Events in Parks

Application Form: Application for Events in Parks and Open Spaces

To book an event in an SDCC Park you will require:

Communications about your event will come from publicrealm@sdublincoco.com.  

Communications about traffic management plans should come from and go to SEOroads@sdublincoco.ie 

Notice Period: 

*Events impacting traffic require a minimum 10 weeks' notice period. 

Event / activity fees 

The cost for holding events or activities in South Dublin County Council (SDCC) parks varies depending on the nature, size, and risk level of the event. Some activities are exempt, while others are subject to hourly or daily fees. Higher-risk or large-scale events may require additional permissions or incur higher charges. 

Please note: Some events may also be required to pay a refundable bond to cover potential damage or non-compliance with park regulations. This will be assessed on a case-by-case basis. 

Please see the pricing information below (all fees are subject to VAT at the current rate): 

(Invoices must be paid in advance of the events start date and/or within 7 days of receipt of invoice) 

FAQs 

Can events be held in a SDCC park? 

Yes, events can be hosted in SDCC Parks and Open spaces. You must submit an application form with any relevant supporting documentation within the recommended timeframe to be considered.  

What type of events can be hosted in an SDCC Park? 

You can host a variety of events in an SDCC Park such as: 

• Charitable Events 

• Family, Community & Cultural Events  

• Pop Up Markets 

• Sporting Events  

• Festivals & Music Events  

• Filming & Photoshoots  

• Commercial & Promotional Activation 

• Corporate Events 

All event applications are considered on a case-by-case basis. 

What kind of insurance is required? 

Each applicant must submit Public Liability & Product Liability Insurance cover; the level of indemnity to be not less than €6.5 million in respect of any one incident. Employers Liability of €13 million is also required where individuals/companies are employing people. Insurance must state indemnity to South Dublin County Council.  

Please note, 3rd party vendors may also be required to submit insurance.  

Are bouncing castle permitted at events in Parks? 

Permission for bouncing castles is granted on a case-by-case basis, with factors like location, forecasted weather and ground conditions been considered.  

All Bouncing Castle companies must provide insurance as listed above.  

Are BBQs permitted at events in Parks? 

Per the Bye Laws for Parks and Open Spaces 2011,  barbecue use can be granted with the prior permission of the Council and subject to the terms and conditions of such permission. 

The use of disposable BBQs is NOT permitted in SDCC parks and open spaces.  

Are funfairs or circus permitted in an SDCC park / open space? 

We do not accept standard applications for Funfairs and Circus events; these events are tendered for by SDCC. For more information, please contact publicrealm@sdublincoco.ie  

Are portable toilets permitted at an event in an SDCC park/open space? 

Yes, this can be requested in the body of your application. Approval is granted on a case-by-case basis. 

Is filming permitted in an SDCC park / open space? 

Yes, you can film in SDCC parks and open spaces. Filming requests should be referred to our Communications team at communications@sdublincoco.ie.  

Is wedding photography permitted in an SDCC park / open space? 

Yes, SDCC parks and open spaces can be used for wedding photography. Please fill out the online application form. If wedding photographs will be taking by a professional photographer, insurance must be provided as listed above.  

Is alcohol permitted at events held in an SDCC park/open space 

As Per the Bye Laws for Parks and Open Spaces 2011 – Alcohol is prohibited in all SDCC parks unless permission is given by SDCC in writing ahead of the event, subject to such conditions as the Council may prescribe.                

What is Traffic Management? 

If an event / activity requires any of the following an application MUST be made to the Roads and Traffic section: 

• Suspension of Parking Bays 

• Road closure(s) 

• Traffic diversion(s) 

• Positioning of Equipment/Crane/vehicle etc 

Application for a formal road closure must be submitted 6 weeks prior to the event /activity date. For more information on how to submit your application please visit the SDCC website.  

What is a Refundable Bond? 

As part of the terms and conditions of a permit an applicant may be required to submit a refundable bond, where the Public Realm team decide that the proposed event is of a scale that is likely to cause damage to the park surface from construction, vehicular or crowd movement, or any other activity associated with an event. 

A pre-event on-site meeting must be arranged at least 14 days in advance of the event with the District Parks Officer for the park to discuss any potential impact to the site. 

A post-event meeting should be arranged by the applicant within 7 days of event to determine if there was any damage to the park. It will then be decided if the bond is to be retained or refunded in full or in part. 

Any infringement of the Terms and Conditions of the permit may affect future applications for an event / activity in South Dublin County Council Parks & Open Spaces. 

Are temporary structures permitted in an SDCC park/open space for an event? 

Yes, you can install temporary structures at your event. A temporary structure may include platforms, raised seating, stages, proscenium arches, tents, marquees, stage sets, lighting rigs, sound towers, camera platforms, film sets, elevated screens, floodlights, barriers, fencing, bridges, containments, suspensions, inflatables, stairs, elevated walkways, gantries etc. 

Temporary structures associated with an event / activity are required to be certified fit for purpose and safe to use under the conditions they are likely to be exposed to on site during an event / activity. The promoter of an event may be required to engage a Chartered Engineer to assess and advise on the adequacy of both the design and the construction of the temporary structures to be used. This is providing prior approval from the Council has been obtained. 

What is the procedure for cancelling an event in an SDCC park/open space? 

The applicant must give 48 hours’ notice to South Dublin County Council should they wish to cancel the activity. The full fee applies if 48 hours’ notice is not received by Public Realm to cancel the activity. 

If bad weather is forecast for the date of the proposed event / activity and the full fee has been paid by the applicant, consideration can be given to an alternative date, subject to location availability.  

Can SDCC cancel an approved event? 

Yes, SDCC can cancel an event when conditions pose a risk of long-term damage to the park or open space.  

Do I need a licence for trading or selling products/services at an event in a public space? 

Yes. If there is any exchange of money for a product or service in a public place—such as a public road, park, or open space—a Casual Trading Licence is required. This includes activities like markets, food trucks, coffee carts, ice cream vans, and similar vendors. 

Even if vendors are not selling on the day but are included as part of the event (e.g. for promotional purposes or where costs are covered by the organiser), prior notice must still be given to SDCC to ensure there is no conflict with vendors already permitted to trade within the park. 

Once you have received your Public Realm approval letter, please contact enflic@sdublincoco.ie to arrange the necessary trading licence.