COMHAIRLE CONTAE ÁTHA CLIATH THEAS
SOUTH DUBLIN COUNTY COUNCIL

MEETING OF SDZ, LAPS AND PLANNING PROJECTS

Thursday, January 23, 2020

MOTION NO.1

MOTION: Councillor Teresa Costello

Special Council Meeting to Consider the Draft Tallaght Town Centre Local Area Plan

That the LAP explains the term Legibility to the ordinary reader and explains exactly where the focal point for Tallaght is meant to be, is it County Hall and the area around The Square and the final Luas stop ? Is it the Tallaght village ?exactly where is it?  For the LAP to make a strong statement about this and set out how it proposes to achieve the objectives of having one connected focal point in Tallaght

REPORT:

Legibility, in urban design terms, essentially refers to the ease with which people can understand the layout of an area and distinguish the identity of different areas. Practically, it is a pattern of streets and buildings that are easy to understand for people on the ground in terms of getting around and identifying important locations, such as parks, civic buildings, transport stops, etc.

Tallaght has a number of recognisable focal points with distinctive qualities and functions. The Square is a focal point for shopping. The area around County Hall, Tallaght Library, Rua Red, the Luas and Civic Theatre constitutes a clear civic, cultural and administrative hub. An overarching objective of the LAP is to create clear links which are attractive for people to walk between these spaces and wider connections to the surrounding area. New spaces and buildings are also proposed which will become identifiable points to the community and people in general, e.g. the proposed Innovation hub and Public Square.

The urban framework proposed will deliver a series of neighbourhoods, each with a distinct character, complete with focal points, which will serve to enhance the overall legibility of the area.

RECOMMENDATION:

No further amendment required as clarification on the matter has been provided.