Proposed Draft Variation
(No. 49)
of the
Dublin City Development Plan
2005-2011
The Statutory Display of this proposed Draft Variation (No. 49)
to the Dublin City Development Plan 2005-2011
will be on view to the public from
13th November 2009 to 10th December 2009 inclusive
Monday to Friday
between the hours of 9.30 a.m. and 4.30 p.m. at the
Dublin City Council
Civic Offices,
Ground Floor, Block 4,
Wood Quay,
Dublin 8.
________________________________________
PROPOSED DRAFT VARIATION (No. 49) OF THE DUBLIN CITY DEVELOPMENT PLAN
2005 – 2011
RE: Proposed Variation of Dublin City Development Plan 2005-2011.
New Pedestrian/ Cycle Bridge over the Tolka River from East Wall Road to
Fairview Park.
Proposal:
It is proposed that a variation be made to the Dublin City Development Plan 2005-2011 to
enable the provision of a pedestrian/ cycle bridge over the Tolka River from East Wall Road
to Fairview Park to enable the provision of a new high specification cycle route linking the
Grand Canal at Portobello to the Sutton to Sandycove Cycleway.
Accordingly, the Planning Department is proposing to vary the Dublin City Development Plan
2005-2011 to include the provision of the Tolka River Pedestrian/ Cycle Bridge as a specific
objective of the Plan. A new text entry is proposed under Section 7.8.0 of the Plan as
follows;
7.8.0 Provision of Additional Road Capacity
Pedestrian/Cycle Bridges
Tolka River Pedestrian/ Cycle Bridge
The location of the bridge is defined on the attached map.
Background:
The National Cycle Policy Framework 2009 – 2020 aims to create a strong culture of cycling
in Ireland with an aim that 10% of all trips will be by bike by 2020. In discussions with Dublin
City Council, the Sustainable Transport section of the Department of Transport outlined its
view that significant improvements in the quality of cycling infrastructure would be required if
the targeted growth in trips by bike is to be achieved. In addition the Department outlined its
view that it was important that new schemes where possible should be of a premium
standard so that they could be used as a template of what can be achieved in an urban area
to provide a dramatic improvement in cycling infrastructure.
Dublin City Council is planning for the provision of a high specification cycle route from the
Grand Canal at Portobello to the Sutton to Sandycove Cycleway. The scheme aims to
provide a new efficient transport corridor through an existing built up environment, which will
act as a demonstration project for further schemes in urban areas. The proposed bridge will
provide a continuous cycle/pedestrian linkage from the Grand Canal at Portobello to the
Sutton to Sandycove Cycleway via the Samuel Beckett Bridge.
Location and Description:
The proposed bridge will be located across the Tolka River between the existing CIE rail
bridge and the Alfie Byrne Road bridge. The bridge will link West Road and East Wall Road
with Fairview Park and the Sutton to Sandycove Cycleway at Alfie Byrne Road.
The bridge will provide a continuous cycle/pedestrian linkage from the Grand Canal at
Portobello to the Sutton to Sandycove Cycleway via the Samuel Beckett Bridge.
The bridge will have an approximate span of 30 metres. The general design of the bridge will
promote the safety and security of both pedestrians and cyclists and users of the river for
water based recreational activities, in particular rowers and other boating interests. In this
respect, the bridge will be designed to ensure sufficient clearance for boats travelling on the
River Tolka. The bridge will comply with European and National accessibility standards. In
addition, lighting and associated soft landscaping will be provided.
Planning Context
Dublin City Development Plan:
Policy T5 of the Development Plan states that it is the policy of Dublin City Council to give
priority to improved pedestrian and cycling facilities both within the inner city and the outer
city as part of an integrated approach to the management of movement.
Cycling has the potential to transform the city’s quality of life in terms of health and
environment and is considered an efficient, fast and relatively inexpensive form of transport.
Dublin City Council is fully committed to promoting walking and cycling over the lifetime of
the Plan throughout the Dublin City Council area. This will be achieved by recognising and
prioritising the needs of pedestrians and cyclists, by means of traffic calming, traffic
management and the provision of appropriate and enhanced pedestrian and cycle facilities,
creating a pleasant walking and cycling environment for all. The provision of the bridge
would provide an opportunity to develop a high specification cycle track in the heart of the
city, linking the Grand Canal at Portobello to the Sutton to Sandycove Cycleway.
Purpose of the Proposed Variation:
The purpose of the variation is to allow the construction of a Pedestrian/ Cycle Bridge over
the Tolka River from East Wall Road to Fairview Park to enable the provision of a new high
specification cycle route linking the Grand Canal at Portobello to the Sutton to Sandycove
Cycleway.
Recommendation:
Taking cognisance of the above, it is recommended that the variation procedure be initiated
to include the provision of the Tolka River Pedestrian/ Cycle Bridge as an objective under
Section 7.8.0 of the written statement and Map E of the Development Plan.
Statutory Environmental Assessments:
Strategic Environmental Assessment - The Planning Authority determined, using the
relevant criteria set out in Schedule 2A, that an SEA is not required for the proposed Draft
Variation to the Dublin City Development Plan 2005 – 2011. This was notified to the
prescribed bodies, who have not indicated that they have any objection to the Draft
Variation, proceeding at this stage.
Appropriate Assessment Screening - Article 6(3) of the EU Habitats Directive, requires an
Appropriate Assessment screening to be undertaken when a site for a proposed variation
is in the vicinity of a Natura 2000 site. It is considered, following assessment that the
variation would have no direct impact upon any Natura 2000 site.
WRITTEN SUBMISSIONS OR OBSERVATIONS
Written submissions or observations with respect to the proposed Draft Variation made to
the Planning Department within the said period will be taken into consideration before the
making of the variation.
Objections and/or representations to this Proposed Draft Variation of the
Dublin City Development Plan 2005-2011
can be made in writing, to reach:
Tom Vaughan,
Planning Department,
Dublin City Council,
Block 4, Floor 3,
Civic Offices, Wood Quay,
Dublin 8.
Or can be E-Mailed to:
planning@dublincity.ie
BEFORE 4.30 P.M. ON 10th DECEMBER 2009