COMHAIRLE CONTAE ÁTHA CLIATH THEAS
SOUTH DUBLIN COUNTY COUNCIL

MEETING OF CLONDALKIN AREA COMMITTEE

Wednesday, September 20, 2017

MOTION NO. 4

MOTION: Councillor B. Bonner

"This committee resolves that  a plan would be drawn up to open up the section of the Camac River along the Watery Lane.  This would involve cutting back the trees between Riversdale and Mayfield which have been causing a hazard to traffic this Summer.  It would mean that the beauty of the River at this location would become visible to Clondalkin residents."

REPORT:

The section of the Camac River between Riversdale and Mayfield is approximately 300 meters long. The river is approximately 2 meters from the road edge and lies 2 to 4 meters below the road level. The pedestrian route on Watery Lane is via the footpath on the south side of the lane. There is no footpath along the north/river side of the lane.

The vegetation that is growing along the river consists of a hedge, brambles and trees. It is a naturally established hedgerow which would be in keeping with the vegetation associated with the setting in which it is located. The hedge is a rich biodiversity corridor and perhaps more significantly provides boundary protection to the river which as mentioned above is lower than the road level. The hedge and trees are probably also assisting to stabilise the bank. In the event that they were removed there would be a requirement to erect a boundary railing and traffic barrier along the road side. Stabilising works may also be required to prevent the bank slipping and the undermining of the road. The works involved would require significant resources and may in fact detract from the existing living boundary which currently exists. Furthermore, views of the river would not be enhanced due to its low lying position relative to the existing road and footpath.

It is therefore recommended that the existing hedge is retained.