COMHAIRLE CONTAE ÁTHA CLIATH THEAS
SOUTH DUBLIN COUNTY COUNCIL

MEETING OF LUCAN / PALMERSTOWN / NORTH CLONDALKIN AREA COMMITTEE

Tuesday, February 27, 2024

MOTION NO.25

MOTION: Councillor L. O'Toole

This Committee seeks a comprehensive update on the embankment plans. The Committee requests the inclusion of specific details regarding the proposed public consultation and associated timelines. Furthermore, the motion seeks clarification on whether any aspect of these plans is currently incorporated into ongoing or future planning initiatives. Background: The embankment plans were re-initiated in 2018. The local Community has expressed a keen interest in the progress of these plans. As a local Councillor, enquiries regarding the status of the embankment plans are regularly brought to my attention. Motion Details: The Committee requests a detailed update on the current status of the embankment plans. The update should encompass information on the proposed public consultation process, including methodologies and timelines. The Committee seeks clarification on whether any elements of the embankment plans are currently integrated into existing or future planning endeavours. Rationale: To address the Community's curiosity and expectations regarding the progress of the embankment plans. To ensure transparency and open communication with locals. To provide the committee members with a comprehensive understanding of the current status and future trajectory of the embankment plans.

REPORT:

Since the last update to the ACM on the Esker Permeability scheme, the Project Manager for the Esker Permeability scheme has left SDCC. It is hoped that a replacement Active Travel Officer will be recruited in the coming months, who will take up the duties of the now departed Project Manager.

Funding for the project was sought from the NTA in 2024 and SDCC has been given a small allocation to allow consultation to commence later in the year, once the staffing resources are in place.

A scheme to provide an active travel route between Griffeen Road and the R136, the Esker Permeability Scheme, which will incorporate permeability links to the Castle Riada and Moy Glas estates was initiated and a presentation was made to the ACM in April 2023. At that time, Councillors were briefed on the proposed approach with regard to consultation and working with elected representatives, residents, and interested groups.

An in-house SDCC concept design was being finalised by the Project Manager before his departure, once complete this will be used as a starting point for discussions with local representatives to exchange views on the form of the proposed link and the degree of permeability to be included. A key element of this scheme will be incorporating the views received during the consultation process from local residents, potential users, and those who feel they will be affected by the scheme. Surveys undertaken by elected representatives with individual residents and residents’ groups will be a valuable addition to the wider consultation that will be carried out in order to find the best fit for a potential scheme.

After the public consultation has been completed, an assessment will be carried out on the cost vs. benefits for the scheme which will largely be linked to the ability of the scheme to allow local residents to incorporate sustainable travel choices into their daily lives and the anticipated degree to which active travel users will be attracted to the route i.e., the degree of permeability that will be provided and is acceptable to all parties.

Once a conceptual design is agreed, funding to proceed to the next phase will be sought from the NTA and a Part 8 process will be undertaken, with construction pending approval of same.