COMHAIRLE CONTAE ÁTHA CLIATH THEAS
SOUTH DUBLIN COUNTY COUNCIL

MEETING OF RATHFARNHAM AREA COMMITTEE

Tuesday, February 14, 2012

MOTION NO. 6

MOTION: Councillor P. Cosgrave

Cathaoirleach's Business

"That the Manager give a report on what works are to be done to repair damage at the Roman Arch on Dodder Park Road to include:-

• Removal of all graffiti from the Roman Arch.
• Removal of ivy from the Arch and adjoining wall and railings.
• Provision of CCTV to stop further damage from graffiti and damage by theft of lead from the roof.
• Provide a landscape area in front with flowers to enhance this important protected structure."

REPORT:

As result of the ongoing vandalism and theft of lead from Ely Arch over the past few months, a meeting has been arranged with the South Dublin Conservation Officer in order to discuss what measures can be put in place to prevent further vandalism and to establish what repair works are required as well as the future management and maintenance of the Arch.

A meeting was also held with the Crime Prevention Officer from Tallaght Garda Station and the following suggestions were made:

1.       Open up the area to greater public exposure. Remove any trees which obstruct natural surveillance. Remove ivy from the structure.

2.       Existing doors should be replaced with strong lockable grilles.

3.       Floodlighting for the structure.

4.       Open up the area to greater public use, for example, consider opening up the archway so as to encourage a public thoroughfare.

5.       Give consideration to the possibilities of internet camera monitoring.

The above matters will be the subject of discussions with the Conservation Officer and an agreed plan of action will be prepared and costed with a view to obtaining the necessary consents and to indentify the funding required to implement it.  

Additionally, because of its heritage importance and its prominent location in this section of the Dodder Valley, it is proposed to prepare a Landscape Plan to:

• enhance the surrounding area in a manner that emphasises the historical importance of the Arch
• interpret the historical and architectural context of the Arch
• to link the Arch with the Dodder River.

It would be expected to bring back landscape proposals to the Area Committee later this year.