I have given the following feedback in relation to proposals online until midnight today.

A proposal like this should not be presented as solely drawings with no explanatory text. The reasons for and purposes of the specific changes proposed should be set out, as well as considerations as regards any changes considered but not currently proposed.

The proposal is to put bollards along the footpath beside the zigzagged area and the marked car parking/waiting areas. Is this intended to prevent footpath parking at these locations? If not, what are these bollards for? It’s my impression that there isn’t footpath parking at these locations. However, the zigzagged area is subject to illegal car parking/entry. Google maps show traffic cones placed to prevent this. Bollards on the footpath, of course, won’t address the problem of illegal parking on the carriageway.  This presumably results from the road layout providing an additional section of the carriageway off the (already wide) main westbound lane. It’s not surprising that the subsequent modification by road markings hasn’t eliminated this parking. Surely it would make more sense to widen the footpath here so there is no additional carriageway space off the main eastbound lane?

The visual narrowing of the road at this location would also help address the main concern identified in the road safety audit. The road widens significantly at the school, leading to increased vehicle speeds. This has to be addressed. Some tree planting, sited to maintain necessary sightlines, could help with this as well. 

Why is a zebra crossing or a controlled crossing not proposed here? 

Given work is to be done at this location, this is an appropriate time to consider the installation of bus shelters at the stops outside the school.

I have given the following feedback in relation to proposals online until midnight today.

I have been raising the unsatisfactory condition for people walking and wheeling on Tuckett’s Lane for some time. The footpath is only on one side of the road, which would be ok if it was adequate, but it isn’t adequate. It narrows to a pinch point too narrow for wheelchairs and most pushchairs just uphill from the park, with no ramped access. (See attached photo.) I asked for this to be addressed when the lane was dug up for surface water works. I raised the need to address the quality of the lane for people walking and cycling at the earliest possible opportunity, and pointed out that this was consistent with the direction agreed by the full Council in late 2022. (https://meetings.fingal.ie/ieIssueDetails.aspx?IId=58033&Opt=3&AIID=82573)  

The response was effectively that this was a different area of responsibility and that the opportunity to improve the lane while resurfacing after the water supply wouldn’t be taken. I was told that the issue would be referred to Active Travel. I have forwarded the relevant correspondence by email.

I’m concerned that the proposal on display is to address the situation immediately at the school but not the situation 100m away, despite the declared aim of Fingal Safer Schools to “Improve access routes to school by enhancing walking and cycling infrastructure.”

Downhill from the park, the footpath has steps due to its steepness, but there is no dishing to enable people using wheels to access the carriageway.

Without a doubt some of the motor vehicle delivery traffic to the school is a result of the inadequacy of the walking routes to the school. Therefore, the above issues with Tuckett’s Lane should be addressed to facilitate greater numbers walking rather than being driven, in accordance with the aim of the project.

As part of that, the four arms of the Tuckett’s Lane/ St. Lawrence’s Terrace/ St. Nessan’s Terrace junction should be marked with zebra crossings.

The footpath on Tuckett’s Lane between the above junction and the school is also substandard and should also be widened.

The drawing is hard to understand, being marked in yellow on a faded photographic background.  Am I correct that bollards are proposed to prevent cars parking on or accessing the footpath? There are no indications on the map that there is an intention to restrict car parking on the carriageway at these locations, yet a number of the submissions seem to understand that this is proposed. If this is a misunderstanding it should be clarified to those who made submissions.

The crossing point in front of the school should be made into a zebra crossing.

One of the submissions correctly points out that the footpath across from the school on the west side of St. Peter’s Terrace ends at a height blocked off with railings. This should be redesigned to facilitate people walking.

The opportunity should be taken for locating additional trees/rain gardens in this area.