I am writing to formally object to the proposed plans to create openings in the wall between Cherrywood Avenue and Old Nangor Road in order to provide an additional access route for pupils attending the schools located there.

Cherrywood Avenue has always been valued for its quiet, safe, and private character. Individuals and families have chosen to live here precisely because of the limited access, which provides both security and peace of mind. Creating openings in the walls at the end of the cul de sacs would destroy this environment and have significant negative consequences for all residents.

My concerns are outlined below:

1. Loss of Residential Amenity

Cherrywood Avenue was designed as a quiet, safe residential environment with no through traffic. To create openings in the estate wall would fundamentally change the character of the road, increasing noise, congestion, and the daily disruption of school-time traffic reducing the calm and safety that makes this estate so special and severely reduce residents’ enjoyment of their homes and gardens. 

2. Traffic Safety Risks

The proposed change will increase both vehicular and pedestrian traffic in an area not designed for such volumes. Cul-de-sacs are valued for their safety; removing this protection will endanger both residents and schoolchildren. The street is narrow and was not designed for heavy use. 

3. 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 the area naturally secure. Opening it would create opportunities for theft, vandalism, and nuisance behaviour, making our properties and vehicles more vulnerable and reducing community safety. 

4. Impact on Property Values

Homes on cul-de-sacs generally hold higher value due to their quiet and private nature. By opening our road to through traffic, property desirability and house prices will inevitably fall, unfairly penalising existing residents who invested here on the understanding it was a closed road.

5. As we know, at present there is construction underway to allocate two primary schools adjacent to Cherrywood Ave. Should openings be made onto the Old Nangor Rd our estate would undoubtedly be used by parents from both schools and also Colaiste Chilliain for parking. This would be unacceptable. I have observed the congestion at Richmond Way every morning on my route to work. Parking is already available for parents in the Leisure Centre and the Mill.

For the reasons set out above, I strongly urge the planning department to reject this proposal which unfairly shifts the burden onto a small residential community. I, along with many of my neighbours, believe it would bring long-term harm to the character, safety, and security of our community.

For these reasons, I strongly urge South Dublin County Council to reject this proposal