July 2017

Application and Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) Report for a proposed joint development by South Dublin County Council, Coillte and the Dublin Mountains Partnership of a Dublin Mountains Visitor Centre were submitted on South Dublin County Council’s behalf to An Bord Pleanála (ABP) on Monday 31st July 2017 (Ref: JA0040).

(This followed extensive engagement on the project with the Elected Members, the public and relevant stakeholders resulting in proposals for a “gateway” to the Dublin Mountains located at the combined Massy’s Wood /Estate and Montpelier Hill incorporating the Hell Fire Club site.)

October - November 2017

ABP requested further additional information from the Council in relation to:

·         Appropriate Assessment of the site;

·         Red Squirrels;

·         Pine Martens;

·         Bats; and other miscellaneous matters.

A comprehensive response addressing all the matters raised was submitted to ABP on the Council’s behalf including:

·         Further Information Response Document;

·         Revised Operational Management Plan; and,

·         Red Squirrel Management Plan.

Dec 2017 – March 2018

Public notice that further information containing significant additional data had been furnished to ABP in relation to the application for the proposed Dublin Mountains Visitor Centre Development and was made available for public inspection at the request of ABP.

(The period of inspection was extended at the request of ABP having regard for the timeframe prescribed in Article 6(7) of Directive 2011/92/EU as amended by EU Directive 2014/52/EU on the effect of certain public and private projects on the environment (EIA Directive) and ended on 1^st March 2018.)

February - March 2018

Request from ABP for additional information by way of a bird survey of the area which is the subject of the application from the Council.

Following a request by the Council for clarification, ABP advised that the deadline for receipt of this additional information was being extended to have regard for the relevant nesting season.

30^th September 2018

Revised deadline for receipt of additional information in relation to bird survey of the area which is the subject of the application.

Late 2018 (estimated)

Estimated date for ABP oral hearing relating to the proposed development.