COMHAIRLE CONTAE ÁTHA CLIATH THEAS
SOUTH DUBLIN COUNTY COUNCIL

South Dublin County Council Crest

MEETING OF SOUTH DUBLIN COUNTY COUNCIL

Monday, February 12, 2018

HEADED ITEM NO.9A

HEADED ITEM: C. Performance and Change Management Directorate

PART 8 REPORT ON BMX TRACK AT JOBSTOWN, TALLAGHT, DUBLIN 24

REPLY:

Part 8 Report BMX Track at Jobstown, Tallaght, Dublin 24

Report on Part 8 consultation process for the above proposal.

The proposed works primarily comprise the following:

BMX track;
Pump track;
Management and maintenance facilities
Track access facilities.
Car park extension
All ancillary works BMX track
The key features of the proposed track are as follows:

The BMX track consists of 4 straights, with a split 2nd straight.
The proposed track running width will start at 10m and progressively narrow to 6m wide on the 3rd and 4th straights.
The proposed starting ramp for the track will be a total height of 6m above ground level, with the starter gates positioned 1m lower at 5m high.
The proposed straights will range from approximately 70m to 80m in length, with jumps generally ranging from 0.7m to 2.1m high.
The proposed track will contain of 3 turns, each typically 3m in height, with room for spectators on the top of each turn.
The surface of the straights will consist of 10-6mm crushed stone, placed above subbase material, on top of a clay based, dry and well compacted, non-organic material.
The 3 turns will consist of a layer of asphalt, placed above subbase material, on top of a clay based, dry and well compacted, non-organic material.
The edges of the track will be topsoiled and grassed, with a proposed filter drain placed between each straight.
A staging area with 10 lanes is proposed for riders to assemble
Next to the starter ramp, a junior start ramp at 3m above ground level is proposed
An existing soccer pitch within Jobstown Park is proposed for relocation by approximately 30m to the south west.
The proposal includes for all ancillary items.Pump Track

The facility will include a Pump track to the South East of the site. This will provide a warm up area for competent BMX riders and a training and development facility for less experienced riders.

The proposal includes for all ancillary items.Management and maintenance facilities
Spectator areas will be included on top of each of the 3 turns.
Along the finishing straight (4th straight), a knee height rail, seating and grassed area is proposed
Reinforced grass (using plastic porous pavers) is proposed to accommodate loading and unloading, along with 2 gates to the West of the facility. The proposed public and user entrance to the facility is on the South East corner.
Gravel footpaths are proposed within the facility for BMX riders and spectators.
Two facilities are proposed on site for club facilities, storage of maintenance equipment and for use to manage and maintain the track.
The entire BMX facility will be enclosed in 3m palisade fencing. The facility will include tree planting and additional space required will be grassed. A typical 3.5m grassed strip is proposed around the BMX track to facilitate grass cutting, routine maintenance and emergency services access (together with the 3 gates).
It is proposed to include underground infrastructure required to upgrade the facility to have the possibility of both lighting and CCTV in future.
The proposal includes for all ancillary items.Track access facilities

An existing footpath within the park is proposed for removal and replacement with shared route outlined below.
The proposed track access will be in the South East corner of the facility.
This entrance will be linked to the existing park footpath and Fortunestown Way Road by a proposed new shared path. In addition to this new shared path, a new shared path is also proposed within the park to the North of the facility.

The proposal includes for all ancillary items.Carpark Extension
A new car park is proposed to the west of the Tallaght Leisure Centre. The size and position of these facilities are subject to detailed design. A car park for approximately 130 car spaces and a new access onto Fortunestown Way Road is proposed.
The proposal includes for all ancillary items.

The proposed Scheme has undergone Appropriate Assessment Screening under the Habitats Directive (92/43/EEC) and Environmental Impact Assessment Screening under the EIA Directive 2014/52/EU. The requirement for second stage Appropriate Assessment has been screened out. The requirement for an Environment Impact Assessment has been screened out.

Introduction

1.1 Purpose of the Report

The purpose of this Chief Executive’s Report is to present the outcome of the Part 8 consultation, to respond to submissions made during the consultation period and to make recommendations in relation to the proposed development where appropriate.

1.2 Structure of the Report

This report provides the following:

An introduction including details on the purpose of the report and an outline of the public consultation programme that was carried out.
Description of Proposed Development
List of Submissions received
A summary of the issues raised in the submissions made during the consultation period together with the Chief Executive’s Responses and Recommendations.
Assessment as to whether or not the proposed development would be consistent with the proper planning and sustainable development of the area.
Recommendation as to whether or not the proposed development should be proceeded with as proposed, or as varied or modified as recommended in the report, or should not be proceeded with, as the case may be.

