COMHAIRLE CONTAE ÁTHA CLIATH THEAS
SOUTH DUBLIN COUNTY COUNCIL

MEETING OF RATHFARNHAM AREA COMMITTEE

Tuesday, October 12, 2010

HEADED ITEM NO. 20

SAFETY ASPECTS FIRHOUSE ROAD FIRHOUSE/BALLYCULLEN QUALITY BUS CORRIDOR DUBLIN 24 SEPTEMBER 2010

A site inspection was carried out by the Project Supervisor Design on 3rd Sept 2010 and the Project Supervisor Construction on 9th September 2010.

These inspections resulted from a query raised by Cllr. Cosgrave in relation to motorists and vulnerable road users in proximity to the works at the last Area committee meeting and his request to report back to the committee with regard to same.

The above site visits were discussed at the regular Site Safety Meeting on the 12th September and the following key points noted; 

A. Pedestrian barriers were in place at appropriate locations. It is acknowledged with respect to Cremorne Estate the existing footpaths lie outside extent of works. 

B. The lack of directional signage (possibly removed due to vandalism) may have resulted in some pedestrians following estate roads out to main road junction, as opposed to using temporary walkways and crossings installed by the contractor SIAC.

C. Pinch points existed at Knocklyon Avenue and Green Acre Court due to siteconstraints and the necessity to take a minimum of 1m each side beyond  existing kerb lines to facilitate tarmac tie in detail and new kerb construction as per construction detail requirements. These works are now complete.

D. As a result some pedestrians may have inadvertently entered work zones  which would explain query re poor surfacing. Surfacing of temporary footpaths where they exist are considered satisfactory.

The following recomendations have been instigated;

1.Pedestrian Directional Signage  has been replaced

2 Pedestrian Directional Signage at estate exit/access locations is monitored on a

weekly (daily if possible) basis.

3 Works fencing is checked on a daily basis such that unauthorized entry is identified and repaired. 

4.Contact details of the site can be provided to Councillors. This would apply to safety issues only such that  in the event of a complaint it can be investigated contemporaneously and appropriate actions taken there and then.