On Sunday 6th October, the Booterstown Community Group organised a walk from Booterstown to Blackrock through the park and onto the strand. The event was held in support of the proposal to have a seafront walkway and cycleway with better access to the strand. A large group of residents assembled at the Dart Station car park in Booterstown, where they were addressed by Anne Brady and Des Murphy on the history and development of the area.

It was hoped to walk along the seafront to Blackrock, but this was not possible because the tide was not out far enough, proof in itself of the need to provide a proper promenade in order to have a seafront walkway that would be usable at all times. The group proceeded through the park stopping along the way to hear more on the history of the various locations. There was a short walk out onto the strand at Blackrock and a talk on the ecology of that part of the Bay. The group then returned to the Community Centre in Booterstown for a cup of tea.

The whole event was very successful. For some of those who attended it was the first time they had walked on the strand and for many more it was the first time that they had heard something of the history of the area. It was both fascinating and refreshing for all who participated. There was enormous support for the S2S proposal amongst those who attended.

The walk was further evidence of the growing interest and support amongst the general community. S2S is grateful to Anne Brady and the other members of the Booterstown Community Group for organising the event.

July 2002: Booterstown Community Centre supports S2S

A motion calling on Dun Laoghaire Rathdown County Council and Dublin City Council to include a continuous seafront promenade and cycleway in the revisions to the Development Plans was proposed by Anne Brady and adopted at a meeting of Booterstown Community Council on 1st July 2002.

The meeting was attended by over 50 residents and 4 public representatives, including Mary Hanafin TD, Niamh Breathneach CC, Barry Andrews TD and Fiona O’Malley TD. The vote followed a presentation to the meeting by S2S of the proposed promenade and cycleway. Many people spoke in favour of the proposal and several offered to assist in the campaign. The Booterstown Community Council had itself proposed a coastal walk and improved access to the bay in its own submission to DLRCC in respect of the Coastal Plan.

The Booterstown Community Council is one of the most broadly based and active community groups in the DLRCC area and its support will give a further significant boost to the S2S campaign.

Extract from the revised DLRCC. Coastal Plan

3.2.1 Coastal walk
It is an objective in the County Development Plan “To investigate the feasibility of a public right of way along the coastline, extending from the County boundary at Bray to the County boundary at Booterstown” (page 69).

At low tide the inner parts of the shore are used for walking. Bait digging is also popular on the sand flats. At high tide swimming is enjoyed from two swimming points adjoining Booterstown station and Williamstown Martello Tower. Access is via a pedestrian bridge over the rail line. These bathing places are not accessible to the mobility impaired and there are only the most basic steps down to the sea.

Many of the submissions received raised the issue of providing a coastal walk on the seaside of the rail line. Many suggested a walk similar to that, which was constructed at Sandymount in the Dublin Corporation area. There were also suggestions that a boardwalk be constructed along the coast. Concerns were expressed about the effects of any walkway on the granite sea wall, the need for high quality materials and the effect on bird life in the Sandymount Strand SPA. If the Eastern Bypass is constructed at a future date there may be an opportunity to use the construction spoil for a causeway. The need to include a cycle lane was also suggested.

The need for access to the coast for the mobility impaired is recognised. CIE have indicated that they want to upgrade the stations in the coastal plan area. Included in their proposal is the provision of lifts and over-bridge to make the stations accessible to the mobility impaired. This facility could be designed to also provide access to the coast with a viewing platform and steps.

Short Term Objective: To repair the existing sections of concrete walks and steps to the coast within the control of Dun Laoghaire Rathdown County Council. All works/repairs should be carried out to best conservation practise where works are proposed to the original railway wall. Appropriate materials and repair methods should be used.

Medium Term Objective: To light the path and cycle lane through the park which links Booterstown and Blackrock park in a sensitive manner and to improve warning signage. To ensure that any new bridge and lift at Booterstown DART station also provides access to the coast and to construct a viewing platform with steps and access ramp.

