?

Paulw

Bluetonic wrote: »

As I said already the majority of houses in Fingal don't have green spaces in front of them, what are these kids to do?

Outside my apt there is a nice green for kids to play in. Where my wife owns a house (rented out), in Swords, there is a green area at the side of the house.

If you wish your area to be left to grow, then fair play, and best of luck with it.

Personally, I'd prefer our area to be cut and well kept (as do a lot of residents). Our views have been made known to the parks dept. The fact there was no discussion, consultation or anything like that annoys me more than what they would like to do.

It's cost cutting disguised as biodiversity.

Bluetonic

Paulw wrote: »

The fact there was no discussion, consultation or anything like that annoys me more than what they would like to do. .

Fair play, I respect your opinion on the matter.

sdanseo

Paulw wrote: »

It's cost cutting disguised as biodiversity.

Exactly, and I pointed same out to Mr Turnbull.

Of course, neither he nor anyone in his department have had the decency to even acknowledge my email, let alone address it. I'd like the ELECTED representatives that I cast my vote for to give him a kick in the arse, please.

Gutter politics alright, but agree its within FCC management from where I'm sitting.

At the end of the day, how much can it cost to run a tractor over the bigger green areas? One tractor and trailer for the whole county would probably do the job, they only need cutting once every few weeks and it takes ten minutes. Nobody says they have to be out there with mowers and strimmers, just a quick run over the large greens with a tractor-pulled cutter is enough.

killiank

Have to say this is really bugging me. There are 3 sizeable green areas close to my family home. There is a small area on one of them that has been cut to allow kids to play football on it. Its not a big area at all & what happens when there are more than 1 group of kids that want to play at the same time. I help out with the local kids hurling teams & am trying to get kids to practice at home etc & I actually think that they will lose the small sliotars in the long grass.

Somebody mentioned above that the kids can go to a nearby green to play. To be honest Im not sure where the nearest properly cut grass field is but theres certainly nothing within 20 minute walking distance.

What would happen if people decided to cut the grass themselves. I could get access to a tractor that is used for cutting grass. I presume I cant just go & cut the grass myself though. Judging from what my neighbours have been saying though Id be a hero.

tatli_lokma

this doesn't surprise me. From day one in our estate the council have cut the grass along the main path, next to the road, but the areas beside the car parking spaces etc is just left. Residents end up having to do it because as it is still actually on the main road it looks really unkempt otherwise.

Now its no odds to me to cut it when I'm doing my own grass, and I did for quite a while, but my garden is tiny so we did away with the grass and got stones, as did many other neighbours. But still I end up going out every few weeks to cut the section outside our block, but as lots of others have also done away with the grass, there are a lot of areas where the grass is overgrown and really untidy looking.

This is not biodiversity - these are grass verges (aprox 3 foot wide and 6 foot long) next to the parking bays, between the parking spots and the path.

Fingal claimed they cannot cut them because the cutter they use is too big and cannot accommodate those areas - however about a year ago there was a different lad cutting the grass and he had no problem cutting these areas - so it seems more a case that the usual guy doing the maintenance can't be bothered.

Its very frustrating, and makes the area look really untidy.

TheDoc

Dont know if its been mentioned i kinda skipped through.

I'm in the Glen Ellen Area,

The local residents have been told the grass will not be cut completely, as there is a new inititive to let grass grow really long basically. I dont know if its new grass but its the start of some new re-design on the scenery of lots of the greens around estates in the area.

I'm 22 years of age but me and the lads every summer would get footie gonig on the green, and very often include the younger kids in the area and parents would be on the sidelines and getting involved, it was always a great laugh.

Unfortunately that is really no more according to fingal. A local neighbour however got his petrol mower out an cut a small 7aside pitch for the kids...

Annoying as it is, it also looks ****ing dog rough and looks like a dump

sdanseo

TheDoc wrote: »

Dont know if its been mentioned i kinda skipped through.

I'm in the Glen Ellen Area,

The local residents have been told the grass will not be cut completely, as there is a new inititive to let grass grow really long basically. I dont know if its new grass but its the start of some new re-design on the scenery of lots of the greens around estates in the area.

