COMHAIRLE CONTAE ÁTHA CLIATH THEAS
SOUTH DUBLIN COUNTY COUNCIL

MEETING OF DEVELOPMENT PLAN MEETING

Thursday, June 18, 2015

MOTION NO. 322

MOTION: Councillor G. O'Connell

The following Objective to be inserted in the 2016 - 2022 County Development Plan ref 6.4.2 (P 109) TM Policy 5 and Policy 6, given the residential character of the area, the density and design of the estates and the fact that the named roads were all build prior to the 1963 Planning Act and that the level of motorised traffic on these roads has reached dangerous and intolerable levels: All vehicles in excess of 3.5 Tonne will be restricted, except for access, from entering Kennelsfort Road, Wheatfield Road, Palmerstown Avenue, Turret Road, Woodfarm Avenue, Woodfarm Drive, Glenmaroon Road and the Oval, Palmerstown.

Co-signed by Cllr. P. Gogarty, Cllr. L. O'Toole, Cllr. F. Timmons and Cllr. D. O'Donovan.

REPORT:

Restrictions on HGV traffic for vehicles over 7.5 tonnes have been put in place along Kennelsfort Road. This is sufficient to prevent Heavy Goods vehicles using the road (unless they have business in the area) because of their size whilst still permitting smaller commercial vehicles to traverse the route. The 7.5 tonne restriction was applied in accordance with South Dublin County Council’s Mobility and Management of Heavy Goods Vehicles policy.

There is concern that the inclusion of the requirement for a 3.5 tonne limit would place unreasonable restrictions on the use of the road that would impact on the viability of business that utilise it for access, particular those within the Cherry Orchard Industrial Estate. The restriction may also result in the dispersion of additional HGV traffic within the Ballyfermot and Lucan areas, as alternative routes are sought. The proposed 3.5 tonne limit also conflicts with South Dublin County Council policy.

Furthemore, road weight restrictions are beyond the strategic land use remit of the County Development Plan. The proposed motion therefore cannot be achieved through the Development Plan.

It should also be noted that it is proposed to rezone part of the Cherry Orchard Industrial Estate for Mixed Use. Should this Brownfield area regenerate in the medium to long term, HGV access may no longer be necessary.

Recommendation

It is recommended that this motion is not adopted.