COMHAIRLE CONTAE ÁTHA CLIATH THEAS
SOUTH DUBLIN COUNTY COUNCIL

MEETING OF SOUTH DUBLIN COUNTY COUNCIL

Monday, April 10, 2017

HEADED ITEM NO.5

HEADED ITEM: R. Meeting Administrator

"That this committee, being anxious to encourage traditional farming while also facilitating cyclists and others who wish to exercise in the wonderful and publically owned amenity of the Glenasmole/Bohernabreena Uplands , calls on the Chief Executive responsible to present a full report to the March Council Meeting on the most suitable type of Cattle Grids, the safety implications ensuing and how these can be addressed, and, the costs and time scale associated with installing them; and that the locations and installation be done in consultation with representatives of the local community."

 

REPLY:

Following discussions at the Rathfarnham / Templeogue / Terenure Area Committee and full Council, an Independent Safety Review of the proposed use of Cattlegrids on Public Roads was Commissioned by the Roads Section.  The Report Concluded as follows:-

1. A review of available collision data on the RSA website did not indicate any recorded vehicle collisions with livestock in the Cunard and Glenasmole areas.

2. The implementation of cattle grids as currently proposed is considered to result in there being an increased risk of collision and/or personal injury to road users. Safety concerns include:

a) Reduced skid resistance and vibration for cyclists, resulting in loss of control type collisions.

b) Cyclists travelling uphill are less stable. As the cattle grid locations are sited at or on an incline, cyclists could trap their wheel within the cattle grid, resulting in a loss of control type collision.

c) Joggers who do not stop to use the by-pass could experience slips, trips or falls causing personal injury.

d) Motorists (in particular motorcycles) will experience reduced skid resistance and vibration, resulting in loss of control type collisions.

e) The concrete walls or rails used either side of the cattle grid will present a physical hazard for errant vehicles, especially in dark, wet, icy, fog or mist weather conditions, all of which are more likely in mountainous regions.

f) Use in areas with high traffic volumes can lead to onerous maintenance requirements, which can effect road users during maintenance or at times of disrepair. The risk of injury to all road users will increase during periods when the cattle grid is damaged and in need of repair.

3. Installation of the current proposals is expected to result in an increased risk of collision and/or personal injury for road users in the Cunard and Glenasmole areas when compared to the current arrangement. It is therefore recommended that an alternative design or scheme be investigated.

Given the above conclusions, with which the Roads Department concurs, there is no proposal to install Cattlegrids, as to do so would be an unacceptable and unwarranted hazard to all Road Users.