COMHAIRLE CONTAE ÁTHA CLIATH THEAS
SOUTH DUBLIN COUNTY COUNCIL

MEETING OF CLONDALKIN AREA COMMITTEE

Wednesday, May 16, 2012

QUESTION NO. 5

QUESTION: Councillor T. Delaney

To ask the Manager for a report on the proposed pedestrian access bridge(s) from Millrace, Saggart into Rathcoole Park and also enquire as to the possibility of a similar access from Springbank?

REPLY:

1.  With regard to the proposed access to Rathcoole Park from the Mill Race Development in Saggart it is a condition of the planning permission for the development that the developer prepare a landscape plan for the open space area associated with the development and which is to link with Rathcoole Park.  The landscape plan draft has been agreed in principle and a bridge is included in it that will allow for a connection to Rathcoole Park.  However, the Developer has yet to comply with other conditions relating to the overall development and some of these have an impact on the development of the open space itself.  It is therefore unlikely that the park and bridge development will be completed ahead of the completion of the overall development.  The Council is continuing to liaise with the developer to have the matter expedited as quickly as possible.

2.  The County Council is aware of the need to install a bridge over the Camac River at Springbank Estate, providing access to Rathcoole Park. A number of years ago such a proposal was discussed with local residents in the area. However, concerns were expressed by those residents living close to the proposed location of the bridge, that this would give rise to serious problems relating to loitering and anti-social activity in the vicinity of the bridge. For that reason, it was decided not to pursue the matter further.  Further consultation with local residents in the area would be required  before the installation of a pedestrian bridge at this location could be considered .