Councillor welcomes move to develop pilot dog park in Cork city suburb 

A Cork City councillor has welcomed progress on a dog park in the city, after years of campaigning by activists.

A petition for fenced-off sections in Cork parks where dog owners can let their dogs off the leash was set up in 2021, and gathered nearly 2,000 signatures.

Social Democrats councillor Pádraig Rice recently put in a motion requesting one in Tramore Valley Park.

He was told by Cork City Council executives: 

“A pilot dog park is presently being developed at the Regional Park Ballincollig and this will be reviewed prior to any decision in relation to the provision of further dog parks.”

Mr Rice told The Echo that this was “really welcome news”, explaining: 

“A dog park is an enclosed area where dogs can run safely off leash and play with other dogs. They act as a gathering spot and help to create a stronger sense of community for dog owners.

“Research shows that dog parks improve the physical and social health of both dogs and their owners.

“The development of dog parks in Cork is something that I and others have been calling for, for some time. However, one dog park won’t be enough,” he said.

“We need to see them in all parts of the city. In particular, I would like to see one in Tramore Valley Park, another somewhere near the city centre, and some on the northside.”

He also suggested that the council should involve people in the selection of the next location and the design of these dog parks, saying that, at a minimum, they must include access to drinking water for dogs, seats for owners, clear signs, high fences, separate areas for big and small dogs, and waste bins.

“Having designated areas for dogs to run around helps to prevent dogs being left off-leash in other areas: This improves safety. 

“They also can potentially reduce dog fouling on footpaths and other areas,” he said. 

“So many people in the city are dog owners, and we need to provide facilities for them. This new dog park is a good start.”