1.3 Outline of Public Consultation Programme

1.3.1 Non – Statutory Consultation

The plans and particulars for the Part 8 were presented prior to commencement at a meeting of the Tallaght Area Committee Members on the 31st October 2017.

1.3.2 Statutory Consultation

The proposed development and accompanying Appropriate Assessment report were placed on public display for the statutory period from Thursday 7^th December 2017 to Friday the 12th January 2018

The closing date for receipt of written submissions was up to 5pm on Monday 29^th January 2018 and were to be addressed in writing to: Senior Executive Officer, Environment Water and Climate Change Department, South Dublin County Council, County Hall, Tallaght, Dublin 24 YNN5 or via South Dublin’s on-line consultation portal: http://consult.sdublincoco.ie

Copies of the plans and particulars of the proposed scheme were available for inspection or purchase at a fee not exceeding the reasonable cost of making a copy from Thursday 7^th December 2017 to Friday the 12th January 2018at the following locations:

South Dublin County Council Offices, County Hall, Tallaght, Dublin 24 between the hours of 9:00am – 5.00pm Monday to Thursday and 9.00am - 4.30pm on Friday. Closed at weekends and bank holidays. (Inspection and purchase)
County Library, Tallaght, Dublin 24, between the hours of 9.45am to 8pm Mon to Thurs, 9.45am to 4.30pm Fri to Sat, Closed Saturdays and Mondays of Bank Holiday Weekends (Inspection only)
The plans and particulars can be viewed on the Council’s Public Consultation Portal website http://consult.sdublincoco.ieSenior Executive Officer, Environment Water and Climate Change Department, South Dublin County Council, County Hall, Tallaght, Dublin 24. D24 YNN5. 2.1 Description of the Proposed Development
2. Proposed Development
A total of 4 submissions were received by Monday 29^th January 2018.
Submissions or observations with respect to the proposed development dealing with the proper planning and sustainable development of the area in which the proposed development will be situated may be made in writing up to 5pm on Monday the 29^th of January 2018 and may be submitted either: via Online Submissions: http://consult.sdublincoco.ie or By post to :

The proposal consists of the construction of the flowing

BMX track;
Pump track;
Management and maintenance facilities
Track access facilities.
Car park extension
All ancillary works

2.2 Plans and Details

Plans and details are available at the following link:

https://consult.sdublincoco.ie/en/consultation/part-8-bmx-track-jobstown

List of Submissions

1 submissions were received during the specified period of the public consultation in respect of the proposed development from the following:

ENV0001 Gerard Stockil - (Via Consultation Portal Ref: SD-C47-1)

ENV0002 BMX Ireland – (Via post)

ENV0003 David Grant- (Via Consultation Portal Ref: SD-C47-2)

ENV0004 Cody Preston (Via Consultation Portal Ref: SD-C47-3)

Summary and Categorisation of Issues Raised and Chief Executive’s Responses

4.1 Introduction

This section presents an analysis of the submissions and includes a summary of each of the issues raised and the responses and recommendations of the Chief Executive.

The responses of the Chief Executive have been framed taking account of the statutory obligations of the local authority, relevant Government and Ministerial guidelines and the proper planning and sustainable development of the area.

4.2 Summary of Issues Raised, Responses and Recommendations

Submission No.1 – Gerard Stockil W:\ENV - PART 8s\EWCC Specific Projects\Jobstown BMX\Part 8 Public Notice\Submissions\Gerard Stockil - SD-C47-1.pdf

This submission relate to the following issues:

Welcomed the proposal
Request for greater parkland development around the BMX course and increased planting.
Request for change to proposed fencing.
Request for adequate car parking.
Request for CCTV.
Query regarding management and operation of the facility.

Chief Executives Response and Recommendation:

