“That the Chief Executive review the policy relating to public benches for streets in towns and villages in Fingal, in recognition that benches contribute to urban comfort by offering respite for pedestrians as such, the policy should commit to a minimum number of street benches per kilometre.”

The Motion in the name of Councillor J. Hopkins was proposed by

Councillor J. Hopkins seconded by Councillor D. Butler.

Motion: 

“That the Chief Executive review the policy relating to public benches for streets in towns and villages in Fingal, in recognition that benches contribute to urban comfort by offering respite for pedestrians as such, the policy should commit to a minimum number of street benches per kilometre.”

Report:    

The Operations Department presents its proposed Annual Programme of Works for consideration by the Elected Members at their respective Area Committee Meetings at the start of every year. The extent of the Programme is determined by the allocation of funding made by the members at the Council’s Annual Budget Meeting and taking into consideration staff resources available.

Each Operational Area has capacity within their respective Programme of Works to consider the provision of public seating benches when requested and do so in an ad hoc manner. All requests received for the provision of public benches are individually assessed to ensure that the location in the first instance is suitable for the installation of a bench and that it is in an area that would benefit the wider community. The majority of requests can usually be accommodated successfully.

The Council have no plans to develop a policy in relation to the provision of public seating benches as the matter is specific to individual requests and subject to budgetary and resource restrictions, and as such does not require the development of an overarching policy.

Following discussion, the Committee NOTED the report