COMHAIRLE CONTAE ÁTHA CLIATH THEAS
SOUTH DUBLIN COUNTY COUNCIL

south dublin county council crest

MEETING OF SOUTH DUBLIN COUNTY COUNCIL

Monday, September 10, 2012

QUESTION NO. 6

QUESTION: Councillor J. Hannon

To ask the Manager to report on progress, if any, in relation to implementing the Development Plan objective of facilitating the establishment of a visitor centre/tourism amenity on the Dodder?

REPLY:

Specific Local Objective 78 of the County Development Plan relates to 'Tourism Amenity - Dodder Valley' and is to "Support the development of a visitor centre / tourism amenity based on the historical mills that were a feature of the area at a suitable location on the Dodder at Tallaght, and have regard to the potential impact on biodiversity and wildlife that such a development may have".  To date, a suitable location for such a facility has yet to be identified.  There are a number of initiatives underway that are intended to encourage further activity and tourism in the Dodder Valley and the additional footfall and movement likely to be generated would support the viability of a visitor centre / tourism amenity at a suitable location.

These initiatives include:-

National Transport Authority Funding to develop a new and upgraded walking and cycling route from Dublin Docklands / Ballsbridge up the Dodder Valley to Firhouse.  This Project is being undertaken jointly by DCC and SDCC and is being led by SDCC.  It is intended to extend the scope of the study to link with the Dublin Mountains Way at Kiltipper Park / Bohernabreena and enable the Dodder Valley route to be used for both commuter and leisure / amenity purposes.

National Transport Authority Funding to develop a  new and upgraded walking and cycling route from Tallaght to Ballyboden, including new routes through the Dodder Valley Park at Old Bawn and a new pedestrian/cycle bridge over the Dodder between  the Park and the Firhouse Road.  This Project is being undertaken by SDCC and is currently at Part 8 design stage.  If the Part 8 is successful, it would be intended to seek NTA funding for construction to commence in 2013.

In addition to the above, the Heritage Council has recently funded a biodiversity and ecological assessment of the section of the Dodder Valley from the bridge at Old Bawn Road to the bridge at Bohernabreena.