I'm 22 years of age but me and the lads every summer would get footie gonig on the green, and very often include the younger kids in the area and parents would be on the sidelines and getting involved, it was always a great laugh.

Unfortunately that is really no more according to fingal. A local neighbour however got his petrol mower out an cut a small 7aside pitch for the kids...

Annoying as it is, it also looks ****ing dog rough and looks like a dump

Im in exactly the same boat...used to go out for a kick about every single day in the summer for about 5 years. Now im older and i dont really use it but still plenty of kids about.

Our green right beside the house is cut, but the bigger one nearby is a forest already. Looks like our one wont be cut again id say.

Neil_Sedaka

Same outside my house in Rush, a small portion around the outside of the green has been cut and the vast majority of the green has been left to become a jungle!

Every year the kids organise sports days and football, not this year, so far.
We hear about "problem kids" with "nowhere to go and nothing to do" so they have purpose built recreational centres to occupy and amuse them and hopefully cut down on their anti social behaviour.
We just want the grass cut for christ sake!!

Shame, shame, shame Fingal CoCo :mad:

Khannie

Funny....our green had been left like that (verge cut, rest left uncut). Just last night I noticed that it had all been cut. Same with up near the train station. Maybe they're just going to cut it low less frequently?

I'm sure it's a costly business keeping that much grass short during the summer.

rubberdiddies

Alan Farrell wrote: »

The other issue I have is that this policy was introduced without public consultation or even a discussion with local public reps. The illusion of local democracy never ceases to amaze me.

just like the junket to Brazil eh?

Anyways I agree that the decision must be reversed. I live very close to a green area that has more (very) long grass (rolling meadows??) than short grass. the older kids have abandoned the green now as they can no longer play football on it. Next they'll be roaming the streets causing trouble cos they cant play on the green. Anyway these overpaid decision makers have no backbone if they cant just come out and admit its a cost saving exercise.

If they hadnt bought up all the housing for affordable housing that they cant shift now then maybe the CC wouldnt be in the financial mess it is in now. Unfortunately as citizens/residents, we just have to toe the line and accept what these non-elected 'public servants' do.

sdanseo

Small piece about it in the fingal area newsletter thing today. Propaganda Goering would have been proud of.

expectationlost

the local pillars of society getting their knickers in a twist about this is hilarious, not cutting grass is leading to child abductions by giant rats lol.
the great grass controversy of 2010
its a good idea, there has been an issue over which grass is supposed to cut and which is not, they should have cleared that up before announcing this though

LeoB

Dont know if many here are familiar with Kenure woods in Rush? That is an absoulate mess. There has been a drinking issue there but now with the grass overgrown it has become filthy with bottles and cans left in the grass. This was a popular area to take kids for a cycle or a run through the trees now its a health hazard. The part up at the stream has plenty of rats. Biodiverity is an excuse not to cut the grass, nothing more, and some gobs*hite probably got promoted for thinking of it.
The area in question is right between 500 houses and the Main St and widely was used but I was in it last Sunday and its awful.

In Italy last year I noticed the Towns were immaculate with grass cut and parks with colourful flowers but in the country side there was plenty of overgrown land so why are we being different? Its not because we are broke more like the lunatics are running the Asylum


It would answer Fingal C.C. better to encourage families to go out and use these areas instead of encouraging vermin to breathe.

I imagine nd hope quite a few will email Mr Turnball, oh and C.C. them to member of Fingal C.C.

LeoB

expectationlost wrote: »

the local pillars of society getting their knickers in a twist about this is hilarious, not cutting grass is leading to child abductions by giant rats lol.
the great grass controversy of 2010
its a good idea, there has been an issue over which grass is supposed to cut and which is not, they should have cleared that up before announcing this though

Who are the local pillars of society you mention? That is the silliest post on here in a while. People give their views and generally there is good debate. Quite a few are living in estates that look a mess with their overgrown areas.

