COMHAIRLE CONTAE ÁTHA CLIATH THEAS
SOUTH DUBLIN COUNTY COUNCIL

MEETING OF RATHFARNHAM AREA COMMITTEE

Tuesday, February 09, 2010

MOTION NO. 17

MOTION: Councillor C. Keane

"That this Committee recommends that the small stone wall agreed for Whitecliffe estate i.e removal of unsightly boulders at green be proceeded with this year (noting that I was informed in written question that funding was provided for this in 2008 budget)."

REPORT:

A sum of €12,000 was allocated under the 2007 Parks Works Programme for the proposed construction of a low boundary wall along the Whitecliff open space at Whitechurch Road.  The proposed installation of the low wall was discussed by the Parks Department on a number of occasions during 2007 with representatives of the Whitecliff Residents Association.  Given that the re-alignment of that section of the Whitechurch Road is a long term road proposal in the 2004-2010 Development Plan, it was agreed with the residents that the installation of the wall be deferred with a view to it being provided as part of the Whitechurch Road re-alignment.  In this context, the Parks Department discussed with the Residents Association the consideration of using the funding to replace the existing boulders along the open space boundary with wooden bollards as a short term measure to upgrade the appearance of the boundary .  The Residents Association declined this proposal and the funding which was allocated under the 2007 Parks Works Programme ceased to be available at the year end.  The proposed re-alignment of the Whitechurch Road has not yet advanced to design stage, and in the absence of an agreed new line for the road at Whitecliff estate, it is not considered appropriate or best use of resources to construct a boundary wall at this location which may be subject to removal in the future to facilitate the re-alignment of the road.  Consequently, there is no financial provision in the Parks Department's 2010 budget to construct a wall at Whitecliff.