COMHAIRLE CONTAE ÁTHA CLIATH THEAS
SOUTH DUBLIN COUNTY COUNCIL

MEETING OF SPECIAL MEETING OF COUNTY COUNCIL

Thursday, December 11, 2025

MOTION NO.9(ID89346)

MOTION: Councillor L. de Courcy

That in an effort to reduce congestion in Clondalkin village this council propose the reopening of Pope Lane to traffic from Orchard Lane to Main Street and the reintroduction of a right hand turn at the bottom of New Road onto Monastery Road. This would mean a short two way system between New Road and Broe Auctioneers on Monastery Road. This would eliminate the need for cars travelling from New Road to Monastery Road to go around the village, significantly reducing congestion and emissions in the village. Less time spent in traffic also means fewer stressed drivers. With the thousands of new homes coming online in Clonburris and the opening of the new junction at the bottom of the Neilstown Bridge, finding ways to improve traffic flow is essential unless we want the village to be gridlocked all day.

REPORT:

The proposed motion seeks to alter the traffic movement within Clondalkin by reopening Popes Lane to traffic from Orchard Lane towards Main Street and reintroducing the right hand turn at the top of New Road onto Main Street towards Monastery Road.  

The LPF was supported by a transport assessment which used the NTA’s ABTA (Area Based Transport Assessment) process.  One of the aims of the assessment was to reduce congestion. The process and the options examined are set out in the Local Transport Plan. As a basis for this, the existing road network was examined, reviewing the potential for changes which would meet the aims of the plan.   

It is considered that there are a number of issues with the proposal put forward in the motion which will impact negatively on traffic movement to the village and lead to additional congestion.  

Pope’s lane does not have the width to accommodate cars and pedestrians. DMURS (Design Manual for Urban Roads and Streets) provides the design criteria which is used for urban roads and streets. Section 4.3.1 addressing Footways, Verges and Strips requires a minimum of 1.8m of footpath space along roadways with the preference for greater than this within urban areas such as Clondalkin.  

In addition, the proposal provides for the reopening of Pope’s Lane to traffic.  The entrance to Pope’s Lane is bounded on either side by private buildings with entrances directly fronting onto the lane (and proposed new roadway). This presents safety issues for all road users given the limited space available. 

The eastbound connection, by increasing the requirement for road width to accommodate two way traffic (New Road to Monastery Road along Main Street) would also reduce footpath widths below the minimum standards on both sides of the road. Not only would the footpath width be reduced below the minimum standard, but the proposal would also require an additional signalling phase at Orchard Lane junction which would reduce the flow of traffic onto Monastery Road. The proposal will also likely require an additional set of signals at New Road / Main Street junction which will reduce flow of traffic on Main Street, causing additional traffic congestion within the village. 

While the intent of the motion is recognised, the proposed measures brought forward in this motion would have a negative impact on traffic flow within the village centre and worsen the congestion at peak traffic hours.  

CE Recommendation: 

No Change to the draft LPF (Variation no. 1)

Advisory Note:  Initial Screening for SEA for the Motion

This proposal would not provide the most evidence-based framework for development and has the potential to undermine sustainable development and proper planning - with potential for associated unnecessary adverse environmental effects on various environmental components. Taking this into account, SEA would be likely to be advised as being required.

Initial Screening for AA for the Motion

No AA issues; Stage 2 AA not required.