COMHAIRLE CONTAE ÁTHA CLIATH THEAS
SOUTH DUBLIN COUNTY COUNCIL

South Dublin County Council Crest

MEETING OF DEVELOPMENT PLAN MEETING

Thursday, February 04, 2016

MOTION NO. 115

MOTION: Councillor E. Higgins

With reference to Chapter 6, specifically 6.2.0, that the need for future public transport links between Hazelhatch and Saggart, and Newcastle and Rathcoole, be included in the Development Plan. 

Co Sponsor: Cllr. William Lavelle

REPORT:

TM Policy 2 Public Transport includes an Action stating that the Council will:

‘Investigate a future public rail transport corridor between Saggart and Hazelhatch, linking the greater Tallaght area to the west via Saggart/Citywest, Greenogue/Baldonnell & Newcastle, facilitating future sustainable development’

It is noted in the Report on Draft Plan Public Consolation that the National Transport Authority (NTA) has expressed concerns in relation to the inclusion of the above Action.  The NTA acknowledged that whilst it is in the remit for Council to pursue any objectives as it deems appropriate ‘the feasibility and desirability of a new heavy rail line between Tallaght and Saggart is not clear and is not being considered by the Authority’.

Concerns in relation to the proposed rail link have also been detailed at previous Development Plan meeting in June 2015 due to low population densities along the route.  Concerns were also raised that the identification of a rail link may result in pressure to zone land for development in an area that has not been identified for growth within the Core Strategy.  However by removing the word ‘rail’ from the Action, a range of proposals could be explored that be more in keeping with local needs and the Development Plan Core Strategy.

Recommendation

It is recommended that this motion is adopted with amendment to section 6.20 Public Transport Action as follows:

Investigate a future public transport corridor between Saggart and Hazelhatch, linking the greater Tallaght area to the west via Saggart/Citywest, Greenogue/Baldonnell & Newcastle, facilitating future sustainable development.