Go-ahead for Cookstown link road would open up access opportunities

Go-ahead for Cookstown link road would open up access opportunities

By Mary Dennehy

THE Cookstown area could be opened up to all types of “access opportunities” if a new link road connecting the Tallaght town centre and the industrial estate gets the green light.

As part of its development plans for the area, South Dublin County Council is proposing a new link road from Exchange Hall, which lies close to the entrance of Tallaght Hospital on Belgard Square North, into Cookstown – which will provide easier access to Cookstown and to the area’s surrounding residential and retail units.

cookstown arial view of link road LIZ

In a statement to The Echo, the council said: “The proposed new link road from Cookstown Road to Belgard Square North has been a long-standing objective in our Development Plans for the area.

“The link road will serve to significantly improve access to the southern sections of Cookstown and link it to the residential and retail areas of Tallaght while also improving access to bus and Luas services for the businesses based in Cookstown.

“The Link Road will also serve to promote the redevelopment of Cookstown which was re-zoned for regeneration use in the 2016 County Development Plan.”

During discussions in council chambers, Tallaght South Sinn Féin councillor Cathal King queried if the proposed link road would “devalue” one of the council’s most valuable sites – Maelruain’s Field.

Cllr King has suggested in recent months that Maelruain’s Field, which lies directly across the road from council HQ and close to Tallaght Hospital, would be sold by the council to finance the delivery of social housing.

Once home to members of the Travelling community, the site has been vacant for a number of years, with Cllr King believing that, in light of the housing crisis, it is now time to investigate selling the well-positioned and serviced site.

He told The Echo: “This site is one of the most valuable, vacant sites in the county and I think with that it’s now time to investigate its sale.

“The proceeds of the sale could be earmarked for the building of social houses on other, more appropriate council-owned land – or the money could be used to buy suitable land for the development of houses.”

The proposed link road will run through a section of Maelruain’s Field and Cllr King is concerned that this could devalue the site.

However, according to council CEO Daniel McLoughlin, the introduction of the road will add to value of Maelruain’s Field not decrease it, as it opens up the area and improves access.

Mr McLouighlin said: “This road will open up the area and link people to areas such as the hospital.

“It will also open up all types of access opportunities for Cookstown.”

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