Noted
The current Part 8 proposals are set into a previously approved masterplan for Jobstown Park that includes a variety of proposed facilities and landscape treatments. The proposal achieves the following objective of the Councils Development Plan: C7 Objective 10 “To include a BMX facility for consideration in the review of the Jobstown Park Masterplan". The BMX facility is proposed at the location of the athletics track as per the original Jobstown Park Masterplan (2011). The athletics track; should it be proceeded with at a later stage, will be re-housed elsewhere within the locality. This proposal will also necessitate the relocation within the park of the following proposals within the Jobstown Masterplan: the tone zone, the playground and the wind turbines. There is some planting proposed within the current Part 8 proposals and it is intended to proceed with this planting as outlined.
The proposed boundary treatment matches the boundary treatment in the adjacent All Weather pitches and is required to ensure the safety and security of the site. This security fencing is also advised given the nature of the facility proposed.
Car parking is proposed and will be examined further at the detailed design stage.
See Reply No. 3 outlined above regarding proposed boundary fencing. The proposed fencing assists the securing of the facility. There is no proposal for CCTV as part of these works; however existing CCTV is available within the vicinity. The proposal includes for ducting so the capacity to install CCTV into the future is not compromised.
The proposed BMX track will remain within the ownership of the council. Use of the facility will be managed via an annual licence agreement with a suitable club. The club will be subject to the conditions contained within the licence agreement. It is considered that the Council may include conditions within the licence to ensure local community gain.

Submission No.2 – BMX Ireland W:\ENV - PART 8s\EWCC Specific Projects\Jobstown BMX\Part 8 Public Notice\Submissions\BMX Ireland.pdf

This submission relate to the following issues:

Welcomes the plan to put a facility in Mount Carmel Park. Does not recommend the siting of a BMX Race track in Jobstown, believing a mixed-use cycling facility with Skate Park, Pump track, Kids track, Dirt Jumps etc. would have a much broader appeal and better serve the local community.
BMX Ireland volunteers to assist with recommended vetting process for a host club.

Chief Executives Response and Recommendation:

South Dublin County Council (SDCC) provides and manages public open space and recreational facilities for the general public. The Council also supports the usage of recreational facilities by a variety of clubs within the county. Access to recreational facilities is an important part of maintaining health and well-being. Usage of recreational facilities and public open space by a wide variety of the general public including sports clubs is a vital component of SDCC open space provision. The active usage of public open space promotes positive use and provides for passive surveillance within the open space area.

The current proposal for a BMX track in Jobstown is in line with the following Policies and Objectives of South Dublin County Councils’ Development Plan:

(Community Infrastructure (C) Policy 7-Sports Facilities and Centres)

To ensure that all communities are supported by a range of sporting facilities that are fit for purpose, accessible and adaptable

C7 Objective 10:

“To include a BMX facility for consideration in the review of the Jobstown Park Masterplan”

The Jobstown Masterplan incorporates a wide variety of proposed recreational and amenity facilities.

Noted. The proposed BMX track will remain within the ownership of the council. Use of the facility will be managed via an annual licence agreement with a suitable club. The club will be subject to the conditions contained within the licence agreement. It is considered that the Council may include conditions within the licence to ensure local community gain.

Submission No.3 – David Grant W:\ENV - PART 8s\EWCC Specific Projects\Jobstown BMX\Part 8 Public Notice\Submissions\David Grant - SD-C47-2.pdf

This submission relate to the following issues:

Welcomes new infrastructure –but believes investment in this community would be served best in investing in the park itself. Requests implementation of the Jobstown Park masterplan, prior to the construction of a BMX track
Comments about the existing anti-social behaviour within the park: dumping, bonfires and use of scramblers and quads.
Feels the local community won’t have access to the proposed BMX track It may apply more pressure to local families in having to buy bikes and join clubs. Has concerns regarding the community accepting the track if local children can’t access it.
Raises security issues, concerns that scramblers will use the BMX track; requests fence around park with dedicated access points

Chief Executives Response and Recommendation:

Noted. The current Part 8 proposals are in the context of a previously approved masterplan for Jobstown Park that includes a variety of proposed facilities and landscape treatments. The proposal achieves the following objective of the Councils Development Plan: C7 Objective 10 “To include a BMX facility for consideration in the review of the Jobstown Park Masterplan". The BMX facility is proposed at the location of the athletics track as per the original Jobstown Park Masterplan (2011). The delivery of the Jobstown masterplan is on a phased basis as resources are available. The implementation of the BMX track will deliver some other portions of the masterplan as well, including new routes within the park as well as a car park. One of the main benefits of implementing the masterplan will be to encourage active usage of the park and incorporate passive surveillance into the park by increased usage. There is further investment imminent within Jobstown park as finance has been set aside within the Capital budget for drainage of the pitches within Jobstown park. This will facilitate increased usage by the local football clubs
One of the main benefits of providing increased facilities within the park will be to encourage active usage and incorporate passive surveillance into the park by increased footfall. There is further investment imminent within Jobstown Park as finance has been allocated within the South Dublin County Council’s capital budget for drainage of the pitches within Jobstown Park. This will also facilitate increased usage by the local football clubs
The proposed BMX track will remain within the ownership of the council. Use of the facility will be managed via an annual licence agreement with a suitable club. The club will be subject to the conditions contained within the licence agreement. It is considered that the Council may include conditions within the licence to ensure local community gain.
The proposed boundary treatment matches the boundary treatment in the adjacent All Weather pitches and is required to ensure the safety and security of the site. This security fencing is also advised given the nature of the facility proposed. The proposed fencing assists the securing of the facility. There is no proposal for CCTV as part of these works; however existing CCTV is available within the vicinity. The proposal includes for ducting so the capacity to install CCTV into the future is not compromised.

