COMHAIRLE CONTAE ÁTHA CLIATH THEAS
SOUTH DUBLIN COUNTY COUNCIL

MEETING OF RATHFARNHAM / TEMPLEOGUE / FIRHOUSE / BOHERNABREENA AREA COMMITTEE

Tuesday, April 14, 2026

MOTION NO.4

MOTION: Councillor R. Mannion

This committee calls on the Manager to undertake a cumulative traffic impact assessment (preferably in advance of the closure of the public consultation on Ballyboden active travel scheme) which takes note of the previous impacts on traffic following Orlagh roundabout upgrades, existing peak traffic, the impact of M50 delays on the area, future growth from further housing development (e.g. Augustinians) and the fact that public transport in the area is unreliable and often infrequent at peak times, according to data from Dublin Bus and the NTA.

REPORT:

Orlagh Roundabout Performance and Safety Review

The operational performance of Orlagh Roundabout was examined as part of the Orlagh Roundabout Review Report, issued in March 2020. The review concluded that increased queuing at the roundabout was not attributable to the roundabout its self. Rather, delays were primarily the result of increased background traffic volumes and wider congestion across the surrounding road network.

Based on the findings of the 2020 study, the Council considers the Orlagh Roundabout to represent an appropriate and effective junction layout. In particular, the Council notes that the roundabout:

• represents the safest design option, as supported by the relevant road safety audit reports;
• has facilitated an increase in the number of people passing through the junction during the AM peak period, from 3,709 people in 2014 to 4,422 people in 2019; and
• has contributed to a positive mode share shift towards public transport, walking, and cycling, with the proportion of people using these modes increasing from 33% to 50% over the same period.

Between 2016 and 2019, two traffic collisions were recorded at Orlagh Roundabout, including one serious collision involving a cyclist. No collisions have been reported in the four years following the implementation of safety improvements.

Taylor’s Lane / Ballyboden Way Junction Assessment

As part of the Knocklyon to Ballyboden Active and Sustainable Travel Scheme, comprehensive traffic and junction assessments were carried out in 2023. These included detailed analysis of both the Templeroan Road Roundabout and the Taylor’s Lane Roundabout. Five upgrade options for the Taylor’s Lane junction were developed and modelled.

The findings were published in the report Analysis of Proposed Junction Upgrade Options at Taylor’s Lane, issued during the 2023 non-statutory public consultation. The assessment concluded that a Dutch-style roundabout provides the greatest overall benefits for active travel, while minimising negative impacts on general traffic movements.

The proposed layout at Taylor’s Lane/Ballyboden Way introduces fully segregated facilities for walking and cycling. The conversion of the existing short two-lane entry (approximately three vehicle lengths) to a single-lane approach enables the provision of controlled zebra crossings. These measures significantly improve pedestrian safety and reduce crossing distances. Retention of the existing junction layout is not considered a viable option due to identified safety concerns for all road users and its limited capacity to accommodate future traffic growth and access to public transport.

Wider Network

Implementation of the proposed scheme is expected to improve public transport reliability and performance, while supporting a reduction in overall car dependency. The Knocklyon and Ballyboden areas contain a high concentration of schools, and the scheme is intended to provide safe and attractive infrastructure for critical short, school-related trips.

The proposals also include public transport enhancements, specifically the provision of bus lanes on Ballyboden Way in locations where services currently experience delays. This approach mirrors successful interventions previously implemented on Killininny Road.

The scheme aligns with South Dublin County Council’s commitment under Cycle South Dublin, as well as the objectives of the South Dublin County Development Plan, which sets out a strategic programme to deliver a connected, high-quality cycling network across the county. The proposed Dutch-style roundabout and associated segregated infrastructure directly support these objectives by improving safety, continuity, and accessibility for people walking and cycling.

This approach is further supported by national research. The NTA’s Walking and Cycling Index 2025 for the Dublin Metropolitan Region indicates that 71% of residents support the delivery of physically segregated cycle tracks, even where this requires the reallocation of existing road space. These findings are based on surveys that are demographically representative of the wider population, and not limited to those who currently walk, wheel, or cycle.