Cycle path problems highlighted by locals

SOUTH Dublin County Council has been urged to provide an access point to a new cycle and pedestrian path in Rathfarnham to enable cyclists to use the facility.

The local authority is proposing to construct a new pedestrian and cycle link from Grange Road to Grange Manor Road and Barton Road, a route that is currently used as a pedestrian shortcut.

The scheme will involve upgrading and realigning the existing footpath/walkway to create a new four metre wide walking and cycling route.

It would also involve the upgrading of the access points along the existing route onto Grange Manor Road, Grange Road/Park Avenue and Hermitage Drive.

Suzanne McEneaney, who lives in Barton Drive, is also secretary of the local Dublin South Green Party group. She claimed that as part of the plan the new cycle path would be closed off from residents in Aranleigh, Barton Drive and most of Barton Road.

She has called on the council to provide an access point to the new cycle path at Aranleigh to facilitate those residents who she maintains would not have direct access to the proposed facility from their homes.

“These cyclists have to cut through the Aranleigh estate, which is damaging the grass on the greens and increasing the risk of accidents with cars reversing out of driveways,

? she said.

“An entrance point to the new cycle path at the junction with Aranleigh Vale is essential.

?

A spokesperson for South Dublin County Council said the new cycle and pedestrian path would greatly reduce the walking and cycling distance to Nutgrove Shopping Centre, bus stops, parks and other amenities for local residents.

“The proposed link is based on an existing shortcut, enabling cyclists and pedestrians, including those with decreased mobility, to access safe, direct, hard surfaced routes to the local shops, school, community centre, public transport stop, cycle route or the park,

? the spokesperson said.

The council had recently engaged in an informal public consultation exercise on the proposal locally and is currently reviewing the submissions it received before the August 3 closing date.

Following a review of the consultation process, the next stage of the proposed project would be to proceed to a Part 8 planning process.

“As part of the Part 8 process, a site notice will be erected on the subject site and submissions from prescribed bodies and the public can be submitted during a six week public consultation period,

? the spokesperson added.

Councillors will then ultimately decide on any amendments to the scheme and whether or not to adopt or reject the proposal in its entirety after the County Manager has issued them with a report on the matter.