News

Open Space Strategy – Expressions of Interest

29th July 2008

In order to deal strategically with open space provision, Dun Laoghaire Rathdown County Council require an accurate understanding of the open space resource in existing communities, how well the needs of communities are being met and to identify any changes needed to improve access to quality open space.

This will also inform how they plan for open space and amenities in the future.

The audit should cover all types of open space, public and privately owned, including spaces owned by schools and voluntary clubs. Informal open space should be assessed as well as parks and formal facilities. The audit should take account of use of existing open spaces, their qualitative and community value and should not merely assess the quantity of provision.

It is particularly important to ensure that disadvantaged communities also have accessible
open space of good quality.

The Project will involve: -
• An inventory and audit, presented on GIS.(quantative and qualitative analysis) of
o Parks, greenspaces and public open spaces
o Greenways (cycle/pedestrian routes) and networks of open space.
o Sports and Recreation Facilities (public, private)
o Community Centres and Community Support Facilities
• Identification of areas/populations/communities where there is a sub-optimal access to
open space/amenities/sports facilities.
• Consultation with the public and key stakeholders to ascertain their views, needs and
priorities with regard to their locality and the issues above.
• Guidance on qualitative and quantitative standards for future provision of open space/
sport and recreational facilities, based on best practice.

Practices and consortia that can demonstrate a proven track record in this field are invited to respond to this notice. Such response should be accompanied by a CV and portfolio setting out all relevant experience, including an outline of their team’s competencies and ability to deliver to a tight timescale.

Applicants who satisfactorily fulfill these criteria shall be considered for a
further tender process. Expressions of interest with supporting information should be
forwarded by 15 August 2008 at 5.00pm.

Contact -
Leslie Moore, Senior Parks Superintendent.
Culture, Community Development and Amenities Department
Parks & Landscape Services,
County Hall, Marine Road,
Dún Laoghaire, Co. Dublin, Ireland