TD calls on council to provide more dog parks in Cork city

A Cork TD has urged Cork City Council to progress the development of more dog parks in the city centre, nine months after they opened a pilot facility in Ballincollig, which the council said they will review early next year.

A council spokesperson told The Echo: “We are happy, to date, with the operation of the pilot dog park at the Regional Park, and our review will be complete early in the new year after a full 12-month period has lapsed.”

Social Democrats TD for Cork South Central, Pádraig Rice, who called for the opening of these parks during his time as a councillor, said that one is not enough for Cork.

He told The Echo: “The success of the pilot dog park scheme in Ballincollig Regional Park clearly shows there’s a real demand for accessible, well-maintained public spaces for people and their pets. The council must build on this and install dog parks across the city.

“The development of dog parks in Cork is something that I and others have been calling for, for some time. From the demand for the park in Ballincollig, it is clear that one dog park is not enough for Cork.

“We need to see them in all parts of the city. When I was a councillor, I put forward a motion for a dog park in Tramore Valley Park. It would also be great to see another somewhere near the city centre and some on the northside.”

He explained that a dog park is an enclosed area where dogs can run safely off leash and play with other dogs, saying: “Research shows that dog parks improve the physical and social health of both dogs and their owners. They act as a gathering spot and help to create a stronger sense of community for dog owners.”

“This isn’t just about dogs, it’s about the development of community amenities. As soon as the review is completed in the new year, plans must be in place quickly to develop new dog parks across the city, including in Tramore Valley Park.

“Having designated areas for dogs to run around helps to prevent dogs being left off-leash in other areas, improves safety, and makes our parks more accessible. They also reduce dog fouling on footpaths and other areas.

“So many people in the city are dog owners, many of them have contacted me about the need for more dog-friendly spaces.

“The council must capitalise on the success of the park in Ballincollig and provide this amenity to more people across the city.”