New footpaths cause concern with ‘traffic mayhem’ predicted
By Aimee Walsh
“TRAFFIC mayhem” is predicted in new housing estate in Tallaght due to narrow footpaths, with one local politician calling on the council to address it as a “matter of urgency”.
New footpaths that have been installed on both sides of the road entering housing estate Kingswood Mews in Tallaght have sparked a cause for concern for Sinn Féin Dublin South West TD Seán Crowe, who says they are too narrow, predicting heavy traffic.
The road at Kingswood Mews
Kingswood Mews is a small development of 15 three- and four-bedroom homes by Jackie Greene Construction Ltd.
Planning permission was granted for the development last year, which is bounded by Kingswood Castle to the east, Ballymount Park to the north, and Ballymount Road to the south.
South Dublin County Council originally refused permission for the development on a number of grounds, but the developer later lodged a successful appeal against the local authorities’ decision.
This is not the first time that the development has been a point of contention, as residents expressed their dissatisfaction last year over the developer’s plans to remove a boundary wall and coniferous trees to make way for a footpath and cycle lane for the new estate.
Speaking about the newly installed footpaths on both sides of the roadway into the estate, Teachta Séan Crowe said that it is “not viable” for two cars or other vehicles to pass going in and out of the estate, foreseeing major traffic issues.
“With the opening of 78 new apartments in the new estate, there will be traffic mayhem, particularly at peak times in the mornings, afternoons, and evenings.
“Urgent action needs to be carried out by the local authority, South Dublin County Council, before these apartments open and I am calling on them to bring back the contractor who installed these new paths and left this difficulty for residents and visitors to the estate.”
Suggesting that the contractor has made an error on the measurements, he added: “4.3 metres or 170 inches is not wide enough for vehicles to pass, and I am calling on the Council to address this error as a matter of urgency.
“Residents who are currently living in Kingswood Mews are having to try navigate this road every day and the addition of 78 apartments will do nothing to ease the problem.
“There is clearly plenty of space for a wider road and new footpaths. The contractor would appear to have made an error and needs to start again.”
The Echo contacted Jackie Greene Construction Ltd. for comment, but it was not received in time for print.
