It is just over 12 years since we started this campaign and while much has been achieved in getting the project acccepted by the numerous authorities that control such matters, nothing has happened “on the ground”  That is about to change.  Dublin City Coucil has completed the relevant process under the Planning Act and the Councillors have voted to proceed with the missing section at Dollymount.  More detail is available in earlier posts. Work will start this year and it is expected to be complete by next year.

In a related but unexpected announcement by Michael Philips, Dublin City Engineer, the Council has decided to move forward with the section of the S2S  from Fairview to Ringsend including  crossing the Liffey.  Let’s hope they can include a small pedestrian/cycle bridge linking Sir John Rogersons Quay to Ringsend, across the junction of the Dodder river with the Liffey.  What a difference that would make!

Dublin City Council officials and Councillors are to be congratulated on the positive actions they have taken to move the project forward.  They stand in stark contrast to the apathy that persists with officials in Dun Laoghaire Rathdown County Council, where a section of 4kms where there is no seafront walkway or cycleway remains to complete the 22Kms.

More information on the decision by Dublin City Council can be found in this article which appeard in the Irish Times: http://www.irishtimes.com/news/councillors-approve-35m-plan-for-dublin-bikes-expansion-1.1392187

The Slí na Sláinte campaign, run by the Irish Heart Foundation, has expressed strong support for the campaign. In a letter to S2S dated 8th August 2002, chairman Paddy Murphy describes the proposal as an innovative and simple idea that would compliment and enhance their plans for public walkway facilities in Dublin.
The campaign is aimed at improving public health by encouraging people to take more exercise by walking regularly. To see the full text of the letter click here

Sustrans

the internationally recognised organisation promoting sustainable transport solutions has strongly endorsed the S2S proposal. In a letter to the campaign dated 8th May 2003, they state: “We very much hope that this stunning coastal promenade and associated landscaping will provide a section of the long distance cross border cycle route and a section of the all Ireland Cycle Network. It is likely that it will be the most used cycle route in all of Ireland”. To see the full text of the letter click here.

Dun Laoghaire Rathdown County Council have just published for public comment their Draft Development Plan 2004-2010 and they have included a coastal walk and cycleway from Booterstown to Sandycove, with the intention to continue it south along the coast to the County boundary at Bray.
This is indeed very good news and we congratulate DLRCC on their decision. Read the detailed extract from the Draft Development Plan here. You will find the full draft development plan on the Dun Laoghaire Rathdown County Council website here.
It would be very good for the campaign if the Council were to be made aware of the widespread support that exists for the coastal promenade and cycleway. People who wish to express their support for the proposal are encouraged to do so by either writing or e-mailing the Council at devplan@dlrcoco.ie. The standard form for making a written submission can be found at the Council’s website here. Note: Submissions to the Council must be submitted before July 1st 2003.

Arising out of a discussion on NewsTalk 106, S2S has received an e-mail of support from Jimmy Quinn of the IRHA.
To read the full text of this and other e-mails check the support page.

S2S has made a submission to Dun Laoghaire Rathdown County Council in relation to their Draft Development Plan 2004-2010. See the full text of the letter.

David Byrne has, in a private capacity, been a strong supporter of the S2S campaign since it started. In a letter to the group dated 27th June 2003 as EU Commissioner for Health and Consumer Protection, he expresses his support for the proposal. ” Not only is this exciting because of the pleasure it will provide to so many people but it will also greatly contribute to the improvement of public health.” Read the full text of the letter in PDF format.

The Genealogical Society of Ireland is restoring and refurbishing the beautiful Martello Tower at Seapoint as a permanent base for their archives. In an e-mail message to S2S, which we have posted in the support page, Secretary Michael Merrigan reports that they expect to open the centre in 2004 in this landmark building. This very welcome enterprise will be perhaps the first of a series of new attractions along the S2S route. For more information, visit the web site of theGenealogical Society of Ireland

THE DUBLIN BAY FUN CYCLE (Sun 21 Sep 03) FROM HOWTH VILLAGE TO BLACKROCK PARK AND BACK. BRING YOUR FAMILY, FRIENDS AND ANYONE YOU KNOW WHO CAN RIDE A BIKE!

The fun cycle is organised by the Diabetes Federation of Ireland. It has the theme ‘Life is Better Under Seven’ because it aims to raise awareness among the 200,000 Irish people with diabetes of a vital long-term blood sugar reading known as A1c.

For further information on how to participate please contact the Diabetes Federation of Ireland on
1850 909 909 or log onto www.diabetes.ie

Dun Laoghaire Rathdown County Council received over 2500 submissions on the draft development plan from members of the public. There was strong support in several submissions for the S2S promenade and cycleway. The Councillors will debate the plan over several meetings in November and December 2003. Neither the Manager or any of the Councillors have proposed any alteration to the S2S proposal as set out in the draft development plan and it is expected to be approved.