Decision on Raheen laneway imminent after almost 30yrs
By Mary Dennehy
IT ONLY took close on 30 years, but a decision on the proposed extinguishment of a laneway in Raheen may be on the horizon.
As previously reported in The Echo, the unlit laneway has been the source of much debate over the decades, with the issue of closing the lane splitting not only the community but elected representatives.
The lane between Rahee and Whitebrook, Tallaght
In a bid to reach a solution, South Dublin County Council last year brought the proposed closure of the right of way to public consultation, and also held an oral hearing.
According to the Oral Hearing report, 304 people were in favour of extinguishing the right of way while 359 were against.
Those in favour of closing the laneway, according to the report, cited theft from neighbouring properties, muggings, aggravated assault, sexual acts, litter, drug-dealing, drug-taking, graffiti, illegal dumping, attempted rape, bomb disposal and late-night noise as their reasons.
However, those against argued that the laneway provides access to the doctor, dental surgery, schools, bus stops, Post Office, leisure facilities and other community services.
It was also argued that the alternative route through Whitebrook Park, if the laneway was closed, is not suitable for wheelchair users or people with mobility issues.
Attract more anti-social behaviour
Those against also believe that if the lane was closed off, the area would become a dumping ground and attract more anti-social behaviour.
An Oral Hearing into the proposed extinguishment of the right of way was held on March 29 of this year in County Hall, and was attended by delegates from three representative groups – Raheen Residents Association, Jobstown Estate Management and Whitebrook Association.
The Oral Hearing was conducted by Niall Hayden, a retired Chief Technician, who after the process and visiting the site on a number of occasions does not accept that the extinguishment of the public right of way and fencing off the area will eliminate the threat of anti-social behaviour, nuisance and noise.
He also believes that the laneway forms an “important function in the connectivity and permeability” of the area.
In his conclusions, Mr Hayden said: “I recommend that the proposal to extinguish the public right of way between Raheen Close and Whitebrook Park be refused and I recommend to the council that the implementation of the following remedial measures be considered to improve and enhance the public safety and security.”
Recommendations include, the provision of high quality anti-vandal public lighting along the right of way from Raheen Road to Cheeverstown Road and the examination of a community-based CCTV plan, with cameras linked directly to Tallaght Garda Station.
The provision of litter bins in at least four locations, a mobility suitability survey on the footpath surfaces within Whitebrook Park, the examination of any blind spots or alcoves and permitting residents on Raheen Close to increase the height of their rear boundary walls.
Mr Hayden concluded that if the recommendations are adopted, a review of the measures would be undertaken after two years.
The recommendations have been accepted by the Tallaght Area Committee, with the report now going before the full council meeting this Monday for decision.
