Councillor calls for rethink on Dublin Mountains Project

Aine O'Boyle

THERE have been calls for a “rethink of the drastic scale of the proposal” ahead of the closing date for submissions to the controversial Dublin Mountains Project.

The project was initially proposed back in 2015 by South Dublin County Council and Coillte, and included the development of Montpellier Hill, which incorporates the Hellfire Club, and Massy’s Wood sites as a recreation site for tourism and leisure. 

However, Independent Councillor for the Firhouse/Boharnabreena area, Alan Edge, has said: “It’s a fallacy to think you that you need a €15 million development in order to enjoy the beauty of nature.”

Cllr Edge believes that improvements could be made throughout the Dublin Mountains area, to parking facilities and other amenities, without resorting to such a large-scale development. 

The current proposal for the project includes plans for a 75-seater cafe, a shop, changing facilities, a walker’s lounge, exhibition space and an education centre encompassing a 50-seater auditorium. 

Another feature of the project includes a treetop walk, connecting Kilakee Road with Massy’s Wood. 

Groups such as the ‘Save the Hellfire’ and ‘Friends of Massy Woods’ have voiced concerns regarding the development.

The Save the Hellfire campaigners say their wish is to “maintain the natural integrity of the landscape and protect the environment from commercial exploitation”.

Cllr Edge praised the local ‘Save the Hell Fire’ group, saying: “They have worked tirelessly and in difficult circumstances.”

The plans for the Dublin Mountain Project were delayed in 2018 when An Bord Pleanala found that the assessments carried out on behalf of Coillte and SDCC required more work. 

The two groups were asked to carry out a fuller biodiversity study into the impacts that the project would have on the Merlin, a type of migratory bird that the area is home to and the impacts that increased visitor numbers would have on vegetation and habitats in the area.

In January, SDCC confirmed that additional information sought by An Bord Pleanala in relation to the proposed Dublin Mountain Visitor Centre had been received, meaning that plans could move forward on the development. 

However, Cllr Edge has now called for a full discussion of the issue and a “rethink of the drastic scale of the proposal”. 

A spokesperson for SDCC noted that submissions to the proposed Dublin Mountains Project can be made in writing to An Bord Pleanala before 5.30pm on March 23.

The spokesperson added: “As such, it would not be appropriate for South Dublin County Council to make any further comment.” 

Coillte were also contacted for comment on the project but said: “The planning application for this project is being led by South Dublin County Council, therefore it would be inappropriate for us to comment.”