Greater ambition needed

South Dublin’s population is to grow by an additional 46,518 persons up to a total population of 325,285 persons by 2028 as envisaged under this plan and yet it is without an intercity train stop to serve these people. A major barrier to train utilisation in South Dublin is the fact that it will take someone 1 hour at best to get into the city centre to use an intercity train at Heuston. Whilst there is access to the Luas red line, the majority of south Dublin does not benefit from this access. This is despite the fact that the train will ultimately traverse to within 15-20 minutes of the majority of the population on the Kildare line. As per SM3 Objective 22, it is welcome to note that SDCC proposes to "investigate the option of an inter-county rail service stopping at Kishogue station which would provide access to new employment space at Clonburris and give direct access to the Grange Castle Business Park."

I propose that SDCC amend this objective to remove a specific reference to a station at Kishogue given that Kishogue station is a poor location for intermodal interchange. Parkwest or the new proposed station at Kylemore would surely make for a better location for an intercity stop given the re-development potential of the area, accessibility, and existing population base.

As per the submission of Mr. Garvey (ref; SD-C195-2), I would echo and support this submission of a proposed new "S5" orbital bus route along the R112 (Walkinstown Avenue-Dundrum) to be added to the New Dublin Bus Area Network as part of the Bus Connects Network Redesign. I would add that the proposed "S5" (maybe with a different route number) submitted as per ref; SD-C195-2 could extend to Kylemore (for Luas access) and to terminate at Parkwest (for potential Commuter train/ Dart + Access). This would greatly expand the potential users of this service whilst also promoting modal interchange depending on the journey. This new "S5" route has the potential to unlock modes of transport not available to the majority of South Dublin residents at present. I would hope that SDCC could engage with Busconnects for the establishment of such a route as part of this development plan as per their objectives SM3 Objective 4, SM3 Objective 5, SM3 Objective 6.

The wording as per IE6 Objective 6 implies that there is already an extensive network of green waste centres when is not the case - "To continue to roll out a countywide network of green waste centres in suitable locations to expand the collection system for compostable waste."  The word continue should be removed

The wording as per IE6 Objective 9 should be amended to remove the word "economically". The treatment of all waste is not economical but needs to be processed and managed accordingly regardless of the cost-effectiveness of same. "To support the development of indigenous capacity for the treatment of non-hazardous and hazardous wastes where technically, economically and environmentally practicable subject to the relevant environmental protection criteria for the planning and development of such activities being applied."

The wording as per IE6 Objective 4 should be amended to include the provision of a number of "bring centres" as part of this development plan, which manages a number of waste streams that are required to the public at a smaller scale to a civic amenity sites. As things stand, there is 1 civic amenity site in Ballymount for the entire population. For context, DCC operate 8  smaller bring centres which include collecting a number of additional waste streams closer to the community, whilst SDCC has no facilities of a comparable nature. https://www.dublincity.ie/sites/default/files/2021-04/bring-centres-information-leaflet-april-2021.pdf 

As part of SDCC commitments to the Circular economy

1)SDCC to consider a scheme similar to that which was rolled out in Cork in November last year where used paint is recycled and given to good causes and continues its use as part of the circular economy rather than treated as waste in civic amenity sites in line with IE6 Objective 1: https://www.corkcity.ie/en/council-services/news-room/latest-news/new-paint-re-use-scheme-comes-to-cork.html 

2) As requested by Cllr Carly Bailey, SDCC conduct a feasibility study and work with the appropriate SPC(s) to look at the setting up of at least one Library of Things and Repair Cafe in the county and/ or each local area in line with IE6 Objective 1. There is an opportunity to link in with groups such as the local Men Sheds organisations etc etc. 

8.4 Social community Infrastructure should include libraries and public swimming pools/ gyms as they are key elements of social infrastructure. Appropriate guidelines and standards should be applied to ensure alignment with projected population growth for new development areas. Suitable sites should also be identified as part of this Development Plan for same.

COS4 Objective 10 to be amended to include BMX, skate park and mountain bike track also.

COS4 Objective 11 makes reference to a specific sport (rugby) whereas per the findings of an ESRI report (https://www.esri.ie/system/files/publications/RS97_0.pdf), "just over 1 per cent of the adult population played rugby during the previous seven days...and only a small minority of children who play rugby continue to play as adults." There is no requirement to single out an individual sport in this objective particularly given the poor participation rates of the same. This wording also goes against COS4 Objective 1 for multi-functional facilities.

The sporting facilities at community centers and public parks are very much focused on organised sports (GAA/ Soccer). In very few of the public parks are there any 5 a side pitches, teqball tables, one on one basketball, etc etc. Greater consideration needs to be given to these informal facilities where there is a demand for the same. A great example of this is at Bushy Park http://www.bushytennispadel.ie/