COMHAIRLE CONTAE ÁTHA CLIATH THEAS
SOUTH DUBLIN COUNTY COUNCIL

south dublin county council crest

MEETING OF TALLAGHT AREA COMMITTEE (2)

28 June 2010

QUESTION NO. 5

QUESTION: Councillor J. Hannon

"To ask the Manager to report on the N81 Route Corridor Options procedure, with particular reference to the following:

1.  When will the EIS be presented Members and what, if any, powers will they have to amend or reject same.

2.  Is it possible that the route (within the Committee's area) that is selected supercede the route selected at the Jobstown end some years ago.

3.  Will any weight be given to the fact that a route selection without any certainty of early funding will leave residents who live along the proposed route in a state of uncertainty and anxiety. ?"

REPLY:

1. The National Roads Authority (NRA) have provided funding this year to advance the route selection process for this scheme which is particularly sensitive in the Brittas / Blessington Lakes area. It is expected that the route option will be finalised by the end of this year and the Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) will then commence on the prefered route subject to funding being provided by the NRA. It should be completed by the end of next year with the necessary Compulsory Purchase Order also prepared at that time. The members will be kept informed of progress. The EIS will be published and submitted to An Bord Pleanala following agreement of the NRA  and the provision of funding when the process is finished. The members will have an input at all stages of the public consultation process and will be able to make submissions to An Bord Pleanala.

2. The route can be changed but it is likely that it will be along the same footprint of the Tallaght Bypass Extension scheme which was brought to preliminary design stage in 2002.

3. Yes, the NRA will take this into account as they decide whether or not to grant approvals at the further milestones for the scheme. These key milestones are ; route selection, EIS& CPO publication,  Bord Pleanala decision, Commitment by the NRA to land purchase and construction.