COMHAIRLE CONTAE ÁTHA CLIATH THEAS
SOUTH DUBLIN COUNTY COUNCIL

MEETING OF RATHFARNHAM AREA COMMITTEE

Tuesday, November 08, 2011

MOTION NO. 17

MOTION: Councillor J. Lahart

"That the Manager presents a full report on the Permeability Project concerning Dargle Wood."

REPORT:

A ‘Local Permeability Report’ (Community Walking and Cycling Links) was presented and noted at the Rathfarnham ACM of the 14^th of June last. The NTA granted funding to SDCC in September for the creation of a shared pedestrian and cycle way through the open space between Templeroan Road and Knocklyon Road. The project was submitted to the NTA for completion prior to the end of 2011. The NTA granted this funding on a discretionary basis only, following a detailed application by South Dublin County Council outlining the benefits of the route proposed and its likelihood to encourage walking and cycling instead of car use for short local journeys.

A description of the propsoal follows: A 4m wide east to west footpath and cycle way is proposed from Templeroan Road to Knocklyon Road. The existing north to south footpath is proposed to be upgraded to a shared walking and cycle route. The 4m is a minimum distance required for both walkers and cyclists to share space safely and comfortably. The existing block wall on the western; Knocklyon Road side is proposed to be replaced with a low wall and railings; similar in style to that constructed by the Parks Department adjacent to the nearby Rutland Centre. The existing palisade fence on the eastern; Templeroan Road side is proposed to be replaced with a low wall and railings; again similar in style to that constructed by the Parks Department adjacent to the Rutland Centre. The overgrowth on the Knocklyon Road side will be removed to allow view into the site from the Knocklyon Road. The trees on the Templeroan Road side will be thinned out and pruned up to allow views in under them into the site from Templeroan Road. A new entrance into the open space is proposed from Knocklyon Road; this will consist of a kissing gate with cycle access to block unauthorised entrance by vehicles A new entrance into the open space is proposed from Templeroan Road; this will consist of a kissing gate with cycle access to block unauthorised entrance by vehicles. The route will be lit with public lighting, using a white light to increase facial recognition at night time.

At the June meeting, the Rathfarnham ACM requested we inform local residents of the proposals prior to works commencing on site. On the 17th of October 2011 we circulated an information leaflet to the local residents and local councillors informing of the proposed works due for commencement in Autumn 2011. This information leaflet was circulated to 3000 households based on an 800m walking band of the proposed route in the vicinity of Knocklyon in order to inform them of the works commencing in Autumn this year.

A Travel Smart Survey was also included in the leaflet drop. This was intended to gauge overall opinion on the proposals and to get some information on general walking and cycling habits in the area as well as some feedback on possible future links. Since the information leaflet and questionnaire were circulated on the 17th of October, we have had a very good response from local residents as outlined below. (This is updated information 2nd November 2011):-

2 callers to the office:

• 1 in favour
• 1 against

 46 Reponses by post:

• 40 in favour
• 5 against
• 1 Yes (access to schools & shops) and No (can we afford it)

 118 on line responses

• 103 in favour
• 15 against  

TOTAL RESPONSES 165 (not counting yes and no answer)

87.27% in favour

12.73% against.

We also received communication from the residents association in Dargle Wood representing an action committee in Dargle Wood and Scholarstown Park, indicating they had a meeting on Monday the 24^th and totally reject the proposals.  An offer to attend the meeting had been rejected by the Group’s Secretary and an earlier offer to meet was not taken up. 

Furthermore, having examined submissions to date, more than half of Dargle Wood and Scholarstown Park residents who made submissions are in favour of the proposal (comments for and against detailed further below).  The overall results indicate overwhelming support for the link in the area, with almost 9 out of 10 respondents in favour, recognising the benefits of improved and safer access to the schools, church and shops. Many of the submissions mentioned existing anti-social behaviour in this area and are of the opinion that the route would help address the problem (including some Dargle Wood residents whose properties back onto the proposed route).