Long term objective: To support the provision of a coastal walk/cycleway form the county boundary to Sandycove. The physical nature of any coastal walkway/cycelway would only be ascertained after a feasibility study and Environmental Impact Assessment which must address the following issues;

· The impact of any development on the environmental amenities of the coast including Dublin Bay SPA and Booterstown Marsh.
· The issue of global warming, rising sea levels and flooding and the impact of any walk or infill proposals on it.
· Security and safety of any coastal walkway/cycelway.
· Investigation of themes which link the entire area/walkway/cycleway – example: Martello towers, the sea baths and other features which reoccur along the coastline.

AVOID THE TRAFFIC – WALK OR CYCLE TO THE CITY

NEW PROMENADE AND CYCLEWAY FROM SUTTON TO SANDYCOVE PLANNED FOR DUBLIN

A continuous water front promenade and cycleway extending from Sutton to Sandycove and into the city centre was today (5th June 2002) announced by S2S (Sutton to Sandycove Promenade and Cycleway Campaign). The promenade and cycleway will extend approximately 22km from Sutton to Sandycove, linking and upgrading where appropriate, existing walkways and cycleways. Where these do not exist, it is proposed to construct a combined promenade and cycleway, each of which would be about 3 metres wide.

Based on the numbers that walk on Dun Laoghaire Pier and the promenade at Clontarf for exercise, it can be comfortably predicted that up to 100,000 people would use it on a weekly basis. The promenade would encourage people to walk, either to work or for exercise. The easy access to the city centre is a significant facility for Dubliners and tourists alike.

The cycleway, which would be alongside the promenade, would form the backbone of the extended system of existing and proposed radial cycleways and would increase the long-term use of the whole cycle network. The possibility of being able to get from the suburbs to the city centre in less than 20 minutes at rush hour for free, on a safe, level, pollution free route would make cycling very attractive.

Speaking at the announcement, Mr. Cyril Forbes, S2S steering committee, said:

"Dubliners have been using and enjoying short promenades and cycleways in various areas around Dublin Bay and many more are planned. However, they are uncoordinated, discontinuous and their potential will not be fully realised. But with a number of small changes, we believe that we could transform the plans into a continuous, safe and level seafront promenade and cycleway extending all the way from Sutton to Sandycove and link them directly to the city centre."

Mr. Michael Collins, S2S steering committee added:

"The promenade and cycleway also have the potential to address the traffic problems in the city. With a facility like this we can encourage large numbers of commuters to walk or cycle instead of taking cars. In our opinion, the possibility of being able to get from the suburbs to the city centre in less than 20 minutes at rush hour for free, on a safe, level, pollution free route will make cycling very attractive."

Also speaking at the announcement was Damian O’Malley, S2S steering committee.

"Part of the importance of Dublin Bay as an amenity is its natural and historic heritage. S2S is a project that is environmentally friendly, sustainable, relatively inexpensive and, most of all, achievable. We firmly believe that it will have wonderful benefits for Dubliners and visitors alike," he said

Any proposal to construct a seafront promenade and cycleway must be subject to a detailed design study and careful analysis of its impact. The layout, design and choice of materials should be of the highest quality to enhance the environment and respect the natural and historic heritage.

On the north side of the bay, much of the facility already exists and needs only to be upgraded, made continuous and better protected from the elements. On the south side, proposals for a seafront walkway could be enhanced to provide a continuous and level promenade, wheelchair and cycleway on the seaside of the Dart line from Dun Laoghaire to the Merrion Strand.

A route through Ringsend Park would bring the facility to join the river at the East Link bridge where, it is suggested, some imaginatively designed addition to the existing bridge could provide a much improved river crossing for pedestrians and cyclists.

A pedestrian/cyclist bridge across the Grand Canal Gut at Ringsend (lifting to allow access for boats to the Grand Canal Harbour) would extend the connection to Sir John Rogerson’s Quay on the south side. The new pedestrian and cycleway being constructed by the Dublin Docklands Development Authority up as far as the IFSC, when completed, will serve the same purpose on the north side.

