COMHAIRLE CONTAE ÁTHA CLIATH THEAS
SOUTH DUBLIN COUNTY COUNCIL

MEETING OF LUCAN AREA COMMITTEE

Tuesday, December 17, 2013

MOTION NO. 16

MOTION: Councillor E. Higgins

"That the Manager presents a report, for discussion, on the current status of granted planning permissions applying to the Liffey Valley Town Centre LAP lands and that this report looks at what infrastructure and community facilities would be delivered as part of the granting of planning permission. "

REPORT:

A number of planning applications (approx 20) sought permission for relatively minor developments such as lighting/signage and alterations to existing units. However a summary  of a number of applications is set out below which are considered to be of relevance to the motion :

• SD12A/0198: Events Area (2359sq.m.) to host a series of temporary uses (e.g. ice rink, funfairs etc); to the rear of shopping centre (3 year permission to expire in 2015). 
• SD12A/0014: Development comprising 2 phases (1A and 1B): Phase 1A comprises the construction of (i) a retail anchor of circa 7,935 square metres gross floor area (circa 3,500 square metres convenience net sales area and circa 1,728 square metres comparison net sales area) including a licensed alcohol sales area, ancillary offices, staff facilities, bulkstore and cage marshalling area at first floor level; (ii) a café (235 square metres) and retail services unit (180 square metres) on the first floor; (iii) circulation space to include an atrium at ground and first floor levels; (iv) signage; (v) service yard at first floor level; (vi) 551 number car parking spaces to be provided at grade, part under first floor retail; (vii) CHP plant, ESB substation and all ancillary landscaping, site works and services; (viii) road upgrades to the following junctions:- (1) Saint Lomans Road-Fonthill- Bóthar An Life/Shancastle Avenue Roundabout Junction; (2) Fonthill Road/Coldcut Road Junction; (3) Bóther An Life/Ascail An Life Roundabout Junctions (west and south); (4) N4/Fonthill Road Off-Ramp Junction. Phase 1B comprises five number ground floor retail services units (circa 1,041 square metres total gross) and an additional 36 number car parking spaces at grade (to bring the total to 587 number spaces) to be provided on completion of the east-west boulevard, all at circa 2.39 hectare site, located to the southeast of the Liffey Valley Shopping Centre and north of the B&Q Unit off the Coldcut Road, Clondalkin, Dublin. An  Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) is submitted with this application.
• SD12A/0226: Six restaurants in a new three storey building of 3,444sq.m. where five restaurants and an office were approved previously (Ref. Ref. SD10A/0034). Internal amendments are proposed to the existing Vue cinema, to cease using three cinemas and the existing foyer totalling 1,502sq.m.,  create a new entrance foyer of 189sq.m. and to construct an extension externally of 827sq.m. for cinema use. The area vacated by the cinema together with a northern extension to complement the Western End development will be developed as a three storey retail unit of 6,640sq.m. gross, including staff facilities, storage etc;  there will be a new western entrance to the shopping centre including a relocated ATM, and a retail kiosk.  Permission is sought for the location and extent of signage for the proposed developments;  a new communal landscaped Civic Space of 3,300sq.m. will be developed in front of the new development and will include external seating for the restaurants;  there will be revised and improved circulation access in this area.  Permission is sought for a temporary 'Events and Activities Area' in the western car park area proposed for a future Transport Hub.  Permission is sought for a new temporary surface car park for 204 cars, located to the rear of the existing centre, to replace parking spaces removed to provide the development. Permission is also sought for a new service yard, loading facilities and all site works and landscaping associated with the development. The total area of new build will be 10,900sq.m.

The two main developments were considered by An Bord Pleannala and were considered in the light of the Local Area plan and the Development plan zoning.

In broad terms, with respect to wider works proposed on foot of these permissions this includes:

·         Junction improvements, including improved pedestrian and cycling facilities.

·         Taxi rank and the provision of a fully wheelchair accessible shuttle bus service serving the local catchment area.

·         Improved pedestrian links including the Southern Boulevard.

·         3,300sq.m Public civic space to front revised Vue cinema entrance.

·         Separate specific financial contribution of €50,000 towards to upgrading of Quarryvale park. 

Neither of the two larger applications has to date been commenced.