Dear Sir/Madam,
Upon reading the above-named document, I am concerned to note that these plans include the potential to create permeable openings and alter the existing private resident gate in the wall between Old Nangor Road and Cherrywood Avenue to facilitate pedestrian and cyclist access for pupils attending the schools located there.
It is deeply concerning that this proposal prioritises school convenience over the rights and wellbeing of residents. The parents of children attending the schools on the Old Nangor Road already have access to substantial parking in both the Mill and Leisure Centre car parks which are a short distance from the schools.
Listed below are my serious concerns regarding the impact this potential change will have on the residents of Cherrywood Avenue.
1. Increased Traffic, Congestion, Noise & Accident Risk
While SDCC may intend the proposed gaps in the Cherrywood Avenue cul-de-sac walls for use by pedestrians and cyclists, in practice the gaps would likely encourage school parents to park in Cherrywood Avenue to walk their children through the openings to school. This pattern is already evident at Richmond Way, directly across from Gaelscoil Chluain Dolcáin and Coláiste Chilliain, who experience this every school day. The situation is expected to worsen when Gaelscoil na Camoíge relocate to their new building, as even more parents will be dropping their children off in the vicinity.
This would introduce extra unwanted traffic into the estate, disrupting its residential character. Furthermore, the increase in vehicle activity including engine noise, car doors and general vehicle activity would create congestion, block resident access and parking thereby negatively impacting the peace, safety and overall character of the estate. Moreover, the estate’s road infrastructure is too narrow to accommodate the extra traffic, leading to accelerated wear and increased maintenance costs.
Cul-de-sacs are inherently designed for low-traffic residential use, which ensures the safety of children and pedestrians. Introducing extra traffic would dramatically increase the risk of collisions, particularly at peak school drop-off times. This, combined with potentially hurried drivers, creates a situation where the potential for serious accidents is likely.
2. Increased Crime and Anti-Social Behaviour
Through-access is well documented to increase opportunities for crime and anti-social behaviour. At present, the limited access makes Cherrywood Avenue naturally secure. Opening gaps in the wall would make our properties and vehicles more vulnerable, reducing community safety.
3. Environmental Concerns
Increased vehicle flow would raise local air pollution levels, negatively impacting residents’ health, particularly children and the elderly.
4. Impact on Property Values
Homes on cul-de-sacs generally hold higher value due to their quiet and private nature. The opening of our estate would cause property desirability and house prices to inevitably fall, unfairly penalising existing residents who invested here on the understanding it was a closed road.
I strongly urge the South Dublin County Council to reconsider and explore solutions that do not compromise the safety, tranquility, or integrity of our residential estate.
Thank you for your attention in this matter.
Yours faithfully,
Lorna Carroll