Category Archives: Access/Rochtain

Observation on Belcamp SHD application – need for light rail-based development

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A very large urban development application has been made on the Belcamp lands, in advance of the Local Area Plan which the zoning provides for. I have made an observation to An Bord Pleanála (version with appendices) focussing on the need to develop around high-quality public transport.

It has been clear to me for over 15 years that the large development area planned between Clonshaugh and Clongriffin, of which this Belcamp application forms part, should be served by an orbital light rail or metro connection to the Dart in the east and the Metro in the west, a link which will also be of wider benefit to the public transport network.

The only additional recent element is that NTA, in its proposals for revising the Greater Dublin Area Transport Strategy, now recognises that there will be a need for a light rail service on the Malahide Road, so it’s proposing a further link in the network.

Road space reallocation in Howth / Malahide Area

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The Operations Dept of the Council is continuing to work on the reallocation of road space and other measures to facilitate safe walking and cycling. We had an online meeting of the Area Cttee. last week and following input from constituents, I presented this list of options which is being considered. I would be grateful for any further feedback or suggestions.

The meeting received this update on the previous list of actions.

The other reports received by the meeting are also interesting – Covid 19 response and 2020 programme of works.

School Street proposal for St. Oliver Plunkett’s School, Malahide

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Fingal County Council is proposing the pedestrianisation of a section of Grove Road, from Church Road to The Rise, for school drop off and collection times. ( 08.30hrs – 09.15hrs and 13.00hrs – 14.45hrs weekdays, during school term times. ) This would be an 18 month trial to improve safety for schoolchildren arriving at and leaving school

There will be a public information meeting on Tuesday 8th October at 7.30pm in Portmarnock Hotel and Golf Links.

Further information in this leaflet and at https://consult.fingal.ie/en/consultation/traffic-scheme-grove-road-and-rise-malahide-co-dublin

Response to Bus Connects Consulation on Clongriffin, Swords, Blanchardstown and Lucan routes

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I have sent the following response to the Bus Connects Core Bus Corridor consultation:
I welcome the development of proposals to give better priority to public transport and cycling through the Core Bus Corridors.  All of the recommendations below are made to improve the proposals, rather than to reject them.  In some instances the changes needed are small, while in others, substantial reconsideration is needed. There is some distance to go to finalise the proposals to really serve the goals of a quality urban environment and efficient urban transport, and I make this submission in order to urge the necessary changes.

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Draft Bus Connects submission

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***Bus Connects consultation today Monday 17th September 2pm to 8pm Grand Hotel Malahide***

***Submission deadline 28th September www.busconnects.ie***

My draft submission is below. I would be interested in any feedback, positive or negative before I submit it.

1.Howth to city centre along the coast

The existing 31/31A service is well used. In addition to local residents and employees, including those whose trips are far from the railway stations, the passengers include a lot of tourists who might be using it instead of the Dart because of the scenic views as well as the direct access to stops on Howth Hill. The analysis carried out for Bus Connects seems to have a focus on residents’ access to work and education. It is not clear what data you are using for tourist trips on Dublin Bus.

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Access to train stations

Although all national and local policy talks about prioritising public transport, walking and cycling and ensuring as many people as possible can avail of it, it is often not implemented in practice.

 

Howth Malahide Area Committee (Services A – Operational Matters)

Wednesday, 5 April 2017

Councillor D. Healy – Signage to Sutton Dart Station. AI036626

“To ask the Chief Executive what progress has been made in relation to the provision of signs indicating the routes for pedestrians and cyclists from Dublin Road and Warrenhouse Road to Sutton Dart Station via Binn Éadair View and Railway Avenue and also in the opposite directions since the matter was raised at this Committee in May 2015.”

Reply:

These laneways were intended for local access to the DART Station. It would be inappropriate to sign the area as a pedestrian and cycle route for the general public through these residential areas.

HOWTH-MALAHIDE AREA COMMITTEE MEETING (Services A – Operational Matters)

Wednesday 6th May, 2015

ITEM NO. 11

DIRECTIONAL SIGNAGE FOR SUTTON DART STATION

Question: Councillor D. Healy

“To ask the Chief Executive to provide signs indicating the routes for pedestrians and cyclists from Dublin Road and Warrenhouse Road to Sutton Dart Station via Binn Éadair View and Railway Avenue and also in the opposite directions?”

Reply: The area will be inspected and appropriate signage erected.

 

Sutton

Between Sutton Train Station and Lauder’s Lane there is a pedestrian route. Unfortunately it is badly surfaced and after rain is a string of puddles. Iarnród Éireann met with the the Area Committee in June 2015 and promised to address it. I’m still following up the lack of progress in this.

Howth Junction

Howth Junction Station needs planning permission

Green activist David Healy welcomes An Bord Pleanála’s ruling that Howth Junction Station needs planning permission.

An Bord Pleanála has ruled that most of Howth Junction train station was illegally rebuilt without planning permission.  The decision was made in response to a section 5 referral submitted by Fingal County Council as a result of a motion from then Councillor David Healy.  David is particularly concerned that the rebuilt train station does not provide for mobility impaired access to Fás Training Centre and Baldoyle Industrial Estate.

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A year of emails to Dublin City Council, still no enforcement or even reply!

My objection to Dublin City Council in relation to the lack of mobility impaired access at Howth Junction was successful. Dublin City Council’s decision included the following condition:

“2. Within 3 months of the final date of this decision, the applicant shall demonstrate adherence to the Disability Act 2005, the Guidance Framework on Good Practice in Developing on Implementation Plan in Local Authorities and National Guidelines in relation to accessibility to mobility impaired people, the applicant shall be required to undertake the following: (a) To clearly indicate on plan and elevation drawings all access/ egress from and to the station and through the site, including public right of way through site and to demonstrate accessibility to mobility impaired persons. Such drawings and details shall be certified by a suitably qualified person with expertise and experience with regard to accessibility for mobility impaired persons. Reason: In order for the retained development to meet the requirements for access to mobility impaired persons”

I first wrote to the City Council in relation to non-compliance with this condition in April 2009. I still have had no substantive reply.  Continue reading →