This view is supported by the local Community Garda for the Rathfarnham area, to whom we have sent the information leaflet and explained the proposed link.  As a member of the cycle patrol, he particularly agrees that taking down the block wall and removing brambles on the Knocklyon Road side and removing the palisade fence and trimming the trees on the Templeroan side and replacing both boundaries with a low wall with railings on top, will improve matters.  With ‘white’ light along the route and much more open views into it, the Community Garda considers that the young people currently gathering and drinking in the vicinity will not wish to remain where they can be seen.  We will continue to liaise with the Gardai and take on board any suggestions they have to make the route safer as the project is implemented on site.

Preliminary enabling works commenced on site November the 1st.  However, work is currently suspended further to requests from Area Members, who attended an informal briefing with Council officials on Thursday 3rd November.  Officals also meeting with representatives of the local residents of Dargle Wood and Scholarstown Park later on 3rd November.

The Resident's Representatives outlined their opposition and concerns with regard to the proposed route and the consultative process to date. The Officials outlined the genesis of the project, a description of the proposed works, opinion  that it will be of benefit to the local community and desire to proceed with the works.

Further to detailed discussion five main items of concern emerged in relation to the link; namely:

·         The line of the proposed route between the existing north-south route and the Templeroan Road (i.e. the eastern portion of the proposed route).

·         The existing boundary within the Dargle Wood North estate and the open space that is not secure to vehicular traffic as existing; and if it could be examined as part of the project.

·         The width of the proposed route.

·         Two peripheral areas of open space that are pocket shaped.

·         That the lights are dimmable.

One further item arose that was subject to discussion with regard to the proposed upgrade of the existing north-south link and whether this should be proceeded with in full as part of the Project.

It was agreed that officials would examine all of the above areas, revise proposals accordingly and make revised drawings available.  It was requested by the Resident's Representatives that an information meeting be arranged for the residents of Dargle Wood and Scholarstown Park for Thursday the 10^th of November (time and venue not arranged as of time of report writing).  It was agreed by the Officials to make the revised drawings and information available to the residents and elected members prior to the meeting and to leaflet residents notifying them of the information meeting. 

Specific Comments from Dargle Wood and Scholarstown Park Submissions below:-

Comments from residents who thought the proposals were a good idea:

• "I am delighted with this initiative!   My house backs on to the green area where the path/cycle lane is due to go and we are plagued with groups of youths drinking, lighting fires, shouting, fighting behind our garden wall.  Increased traffic and proper lighting here would not only benefit the hundreds of school going children access their schools along a safer route but possibly dispel this anti-social behaviour."
• "It would hopefully stop the anti social behaviour which happens all the time in this area. It would also make it safer for my children and myself to go through in the evenings and at night."
• "The green area is not very safe at the moment especially in the evenings/dark. A well-lit path both to Scholarstown or to Templeroan is very beneficial. A few benches on this green would encourage people to sit around."
• "It would create a safer, cleaner park with easier access, also with lighting this should reduce unsocial behaviour. I think this is a great idea as I have seen school children struggling to scale the wall on their way to and from school."
• "It would open up the area. From what I see at this moment it would be a good idea, because as it is cut off, it is a gathering area for youth and noisy at times. I hope it would be a positive rather than a negative move and it would be tidier -  not a dumping ground."
• "Principally to clean up the green space which is currently used for anti-social purposes, i.e. young people drinking. Hopefully, the final result of the development will discourage people from just hanging around and encourage others to avail of what could be a very enjoyable space"
• "Because as a resident of Dargle Wood whose house backs on to this green area we are fed up with the continuous anti-social behaviour that goes on all year round in this space which is too secluded from the main road thereby keeping these gurriers hidden. We hope this development will finally rid us of this carry-on.  We also hope it is confined to cyclists and walkers and is not the thin-end of a wedge to allow cars use the route (as originally planned)"
• One resident (whose garden backs onto the green open space) wrote a letter accompanying the questionnaire commending the idea and making further suggestions.
• "Brings responsibility to maintain the area, removes unsightly walls and railings; very progressive improvement very badly required"
• "This route is already an established short cut, mainly used by the young people in the area. It is also used as a gathering spot for the teenagers in the area. By opening the area up and installing street lighting it should discourage them from using the area as a bush bar."

