COMHAIRLE CONTAE ÁTHA CLIATH THEAS
SOUTH DUBLIN COUNTY COUNCIL
MEETING OF RATHFARNHAM AREA COMMITTEE
Tuesday, November 13, 2012
MOTION NO.8
MOTION: Councillor A.M. Dermody
"That the Manager provide a comprehensive update as to the progress made since the last meeting with regard to the remedial works and reopening of an access point leading from Prospect Manor to Edmondstown Road."
REPORT:
The County Architect has been in contact with the Developer and his structural engineer to progress the matter.
The Developer has agreed to repair the bridge and his consulting engineer has visited the bridge with a specialist repair contractor. The review has been affected by the abnormally high level of the river in the last fortnight. However, the Contractor has advised that it may be possible to underpin the bridge without the necessity of having to remove the steel deck of the bridge, thus lessening difficulties and risks with ESB and Bord Gais services.
The repair area will require to be sandbagged and the river diverted and pumped which has implications for fish and other aquatic life in the river. The Council is therefore arranging to discuss the matter with Inland Fisheries Ireland in relation to mitigation measures and environmental requirements. The Contractor will now prepare a method statement for the works for approval by the Council and also prepare cost quotations for agreement with the Developer.
In relation to the possibility of providing access via Springvale Estate, following discussion at the September Rathfarnham Area Committee meeting, it was proposed that the option of alternative access through Springvale, even on a temporary basis, be examined. Council staff have examined this option and have established that it is certainly a possible option, subject to detailed costing. The estimated cost of constructing a temporary path to current accessibility standards and the provision of access through the wall into Springvale is estimated to be in the order of €25,000 - €30,000. There is no provision for expenditure of this order in the 2012 Parks & Landscape Services budget.
However, it would appear at this stage that the fastest and most cost effective method to remedy the situation is via the Developer and the works outlined above. The Council will continue to liaise with the Developer and his agents to ensure that this matter is resolved at the earliest opportunity.
A site meeting was held on the 22nd October 2012 with the Prospect Manor Residents Association, as requested by the Elected Members, to inform them of the up to date situation. The meeting was positive and the Council undertook to keep the Residents Association informed of progress. The County Architect has also written to Inland Fisheries Ireland, outlining the situation and the proposed remedial works, and has sought approval to carry out the necessary works, subject to any mitigation measures that may be required. Inland Fisheries Ireland is considering the request and a response is expected shortly.