Fingal County Council recently called for submissions from the public in relation to a study of the lands at Scribblestown and Dunsink. In my submission to the Council, I made a number of suggestions concerning the best possible use of these lands for the people of Dublin West.

I believe that the Tolka Valley green belt area should be designated as a Special Amenity Area, similar to the Liffey Valley. The green belt zoning of this land should be upheld and strengthened, as this land forms a significant green ‘lung’ between the built-up areas of Finglas and Blanchardstown. Provision should also be made for recreational facilities within the Valley for the enjoyment of the population of Dublin 15 and indeed the greater Dublin area and tourists.

The tourism and amenity potential of this area is significant. Activities could include walking, fishing, cycling and equestrian activities. Elm Green is a hugely successful golf course. I believe that other sports activities could be just as successfully located in the area.

I have also asked that that the life of Irish scientist William Rowan Hamilton be celebrated and commemorated with a scientific center and walkway.
William Rowan Hamilton is not a household name in the way that Albert Einstein is but his influence on the development of science and mathematics was immense. One Sunday afternoon in October 1843, Hamilton was walking along the Royal Canal at Broombridge when he was suddenly inspired by an idea of how to solve a difficult mathematical problem.
He was so excited by his discovery that he immediately carved out his formula on the wall of the bridge over the canal.
I propose that in this, the Bicentenary year of one of Ireland’s most famous scientists and former director of the Dunsink Observatory, that he be fittingly commemorated by the creation of:

a) William Rowan Hamilton Walk from the Observatory to nearby Broombridge. Currently, it is difficult, if not impossible, to walk from the Observatory to Broombridge using the route that Hamilton himself would have used.

b) William Rowan Hamilton Scientific and Interpretative Centre. The Council should look for appropriate funding support together with the Observatory for a William Rowan Hamilton Scientific Centre celebrating the achievements of Irish science and offering, in particular, scientific experience to young people, schoolchildren and students.
Given Fingal’s position as a leading location for high tech and computer industries, emphasizing the Hamilton links with Fingal would be entirely appropriate.

The Dunsink Observatory is a key focal point in the Tolka Valley. The Council should lend its weight to moves to retain the Observatory as a working scientific observatory with special emphasis on open access to the Observatory and a program of public education on the Observatory’s activities.

This is one of the last significant remaining green belt areas in Dublin 15. In all development planning in Dublin 15 over the last 15 years, the green belt zoning of these lands has been enhanced and upheld in recognition of the fact that the Dublin 15 area has undergone tremendous intense development for both housing, industry and commerce. The proper development of the area requires a significant amount of green land, providing space for parks, recreation, amenity, sports and tourism facilities. Retaining the Tolka Valley and Dunsink as green belt would ensure some essential environmental balance to the onward growth of Dublin 15 and indeed of Dublin city.