COMHAIRLE CONTAE ÁTHA CLIATH THEAS
SOUTH DUBLIN COUNTY COUNCIL

south dublin county council crest

MEETING OF SOUTH DUBLIN COUNTY COUNCIL

Monday, May 12, 2008

QUESTION NO. 6

QUESTION: Councillor T. McDermott

To ask the Manager for a comprehensive report on the progress to date on developing a strategy for the Dublin Hills in conjunction with Dun Laoghaire / Rathdown County Council, Coilte and other parties and will he make a statement on the matter?

REPLY:

In 2006, a project Steering Group comprising representatives from South Dublin County Council , Dun Laoghaire Rathdown County Council, Coillte Teoranta, National Parks and Wildlife Service and the Dublin Mountains Initiative (a voluntary group representing recreational users of the Dublin Mountains area) was established to consider, coordinate and oversee the preparation of a 10 year Strategic Plan for the development of outdoor recreation in the Dublin Mountains area.   

The overall objective was to develop an integrated outdoor recreation plan for the area, linking existing and potential outdoor recreation components – in particular forests and other public or state owned lands with recreational potential, and including access routes - with the ultimate aim of improving the recreational experience for users of the Dublin Mountains, whilst recognising the objectives and constraints of the various landowners.   Consultants were engaged to prepare a Strategic Plan under the guidance of the Steering Group.   This Strategic Plan has recently been completed by the consultants.  

A key conclusion of the Consultants Report was that public owned land with recreational potential in the Dublin Mountains needs to be managed as an integrated entity and would, therefore, require a representative management structure with shared commitment.   To address this important issue, the report recommended the establishment of a Dublin Mountains Partnership.   The Steering Group are currently considering the implications of this recommendation and options for its implementation.   It is likely that this will be finalised shortly, and a full report on the matter along with the Strategic Plan, and an implementation strategy will be brought to the Members in the near future.