Active Travel: Orwell Road to Dodder Road Lower Rapid Deployment Scheme (Sec 38 Non- Statutory Consultation)

Overview

Dún Laoghaire-Rathdown County Council, in conjunction with the National Transport Authority, is proposing sustainable transport improvements along Dodder Road Lower as part of the Dodder Greenway.  

The Active Travel Section proposes a Non-Statutory Public Consultation for the above Scheme and welcomes all submissions and observations on the scheme as proposed. The scheme is being prepared in accordance with Section 38 of the Road Traffic Act 1994.  

The scheme has been designed in accordance with national guidance including the Design Manual for Urban Roads and Streets (DMURS) and the Cycle Design Manual. The scheme is funded by the National Transport Authority (NTA). 

Proposed Development
The scheme proposes to: 

• Introduce a two-way cycle facility on Dodder Road Lower. This is facilitated by making Dodder Road Lower one way. The introduction of the one-way system is being carried out within South Dublin County Council's administrative area. 
   
• Provide a new crossing point on Orwell Road and link Dodder Road Lower and Orwell Gardens. 
   

• Signalise the junction of Braemor Park and Orwell Road. 

Plans and Policy Objectives: 
The proposed scheme aligns with a number of existing plans and policies:  

Greater Dublin Area Transport Strategy (2022 - 2042) 

• Measure PLAN15 – Urban Design in Walking and Cycling Projects  
  In the design, planning and prioritisation of walking and cycling schemes, the NTA and the local authorities will ensure the incorporation of urban design and placemaking considerations, taking into account architectural heritage and considering how greater biodiversity could be fostered. 
   
• Measure PLAN16 – Reallocation of Road Space  
  The NTA, in conjunction with the local authorities, will seek the reallocation of road space in Dublin City Centre, Metropolitan towns and villages, and towns and villages across the GDA to prioritise walking, cycling and public transport use and prioritise the placemaking functions of the urban street network. 

Cycling Infrastructure 
Expansion of the Urban Cycle Network supported by secondary routes (in line with the Cycle Network Plan) to provide a quality of service sufficient to attract new cyclists, as well as catering for the increasing numbers of existing cyclists.   

Land Use Integration 
Planning at the local level should promote walking, cycling and public transport by maximizing the number of people living within walking and cycling distance of their neighbourhood or district centres, public transport services, and other services at the local level such as schools.   

DLR Cycle Network  
These routes form part of the DLR Cycle Network  (as part of the County Development Plan).   

National Investment Framework for Transport in Ireland (2040) 
The route aligns with the National Investment Framework for Transport in Ireland (NIFTI). In an effort to cater for rising travel demand as well as decarbonising the transport sector, there will be a significant investment in sustainable mobility including cycling and pedestrian infrastructure. 

National Cycle Policy Framework 2023 

• Objective 2: Ensure that the urban road infrastructure (with the exception of motorways) is designed/retrofitted so as to be cyclist-friendly and that traffic management measures are also cyclist-friendly.  
   
• Objective 8: Ensure proper integration between cycling and public transport.   

DLRCC Cycling Policy   

CP 1.3 Cycling and Existing Developments   
Undertake retrofit projects within existing urban areas and developments, both residential and commercial, to create cycle-friendly permeable routes that are attractive to cyclists of all ages and abilities.   

DLR County Development Plan 2022-2028   

Policy Objective T11: Walking and Cycling  
It is a Policy Objective to secure the development of a high-quality, fully connected and inclusive walking and cycling network across the County and the integration of walking, cycling and physical activity with placemaking including public realm permeability improvements. 

Policy T13: County Cycle Network 
It is a Policy Objective to secure improvements to the County Cycle Network in accordance with the Dún Laoghaire-Rathdown Cycle Network Review whilst supporting the NTA on the development and implementation of the Greater Dublin Area Cycle Network Plan 2013 and subsequent revisions, subject to environmental assessment and route feasibility. 

5.6.3 “The Council supports the continuing development of the Dodder Greenway (Grand Canal to Bohernabreena).” 

Dún Laoghaire Rathdown Climate Action Plan 2024-2029:   

• T1 – Deliver a safe and active travel network for people of all ages and abilities by implementing the County and Greater Dublin Area Cycle Network. 
   
• T8 – Reallocate road space to provide for sustainable travel alternatives. 
   
• T9 – Identify opportunities to implement permeability and connectivity in the planning process. 
   
• T17 – Expand the number of controlled crossings and zebra crossings. 
   
• T23 – Explore the use of sustainable methods of road surfacing that minimise the use of raw materials. 

Supporting Information:
Supporting documents and drawings are set out under the “Related” heading below.

Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) Screening: 
The proposed scheme has been screened for Environmental Impact Assessment and the Council determines that there is no real likelihood of significant effects on the environment arising from the proposed development, either by itself or in combination with other plans or projects, and that an EIA is not required.  

Appropriate Assessment (AA) Screening: 
The proposed scheme has been screened for Appropriate Assessment. The Council determines that the proposed scheme, individually or in combination with other plans or projects, without relying on any mitigation measures, will not have a significant effect on any designated European Sites, in view of their conservation objectives, and that there is no reasonable scientific doubt about this conclusion. Consequently, a Stage Two AA and a Natura Impact Statement (NIS) are not required.  

Exemptions from Part 8 Procedure:
It is considered that Section 38 of the Road Traffic Act 1994 and Section 95 of the Road Traffic Act, 1961 as amended by Section 37 of the Road Traffic Act 1994, is the correct legislative process under which the proposed works will be carried out. This is set out in the Decision Record of Determination of Appropriate Procedure for the Orwell Road to Dodder Road Lower Rapid Deployment Scheme.

Why your views matter

The public consultation period is open from 29th May 2024 to 25th June 2024, and submissions or observations are invited. You are encouraged to use the DLRCC online Consultation hub Citizen Space however  submissions or observations may also be made in writing to: 

Active Travel Section, Infrastructure and Climate Change Department, Dún Laoghaire-Rathdown County Council, County Hall, Marine Road, Dún Laoghaire, Co. Dublin, A96 K6C9  

Or by e-mail: activetravelteam@dlrcoco.ie

All postal and email submissions should be marked "Orwell Road to Dodder Road Lower Rapid Deployment Scheme" and must be received by DLRCC by Tuesday, 25th June 2024. Late submissions will not be accepted. Only one submission per person.  

Hard copies of the documents are available to view during office hours at the DLR Dundrum Office. Address: Dundrum Office Park, Main Street Dundrum, Dublin 14.

Data Protection Notice:
Any personal data supplied as part of this Public Consultation process shall be processed in accordance with the principles laid out in the General Data Protection Regulations (GDPR) and the Data Protection Act 2018. Personal data is any information that can identify a living individual. These laws exist to ensure that your data is managed safely and used responsibly. Any information which you submit will be kept securely and will not be disclosed or shared with other parties (unless required by law or stated in our privacy policy).  

The information gathered will only be used for this purpose and will not be used for any other purposes. 

You can access the Council’s Data Privacy Statement here.