COMHAIRLE CONTAE ÁTHA CLIATH THEAS
SOUTH DUBLIN COUNTY COUNCIL

south dublin county council crest

MEETING OF LUCAN AREA COMMITTEE

Tuesday, April 22, 2014

HEADED ITEM NO. 13

Part 8 Bewley Grove, St. Andrews, Fairways & Willsbrook

With regard to the proposed works for the open space at Bewley Grove, Mount Bellew Way & St. Andrew's Fairway and the provision of car parking at Willsbrook Park, Mount Bellew Way and the R136 (Outer Ring Road) and following consideration of the received submissions, it is apparent that the local community is divided geographically in relation to Option A, albeit with more submissions in support of closing the route, overwhelmingly from residents to the north of the gap.  In relation to Option B, those that made submissions were primarily opposed to the proposed car park in Willsbrook Park.

Option A will close an existing right of way across an area of public open space.  Whilst this will divert school-going traffic out of the estates to the north, it will displace peak time traffic onto Willsbrook Road and Mount Bellew Way.  It is noted that there are two conflicting Specific Local Objectives (24 and 25) of the County Development Plan in this regard.

Option B proposes to formalise and improve the existing right of way across an area of public open space together with measures to achieve the objective of diverting school going traffic from residential estates i.e. by encouraging walking and cycling in combination and supporting works together with significant monitoring and management initiatives.  It is noted that this aligns with County Development Plan policy in relation to sustainable travel, mobility, permeability and healthy communities and is in accordance with the proper planning and sustainable development of the area.

 In accordance with Section 179(4) of the Planning and Development Act 2000 as amended, the members of a local authority shall, as soon as may be, consider the proposed development (Option A & Option B in this instance) and the report of the manager.  Following the consideration of the manager's report, the members may, by resolution, decide to vary or modify the development or decide not to proceed with the development.