New plan for Dollymount

DUBLIN City Council is to prepare a new management plan for Dollymount Beach.

During the summer the city council angered local people when it controversially closed off the beach to vehiclular access. It said it took the action in response to concerns for public safety.

A spokeswoman for the city council told Northside People:

“A plan for traffic management, car parking and improved accessibility is now to be prepared for 2015 for implementation before the summer months when the use of the beach is at its peak.

“In the meantime, access to the beach from the North Bull Wall for vehicles will be restored pending the outcome of the traffic/accessibility plan.

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Dublin Bay North TD Finian McGrath (Ind) said he was glad a compromise had been reached whereby vehicular access to Dollymount Strand has been reopened at the Wooden Bridge end.

“This is a tremendous boost for people with mobility issues and the elderly,

? stated Deputy McGrath.

“I’m confident that Dublin City Council will come back to the table in May with a comprehensive traffic management plan which will facilitate Dollymount Strand users with different viewpoints and also improve emergency access to the beach.

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Cllr Sean Haughey, who represents the Clontarf Local Electoral Area (LEA), welcomed the decision, describing it as a victory for

“local democracy and democratic accountability

?.

Cllr Haughey said the city council’s decision to close off the beach to vehicular access during the summer caused great distress to many people, particularly the elderly and disabled.

“I strongly condemned this action at the time and called for the removal of the temporary barriers so that full and meaningful discussions could take place on the matter,

? he stated.

“Public consultation must be central to the preparation of this plan so that all the relevant stakeholders can buy into any new arrangements put in place for next summer.

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Cllr Deirdre Heney, who also represents the Clontarf Local Electoral Area (LEA), welcomed the city council’s decision.

Cllr Heney said she accepts

“as do others

? that unrestricted vehicular access onto Dollymount does result in problems associated with traffic and pedestrian safety.

“A proper plan to allow all beach users to enjoy the facility in a safe and user friendly accessible manner is the way forward,

? she stated.

“Hopefully, with a properly worked out parking and traffic management plan, we will achieve this and next year all beach users will be able to continue to enjoy this lovely facility safely.

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Cllr Heney said she intends to pursue the matter of vehicular access with the relevant council officials to ensure the plan as agreed is put in place.

Reform Alliance TD for Dublin Bay North, Terence Flanagan, said:

“A lot of constituents have contacted me to voice concerns that parking was no longer permitted on Dollymount Strand.

“In particular, those who have restricted mobility were worried that they would no longer be able to enjoy the beach, as it would be difficult for them to walk from the car parking area onto the strand.

? Deputy Flanagan added:

“I have been campaigning for car access to be restored on Dollymount Strand and I am delighted that the council has rowed back on their decision.

?