Submission No 4 – Cody Preston W:\ENV - PART 8s\EWCC Specific Projects\Jobstown BMX\Part 8 Public Notice\Submissions\Cody Preston - SD-C47-3.pdf

This submission relate to the following issues:

BMX fencing and surrounding upgrades - would like to see the current proposed fencing replaced with lower, more attractive wrought iron fencing
Proposes that more tree & shrub planting be included for the rest of the Jobstown Park to make it all round more attractive amenity
Regarding management and access asks that assurances are given by SDCC that access to local young people and groups would be a priority as opposed to the venue only being open to experienced riders and for competitions

Chief Executives Response and Recommendation:

The proposed boundary treatment matches the boundary treatment in the adjacent All Weather pitches and is required to ensure the safety and security of the site. This security fencing is also advised given the nature of the facility proposed.
The current Part 8 proposals are set into a previously approved masterplan for Jobstown Park that includes a variety of proposed facilities and landscape treatments.

The proposal achieves the following objective of the Councils Development Plan:

C7 Objective 10 “To include a BMX facility for consideration in the review of the Jobstown Park Masterplan".

The BMX facility is proposed at the location of the athletics track as per the original Jobstown Park Masterplan (2011). The athletics track; should it be proceeded with at a later stage, will be re-housed elsewhere within the locality. This proposal will also necessitate the relocation within the park of the following proposals within the Jobstown Masterplan: the tone zone, the playground and the wind turbines. There is some planting proposed within the current Part 8 proposals and it is intended to proceed with this planting as outlined.

The proposed BMX track will remain within the ownership of the council. Use of the facility will be managed via an annual licence agreement with a suitable club. The club will be subject to the conditions contained within the licence agreement. It is considered that the Council may include conditions within the licence to ensure local community gain.

5.0 County Development Plan 2016-2022

The County Development Plan 2016-2022 recognises the importance of sports facilities and is committed to ensuring that all communities have access to a range of such facilities. The Council will ensure that an appropriate range of sports facilities re provided in all communities, taking account of the population profile and growth targets.

It is the Policy of the Council to ensure that all communities are supported by a range of sporting facilities that are fit for purpose, accessible and adaptable

(Community Infrastructure (C) Policy 7-Sports Facilities and Centres)

C 7 Objective 1:

To support the provision of new or improved sports and leisure facilities in the County

C 7 Objective 3:

To support and provide a framework for the improvement, maintenance, upgrade and refurbishment of existing community based facilities within the county to meet current and future needs

C 7 Objective 4:

To encourage the co-location of community and sporting facilities.

C 7 Objective 7:

To support District Level Community Hubs in the Metropolitan Consolidation Towns of Tallaght, Lucan and Clondalkin to serve a growing population of these settlements and of the county as a whole, Such hubs should incorporate a sports centre with swimming pool, all-weather playing pitches and children’s play facilities.

C7 Objective 10:

To include a BMX facility for consideration in the review of the Jobstown Park Masterplan.

Community infrastructure (C) Policy 12 Open Space states that:

It is the policy of the Council that a hierarchical network of high quality open space is available to those who live, work and visit the county, providing for both passive and active recreation, and that the resource offered by public open spaces, parks, and playing fields is maximised through effective management

C 12 Objective 3:

To develop parks and open/ green spaces that cater for the diverse needs of the County population, in particular different age groups and abilities, through the facilitation of both active and passive recreational activities and universal access.

Having regard to the nature and extent of the proposed project, it is considered that the proposed development is in accordance with the proper planning and sustainable development of the area and the County Development Plan 2016-2022.

6.0 Recommendation

Following consideration of the submissions the Chief Executive is of the view that the issues raised by way of the submissions can be satisfactorily addressed by the above proposals during the detailed design stage and the operational and management stage and as outlined in the foregoing report.

It is recommended that, as the proposal is in conformity with proper planning and sustainable development, that the Council proceed with the Part 8 proposal to construct a BMX track at Jobstown Park, Tallaght.