COMHAIRLE CONTAE ÁTHA CLIATH THEAS
SOUTH DUBLIN COUNTY COUNCIL

MEETING OF LUCAN / PALMERSTOWN / NORTH CLONDALKIN AREA COMMITTEE

Tuesday, April 23, 2024

MOTION NO.19

MOTION: Councillor P. Gogarty

That the Chief Executive, noting continuous complaints about congestion on the Newcastle Road, outlines current best practice in terms of roundabouts versus traffic lights at various retail and residential junctions and indicates what additional measures are being planned to improve flow during and outside peak commuter times in terms of structural changes or light sequencing, noting that TII projections are that congestion will only get worse for longer periods not least because of continued housing development and that credible alternatives to driving are needed for many work and study locations not readily accessible by public transport currently, as well as safer routes to school for those living near this busy corridor.

REPORT:

 The vast majority of junctions on the R120 Newcastle road are traffic signalled junctions.  There is a roundabout on the Newcastle road at the Supervalue shopping centre.

This roundabout has four legs.  One from the shopping centre, one from Esker Drive, and the north and south legs of the Newcastle road.

The peak traffic on the North South and Esker Drive legs occur 08:30 to 09:15 a.m. and at 16: 30 to 17:30 in the evening.  The peak traffic on the shopping centre leg generally does not occur at these peak morning and peak evening times. This roundabout works fairly efficiently.  There is predominantly north south traffic movements at peak times.  There are yellow boxes installed at the roundabout to allow the Esker Drive traffic to enter onto the Newcastle road.

There are no immediate plans to change this roundabout to a traffic signalled junction.

There are extensive Bus services at the northern section of the Newcastle road.  The L51,L53, C1 and C2 services available on the Newcastle Road or Esker Roads.  There is the city centre 52, P29, X25, X26, X2 and X28 services available at the Vesey Park Bus stop.

As development increases, the NTA have committed to increased bus service provision to cater for the higher demand.

In terms cycling schemes along the R120, Cycle South Dublin have no immediate plans for cycling improvements along the route.

In terms of Safe Routes to School funding, Scoil Áine Naofa in Lucan made an application under the programme and were accepted. However they were not selected under Rounds 1 or 2 but will be included in a subsequent round for delivery of safety improvements.