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Tag Archives: traffic & transport
No End in Sight for Swords’ 41X Port Tunnel Saga
There may be a winter of discontent in store for Swords based commuters as the Minister for Transport considers his options after the recent High Court order which overturned his decision to allow the 41X service to use the Dublin Port Tunnel. This saga is now running for more than two years and doesn’t look like ending any time soon.
Like the many commuters who use this service daily, I was delighted when the Minister saw sense back in 2008, after sustained pressure by myself and by local commuters, and allowed the 41X to use the Dublin Port Tunnel.
The Port Tunnel is an important piece of public infrastructure, paid for by taxpayers, and it beggars belief that Dublin Bus could be prevented from using it for a popular rush hour service simply to preserve a private monopoly.
If the 41X is barred from using the Tunnel, people living in and around River Valley, for example, will again be faced with either persisting with a bus that takes up to half an hour longer because it can’t take the most direct route or hiking twenty minutes to Airside to take a private bus and then pay for 3 euro for the privilege. People with tax-saver commuter tickets would be particularly hard done by as there is no facility for tax refunds on private bus services.
It is only fair that a certain proportion of express, peak-time commuter buses, serving the different areas of Swords, have access to the Port Tunnel. This is the only way that all commuters in the area can get a real express service to work.
In a letter to me, dated 13th August, Minister Dempsey said that his Department “has begun consideration of the judgement in consultation with the Attorney General’s office. It is understood that the Order of the Court will not be perfected until October and there are then three weeks in which to lodge an appeal. The decision whether to appeal the judgement is still under consideration by the Department.”
‘Ghost Train Station’ for Dublin 15?
We have heard all about ghost estates and zombie hotels, but it now looks like Dublin 15 could get its very own ‘ghost train station’.
Although the grand opening of the Dunboyne rail line has been scheduled for September 2nd, it now appears that the Hansfield station, which was to serve the growing population centres of Ongar and Littlepace, will remain unopened until the property developer concerned provides the agreed access road.
Iarnrod Eireann, in an email to Deputy Joan Burton, have explained that “Hansfield will not be opened in September, as the developer has not provided the access road to the station at this time.”
Barry Kenny of Irish Rail went on to say that they were “working with Fingal County Council in seeking to ensure that the developer completes these works as soon as possible to allow the opening of Hansfield Station”, but that they did “not currently have a timescale from the developer for this”.
Assurances from John Lynch, Chairman of CIE, in a letter to me dated 9th August are equally vague: “We are seeking to ensure that the developer completes these works as soon as possible.”
Commenting on the fiasco, Deputy Joan Burton said that it is “deeply disappointing for local people that when much needed infrastructure is finally provided, it can’t be used because a property developer isn’t living up to his end of the deal. Yet again, local people are at the mercy of property developers for the provision of basic services.”
“We have a brand new train station at the Phoenix Park that is hardly used, and a brand new station at Hansfield that can’t open because it has no access road. To say that this shows a lack of joined-up thinking would be an understatement.”
“Even if only a temporary access road is put in place at first, the local community cannot afford to have expensive, much-needed infrastructure lying idle when they are so poorly served by public transport in the first place.”
“I have written to the Minister for Transport, Noel Dempsey, on this matter and I intend to ask him directly what he is doing to fast-track the opening of Hansfield station when he comes to Dublin 15 for the opening of the new rail line on September 2nd.”
“In my time as a representative for Dublin West I have long championed the development of a quality rail service to alleviate traffic congestion and improve quality of life.”
“Hopefully this situation can be ironed out without delay, because the long-term picture for the development of the Maynooth and Dunboyne lines is bright now that DART Underground has been given the green light in the revised capital spending programme.”
“Completion of this major infrastructure project will be a boon to Dublin 15 and the wider Dublin region. It will remove bottlenecks at Connolly Station, allowing for more frequent services, and will improve access to the south side of the city.”
M50 Contractors Treating Local People and Representatives with Disrespect
Labour Finance Spokesperson Joan Burton TD has welcomed the appearance of the head of the National Roads Authority (NRA), Fred Barry, before the Dáil Transport Committee tomorrow on foot of a Labour party request for the NRA to address a number of significant issues especially in relation to the M50 and current upgrade works.
