COMHAIRLE CONTAE ÁTHA CLIATH THEAS
SOUTH DUBLIN COUNTY COUNCIL

South Dublin County Council Crest

MEETING OF DEVELOPMENT PLAN MEETING

Monday, May 16, 2016

MOTION NO. 13

MOTION: Councillor R. McMahon

To remove the words "for use by local farmers" and to include the wording under HCL 9 Objective 7 "....and to encourage the grazing of such areas by local farmers, which would include the provision of cattle grids on the roads leading down from the commonage"

REPORT:

The subject motion relates to the proposed Material Alteration Ref Chapter 9 – No.7 which states:

HCL9 Objective 7: To enhance and protect our rural traditions by preserving traditional common grazing grounds in Bohernabreena for use by local farmers.

It should also be noted that the issue of implementing cattle grids has also been raised at the Council Meeting on 8 February 2016. It was noted that:

'the installation of cattle grids is not considered safe for cycling on hilly areas where the cyclists are travelling downhill at speed’. 

Following discussion, it was agreed to procure an Independent Road Safety Audit undertaken by an expert panel of independent Road Safety Engineers and report back to the Members with their findings. Independent consultants have been appointed to review this matter.  The consultant’s report has yet to be finalised and the adoption of the proposed amendment would circumvent this process.

The views of cycling groups have also been sought in regard to this matter.  A response has been received from Cycling Ireland (the national governing body for the sport of cycling on the island Ireland).  Cycling Ireland have raised several concerns noting that the roads in the Dublin Mountains area are well used by cyclists (especially the Old Military Road) and that the installation of cattle grids present a hazard to cyclists in all locations, and in particular in hilly areas. 

It is considered that the provision of cattle grids is beyond the strategic land use scope of the County Development Plan and cannot be actioned or achieved through the Plan.

Recommendation

It is recommended that this motion is not adopted.