Skateboarders face heavy fines for using parks

Cyclists, skaters and those holding a public meeting without written permission in Waterford's open spaces could be fined up to €1,270 following the adoption of new bylaws by the city council.

Designed to protect the parks and open spaces in the city, the bylaws were introduced by the local authority at a council meeting last Monday.

Fines can be imposed on offenders such as skateboarders, rollerbladers and other offenders using non-motorised vehicles, with motorised wheelchairs being exempt from the ban.

However, facilities are planned for cyclists and skateboarders in phase three of the development plan for the People's Park.

Bill Duggan, a senior executive officer with the communications and enterprise department of Waterford City Council, said the bylaws will allow members of the public to use Waterford's amenities safely.

Public performances, the use of hire equipment and other commercial activities are also prohibited unless written approval is sought and granted prior to any event. The use of public play areas in parks and open spaces owned or managed by the council is limited to children under the age of 12.

Welcoming the bylaws, Waterford city councillor Séamus Ryan said: "We are fortunate enough to be living in an urban area of this size and to have a number of parks and facilities of such a high quality."

The provision of CCTV in the People's Park and on the William Vincent Wallace Plaza, previously used by skateboarders and graffiti artists, has frustrated these activities, added Cllr Ryan.