But she has criticised the refusal of the contractor company carrying out the upgrade works, M50 Concession Ltd., to attend tomorrow’s Dail Committee hearing. In particular, she had hoped that the contractors would be able to answer questions about the arrangements for landscaping and the reinstatement of trees, which act as a sound barrier and air filter, as soon as possible.
“People living in Laurel Lodge, Phoenix Gardens and Talbot Downs have seen their quality of life take a big knock since the National Roads Authority ripped out the trees and shrubs that provided a natural barrier between the motorway and their homes.
“For many, there is now nothing to shield them from the sound of tens of thousands of vehicles racing past their back gardens every day. The noise can be really quite unbearable, never mind the fact that it looks awful.
“Local people have no objection to upgrading the M50 – they use it all the time – but they are justifiably angry that they were not consulted before the roadworks went ahead and that the NRA have since been dragging their heels in dealing with the problem.
“The M50 is clearly a key road artery for the entire greater Dublin and mid-Leinster regions. It is therefore completely unacceptable that the contractors, M50 Concession Ltd., have refused point blank to attend tomorrow’s Committee meting.
“M50 Concession Ltd. are receiving public money to carry out these works on behalf of the NRA and should, like the NRA, be held accountable to the Oireachtas Transport Committee for their actions.”
Joan Questions Transport Minister on Dublin Bus Changes
Deputy Burton yesterday received a reply to her parliamentary question on the new Dublin Bus network, particularly with respect to the impact of withdrawl of 90 bosses and the loss of 150 jobs at Dublin Bus. Given that Dublin 15 is one of the fastest growing population centres in the city, she is concerned that our community is not under-resourced when it comes to the allocation of buses.
Dáil Question
No: ___66____
*To ask the Minister for Transport his views on the proposed overhaul of the Dublin Bus Network; his further views on the impact on commuters and bus dependant communities of the potential withdrawal of 90 more buses from the Dublin Bus fleet and the lost of 150 more jobs at the company; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
– Joan Burton. (Nominated by: Thomas P. Broughan).
For ORAL answer on Wednesday, 5th May, 2010.
Ref No: 17862/10 Lottery: 46 Proof: 68
Answered by the Minister for Transport
(Noel Dempsey)
REPLY
The objective of the redesign of the Dublin Bus network is to provide current and future bus customers with a service that will be modern, accessible, integrated, easy to understand, punctual and frequent. The redesign, which will commence in July 2010 and proceed on a phased basis at two to three month intervals, will deliver real and tangible benefits to the vast majority of bus users. These benefits include:
· improved traffic flow in the city centre;
· a doubling of the number of services with a frequency of 10 minutes or better;
· 60% of customers will be served by high frequency services as apposed to 23% at present;
· a reduced layover of buses in the city centre resulting in improved traffic flows and an enhanced city centre environment;
· increased interchange opportunities with DART, heavy and light rail; and
· more cross city services.
The redesigned network will be supported by complimentary measures such as Integrated Ticketing and Real Time Passenger Information.
These measures will result in the provision of high quality and efficient public bus service and reflect the commitment of the company to deliver better services at better value to the customer and taxpayer.
Joan Burton to host Public Transport Meeting
Venue: ‘The Paddocks’, Littlepace (Upstairs Lounge)
Date: Thursday 13th May 2010 at 8pm
I will host a public meeting on Thursday 13th May to deal with public transport issues facing Dublin 15. Representatives will be on hand from Dublin Bus, to explain the new Dublin 15 bus network, and from Iarnrod Eireann to give an update on rail services. There will also be a Q&A session.
We hope that you can attend and all are welcome.
Speaking in advance of the Deputy Joan Burton said: “I have been campaigning for years to deliver better public transport for Dublin 15.
“I have held meetings like this in other years, and they have always been very well attended. People in newer areas of Dublin 15 are not the best served by public transport, and are hungry for more buses and trains in their areas.
“Dublin Bus are rolling out new bus routes and networks all across the city. There will be significant changes in the Dublin 15 area and they have agreed to come to our public meeting to explain the changes and answer questions.
