COMHAIRLE CONTAE ÁTHA CLIATH THEAS
SOUTH DUBLIN COUNTY COUNCIL

MEETING OF RATHFARNHAM/TEMPLEOGUE-TERENURE AREA COMMITTEE

Tuesday, January 10, 2017

MOTION NO.7

MOTION: Councillor D. Looney

"That this Committee notes its deep concern regarding the potential increase in traffic arising from the Hellfire Club Dublin Mountains Flagship on Old Military Road, Kilakee Rd, Gunny Hill, Stocking Lane and adjacent roads; that, in the interests of safety for all road users and in the interests of all using this route, including local residents, the Council fully explore alternatives to private motor transport to this site; and that the Council seek to improve access to this site via dedicated cycle routes, rights of way for walkers, shuttle buses and other alternative modes."

REPORT:

"Following the presentation of the proposals for the Dublin Mountains to the Corporate Policy Group, Strategic Policy Committees and the full Council in March 2016, a consultancy team have been appointed to prepare the planning application for the project.

A key objective of the original study was to deliver improved, managed and sustainable access to the area across all modes to improve the visitor experience of the Dublin Mountains.  Access and traffic management solutions were considered as part of the feasibility phase and are now being rigorously assessed as part of the preparation of the planning application and the related statutorily required Environmental Impact Assessment and Statement. A key feature of the project is the footbridge to facilitate safe access between Massys Wood and Hellfire and onwards to the Dublin Mountains Way and which will keep visitors off road.  In addition, a number of similar facilities in comparable terrains were reviewed in developing the concept and detailed learnings on access and transport issues will inform the solutions to be proposed as part of the planning application.

Enhancing opportunities to access the area by sustainable modes is a priority given the clear benefits to this approach for both locals and visitors and the Council will work with other agencies including the Dublin Mountains Partnership in this regard.  Many of the suggested options proposed by the Motion are under active assessment along with other potential solutions designed to ensure that the landscape can be accessed through sustainable modes of travel, including pedestrian and cycling opportunities. These solutions will be essential to the project and will be incorporated as part of the planning proposals.

It is envisaged that a completed application will be lodged with An Bord Pleanala in April/May 2017. In addition to the statutory consultative requirements as the ongoing design process evolves other informal local engagement will be arranged imminently."