COMHAIRLE CONTAE ÁTHA CLIATH THEAS
SOUTH DUBLIN COUNTY COUNCIL

MEETING OF SDZ, LAPS AND PLANNING PROJECTS

Thursday, January 23, 2020

MOTION NO.48

MOTION: Councillor P. Gogarty, Councillor L. O'Toole, Councillor F. Timmons, Councillor Alan Edge

Tallaght LAP Special Meeting

Re. 4.1 Economic Development and Tourism

That key objectives for the green flag Sean Walsh Park are amended to include delivery of a clear, formal, landscaped and well signposted connector route for walkers and cyclists from The Square / Luas to the Dublin Moutain Way as an enhancement of the existing tourist asset in the LAP area.

REPORT:

The creation of connector routes such as the DMW and associated hard and soft landscaping together with signage are detailed matters of the County Tourism Strategy. However, it a core objective of the LAP through the Movement and Urban Framework to maintain and facilitate links within and links between the Town Centre and adjoining areas including Sean Walsh Park and the Dublin Mountain Way. The delivery of this objective is managed by the Public Realm and Tourism Departments. The link from Sean Walsh (being the starting point of the DMW) and onward towards the Dublin Mountains through Aylsbury is already in place.

Section 2.2 of the proposed LAP provides for the development of a transport hub in Tallaght Town Centre which facilitates ease of access for residents, workers, shoppers and visitors to all public transport services and facilitates seamless interchange between all bus services; between bus services and Luas; and between cycling, bus and Luas.

The plan also provides for cycle and pedestrian routes which facilitate ease of access across the N81 between the Town Centre and Sean Walsh Park, surrounding residential areas, The Stadium and ultimately the Dublin Mountains. Detailed works will follow from these stated objectives of the plan and will require the collaboration of a number of national agencies (NTA and TII), private developers and the Council.

Attention is drawn to Section 4.3 (Tourism) of the Draft LAP which includes the following:

• It is a policy of Council to improve connections between the Town Centre and proximate amenities such as the Dublin Mountains and the Dodder Valley. The proximity of the Dublin Mountains, the historic value of the old village and the budding Sustainable Energy Community (SEC) in Tallaght present significant opportunities for the future tourism potential of the area.

It should be noted that the Roads Department are due to prepare a signage strategy for the county, which will assist in enhancing wayfinding in the Tallaght area and will seek to improve permeability between the aforementioned destinations.

The requirements of the motion are provided for within the current proposed LAP and recommended chief executive amendments.

RECOMMENDATION:

It is recommended that the motion be amended and adopted as follows:

Include a key objective for the Town Park (Section 3.9) as follows:

• Provide for trail-heads and/or markers of the beginning of the Dublin Mountains Way in Seán Walsh Park.