“We also hope to have a representative from Iarnrod Eireann to give us an update on the new stations to be opened at Hansfield and Pace later this year. These new stations are much-needed and long-awaited. They should really improve the accessibility of areas like Ongar and Littlepace, slashing the journey time to Dublin city centre.
“Most other capital cities around Europe have quality public transport networks, and Dublin should be no different. It not only improves quality of life, but helps make the economy more competitive and makes it an attractive destination for inward investment.”
“While there have been some improvements recently, we have not seen anything like the investment necessary to meet the needs of a growing Dublin 15 population. More people would leave their cars at home if they felt they could rely on the bus being on time, being able to get a place on the train or get to the airport without having to go all around the world.
“Internationally, it has been shown that the quickest and most cost effective way to improve public transport is to invest in buses. The Minister for Transport has shown reluctance about investing in more new buses. We have a bizarre situation where there road space is being given up for bus corridors, but money is not being provided to run buses in them. There’s a clear lack of joined-up thinking there and this needs to change.
“I will continue to press the Minister for Transport, Iarnród Eireann, the Rail Procurement Agency and Dublin Bus for an improved and integrated bus & rail system for the people of Dublin West.”
Communities Must be Consulted on Dublin Bus Changes
Dublin Bus have announced a radical overhaul of bus routes across the city to be rolled out in the coming months. Due to significant falls in revenue, Dublin Bus are re-organising their bus network to make it more efficient.
According to Dublin Bus, the following areas will benefit from faster journey times into town: Faster journey times to the City Centre from Ongar, Beechfield, Hazelbury, Latchford, Manorfields, Hartstown, Huntstown, Dunboyne, Littlepace, Corduff and Mulhuddart.
“It’s important that local communities are properly consulted about changes to bus routes to ensure that people aren’t needlessly inconvenienced.
“In general, what people are most concerned about its getting into town as quickly as possible and with the least hassle possible. It’s important that the redesign of the bus network reflects this.
“Dublin 15 is one of the fastest growing population centres in the country. It needs significant and ongoing investment in its public transport network to ensure it remains an attractive place to live in and to invest in. A proper public transport system is not a luxury, it is a necessity.
“There are parts of Dublin 15 which are grossly under-served by transport links at the moment. Places like Tyrellstown and Hollystown need more buses, not less. They need better links with Blanchardstown and with the rail network.
“I would also like to see the roll out of real time bus information so that when people are at a bus stop, they know how long they will have to wait. This happens on the train and on the LUAS – there’s no reason why it can’t happen on all Dublin Bus routes. A small change like this could revolutionise the way people use buses and could significantly boost traffic numbers.
“I would say to anyone who is concerned about losing out through these changes to consult the Dublin Bus website and get in touch with me if they are unhappy in any way. I would also encourage people to attend one of the local information meetings that Dublin Bus have committed to holding in the area.
“I will be meeting with representatives from Dublin Bus in the coming days and I intend to make the case for maintaining and enhancing the bus network in Dublin 15.”
Burton Calls for ‘Blanchardstown Bike’ Scheme; No Openings From Summerfield-Springlawn to Snugborough Road
Deputy Joan Burton has made a submission to Fingal County Council in relation to the Draft Urban Design Framework Plan for Blanchardstown Village (full submission below), the deadline for which was today.
Noting that planning mistakes had been made in recent decades in the Blanchardstown area, she said that this plan presented ‘an opportunity for a new beginning for Blanchardstown village’ but that ‘it’s important they get things right’.
Chief among her proposals were the implementation in Blanchardstown of a public bicycle rental service similar to the ‘Dublin Bike’ scheme which has been operating successfully for a number of months in the city centre.
“Serious consideration should be given to the provision of a Fingal scheme in Dublin 15 similar to the “Dublin Bike” Scheme currently provided with great success in the city centre and more generally to encourage the use of non motorized traffic and pedestrian areas within the village.”
Deputy Burton also highlighted trenchant local opposition to the draft proposal to construct laneways or ‘linkages’ to connect the Summerfield and Springlawn estates with the Snugborough Road.