You need to get out a little more and walk through some of the areas that have been left and you will see the that is left behind. These areas do seem to attract anti-social behaviour and little drinking sprees when they are let grow wild..

expectationlost

your a Pillar leoB, and the cllrs and wannabee cllrs

yeah its the grass

really some victorian attitudes here.

LeoB

expectationlost wrote: »

your a Pillar leoB, and the cllrs and wannabee cllrs

yeah its the grass

really some victorian attitudes here.

Care to explain your latest post.

I have enough to do without getting involved in politics but that doesnt mean I wont complain or support what I think is a reasonable argument made by a resident of Fingal

The Hill Billy

Stay on topic please.

expectationlost - If you agree with the FCC bioversity strategy state you case, but don't go taking personal shots at other posters.

If anyone has a problem with a post - report it.

HB

shaungil

meeting in skerries tonight at one of the affected greens. Iarrived late and hears 2nd hand so if anyone was there and can fill in gaps and or correct please feel free.

some dude from council there to explain/defend, from what I gather plan is to in 5 years to have all green areas like this. townparks in Skerries is the pilot. no-one at meeting wanted it long all wanted it short the bit they left short is totally inadepquate. There has been anti-social behaviour including drinking and "fornication" already. Kids with hayfever are in a heap too.

appaarently there is some sort of political agenda at play with some councilors riled up support against this plan. lso the dude from teh council said it's biodiversity but also cos of funding issues.

My two cents are 1) consult don't just go ahead, public servants are not dictators serving the public was pretty obvious to me.2) have plenty of short grass for kids nd adults to play and not just one area as you have different aged groups using the green at any one time. currently I'd say there is maybe 20% short and I'd leave 80% short and 20% long for March to September anyway.

Paulw

Today they cut the grass outside our place. Nice to see the park looking normal again.

greatgoal

If this dry spell persists,this grass is going to end up like hay,then the lads will start having fun setting it alight and god knows what tragedy might occur!!

Hauk

greatgoal wrote: »

If this dry spell persists,this grass is going to end up like hay,then the lads will start having fun setting it alight and god knows what tragedy might occur!!

Awesome! We'll record a black metal music video in the flames! \m/

Beasty

greatgoal wrote: »

If this dry spell persists,this grass is going to end up like hay,then the lads will start having fun setting it alight and god knows what tragedy might occur!!

I would not worry about this - grass only turns to hay when it is cut - there's very little chance of uncut grass being set alight

Ludo

Not from the area myself, but this plan sounds crazy.

Complain by all means but if there is a green area in your estate which the council are letting "go wild", why not get a few neighbours together and cut it yourselves.
Or do like we do in our estate and organise a collection from all houses of 40 or 50 quid and pay someone to do it on a regular basis (every 2 weeks in our case).

Eoineo

Ludo wrote: »

Complain by all means but if there is a green area in your estate which the council are letting "go wild", why not get a few neighbours together and cut it yourselves.
Or do like we do in our estate and organise a collection from all houses of 40 or 50 quid and pay someone to do it on a regular basis (every 2 weeks in our case).

Great idea if you come from an estate where people have €40/50 to pay for something like that.

Here is our situation:

Our estate is in the care of the Council. We have a designated green area which is about the size of 2 football pitches. Many residents in our estate are struggling to put food on the table, let alone find the money to pay for someone to mow it.

Remember it is the council's responsibility to take care of this green area but the residents take it on themselves to do cleanups and monitor the rubbish/graffiti etc. We simply do not have the resources to go out and cut a field of this size. Kerbs & sidings around the estate maybe but this needs a tractor or ride-on mower.

I'm all for bio-diversity and actually think it will be nice to have some old-style meadowland nearby. All I want is part of the green area mowed so that the kids can go kickabout on the green and not on the road.

