Councillors urge NTA to withdraw plans for Malahide Road

The National Transport Authority should withdraw its plans to develop a major construction depot on the green area on the Malahide Road beside Darndale, say Sinn Fein councillors.

Councillors Larry O’Toole and Mícheál Mac Donncha voiced their concerns about the project when they met with the NTA earlier this week.

The transport authority plans are part of the development of the new bus, cycle and pedestrian routes from Clongriffin to the city centre via the Malahide Road.

The NTA has submitted an application to An Bórd Pleanála to compulsorily purchase the Darndale site from Dublin City Council.

They are also seeking compulsory purchase of a green space in Ayrfield estate to create a cycle and pedestrian entrance to the estate from the Malahide Road.

The councillors say both proposals have met with widespread local opposition.

Speaking after the meeting O’Toole said that “the siting of a major construction depot on this green area in front of homes in Darndale is totally unacceptable.

“It would be in place for two or three years and would cause major disruption.

“We support the new transport routes on the Malahide Road but this depot should be sited elsewhere and there are several more appropriate locations in the area.”

Councillor Mícheál Mac Donncha said: “The Ayrfield proposal is in no way essential for this otherwise welcome transport plan.

“Residents value the fact that Ayrfield is a quiet, self-contained estate and do not want another entrance from the Malahide Road which would also see the loss of a green area. The NTA should withdraw this proposal.”

The NTA says it will not withdraw the application but will continue to work with councillors and local residents.