“While the Draft Framework Plan’s objective of enhanced ‘permeability’ may enhance certain aspects of village life, this must not come at the cost of compromising the quiet, secluded nature of housing estates by turning them into thoroughfares or rat-runs. In particular, there are several estates along the Clonsilla Road which back on to the Snugborough Road. The Draft Framework plan contains proposals to introduce such openings from both Summerfield and Springlawn to the Snugborough Road.”
“Residents of these estates have articulated their longstanding objections to the introduction of laneways or other openings between these estates and the Snugborough Road / Blanchardstown Town Centre. While such developments may enhance permeability in the Blanchardstown Village area, this would cause a severe deterioration in the quality of life of people living in these estates.”
“Such openings, as the Council is well aware, have been notorious points for anti-social behaviour, parking problems etc. Where such openings already exist it is critical that they should be well lit, highly visible with wide openings and adequately supervised. Much time has been devoted to closing many of these openings. Why the County Council should propose more of them given residents’ strong objections and the bad history of such openings is difficult to understand. ”
Full text of Submission:
Gilbert Power,
Director of Services for Planning
Fingal County Council
Grove Road, Blanchardstown
Dublin 15
15th January 20010
Re: Draft Urban Design Framework Plan for Blanchardstown Village
Dear Gilbert,
The Greater Blanchardstown Area has been one of the fastest growing population centres in Europe, with upwards of 90,000 people now living in the area. Blanchardstown village, including the Blanchardstown Town Centre, are at the hub of these rapid developments.
Over the course of the recent decades, critical planning mistakes have been made in the Dublin 15 area. Zoning and development had become to an unhealthy degree developer-led rather than community centered. In the wake of the property bust, and given the likely moderation in the trajectory of building and development in and around Blanchardstown over the coming years, the elaboration of the Urban Design Framework Plan for Blanchardstown Village presents an ideal opportunity to reassess development priorities and reassert basic principles for proper planning.
Maintaining Blanchardstown’s Attractiveness for Inward Investment
The Greater Blanchardstown Area has a wealth of big, multi-national employers who have contributed to the significant economic development of the area. Maintaining the attractiveness of Dublin 15 as a destination for inward investment is essential as competition from other European and worldwide locations increases. High on the list of priorities for companies, when deciding on where to locate or expand, is the attractiveness of the local area for workers to live. While Blanchardstown has become home to tens of thousands of new residents in recent decades, more must be done to ensure that it remains attractive to new and existing residents. There is no room for complacency in this regard. The most attractive and successful developments are family houses for owner occupation serviced by quality schools and public transport. High rise apartment developments have attracted too high a proportion of transient renters and have not been conducive to sustainable community building.
Integrity of Blanchardstown Village
The people of Blanchardstown still see Blanchardstown as a village. Consequently, to present Blanchardstown as simply an “urban centre” fails to take account of its historical context and the commitment of the community which it comprises.
Any plan for the future development of Blanchardstown Village should ensure that all new developments are of high quality, both in terms of sympathetic architecture and compatibility with the surrounding environment. Developments should, where possible, seek to maintain the physical, cultural and historical character of the old village.
Restoring & Enhancing the Blanchardstown Streetscape
In the recent past, developments have been permitted that have not been in keeping with the existing streetscape and have undermined the fabric of the Village. Houses and cottages have been turned into commercial premises along Main Street and Clonsilla Road in ad hoc manner with little thought given to the cohesion of the village streetscape.
The new strategy being proposed by the Council affords an opportunity to reverse this unfortunate trend. In particular, there is a need to ensure that any development in Blanchardstown Village should retain their characteristics in terms of their height and proportions.
This issue is of particular salience in relation to the clusters of cottages in terraces along Main Street and Church Avenue. For instance, the cottages on Main Street are already under threat from a number of inappropriate and over-sized planning applications seeking to significantly alter this unique streetscape. There is ample scope for the location of commercial buildings, including high rise developments, in other parts of Blanchardstown, notably the Blanchardstown Town Centre where high-rise developments have already been located.
These cottages reflect the charm of a nineteenth century village which retains a sense of community in the face of a rapidly changing environment. It is essential that these cottages and their layout should be conserved in any new development proposal. This can only be achieved by establishing an Architectural Conservation Area focused on Main Street and Church Avenue. Steps should be taken to ensure that all retail premises are in harmony with their immediate surroundings.
