Chapter 12: Our Neighbourhoods
My name is Ross Killen and I live in Brittas, close to the Brittas Ponds. I recall back in the 1970s and 1980s that my parents, along with some of the neighbours (most of whom are still here today) would have used the Brittas Ponds recreationally to a much greater degree than how they are used today. It would be superb if South Dublin County Council could resurrect the ponds for rural tourism and as a recreation site for residents and those from the wider region.
The ponds are in a great location, right on the Dublin/Wicklow border, have some interesting historical, visual and natural amenities and they have great potential to contribute to the broader plan for the "Rural Uplands" neighbourhood. In some ways, it's hard to believe that such a fantastic amenity is underutilised, inaccessible, run-down, underdeveloped and almost unknown outside of the immediate area. South Dublin County Council should engage with local landowners and stakeholders, including the Brittas Fly Fishing Club to open up the ponds and take advantage of this wonderful resource on our doorstep. Developing the site appropriately will offer much needed new local employment opportunities, support the few existing local businesses and provide a "draw" to an area of the county that has suffered from underinvestment.
Some potential uses and facilities for the ponds are:
- Fishing
- Boating/sailing
- Berths
- Walkways/tracks around the perimeter
- Holiday accommodation
- Canoeing/kayaking/paddleboarding
- Tourism
- Picnic spot
- Camping
- Nature tours/walks
- Historical tours/walks
- Viewpoints
The development and improvement of the ponds could also be tied in with a wider Greenway project (e.g. https://consult.sdublincoco.ie/en/submission/sd-c147-6) to connect the Dodder Greenway with the Blessinton Greenway ensuring the area is a model of green infrastructure and amenity.