COMHAIRLE CONTAE ÁTHA CLIATH THEAS
SOUTH DUBLIN COUNTY COUNCIL

MEETING OF TALLAGHT AREA COMMITTEE (2)

Monday, March 31, 2008

HEADED ITEM NO.H-I(5)

TAKING-IN-CHARGE VERSCHOYLE              

Verschoyle Estate, Tallaght  was developed by Kingscroft Developments Limited under Planning Permission Reg. Ref. S95A/0546.

Roads

The taking in charge works in respect of the roads have been completed and the “as constructed” drawings have been submitted by the developer.  It is anticipated that a recommendation for the taking in charge of the roads, footpaths, public lighting and water supply will be brought forward in summer 2008.

It is not proposed to take the drainage system in Verschoyle Estate in charge as it drains into the private drains of City West Business Park.

Parks and Open Spaces.

The public open spaces associated with Verschoyle Estate are currently in private ownership and are not under the control of the County Council. The major part of the open space provision for Verschoyle Estate is located in the area to the west of the City West Shopping Centre and forms part of a larger area of approx.4.48 hectares (11 acres), which is conditioned and designated for future parkland. To date these lands have not been developed and landscaped to an agreed plan in accordance with the requirements of the relevant planning permissions applied to the contributing developments – Verschoyle Estate, Carrigmore Estate and City West Shopping Centre.

It is the policy of the Council to take all of the open spaces associated with a particular development in charge at one time rather than on a phased basis due to the legal and administration requirements involved in registering the Council’s interest in the lands with Land Registry. The open space areas within Verschoyle Estate have been developed and landscaped and the developer, Kingscroft Developments Limited is responsible for the maintenance and upkeep of these areas until such time as they are taken in charge by the Council.

The balance of the lands were the subject of a planning application, Reg. Ref. SD07A/0150, which was lodged by Place Properties Ltd. in 2007 on behalf of the three landowners, including Kingscroft Developments Limited, for the development of a public park and associated recreational facilities. This application was declared withdrawn on 4th December 2007.

Place Properties have recently put forward new proposals for the development of this area as an enclosed public park to serve the adjoining residential developments including Verschoyle Estate. The current proposals include the construction of a network of pedestrian pathways, retention of existing trees and hedgerows, children’s playground, additional car-parking, new tree plantings, junior kick-about pitch, boundary treatments, gates etc. The Parks Department has recently had discussions with Place Properties regarding the proposals and has sought some amendments/improvements.  Further clarification on the precise and agreed details of the proposed works is now awaited, following which it is understood that local residents in the area will be consulted.

All of the open spaces in Verschoyle Estate will be considered for taking in charge upon satisfactory completion of the lands which form part of the proposed park.