Comments from residents who objected to the proposal:

• One objector gave no reason
• "I am concerned about this proposal.  I only got notice of same when the leaflet dropped in the door.  I live in No XX Dargle Wood, which will be hugely affected by a cut through directly at the back boundary wall of my home.  This area has been reported previously for anti social behaviour and I feel this proposal will contribute hugely to continuous problems around this area directly at my back garden.  I am XX and I live alone.  I can be contacted at following email address: XXXXXXXX"

(As this resident had submitted their email address; we contacted this person directly, expressing our view that the proposal would help decrease the opportunity for anti-social gatherings and also regarding the community garda cycle patrols along the link)

• "Considering the limited amount of public monies available for such works, it would seem to me, a lot of expenditure for a small beneficial gain to a limited number of residents. The proposed cycling/walking route is a proposed road reservation which presumably sometime will be such. Would it not be a better idea to wait for sufficient funds to construct the road with a cycle lane and footpath as initially intended thereby facilitating motorist and cyclist and further not having to disregard the cycle path when the new road is constructed at a future date. If a road with a cycle lane and path was constructed instead, it would take the traffic of the existing road between Dargle wood, and Knockaire, thereby making it safer for cyclists to use the old road instead, and thereby benefiting a greater number of "would be" cyclists. My idea would also benefit the house owners on this stretch of the knocklyon road who are presently fronting a main busy sub standard road which is a bus route also."
• "I prefer the facility as a park for residents of nearby estate. In 2007 it was proposed that this site facilitate temporary school buildings and this idea was rejected by the local residents.  I like the green space as a park and have no desire to see it turned into a public walkway and cycling route."
• "No other safe place to walk the dog"
• "More noise, gangs, graffiti, broken bottles"
• "Increase in antisocial behavour, more grafitti increase noise i.e more moterbikes,more gangs at night time increase in letter"
• "The green area is used my the children in both Dargle Wood and Scholarstown Park to play football, and generally have fun, That shouldn’t be taken away from them. Its not a good idea" 
• "Potentially damaging to the environment of a pristine open green area frequented mainly by children. This is an unnecessary proposal for a facility which would in practice be superfluous"
• "Already teenagers drinking and anti social behaviour at night.   Motorbikes and svooters would use as short cut.  Disturb the natural wildlife.  Lovely and peaceful in day.  Lovely place to play with grandchildren and enjoy nature.  Like the way not many people around nice local park for local people.  Like the enclosed walls for security. There is a lot if natural wildlife around.  Chikdten from the locality play happily and safely football cricket founders rounders.  Play on bikes without intrusion. If open to the public  too mant people walking around not secure anymore to key childten out.  Park would become too busy.  The back gardens are open the then to burgulars and nosey oarkers. Parkers.  Loss of security privacy peace .  I bought my house because of the green space as we have limited garden space.v.  soon it would become a rat race for the neighbour good.  Hood.  And next thing it would become an open road for card and loftiest and our green  spavr is gone."

(Please note we contend that the provision of a cycle and footpath should increase the amenity and accessibility of the open space to residents; not diminish it. We do not intend to deprive the children of their playing area and have amended our proposals to retain a large green open area within the space. Furthermore our access points will be designed to exclude motorbikes from entering at the proposed locations. We are also replacing the existing boundary with a low wall and railing to secure the site from unauthorised entry. There is no intention to construct a road as part of these proposals; it is purely designed for locals to walk and cycle within their neighbourhood).

Subject to the amendments and further consultation outlined above, it is now proposed to proceed with the works as and from the 14^th of November 2011 or as soon as possible thereafter.