COMHAIRLE CONTAE ÁTHA CLIATH THEAS
SOUTH DUBLIN COUNTY COUNCIL
MEETING OF SOUTH DUBLIN COUNTY COUNCIL
Monday, January 13, 2020
HEADED ITEM NO. 10
HEADED ITEM: C. Performance and Change Management Directorate
DUBLIN MOUNTAINS - BRIEFING ON SUBMISSION TO ABP
REPLY:
The proposed Dublin Mountains Visitor Centre is a joint development by South Dublin County Council, Coillte and the Dublin Mountains Partnership to create a new “gateway” to the Dublin Mountains located at the combined Massy’s Wood /Estate and Montpelier Hill incorporating the Hell Fire Club site.
Following extensive public engagement on the project with the elected members, the public and relevant stakeholders, an Application and Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) Report in relation to this project were submitted on South Dublin County Council’s behalf to An Bord Pleanála (ABP) on Monday 31st July 2017 (Ref: JA0040).
In October 2017, ABP requested further additional information from the Council in relation to: Appropriate Assessment of the site; Red Squirrels; Pine Martens; Bats; and miscellaneous matters. A comprehensive response addressing all the matters raised was submitted on the Council’s behalf to ABP on Thursday, 30th November 2017 including: a Further Information Response Document; a Revised Operational Management Plan; and a Red Squirrel Management Plan.
On the 7th February 2018, ABP wrote to South Dublin County Council requesting a bird survey of the area which is the subject of the application. ABP indicated they woudl hold an oral hearing into the proposed development.
Following on from the Oral Hearing that was held in November 2018, An Bord Pleánala issued another further information request. A response to this request should be issued no later than 7th February 2020.
Consultants working on behalf of South Dublin County Council undertook additional bird surveys, prepared for submission a Natura Impact Statement including mitigation proposals to address any potential adverse effects of the proposed development; and, in relation specifically to biodiversity undertook any additional surveys/monitoring during recognised optimal conditions and updated the relevant sections of the EIAR to incorporate the results of these surveys.
The consultants completed the required additional surveys and analysis requested by An Bord Pleanala in late 2019 amd submitted the completed documentation to the Board on 24 December, 2019.
Attached to this report is the cover letter submitted to the Board summarising the contents of the submitted documents. As indicated in the letter, we will folllow the direction of the Board in terms of advertisng the further information and making the submitted extensive documentation available for review on the Councils website.
As the submitted documents are now with the Board for consideration it would not be appropriate to comment further pending the decision of the Board.