S2S is an independent voluntary group, which has been formed to promote a seafront promenade and cycleway from Sutton to Sandycove. It has no other objective, and pursues this by disseminating information, fostering public debate and encouraging the authorities to realise the project. The steering group includes Cyril Forbes, Michael Collins, Paul Burke-Kennedy and Damian O’Malley.

ENDS

For further information please contact:

Paul White White & Associates Tel: 01 269 7736 / 087 242 9000

Or

Mary Quilty White & Associates Tel: 01 269 7736 / 087 248 8280

May 2002: S2S Submission to Dun Laoghaire Rathdown County Council

Mr T McHugh
Senior Executive Officer
Economic Development & Planning Department
Dun Laoghaire Rathdown County Council
Civic Offices
Marine Road
Dun Loaghaire
17 May 2002
Re Coastal Plan
Dear Sir

S2S is an independent voluntary group which has been formed to promote the construction of a combined seafront promenade and cycleway extending from Sutton to Sandycove and linking to the city centre. We enclose a copy of our brochure which summaries the proposal. We wish to make the following submission to Dun Laoghaire Rathdown County Council in relation to the Draft Coastal Plan.

1. Draft Coastal Plan

We welcome the draft plan and commend the Council for having taken the initiative in having it prepared. In particular, we are grateful to the Council for having consulted the community by way of public meetings and requests for submissions, which in part were instrumental in bring about the setting up of the S2S group.

2. Particular Proposals in the Coastal Plan

We welcome the specific proposal of the Draft Coastal Plan to provide a seafront promenade from Booterstown to Blackrock with the objective of extending it to Dun Laoghaire. We also welcome the proposal to extend the provision of cycleway in the relevant area. We believe that these proposals are very similar to those put forward by S2S and with a relatively minor adjustment could be extended to achieve significantly greater benefits for the community, which would derive from the S2S proposal.

3. S2S Proposal

The proposed promenade and cycleway would extend approximately 22kms from Sutton to Sandycove, linking and upgrading where appropriate, existing walkways and cycleways. Where these do not exist, it is proposed to construct a combined promenade and cycleway, each of which would be about 3 metres wide.

On the north side of the bay, much of the facility already exists and needs only to be upgraded, made continuous and better protected from the elements. On the south side, proposals for a seafront walkway by the Dun Laoghaire Rathdown County Council could be enhanced to provide a continuous and level promenade, wheelchair and cycleway on the sea side of the Dart line from Dun Laoghaire to the Merrion Strand. A sea wall, similar in proportions to the existing wall protecting the railway line could be finished in granite. The facility should be provided with high quality seating, waste bins and dog scoops, eco-friendly lighting and steps or ramps onto the beach at appropriate locations. New bridges at The East Link Bridge and the Grand Canal Gut would link the facility across the Liffey and along the quays to the city centre.

4. Access

The viability and success of the promenade and cycleway for everyone, including disabled persons, cyclists and pedestrians, require easy access at reasonably frequent intervals. Specifically, we believe that the there should be ramped access across the Dart line at Blackrock and Booterstown, in addition to those that would be available at Merrion Gates, Seapoint and Dun Laoghaire. Such new accesses might be developed in conjunction with CIE, who are also required to provide disabled access to the east side of the DART stations in the same locations. Existing steps and bridges over the DART line should also be retained.

5. Attractions and Benefits of Seafront Promenade

It would provide a quiet, safe, level, pollution and traffic free walkway serving a large catchement area.
It would provide an attractive new amenity for the citizens of the city and visitors, linking the north and south suburbs and the city centre to the bay.
Many more people would be encouraged to use it for exercise or to walk to work or school.
By encouraging more people to walk to work or children to walk to school, a reduction in the number of cars on the roads will be achieved.
There would be significant benefits to community health arising from the increased walking activity and the reduction in stress associated with gridlock traffic.

