Bad road design is putting pedestrians and cyclists at risk

Bad road design in new housing estates in Fingal is putting pedestrians
and cyclists at risk.  Most of these roads and streets are being
built by developers, and it seems that the planning system is failing
to ensure that basic design rules for pedestrians and cyclists are
being implemented.

Ironically the greatest risk for cyclists comes from "cycle facilities"
supposedly provided for their benefit.  The greatest risk for
pedestrians comes from the roundabouts which are being used everywhere
as well as wide curves (high curve radii) which encourage motorists to
cross pedestrians’ path at speed.  I have submitted a motion to
the Transport Strategic Policy Committee of the Council and taken some
photographs of some of the ridiculous designs. Motion for Transport SPC:

That the Manager report on the mechanisms operated in the Council to
ensure that road designs submitted by developers are checked for

   1. safety for pedestrians and cyclists

   2. compliance with the Provision of Cycle Facilities: National
Manual for Urban Areas or subsequent guidance being developed by the DTO

   3. provision of an environment which encourages walking and cycling

both at planning permission application stage and at the stage of
compliance submissions in relation to granted permissions, with
particular reference to road designs such as that at Robswall in
Malahide, and Applewood in Swords.

Below are some photos from new developments in Fingal.

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New footpath in Portmarnock unusable by wheelchair or pushchair.

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Cycle track in Swords with no way of getting onto it.

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Cycle track in Swords endling in boulders, no exit from it.  Note
it is inside the
footpath which breaches the national  manual. In any event, there
is no reason for these cycle tracsk. Cyclists on these roads should be
accommodated
on the carriageway.  I observed cyclists completely confused as to
how to use these roads.

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New urban centre in Applewood Swords: If there isn’t room for parking and a footpath, which gets squeezed?

Meeting of Dublin North East Greens

There will be a meeting of Dublin North East Greens at 7pm on Thursday
29th September in Baldoyle Library.  All those interested in
finding out more about the Green Party/Comhaontas Glas and inputting
into Cllr. David Healy’s work are welcome.

Local Environment Fund available

Applications are due by 7th October for funding under the "Local Agenda 21 Environment Partnership Fund".  *

This should be of interest to all community organisations to work on
sustainable development or environmental issues.  Details are
at:http://www.fingalcoco.ie/YourLocalCouncil/Services/Environment/EnvironmentalAwarenessEducation/LocalAgenda21/#d.en.86

(Local Agenda 21 was supposed to be a process arising from the Rio
Earth Summit in 1992 whereby communities would convert to sustainable
development through a process of involving the various
stakeholders.   This has not happened in Ireland. 
Instead the local environmental grants have been renamed.)

Consultation on Baldoyle Millennium Park to start soon

I have been pushing the Council to take action in relation to the
Millennium Park in Baldoyle which is supposed to be provided as part of
the housing development in Stapolin.  n response to a motion of mine at the area committee meeting, the
Parks Department have reported that they are to initiate public
consultation in relation to the design of the Millennium Park in
Baldoyle.   Within a month or so they will invite public submissions about the
design of the park.  After these are considered, a draft design
will be drawn up and put on public display.

Motion and full report below.

MALAHIDE/HOWTH AREA COMMITTEE
(SERVICES B)

 PLANNING, PROPERTY AND ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT, HOUSING, COMMUNITY, RECREATION AND AMENITIES, GENERAL BUSINESS

THURSDAY, 15TH SEPTEMBER, 2005

ITEM NO.  47

MILLENIUM PARK, BALDOYLE – PLANS

Motion:    Councillor D. Healy
“That the Manager bring forward plans for a consultation and design
process with the local community and with community and sporting
organisation in order to prepare for the drawing up of plans for the
provision of the Millennium Park in Baldoyle.”

Report:
It was stated in the Baldoyle Portmarnock Action Area Plan that ‘The
design and layout of the parkland shall be subject to consultation with
the Council, Baldoyle Residents Association and other relevant
associations and local clubs prior to the submission of a planning
application’.

To date the Planning Department has received planning permission for
phases 1 and 2 and has required by condition the provision of 9
hectares of parkland on the southern boundary to the rear of Admiral
Park to be set out and developed as playing pitches.  The details
of these works have been agreed and work is well in progress and
expected to be handed over in early Autumn 2006.  In discussion
with Planning and Parks Departments, an additional 9 hectares is also
to be provided as playing pitches over and above the planning
requirement.  

The design of the remainder of the park is currently subject of
discussions between the Developer and the Council.  There are also
an extensive section of ecologically sensitive lands which will require
very sensitive planning and design and also will need to be fully
compliant with the requirements of the Department of the Marine,
Environment and the Wildlife service.  

The Council are shortly to invite the public to make submissions
regarding the design of the park.  Following consideration of the
submissions and consultation with interested parties, a draft plan will
be prepared for the park and put on display for a month, pursuant to
Part VIII procedures as set out in the Planning Act.

