CLARKES’S HILL/MARYBOROUGH HILL

Further to numerous representations by me over the past four years and more recently in relation to a revised road widening scheme for above I now wish to advise Council are currently re examing the proposal.  In the earlier scheme (for which we received Part 8 planning) there were cycle tracks throughout.  The redesigned scheme will reduce or eliminating these cycle tracks.  The amount of Compulsary Purchase Orders and therefore the cost of the proposal will  be reduced given the current economic climate.

• It is intended to develop the section between Maryborough Hill and Mount Oval. 
• Construction would take approx 2/3 years depending on finance and other matters.
• Traffic Study of Douglas/Rochestown will commence shortly.
• Development plans for lower Clarke’s Hill will be postponed pending results of Study
• Council hope to publish Part 8 for revised scheme in early Summer 2009.
• When Part 8 is adopted Council  will improve facilities for the bus in the area.
• There is a Department of Transport grant of 100,000 towards the proposal for 2009

However, I have to advise that within the past two weeks Council was informed that it is not allowed to embark on any new non national road projects until a review by the Government of its existing financial commitments is completed, having regard to the current difficult economic situation.  This embargo even applies to projects which have already been approved for funding such as the 400,000 traffic calming scheme on the Rochestown Road, the proposed western relief road for Carrigaline and the Green Routes serving Douglas and Carrigaline. 

The fact that this proposal was first mooted in 2005 and hasn’t moved forward is highly regrettable and deeply unsatisfactory and points to inefficiencies in the system at local level..  Residential planning continued to be granted in the area. Development charges continued to be gathered.  Delayed action, coupled with the current crisis in funding, may mean that this project is once again at a snails pace. 

Be assured that I will continue to voice concerns and highlight the urgent necessity for progress on the matter.