This entails ensuring that in addition to St Brigids Church (the only building now protected) the existing cottages in terraces be maintained, ideally, in residential use. Consideration should also be given to including the former RIC station and the old convent on Church Ave in the Architectural Conservation Area.
Zoning & Density
I fully support the proposal in the Plan for the creation of residential, commercial and retail zones within the village. The present recession offers an opportunity to review certain zoning decisions and to reconsider density and quality criteria. This is fundamental both to the built environment in which people live and to the cohesion of their communities. I do not see a dichotomy between maintaining the residential character of the village and facilitating the establishment of small retail and service enterprises alongside the traditional residential buildings.
The Council’s proposals show a number of locations along the Main Street, Clonsilla Road, Church Road, Herbert Road, Mill Lane etc. described as “opportunity sites” for which infill with often high-density commercial and residential development being proposed. It appears that every piece of ground is a potential building site or opportunity site. Rather than covering Blanchardstown Village with a sea of concrete, a balance should be struck between appropriate residential and commercial development on the one hand, and civic and recreational space on the other.
Thought must also be given to the provision of open space for the use and benefit of residents and visitors alike. This space could be allocated for sporting and other leisure activities which might well include open air films and music events suitable for the village centre as well as safe areas in which children may play under supervision.
There are a number of locations in Blanchardstown that would be suitable for passive recreation such as seating, planting, artwork etc. This would create an ambience favourable to small cafes in which people could socialise.
There appears to be an emphasis in the Draft Framework on “Landmark” building (often a euphemism for High Rise buildings). ‘The Bell’ could be considered to be such a building on the eastern approach to Blanchardstown, one whose height and proportions are in keeping with its surroundings. The western end of Blanchardstown could potentially accommodate a landmark building given its proximity to the Blanchardstown Town Centre with its high rise modern buildings. In any case, the quality of finish on any new buildings must be of the highest standard and the presence of any rendered finishes or similar poor quality finishes should be rejected as totally unsuitable.
On a more general note given the current circumstances any proposal to permit the assembly of large sites is totally inappropriate. Given the realities of our current economic situation it is most unlikely that such sites could be profitably developed in the near future and their assembly would consequently result in urban decay and unsightly gaps in the village streetscape.
Parking & Transport
As far as possible, Blanchardstown must be a ‘public transport friendly’ village. Existing train and bus linkages should be maintained and enhanced while adequate off street parking at a reasonable tariff be available both as an amenity in itself and to prevent overflow into residential estates. Provision should also be made for safe bicycle parking and cycling lanes in the village and the surrounding areas.
Fingal Bike Scheme
Serious consideration should be given to the provision of a Fingal scheme in Dublin 15 similar to the “Dublin Bike” Scheme currently provided with great success in the city centre and more generally to encourage the use of non motorized traffic and pedestrian areas within the village.
Inappropriate ‘Permeability’
While the Draft Framework Plan’s objective of enhanced ‘permeability’ may enhance certain aspects of village life, this must not come at the cost of compromising the quiet, secluded nature of housing estates by turning them into thoroughfares or rat-runs. In particular, there are several estates along the Clonsilla Road which back on to the Snugborough Road. The Draft Framework plan contains proposals to introduce such openings from both Summerfield and Springlawn to the Snugborough Road.
Residents of these estates have articulated their longstanding objections to the introduction of laneways or other openings between these estates and the Snugborough Road / Blanchardstown Town Centre. While such developments may enhance permeability in the Blanchardstown Village area, this would cause a severe deterioration in the quality of life of people living in these estates. Such openings, as the Council is well aware, have been notorious points for anti-social behaviour,
parking problems etc. Where such openings already exist it is critical that they should be well lit, highly visible with wide openings and adequately supervised. Much time has been devoted to closing many of these openings. Why the County Council should propose more of them given residents’ strong objections and the bad history of such openings is difficult to understand.
Tolka Valley
I welcome proposals for enhanced access to the Tolka by the creation of a walkway, presumably, alongside the development of “Justin’s site”.
