COMHAIRLE CONTAE ÁTHA CLIATH THEAS
SOUTH DUBLIN COUNTY COUNCIL

MEETING OF LUCAN AREA COMMITTEE

Tuesday, November 23, 2010

HEADED ITEM NO. 5

New HGV School Time Restriction

In accordance with the wishes of the members at the Last Area Committee the Council is pursuing the implementation of the Schooltime HGV ban on the Newcastle Road in the vicinity of St Thomas's and St Anne's National School and Lucan Community College. It should be pointed out that a viable alternative route cannot be identified without diverting this traffic through residential areas and roads with other schools. The enforcement of the ban is another matter to be considered as it is doubtful if the Garda Authorities would have the necessary resources to police such a ban at the times required particularly as the ban would be negated for deliveries to the shopping centre.

This is one of the primary arteries for access to the N4 from the South of the County and is vital for the continued prosperity of the County and the Council's revenue resource. The Council will work with local businesses to try to limit the amount of heavy vehicles traversing the route at these times.

It should be noted that there has been a considerable amount of pedestrian facilities, including traffic lights, pedestrian lights and footpaths put in place over the last year to improve safety at this location for all including school going children. In addition the Council have had discussions with local school management with  a view to identifying measures to further improve safety and the opening of additional pedestrian entrances and to try and limit the amount of vehicular activity at the critical times on the Newcastle road.  

Please see the attached map which indicates the number of schools and other heavy goods vehicle bans already in place.   

It should also be noted that there has been a considerable input by the Garda authorities of late with regard to rat running through the shopping centre and better enforcement of the bus lane at this location.