A Local Authority has been slammed for embedding "jagged rocks" into a wall at a height perfect for sitting on while looking at the Dodder river.
The wall along the Dodder Greenway in Rathfarnham was fitted with the "hostile architecture" without the Mayor of South Dublin County Council being informed.
However, a Senior Engineer for South Dublin County Council told Dublin Live the rocks were added due to "security" issues relating to a nearby isolated house.
Pictures of the jagged rocks were posted on twitter by a user who criticised South Dublin County Council for appearing to prevent people from sitting on the wall.
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They wrote in the post: "Good job the council embedded loads of pointy jagged rocks in concrete along the new Dodder Greenway or someone might (squints at notes)…sit on the wall to look at the river."
People were outraged by the "hostile architecture".
One user wrote: "[South Dublin County Council are] proving itself to be a real LITERAL pain in the arse here with its loathsome view of the public realm and those that wish to enjoy it. Hostile architecture at its finest."
Another person replied: "Surely that’s a health & safety issue if children are using the Greenway on their bikes …or adults for that matter. A fall on those could have serious consequences."
A third said: "This is particularly awful for those with mobility issues. My mam loves walking, but often has to stop briefly. This could've been perfect for a mini pause for her, but sadly not. Shame, as much of the rest of the scheme is great!"
Mayor South Dublin County Council Peter Kavanagh, who said he was not aware of the jagged rocks until he saw the tweet, said he would look into the "hostile architecture immediately".
A Senior Engineer at South Dublin County Council told Dublin Live benches were added to the the Greenway with views of the Dodder 200m from the location of the jagged rocks.
He said: "The section of the Dodder Valley Greenway through the Parklands has recently been completed and it includes a walking and cycle route with benches along its length, installed at appropriate locations providing views of the Dodder and resting points.
"Formal seating is provided throughout the greenway. In the stretch from the City Weir in Firhouse to Cherryfield Park (1.5km) there is 10 single benches and 6 double benches.
"Due to the lack of space it is not deemed suitable for formal seating with the first bench placed 200m down the path from this location."
The Engineer added that the jagged rocks were added for "security" reasons which relate to an isolated house near.
He said: "To address security concerns in relation to the isolated residential property to that section of the greenway. The costs were negligible, the contractor carried out the work at materials costs only."
He replied to the post: "I'll look into the hostile architecture immediately and bring your other comments to the attention of the relevant engineers and planners."
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