COMHAIRLE CONTAE ÁTHA CLIATH THEAS
SOUTH DUBLIN COUNTY COUNCIL

MEETING OF RATHFARNHAM AREA COMMITTEE

Tuesday, June 12, 2012

MOTION NO. 8

MOTION: Councillor J. Lahart

"That the Manager be congratulated on the works carried out as part of the permeability project undertaken at Dargle Wood, Knocklyon - particularly the Parks and Planning Departments - but that the Manager revisit the vehicular access from lower Dargle Wood which makes no logical sense whatsoever, before works are completed there."

REPORT:

The completed link is a result of much effort and positive involvement by local residents, elected members and departments within the Council and the Planning and Parks Departments acknowledges the amount of engagement and support received. 

With regard to the vehicular gate and access for Parks Department maintenance vehicles; the roadside along Dargle Wood Lower had previously been lined with timber bollards except at the location where the vehicular gate now exists and at the end of the north-south footpath.  As part of the current permeability project the boundary was lined with railings at the request of the local residents and a kissing gate installed to the north-south footpath.  The Parks Department previously accessed the open space for maintenance purposes via the location where the vehicular gate is currently located or via the footpath access point.  Due to the closure of the footpath to vehicles a new vehicular gate was required for the Parks Department maintenance vehicles to access the open space.  The optimal location for the vehicular gate was considered by the Parks Department and the location chosen was the point where vehicles had previously accessed the point and where the vehicular gate is now located.

Due to the slope of the open space and the fall in the ground; there are difficulties accessing the open space all along this boundary (hence the reason for the previous access via the footpath).  There exists a potential for tracks developing in the grass regardless of the position of the vehicular gate.  The Parks Department are of the opinion that the position in which they installed the gate is the most favourable for them to access the open space despite the slope, as the slope occurs over a longer distance.  Furthermore, if the vehicular gate was moved to the mid-point where the dropped kerb exists any tracks that may develop would be highly visible in the centre of the open space which would not be desirable.

The vehicular gate is of a standard type used by the Parks Department at locations throughout the county.  It will be painted black over the coming week to match the railings adjacent and decrease its visual impact to the adjacent residents.  Tree planting is also proposed for the open space behind the railings at this location.  This is proposed for the autumn.