COMHAIRLE CONTAE ÁTHA CLIATH THEAS
SOUTH DUBLIN COUNTY COUNCIL

South Dublin County Council Crest

MEETING OF LUCAN / PALMERSTOWN / NORTH CLONDALKIN AREA COMMITTEE

Tuesday, April 23, 2024

QUESTION NO.13

QUESTION: Councillor S. Moynihan

To ask the Chief Executive to consider what tourism development opportunities would arise in the Mill Lane area of Palmerstown once the Silver Bridge is open to pedestrian and cyclist traffic.

REPLY:

Fingal County Council is the custodian of the Silver Bridge in Palmerstown. That council has informed SDCC that, at this time, works on the bridge do not include reinstatement of a bridge deck, and due to bridge dimensions, it is not feasible as a formal cycling route while the lands around are currently in private ownership, constraining any potential reopening. A structural appraisal has however been carried out and does allow for possible future installation of a 2m wide deck for pedestrian use within the steel structure.

Fingal County Council have proposed a joint feasibility study with South Dublin County Council to explore the northern and southern sides of the bridge, the options for routing, and land acquisition as well as further analysis of road safety issues, and cost planning. SDCC will consider this possibility and would welcome the opportunity to discuss further with Fingal County Council.

Subject to a satisfactory outcome on this feasibility, Fingal County Council will seek funding for any future works to provide a link and agreed prior to a public planning notice. 

Considering the results of any feasibility study, and where possible, SDCC will aim to link routes so that they become compelling, and easily navigable for users. South Dublin County Council will explore tourism opportunities in the Palmerstown area having due regard to the Silver Bridge, walking trails and routes, Waterstown park, the river Liffey, the area’s natural and built heritage and the integration of tourism initiatives with both Dublin City Council and Fingal County Council.  The Architectural Conservation Area at Mill Lane has the potential to enhance visitor access and progress connectivity initiatives for sustainable walking routes in this location, whilst adventure activity providers along the Liffey cater for a wide consumer base including corporate groups.  The future growth of adventure tourism in South Dublin County will be an important segment of its tourism offering outside of its current operators