COMHAIRLE CONTAE ÁTHA CLIATH THEAS
SOUTH DUBLIN COUNTY COUNCIL

MEETING OF LUCAN AREA COMMITTEE

Tuesday, March 26, 2019

MOTION NO. 13

MOTION: Councillor L. O'Toole

That this Area Committee requests the Chief Executive carry out a feasibility study to design steps at the area directly behind Kew Park estate. The existing laneway at Kew Park leads onto the R835 (see photo marking the area). This area has become a connection for many residents living in the Kew Park and Weston Estates to the village area, local schools in Airlie Heights etc. There is a desire by residents to walk to these locations and installing steps at this area would allow for safer access and encourage walking over driving.

REPORT:

A consultation exercise was undertaken in November 2008 to obtain the view of the residents in relation an existing unofficial connection link from the open space at the back of Kew Park Avenue to Celbridge Road.  160 residents in Kew Park estate and the houses nearest the open space in Weston Meadow/Heights were balloted to obtain their views on two options.

(1) To remove and secure the access point from Kew Park onto the Celbridge Road

or

(2)  To upgrade the access point by providing steps.

There was a 60% return on the ballot however only 43% of all the houses balloted were in favour of a link being provided. As a clear majority was not reached the provision of a link did not proceed. The unofficial link which existed at the time was closed up and the area returned to its original condition to form a boundary between the open space and the Celbridge Road.  In the intervening years a number of acts of vandalism have occurred and the boundary reopened.  Repair works have been carried out and the boundary has been reinforced on a number of occasions.   There are no proposals to install steps at this location.