COMHAIRLE CONTAE ÁTHA CLIATH THEAS
SOUTH DUBLIN COUNTY COUNCIL

MEETING OF CLONDALKIN, NEWCASTLE, RATHCOOLE, SAGGART AND BRITTAS AREA COMMITTEE

Wednesday, April 16, 2025

MOTION NO. 1

MOTION: Councillor E. Ó Broin

That this Area Committee agrees that works will be undertaken along the banks of the Camac River on the Watery Lane in Clondalkin between the bridge into the Thornfield apartments and the bridge into Mayfield, similar to the works that were undertaken in Clondalkin Park a number of years ago, to cut back the various flora that have 'invaded' the river, and allow sunlight to reach, and people to see, the water.

REPORT:

Following consultation with Inland Fisheries Ireland and The Friends of the Camac, in 2022 SDCC Drainage Operations removed some vegetation along the bank.  At the time, it was agreed to remove some targeted accessible areas of overgrowth, and to reduce the canopy over the river, but not dramatically so, as a balance of shade and light is desirable for aquatic life. 

SDCC will carry out an inspection along the stretch of river on Watery Lane in Clondalkin between the bridge into the Thornfield apartments and the bridge into Mayfield. As previously, we will engage with Inland Fisheries and The Friends of the Camac to determine if an appropriate plan for vegetation removal can be agreed, ensuring the impact on fish/aquatic life and wildlife is limited.

Any instream works, including removal of vegetation, would be anticipated to be undertaken in September, as in this month there is no fish spawning or bird nesting to restrict work being undertaken.