Howth SAAO Committee to meet

As I am now chair of the Howth/Malahide Area Committee, I am also chair
of the Howth Special Amenity Area Order Committee.  Unfortunately
the Committee has not met for about 2 years;  there has been no
clear explanation of why this is the case.  I will be ensuring
that the SAAO Committee meets regularly and I submitted a motion in
relation to this to the Area Committee on 15th September, which was
agreed.

Playground in Howth

The proposed playground at Howth Harbour was approved by the area
committee on 15th September.  I proposed that it be approved and
that it be designed with a local maritime theme and in consultation
with Howth Sutton Community Council.  This was agreed and the
playground will be built in time for next Summer.

Playground in Sutton

At the Area Committee meeting on 15th September, after public
consultation, the committee decided to drop the proposal for a
playground at Greenfield Road in Sutton.  It also agreed to
approve the proposed playground at Howth Harbour.

I agreed with both these decisions.  Having given an election
commitment to support playgrounds, I feel I should explain my decision
in relation to the Sutton site.  The overriding consideration was
the lack of any positive support for the playgrounds or indication of
any local demand for them.  The purpose of these small playgrounds
is to provide a facility for local use.  None of the 30 separate
submissions indicated a demand for a playground in this area.

A copy of the report on the public consultation is below.

FINGAL COUNTY COUNCIL

MALAHIDE/HOWTH AREA COMMITTEE
(SERVICES B)

PLANNING, PROPERTY AND ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT, HOUSING, COMMUNITY, RECREATION AND AMENITIES, GENERAL BUSINESS]

THURSDAY 15TH SEPTEMBER 2005

ITEM NO. 39 (b)

PROPOSED PROVISION OF A PLAYGROUND AT GREENFIELD ROAD, SUTTON – REPORT
PURSUANT TO PART XI OF THE PLANNING AND DEVELOPMENT ACTS 2000-2002

Fingal County Council proposes to provide a playground at one of two
possible locations, shown as A and B on site location map of Greenfield
Road, Sutton. The sketch plans of the proposed development were
presented to the Malahide/Howth (Services B) meeting on the 16th June
2005 where it was agreed that the procedure pursuant to Part XI of the
Local Government Planning and Development Acts 2000-2002 be initiated.

In accordance with Part VIII of the Planning and Development
Regulations 2001 public notice of the Council’s intention to provide
the playground was published in the Irish Independent on the 5th July
2005 and a site notice was erected on site the same day.

Plans and particulars of the proposed development were made available
for inspection between the hours of 9.30 a.m. to 12.30 p.m. and 2.00
p.m. to 4.00 p.m. on working days from Tuesday 5th July 2005 until
Wednesday 3rd August 2005 at the following offices of Fingal County
Council:-

•    Parks Division, Fingal County Council, County Hall, Main Street, Swords
•    Baldoyle Library, The Mall, Baldoyle, Dublin 13

Submissions or observations with respect to the proposed development
dealing with the proper planning and sustainable development of the
area in which the development would be situated were to be made in
writing to Mr Gerry Fitzgerald, Senior Executive Parks Superintendent,
Parks Division, Fingal County Council, County Hall, Main Street, Swords
on or before Wednesday 17th August 2005.

The period during which submissions or observations in respect of the
proposed development may be made to the Local Authority has expired.
This report is being submitted to the Council in accordance with the
requirements of Article 179(3) of the Planning and Development Act 2000
which states that a report, in accordance with sub-article (b) shall –

“(i) Describe the nature and extent of the proposed development and the principal features thereof”

Each proposed playground will be approximately 400 square metres in area (20m x 20m)

Will be equipped with play equipment suitable for children under 8 years of age.

Playground boundary will be secured with a railing 1.2 to 1.5 metres high.

The area will be surfaced with tarmac with safer surface (rubber tile,
rubber wet pour, loose rubber or wood fibre) provided within the
critical fall areas.

The playgrounds are intended to serve the needs to children living
locally and should not be seen as a regional facility. Though there may
be visitors from other estates when the playgrounds open.

Fingal County Council will seek, by public tender, qualified
contractors to design and construct the playground including all
surfacing, boundary treatment and play equipment

“(ii) Evaluate whether or not the proposed development would be
consistent with the proper planning and sustainable development of the
area to which the development relates, having regard to the provisions
of the Development Plan and giving reasons and considerations for the
evaluation”.

The area in which it is proposed to develop the proposed playground is
zoned “F” in the 1999-2004 Fingal County Council Development
Plan.  This zoning objective is “to preserve and provide for open
space and recreational amenities”.  It is considered that the
proposed development would not be contrary to this objective.

“(iii) List the persons or bodies who made submissions or observations
with respect to the proposed development in accordance with the
Regulations under sub-section (2)”.

