Council must listen to local community

A PROPOSAL to ban private vehicles in Clondalkin Village was removed from the Clondalkin Local Area Plan (LAP) this week, much to the relief of many businesses and residents.

It formed part of the Clondalkin LAP which contains a range of

‘themes’, and South Dublin County Council sought feedback during the public consultation phase.

The traffic aspect, which included bus gates and one-way systems redirecting traffic, did not go down well.

Estates located in proximity to Clondalkin Village gathered petitions to oppose traffic proposals which they say would have a “catastrophic effect” on the area.

Bernie Cronin, chairman St Brigid’s resident’s association was a key man involved in raising awareness in the community.

He was the only resident to attend the Clondalkin area meeting this week, where an amendment by Cllr Francis Timmons (Ind) to remove the traffic aspect was voted in favour by a majority of Clondalkin councillors (4 in favour, 1 against, 2 absentees).

Petitions Cronin gathered over the last number of weeks, led to a collection of objections from 1,122 residents and a further 820 objections signed by customers in local businesses.

Mr Cronin says the result vindicates public sentiment and that the council and councillors “need to listen to residents and businesses” before publishing proposals.

At the area meeting, Cllr Timmon’s Motion asked the committee to acknowledge public “anger” against the proposal.

“It was a difficult one because I was one of the councillors who voted for a LAP for Clondalkin. It was overdue, Rathcoole would love one,” Timmons told The Echo.

An artist impression of the plans

“There is no plan at the moment, it is just proposals, and there are lots of different parts to the LAP that are very positive, like heritage. But I don’t think it (traffic proposal) was suitable.”

Cllr Trevor Gilligan (FF) had a Motion to “abandon the Clondalkin LAP” but was disappointed that this failed to receive support.

“The plan was initially proposed by multiple councillors at a 2021 development plan meeting. If this plan is not about pedestrianising Clondalkin village, then what is it about? Whilst proponents continue to point to the positive parts of the plan, I have yet to see a single benefit of the plan that can’t be put forward by motions or headed items,” said Cllr Gilligan.

In response to Cllr Timmon’s Motion, South Dublin County Council said public consultation from March 1 – April 2 sought feedback using open ended questions on three scenarios for growth informed by an earlier public consultation – local vitality, healthy environment, and built heritage.

“Furthermore, views were sought on an option for movement measure within and around the village. This movement option was presented in response to the first round of consultation, where traffic congestion was seen as an issue for Clondalkin,” said SDCC.

“It was presented as an option to reduce traffic congestion and encourage more cycling and walking. It also showed analysis of how the option could reduce delays in the evening peak if the option measures were implemented.”

SDCC said a total of 190 people submitted feedback through the portal and also at workshops and “by other means.”

“It is acknowledged that a significant number of respondents were not in favour of the movement option as presented.”

SDCC said all feedback will be written up into a report which will be made publicly available.

It is intended to hold a third round of non-statutory consultation prior to publication of a draft LAP where options for movement will be reviewed.

Cllr Timmons said the LAP will come before councillors who are re-elected after the Local Elections in August/September.

“They will be able to make amendments. The traffic proposal is gone but it could come back in another form. The LAP isn’t just for or against, there are different elements and we do have a say as councillors.”