Oh yes, and I can live in hope that the poster above was referring to me as a "pillar of society". I decided a long time ago I neither have the balls nor interest in politics; all I want is to support my local community as best I can.

rpurfield

im from just out the road in stamullen but i have plenty of interest in balbriggan so i look in here often.just one point about cutting the grass yourselves,meath cc have no parks department so when estates out here are taken in care weve to look after it ourselves.and getting people to pay fees for it is nigh on impossible.if our estate hits a collection rate of 33% its good going so organising a whip round to cut it will prove hard.

on another note is all this why the M1 is only half cut??looks bloody stupid.its all cut properly up around louth and whatever about biodiversity it just looks rough and messy especially for our main motor way

Carawaystick

I'd recommend looking up the noxious weeds act, 1936 and making sure the co.co comply with it, if you want the grass cut.

Corsendonk

I actually am enjoying the meadows that have cropped up around Fingal with the councils new Bio-diversity project. Maybe its just me that likes to see these wild meadows offering a habitat to the threated species of floral and fauna of Fingal.

These areas even on fine sunny days like this have been under utilised for years. I noticed some people here have a romantic idea of the kids out playing out on the green every sunny evening but that doesn't really happen. There more than likely sitting in watching the world cup or playing the PS3 or waiting for you to get off the laptop so they can surf. Some do use the green spaces but only a fraction of the area and the council has cut areas to accomdate this.

So why not allow these under utilised areas to offer life and food supplies to the surrounding wildlife? Years ago the hay meadow would have provided the same obejective before the modernisation of agriculture.

Personnal speaking I think that this subject has been hijacked to get back at the council with what people regard as unfair bin charges. Its developed into a "those cheapskates not spending are money arguement!" So you want the grass cut and cut now. If it wasn't the grass it would be road signs or the the usual favourite potholes or something else

If you care to click on the link below which details the growing push on encouraging biodiversity throughtout Europe not just in Fingal.

http://ec.europa.eu/environment/nature/index_en.htm

P.S if anyone knows anyone that fly tips(i know you dont, but you might do) when you purchase a new electric item the retailer has to take the old one back or alternatively you can leave at a recyling centre such as Swords. It might avoid some of the illigal dumping that one of the posters mentioned might happen to the meadow areas and which is already happening in the ditches of north dublin.

Eoineo

My family are definitely enjoying the meadowland nearby but they are also enjoying the cleared kickabout area as well. It's the best of both worlds so overall I'm happy.

pinkypinky

I think the dual carriageway (N1 along Swords) looks dreadful. Estuary roundabout has some special looking weeds on it.

brian ireland

Seriously what is this all about. Fingal Co Co decided not to cut large portions of open spaces in residential areas and gave the ridiculous excuse they they are developing them into meadows. What is this suppose to be?? Its not a meadow. Its just weeds and long grass.

This is the second year it like this.

This is what meadow should look like

Come on Fingal County Council get your act together or cut the bloody grass.

Beasty

Threads Merged

@brian ireland - based on earlier posts I am not sure the explanation is they are making them into "meadows", but it is all to do with "biodiversity". Either way, if you feel so passionate about it, I would suggest you approach FCC directly, as having a rant about it on here is unlikely to get you anywhere

Beasty

Corsendonk

Common gardening definition of a weed is a plant growing were you dont
want it to. All plants are weeds.

Plants follow the seasons. Your first photo was a meadow in seed which I take is a recent photo. If you journey through the countryside you will see the ripe fields of wheat ready to harvest. Wheat is a member of the grass family too which comprises most meadows.

Your second photo was a meadow in flower which only lasts for a short period of time before polination so unrealistic to have that flowering meadow all through spring and summer.

Eoineo

I believe that if you live in an exposed coastal area it's unlikely you'll have a full flowering meadow as pictured above. Having read the blurb about "Growing Spaces" on the Fingal County Council website I'm sure that the initiative is about bio-diversity and not introducing meadowlands by the way.

Still no complaints from me here. The Council have kept to their word and maintained a kick-about area along with a "growing spaces" area.

Corsendonk

Corncrake, I remember my grandfather telling me about the distinct call of this bird that could be heard in north dublin. Now due to modern agriculture only left in certain parts of Ireland. Hopefully the biodiversity areas will bring birds like this back to this part of Ireland.


http://www.birdwatchireland.ie/Default.aspx?tabid=311