Permeable openings and Transport Route in Cherrywood Ave
Chapter 5: Sustainable Movement
I am writing on behalf of myself and the 108 residences of Cherrywood Ave to object to the proposed plans to open the access routes (PER 1 and PER 2 of Figure5.11) and the long-term higher capacity public transport route figure5.6
It is deeply concerning that this is even being considered as an option, given that Cherrywood Avenue is a private, peaceful, and safe estate. These qualities are the very reasons why current residents have chosen to remain here and why new residents are drawn to live here.
Creating openings in the walls at the end of the cul-de-sacs and implementing a higher capacity public transport route would fundamentally undermine this environment and bring significant negative consequences for all residents.
These are my concerns:
Opening of Access Routes
1. Loss of Residential Amenity
Cherrywood Avenue was purposefully designed as a quiet, safe residential environment with no through traffic. Creating openings in the estate wall would fundamentally alter the character of the road, leading to increased noise, congestion, and daily disruption from school-time traffic. Such changes would undermine the calm and safety that make this estate so special and would severely diminish residents’ ability to enjoy the peace of their homes and gardens.
2. Anti-Social Behaviour & Crime
A walkway would inevitably be used by bikes, e-bikes, and electric scooters, which are often operated with little regard for the safety of others. Creating a rat run through the estate in this way would be both dangerous and wholly unwelcome to residents. Furthermore, opening the estate wall would create opportunities for theft, vandalism, and antisocial behaviour, leaving our properties and vehicles more vulnerable and significantly reducing the overall safety of the community.
3.Traffic
Opening the estate would introduce unwanted traffic and undermine the quiet residential character of Cherrywood Avenue. It would inevitably lead to greater congestion within the estate. A clear example of this impact can be seen in the adjacent estate, Richmond Way, which is already overrun by traffic every school day due to its proximity to Gaelscoil Chluain Dolcáin and Coláiste Chilliain. The same negative consequences would inevitably occur on Cherrywood Avenue if the cul-de-sacs were opened.
5.Property Value
Cul-de-sac homes are particularly desirable because of their privacy, safety, and lack of through movement, and these qualities are reflected in their property values. As a result, the desirability of these properties would be diminished, inevitably leading to a reduction in house prices and unfairly penalising residents who invested here with the understanding that this was a closed and private estate.
Long Term Higher Capacity Public Transport Route
1.Traffic and Safety Concerns
The proposed increase in capacity will significantly raise traffic volume along Cherrywood Ave, creating potential congestion and increasing risks for pedestrians, cyclists, and local residents. This is contrary to the council’s duty to promote safe and sustainable transport.
2.Environmental and Noise Impacts
Higher-capacity services will likely increase noise levels and emissions, particularly during peak periods and late evenings, adversely affecting air quality and residential amenity.
3.Anti-Social Behaviour
The scheme may unintentionally encourage loitering, noise disturbances, and littering in nearby residential areas. Higher late-night services in particular raise concerns about alcohol-related disturbances, vandalism, and reduced feelings of safety for local residents.
4. Impact on Community Sports Facilities
The proposed route passes directly in front of the local GAA pitch, which is heavily used by children, young people, and community teams throughout the week. Increased traffic flow and larger vehicles at this location would create significant safety risks for players and spectators entering and leaving the grounds. It would also reduce accessibility during training sessions and matches, undermining the value of this important community facility
With this said I Denise Shannon Strongly object to this proposal along with 108 residences of Cherrywood Ave who have signed the petition I have attached.