COMHAIRLE CONTAE ÁTHA CLIATH THEAS
SOUTH DUBLIN COUNTY COUNCIL

MEETING OF DEVELOPMENT PLAN MEETING

Tuesday, September 01, 2009

MOTION NO. 121

MOTION: Councillor E. Tuffy

That on page 101 – 2.2.14, the section be re-written and divided into three sections:

A  Walking and Cycling;

B Walking

C  Cycling

In addition to material in the section the following should added: “

A  Walking and Cycling

Also draft DLR – 12.1.12.

1  Walking and Cycling will be promoted by securing the development of a network of safe cycle routes and footpaths on new and existing roads and on routes reserved exclusively for pedestrians and cyclists.

2  New Walkways and cycle routes should be established on a legal and permanent basis.

3  Road safety for pedestrians and cyclists would be improved by lower speed limits and priority over motorised transport and by providing linear parks, footpaths, cycle paths and public lighting in towns and villages and  Footpaths on the outskirts of towns and villages should be extended where appropriate, and adequate public lighting should be provided.

4  Develop linkages with walking and cycling trails such in adjoining counties.

5  Walking/Cycle Routes should be signposted/waymarked

6 Develop a network of rural footpaths, cycleways and bridle paths.

7 Allow rural landscape into urban landscapes through greenways and linear parks.

8 Protect and promote Greenways and consider designating them as public rights of way.

B  Walking

1 National Trails Network, Slí na Sláinte and other defined walking trails and cycle routes should be listed 

2  Work in partnership with local authorities in adjoining counties to provide a network of walking trails beyond the county boundaries.

3 Facilitate the provision of car parks for walkers at appropriate access points to amenities.

4  Research and map the existing network of traditional paths used for leisure purposes with the intention of determining the legal basis and status of their use. 

5  The Council shall establish a Register of all walking routes and preserve  protect and add additional walking routes.

7  Maps showing walking routes should be included.  

C  Cycling

Cycle routes should follow, in order or preference: Off-road tracks, quiet country roads, and regional or national roads.

And that the draft county plan is accordingly amended.

REPORT:

The provisions of the draft development plan relating to walking and cycling are set out in two separate parts of the draft Written Statement. Section 2.2.14 Walking and Cycling relates to transport and accessibility issues in urban areas and is included under the Connected Place theme. Policies and objectives relating to walking and other recreational activities are included in Section 4 of the draft Written Statement under the Protected Place theme, and these generally relate to activities in the open countryside. It is considered that this arrangement provides an appropriate focus on the different characteristics of urban and rural areas and the related issues.

With regard to the proposals in the motion relating to section 2.2.14, this section  reflects relevant guidelines which seek to encourage and facilitate the choice of walking and cycling as sustainable modes of transport in urban areas. The focus is generally on urban design principles that promote ease of access and movement in the urban environment for both pedestrians and cyclists for the purpose of guiding development in this regard. This approach reflects the presumption that issues relating to walking and cycling in urban areas are best addressed within a common focus relating to street design, accessibility and safety.

 The policies and objectives set out in section 4 of the draft Written Statement seek to address issues arising in relation to a wide variety of recreational activities that generally take place in the open countryside, and are included under the general heading of ‘Amenities’.  

 With regard to the proposals in the motion relating to ‘rights of way’ and ‘walking routes’ it is considered that the relevant policies and objectives (LHA31: Access to Forest and Woodland Areas; LHA32 Public Rights of Way; LHA33 Trails, Hiking and Walking Routes; and LHA34: Amenity/ Viewing lay-bys) adequately address the issues arising having regard to the significant legal complexities surrounding the issue of  public rights of way. It should be noted that a number of the measures proposed would require the allocation of substantial resources having regard to the legal requirements to be satisfied for the purpose of registering such easements without giving rise to costly legal challenges by affected landowners.  

Notwithstanding the potential positive impacts of the motion, it is considered that in light of the particulars outlined above, this motion should not be adopted..

 MANAGER’S RECOMMENDATION:

That the motion not be adopted.