South Dublin County Council have carried out a Part 8 for the development and upgrade of the Whitestown Stream Local Park, the development will consist of:

• Upgrade of existing boundaries and access points
• Provide new footpath at Cloonmore to complete footpath loop.
• Overlay existing footpaths
• Upgrade existing bridge linking Bawnlea Avenue and Cloonmore Road and provide with 2 new bridges one at either end of the stream.
• Remove graffiti as required from boundary walls and other locations, with the enhancement of existing service gates.
• Removal low-level wall on the Southeast boundary of the park and incorporate landscape design into the recently completed N81 cycle scheme.
• Construction of new boundary with access point at Cloonmore Ave & Gort lar.
• Re-position boundaries (hidden corners) with possible future land ownership transfer from SDCC to 3^rd parties (any land ownership transfer will be subject to a separate decision by the council).
• Existing public lighting to be upgraded and proposed installation of new lighting columns
• Planting of tree, shrubs, and wildflowers/bulbs and other plants.
• ­Play/exercise trail every 100m.
• Installation of natural play area adjacent Cloonmore Rd.
• All associated landscape design including furniture and planting.
• All ancillary works.

The proposal has undergone Appropriate Assessment Screening under the Habitats Directive (92/43/EEC) and screening for Environmental Impact Assessment. The Planning Authority has made a preliminary examination of the nature, size and location of the proposed development.  The authority has concluded that there is no real likelihood of significant effects on the environment arising from the proposed development and a determination has been made that an Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) is not required. The  drawings and particulars of the proposed development underwent public consultation between the period from 22^nd July 2022 to 3^nd September 2022. Submissions and observations with respect to the proposed development dealing with the proper planning and sustainable development of the area in which the proposed development will be situated, were made in writing up to 5.00pm on the 3^rd September 2022.

A total of 9 submissions were received. These have been summarised and responded to in the Chief Executive's Part 8 report. 

Recommendation:

Following consideration of the submissions, the Chief Executive is of the view that the issues raised by way of the submissions can be satisfactorily addressed at the detailed design stage, operational stages and as outlined in the Chief Executive's Part 8 report report.

It is recommended that, as the proposal is consistent with the County Development Plan and the proper planning and sustainable development of the area, that the Council proceed with the Part 8 proposal for the upgrade of Whitestown Stream Local Park.