MAJOR new road projects that were announced at the
start of this year are set to radically improve transport links on the
Southside.
Capital funding has already been secured for major
road improvement works to Pottery Road, Deansgrange and full planning approval
has been granted.
Dun Laoghaire Rathdown County Council expects to be in
a position to proceed to tender later this year with works to begin in early
2013.
The ambitious road scheme features two new traffic
lanes with dedicated right turnings, footpaths and cycle lanes that are expected
to significantly improve conditions for vehicular traffic, as well as for
cyclists and pedestrians using Pottery Road.
The cathaoirleach of the council, Cllr John Bailey,
said the completion of the Pottery Road Improvement Scheme had been an
objective for many years.
“Pressure to proceed with the road scheme intensified
following the decision of AMGEN to take over the Pfizer plant,
? he said.
“This
is a major boost to the economy of Dún Laoghaire Rathdown. However, the poor
condition of the road has been identified as a serious impediment to future
major development of the facility.
“Following negotiations a funding package was agreed
to cover the full estimated cost of
?¬18 million for the scheme.
?
Dún Laoghaire Rathdown County Council, the Department
of Transport, Tourism and Sport, the National Transport Authority and AMGEN
will all contribute to the cost of the scheme, with the council’s contribution
expected to be in the region of 30 per cent.
Dun Laoghaire Rathdown County Council has been
allocated over
?¬5 million in grants for road improvement schemes this year.
A total of
?¬650,000 has been allocated to the Burton
Hall Road scheme to benefit the traffic flow in the Sandyford Business Estate
while another
?¬100,000 has been allocated to the Leopardstown Link Road.
A total of
?¬131,000 has also been allocated as part of
the regional sign posting campaign and nearly e1 million is going towards road
restoration and winter maintenance projects.
Deputy Olivia Mitchell said the allocation of
?¬700,000
to improve access to both business parks in Sandyford was imperative to
maintain and upgrade infrastructure as the parks expand.
“While this funding is great news for existing
businesses, it should help attract further investment in the area,
? she said.