COMHAIRLE CONTAE ÁTHA CLIATH THEAS
SOUTH DUBLIN COUNTY COUNCIL

MEETING OF RATHFARNHAM AREA COMMITTEE

Tuesday, March 13, 2012

QUESTION NO. 11

QUESTION: Councillor E. Coburn

"To ask the Manager to provide a progress report on the status of the footpaths in Dargle Wood and an update on the expected completion date of all elements of the project?"

REPLY:

Works commenced on site on Tuesday 15th November 2011.  The east-west route was excavated and laid with hardcore before Christmas.  The boundaries to the east and west have been dug and foundations poured.  Access gates have been erected at all four entrance points.  Ducting is currently being laid.  We estimate substantial completion by end of April.  This includes the majority of the works (footpath finishes, access point finishes and concrete block walls, lights) to secure the open space and allow use by pedestrians and cyclists; the more labour intensive and craft based stone work to cover the concrete block walls will take longer.  Also it was agreed with residents that some graffiti removal would take place and that will occur later in the year when weather is hopefully drier.  During the course of works it was also decided to repair the existing north-south footpath as it would require maintenance in the near future and it is most cost effective to complete these works at the same time.  The north-south footpath has been excavated and hardcored (when the tarmac is being laid the Parks Department will replace the north-south footpath with one of same width and position as currently exists).  The excavation works have been completed and the digger has progressed to laying the ducting for lighting.  The lighting poles will be erected and the tarmac will be laid after that.  In order to prevent damage to the wider park area the Parks Department are working off the hardcored pathways; this means that work is progressing slowly but it is necessary to ensure that damage is not caused to the wider parkland.