Part XI Consultation on Public Play Trails in Portrane, Co. Dublin

To address a deficiency in local access to play, Fingal County Council launched a public consultation on Wednesday, 4th February, in relation to a Part XI planning application for locally accessible play opportunities for the Portrane community.

The proposals comprise play trails located within two connected public open spaces in Longstone Park, which is conveniently situated to serve all homes in Portrane. The proposed development complies with Space for Play – A Play Policy for Fingal, which was adopted to provide a framework for the delivery of high-quality play provision throughout the county, in line with international best practice.

The overall proposals include a range of traditional timber play equipment, as well as natural interventions such as mounding, boulders, and logs. Landscape improvement works and bicycle parking also form part of the proposed development. The proposed safety surfacing includes sand, wood chip, and bound tiger mulch.

The northern space will have its main entrance located off the Burrow Road, with improved access forming part of the works. The play trail in this area is located alongside the existing hedgerow, with Stella’s Castle providing a strong focal point within the backdrop.

The southernmost space is located off the R126 into Portrane and is conveniently situated adjacent to a bus route. A small pathway with low-key “play along the way” items is proposed to encourage active recreation.

The plans are available to view at the Council Offices in Swords and Blanchardstown, and online at https://consult.fingal.ie/browse.

Submissions or observations in respect of the proposed development are welcome via the Fingal County Council Consultation Portal at https://consult.fingal.ie/en/browse, or by post, in writing, to:

Senior Executive Officer, Planning & Development Department, Fingal County Council, County Hall, Main Street, Swords, Co. Dublin, K67 X8Y2.

The final date for submissions is 18th March 2026.