SDCC in estates clearing access routes to schools and public transport

By Mary Dennehy

The council is working across estates today and is prioritising access to main roads, local schools and bus routes - alongside being requested to assist a number of estates "barricaded" in.

This morning, many communities right across South Dublin County took to social media questioning when South Dublin County Council would arrive to assist residents in the clearing of the roads within estates.

SDCC depot in full swing. 

Earlier the council advised those who have cars abandoned to move them as a priority today, so they don't cause blockages. 

However, The Echo has learned that access is many estates is still limited, with many unable to get to abandoned cars and others concerned over how they'll get cars out of estates for work in the morning.

While residents are out in force today, working together to help clear and make safe their streets, there is large mounds of snow and ice that need to moved with council machinery.

Some areas, such as Glenshane, are completely blocked in due to large snow banks at the entrance to their estate caused by snow plows.

Mounds of snow at the entrance to Glenshane

One Glenshane resident told The Echo: “We need urgent help in Glenshane.

“Residents have been left stranded. Elderly people are unable to access the main roads and a woman who needs dialysis had to walk to the main road to get to the emergency services.”

She added: “The council were out on the main roads and barricaded us into the estate.

“This is the fifth day that residents can’t get out.”

Glenshane residents out in force trying to make access

Speaking with The Echo this afternoon, Tallaght councillor Cathal King (Sinn Fein) said that council crews are making their way into estates across the area, and will help clear local access routes and the entrances to estates.

According to Cllr King, priority is being given to main roads through estates and access routes to schools.

He said: “The council is making its way into estates today and is this afternoon due in Killinarden Heights. 

“I’ve also asked for areas such as Glenshane and Brookview to be visited as the entrances to their estates are blocked with a wall of snow, which was caused when the council was clearing main roads and pushing snow to the sides.

"However, access roads, main artery routes and access to local schools is priority one today."

Praising all of the efforts of residents today, Cllr King said that access to areas is improving thanks to the council and members of the community working together. 

Brookview residents out clearing snow today

According to Clondalkin councillor Emer Higgins said that the council is also prioritising Dublin Bus routes and that rural roads and housing estates are, where possible, being worked on today.

She said that the council’s public realm staff are deployed in all urban centres and villages and focusing on footpath clearance.

“Staff were out until 3am and crews were back on at 6am [this morning], she said.