See Appendix A

“(iv) Summarise the issues, with respect to the proper planning and
sustainable development of the area in which the proposed development
would be situate, raised in any submissions or observations, and give
the response of the Manager thereto”.
See Appendix B

“(v) Recommend whether or not the proposed development should be
proceeded with as proposed, or as varied or modified as recommended in
this report, or should not be proceeded with, as the case may be”.

Given that location B is close of a drainage gripe that occasionally
fills with water, and that there is no practical way at present to
eliminate this risk, the Council is of the opinion that location A
would be the preferred location for the playground.  Given that
this site is located adjacent to a busy road this proposal should only
proceed on the condition that a road crossing is provided. If the
members approve of the proposal the appropriate arrangements will be
made to proceed with the development of the facility.
Appendix A

LIST OF PERSONS OR BODIES WHO MADE SUBMISSIONS OR OBSERVATIONS ON OR BEFORE 4 p.m. ON WEDNESDAY AUGUST 17TH 2005

…

Appendix B
SUMMARY OF ISSUES RAISED IN SUBMISSIONS AND OBSERVATIONS ON PROVISION OF PLAYGROUND AT GREENFIELD ROAD, SUTTON.

SUBMISSION    RESPONSE
1    Visually Obtrusive    The Council is
of the opinion due to the proposed size of the playground ie 20m x 20m
that residents’ views of the bay area will not be obstructed.
2    Safety of Children-(a) Proximity to main road (b)
Rodents at Shoreline    (a) The provision of a
playground at this location will depend on the provision of a
pedestrian crossing. Should the Members approve this project
discussions will be held with the Council’s Transportation Department.
(b) Any reports of vermin at this location would be immediately referred to the Health Services Executive for immediate action.
3    Disturbance of  Winter Feeding Ground of Brent
Geese    The species of geese in question regularly
inhabit used open space in this and other locations in the County. The
Council does not consider that the provision of a playground at this
location would adversely affect the geese. However, the Wildlife
Service will be requested to examine the matter and it’s views will be
taken on board.
4    Exposure from Coastal Wind    The
Council recognises that limited use of the playground at certain times
of the year due to weather conditions will occur. It is envisaged by
the Council that the playground would only be used by children on
suitable dry days, therefore the issue of shelter is not seen as a
factor that would stop the playground being used.

5    Car Parking    Whilst  the
proposed playground is intended to serve the needs of children living
locally it is indeed for all children and this will therefore result in
additional usage in summer. The Council  is of the opinion
that  there is adequate car parking available adjacent to the
Church. The provision of a playground at this location will depend on
the provision of a pedestrian crossing.
6    Anti-social behaviour/Vandalism
It is not anticipated that either of the proposed locations would
represent more of a risk from anti social elements  than other
similar type playgrounds in situ throughout the County.
7    Need for such a facility    The
Council’s view is that the provision of a playground in this facility
will improve the level of facilities in this area  for children
and is in line with Council policy on play facility provision.
8    Too close to sea  and drainage trench.
Area  prone to flooding.    Location B is prone to
flooding in extreme weather conditions. Should the playground proceed
at this location the reports of consultants working on drainage in
Dublin bay area at present will guide its design. Location A is not
prone to flooding.
10    Coastal location would lead to rapid corrosion of
equipment    The equipment in the proposed playground
would be of galvanised steel construction, which should reduce
corrosion. It will be finished to a high quality.
11    Baltray, Howth would be a better
location    It is Council policy to provide a number of
playgrounds in each electoral area. The location suggested can be
investigated.

Section 140 motion about waste beside Pobalscoil Neasáin

{mosimage}Since the June area committee meeting where I raised this
issue for the second time (see report below of 16th
June) there has been no change.  The waste is still on
site.  Therefore together with my Green colleagues on the Council,
I have submitted a section 140 motion to formally direct the County
Manager to have the waste removed. I have taken a few photos of the
waste on the site.  The tarmac and concrete are placed there by
the Council.  The appliances etc. are copycat dumping.

Text of Section 140 motion to be considered on 12th September 2005
We
the members of Fingal County Council, pursuant to S.140 of the Local
Government Act 2001, hereby require that the waste consisting of broken
tarmac and all other waste on the Council’s site adjoined by Pobalscoil
Neasáin in Baldoyle be removed without delay.

Cllrs. David Healy, Robert Kelly and Joe Corr
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Fáilte

Fáilte go dtí mo suíomh idirlíne.  Is ball tofa Glas mé de Comhairle Contae Fine Gall, do toghceantar Bhinn Éadair.  Tá sé d’intinn agam an chuid is mó de mo obair mar chomhairleoir contae a chur suas ar an suíomh seo.  Déan teangmháil liom ar aon chuid de na ábhair seo nó aon rud eile a bhaineann le m’obair mar chomhairleoir glas – 01 8324087, david.healy@fingalcoco.ie