COMHAIRLE CONTAE ÁTHA CLIATH THEAS
SOUTH DUBLIN COUNTY COUNCIL

MEETING OF LUCAN AREA COMMITTEE

Tuesday, January 24, 2012

QUESTION NO.18

QUESTION: Councillor W. Lavelle

To ask the Manager to provide a detailed update on the current status of plans to provide public access to lands along the River Liffey previously handed over to South Dublin County Council as part of the Hermitage Clinic development in line with the requirements of the Council and to meet the intent of the An Bord Pleanála decision on the original planning application?

REPLY:

Although the process for the land transfer arising from the Grant of Permission for the Hermitage Clinic hospital has been progressed, it is not possible to access the land itself due to the configuration of the road system provided by the hospital and the standard of road and pedestrian links that were constructed to access the lands. 

The issues of appropriate public access and development of the lands for use as a public park have been the subject of ongoing discussions with representatives of both the Hermitage Clinic and the original developer.  The Hermitage Clinic is now examining options in relation to the provision of the required access that will satisfy the requirements of the Council and meet the intent of the An Bord Pleanála decision.  In relation to the appropriate development of the lands, the Hermitage Clinic have advised that this is a matter for the original applicant for the development.  The Council is disappointed with progress in resolving the matter and that this important section of the Liffey Valley park is still not accessible to the public. The matter is being pursued with the developer to ensure that it is resolved in the short term.  The Elected Members will be kept informed of progress.