Adding ‘After hours’ life to the Village
Several people have contacted me in recent times to articulate their disappointment at the relative decline in ‘after hours’ life in the village. Where once Blanchardstown was a vibrant village from early morning to late evening this has dissipated to a large extent in recent decades. This could be tackled by enhancing and introducing civic and public spaces in the Village and by encouraging activities in these areas. Moreover, consideration should also be given to the location of a concourse for social interaction in the Village, where cafes, restaurants and other amenities could be concentrated.
Yours sincerely,
Joan Burton T.D.
Deputy Leader of the Labour Party
Fingal’s Sir Humphrey Can’t Say When Phantom Train Station to Open
Deputy Burton was the first to highlight back in August the scandalous situation whereby the long-promised train station in Hansfield would not open with the rest of the Dunboyne line this September.
Although the station is complete and fully functional, it cannot be used for want of an access road. The property developers who own the land were obliged to construct the access road, but only once a certain level of development had been achieved – a level which has not now been achieved because of the downturn in the property market.
Based on the reply (below) recently received from Fingal County Council, it now looks doubtful whether the station will be opened at all in 2011 despite ‘active ongoing meetings’ between the Council, Iarnrod Eireann and the property developers who own the land.
Question & Reply below: Continue reading
‘Accident waiting to happen’ on roads around Castleknock GAA
“Castleknock GAA is a credit to the community and it has gone from strength to strength in recent years. Having campaigned hard with Peggy Hamill, my Labour Party colleague, to secure playing fields for the Castleknock Hurling & Football club, I am delighted that the facility is now ready for use.
“Through no fault of the club, however, there is one small cloud hanging over the opening of the new facility.
“With the launch of such a facility, I would have thought that Fingal County Council would have upgraded roads in the surrounding area so that club members and visitors are not taking their lives in their hands every time they use the club facilities. This is of particular salience given that there is no public transport serving the club.
“A cursory trip down towards the Castleknock Hotel and Porterstown will demonstrate the road safety issues for anyone trying to access either the hotel or the new Club, when it is finished. It really is an accident waiting to happen and several local parents and club members have been in touch with me to raise the issue.
“This is not the first time this area has seen child safety put at risk because one hand at the council doesn’t know what the other hand is doing. Just up the Porterstown road, not far from Castleknock GAA’s new pitches, Scoil Choilm was built with little thought given to the dangers posed to schoolchildren at both Scoil Choilm and St. Mochta’s from increased traffic on the Porterstown Road at school opening and closing times.
“Everyone understands that money is tight for the council as Fianna Fail’s recession bites harder. What people will not accept is the safety of our young people being put in jeopardy because the Council is cutting corners. Safety must be our number one priority, and I would call on the Council to implement immediately the necessary safety measures.
“I have written to the Transportation department at Fingal County Council asking that measures be put in place to ensure the safety of all road users in the area while maintaining the integrity of the area in its proximity to the Liffey Valley Special Amenity Area.”
Please see below Deputy Burton’s letter to Fingal County Council
Michael Lorigan,
Director of Services for Transportation,
Fingal County Council,
Blanchardstown Town centre,
Dublin 15.
6th November 2009
Dear Mick,
I have been approached by a number of people who would like to know what plans are in place to improve road safety in the vicinity of the new Castleknock Hurling and Football Club in Somerton.
As you are aware, the local GAA Club – Castleknock Hurling and Football Club is almost ready to start using the new facility in Somerton. Whilst this is tremendous news for the club, concerns are being expressed about the potential danger to users of the new GAA club in terms of access by car, on foot, and by bicycle as there is no public transport serving this area.
A cursory trip down towards the Castleknock Hotel and Porterstown will demonstrate the road safety issues for anyone trying to access either the hotel or the new Club, when it is finished. Mindful of the fact that the proposed entrance is on a substandard road, as Somerton Road has been described by the Council, en route to a Special Amenity Area, the Strawberry Beds, road safety is a major concern to the residents in the area and the Club members.
I would appreciate if you could let me know what measures the Council will be putting in place to ensure the safety of all road users in the area while maintaining the integrity of the area in its proximity to the Liffey Valley Special Amenity Area.
Yours sincerely,
Joan Burton TD.
Deputy Leader of the Labour Party.