6. Attractions / Benefits of the Cycleway

The proposal would provide 22kms of level, safe and virtually traffic free cycleway.
It would form the backbone of an extended cycleway reaching into the inner suburbs.
It has the potential to persuade large numbers of commuters and school goers to switch from private cars, or public transport to bicycles.
It would have a significant positive effect on the current traffic and transport problems in the area and benefits to public health.

7. Synergies

The combination of a cycleway and promenade will distribute the cost across two facilities bringing significant economies.
Combining the two will increase their use and thereby improve security and safety for users.
The combination of ramped access to the cycleway will also provide wheelchair access to the DART stations and the promenade.
A number of existing and proposed cycleways terminate at the DART stations. These would be linked together and on into the city, by the proposed facility.
The cycleway is likely to attract grants or subsidies from National and EU sources which would not be available to the promenade alone.

8. Other Authorities

S2S has in the recent past discussed the proposal with technical officers in Dublin City Council, Fingal County Council, the Dublin Docklands Development Authority and the Dublin Transportation Office. While these authorities have not formally adopted the proposal in the short time since they were presented, the response from all of them has been positive, without exception. We believe, given a little time, all of the authorities will adopt the proposal as part of their development plans. The DDDA has already commenced construction on a promenade and cycleway along both north and south quays from the Custom House to the East link bridge.

9. Environmental

Part of the importance of Dublin Bay as an amenity is its natural and historic heritage. Any proposal to construct a seafront promenade and cycle way must be subject to a detailed design study and careful analysis of its impact. The layout, design and choice of materials should be of a high quality and such as to enhance the environment and respect the natural or historic heritage. The reasonable concerns of residents living alongside the route in respect of security or other matters should be taken into account. A well-designed and constructed promenade would become, like the Halfpenny Bridge or St Stephen’s Green, something that is both useful and attractive, a source of pride to Dubliners that would encourage a better appreciation of Dublin Bay, ensuring its continuance as an amenity into the future. Most of all, it will be recognised that the overall benefits to the environment of a continuous safe and level promenade and cycle way are likely to be very significant.

10. Summary

We believe that this proposal is environmentally friendly, sustainable, relatively inexpensive and achievable. It is one that would have significant benefits for the citizens and visitors alike. We request Dun Laoghaire Rathdown County Council in its review of the Draft Coastal Plan to include a combined seafront promenade and cycleway as an objective, subject to the completion of a detailed design study and environmental impact study and the availability of finance. We believe that in doing so the Council will be taking a lead in the accomplishment of a facility that would transform our perception and use of Dublin Bay in a manner that will benefit citizens and visitors for generations to come.

Yours sincerely

S2S

GREEN PARTY WELCOMES COASTAL WALKWAY

The Green Party has welcomed the plan for a promenade and cycleway running from Sandycove to Sutton along the shore of Dublin Bay. The proposal would extend approximately 22 kilometres from Sandycove to Sutton, linking where appropriate existing walkways and cycle-ways.
"This would provide a safe, child-friendly and pollution free promenade for all Dubliners" stated Councillor Ciarán Cuffe of the Green Party, "I believe it is an excellent visionary proposal. I pay tribute to the ‘Sutton 2 Sandycove promenade and Cycleway Campaign’ (www.s2s.ie) group who are promoting this proposal.
"This is an environmentally friendly and achievable project that deserves support. The proposal involves some stretches of new promenade and a new pedestrian and cycle bridge in Ringsend, but it consists mostly of the joining together of stretches of existing walkway.
"I believe it would be a relatively inexpensive project and I shall promote the project through Dún Laoghaire Rathdown Council and Dublin City Council.
ENDS
For further information contact:
Ciarán Cuffe, Dáil Candidate 087 265 2075 or 677 3372
To view the original press release go to www.ciarancuffe.com