From: Clara Clark Sent: 15 March 2004 09:35

To: devplan@dublincity.ie Subject: S2S Proposal

I wish to add my support of and commitment to the development of the S2S, Sutton to Sandycove cycle and walkway. As a regular cyclist and walker, I can see the huge merits of this project, which will reclaim the coastline and access to the sea, beaches, and fresh air, safe and removed from cars, lorries and roads.

The S2S route, once established, will be used by commuters, families, staff during lunch and break times, as well as exercisers. It will finally encourage people out of cars, even off buses, to avail of the pleasant, SAFER, and environmentally friendlier route to and from their places of work, and as a mode of transport. It will allow students and school-children a quicker, healthier, more fun way of getting to/from school/college.

If government departments were to combine some initiatives, it could be a springboard for the Departments of Transport, the Environment, and Health to create joint promotions linking new transport options, environmentally-friendly ideas and obesity-tackling initiatives all through one project, the S2S. In addition, it should offer parallel initiatives such as screened recycling areas close to parking areas on the route, properly -designed skateboard parks to attract young people towards using the S2S to access outdoor activities, bike rental stands, or free bike pick-ups, as they have in Holland and Denmark.

S2S should be incorporated into all Dublin city maps and guide books, leaflets available in all hotels, tourist information offices, libraries, schools etc. Dublin Bay is a wonderful but totally under-used and under-appreciated amenity. The S2S can change all that. Dublin city can reclaim its coastline, its wonderful views, its clean air, one of its hidden treasures. Dubliners and their guests can begin to appreciate our location and the bountiful free amenities on our doorstep. For too long Dublin has turned its back on our foreshore, and allowed industry, dumping, and neglect to take over. The S2S can give Dublin a whole new aspect and benefit. I hope that the Dublin City authorities will see the S2S as an important, positive, added-value initiative to Dublin’s infrastructure.

Clara Clark

CLARA CLARK EVENT MANAGEMENT LTD

From: Leo Enright Sent: 12 May 2003 12:05

To: info@s2s.ie Subject:

Is this excellent project still active? Is this excellent project still active? If so, I’d be happy to lend whatever small support I can.

Leo Enright

From: Carmel Groarke Sent: 17 June 2003 21:26

To: support@s2s.ie

Live in Sandycove and play golf in Howth once a week – would beat Eastlink and all those trucks any day! Keep up the good work.

Regards

From: Poppy Shirley Sent: 03 July 2003 21:05

To: support@s2s.ie

Wonderful, wonderful project which beats the Luas and the Tunnel and all the delayed or projected by-passes and new Motorways. This one is so environmentally friendly and if sufficiently supported as it so deserves would do more for the traffic and the people of Dublin City and surrounds.

May the project prosper.

From: Genealogical Society of Ireland Sent: 13 July 2003 19:14

To: support@s2s.ie Subject: Coastal Walk & Cycle Way

A Chairde,

Congratulations on the development of this wonderful plan for Dublin Bay. Indeed, the Genealogical Society of Ireland www.gensocireland.org is contributing to the enhancement of the area by restoring and refurbishing the Martello Tower at Seapoint, Co. Dublin as a permanent base for our Archives. “An Daonchartlann” as it will be known will be officially opened in 2004, however, with work progressing, already the locals are referring to the Tower as the “Family History Tower”. This walkway from Sutton to Sandycove will greatly improve access for the public to the many attractions, leisure and heritage facilities all along Dublin’s Riviera.

Keep up the good work.

Kind regards Michael Merrigan Hon.

Secretary Genealogical Society of Ireland

From: Robin Norton Sent: 01 August 2003 20:06

To: info@s2s.ie Subject: Sutton to S’cove

Saw your excellent leaflet in the Blackrock Library. This is a wonderful concept and I wish you success in its implementation. Sadly the “prom” at Sandymonut has been barred to cyclists probably due to complaints by local busybodies (why are bikers resented so much? – a form of jealousy, perhaps). This used to be a lovely way into the city, now one has to go illegal and use the footpath. Could I suggest that DLRC be asked to line out the footpath between B’town DART station and Merrion Gates. It’s wide enough to take walkers and bikers.

Peace, Love and Bicycles!

Robin Norton

From: Harris Andrew

To: support@s2s.ie

Subject: Irish Independant article.

Great to see the project getting such prominent publicity.(Irish Independant supp – 30/8/03) When I first heard about it I was very excited. As a cyclist, the thought of a dedicated 22km cycle lane running along the bay was fantasy stuff especially as we live in Ireland where such things rarely come to pass. I’ve experienced similar projects in France. In the Alps there is a cycle lane the entire way around Lac d’Annecy and in the Pyrennes they have converted an old railway line into a cycle lane from Lourdes to Argeles Gazost. The only problem is unfortnately an Irish one. Cyclists here are generally disrespected and ignored by motorists and pedestrians. Where the current cycle lane runs from Sutton towards town along the bay, its good, but dangerous also. Despite the bike symbols painted on the lane, pedestrians wander all over the place totally oblivious to cyclists. Serious cyclists who do use the lanes can be doing 25mph with ease. If a child is hit by a bike it can be very serious. It doesn’t happen in Europe. If the lanes were colour coded as in the city centre it might be better. Putting in a kerb for seperation makes the lanes too narrow and overtaking impossible. Where dual purpose lanes are being installed there needs to be a public awareness campaign so as to avoid accidents. More signs along the routes warning of the dangers should also be put up. The potential of this project is enormous.

Yours sincerely,

Andrew Harris.

From: Hugh Evans Sent: 14 September 2003 01:34

To: support@s2s.ie Subject:

The S2S Project I approve of the S2S website and of the project, especially because here in the United States much of the coastline is in private hands and off limits for the public. My strongest response in relation to S2S is a memory of walking on the beach at Juhu in Bombay at dusk some years ago. Juhu is a suburb of Bombay near the international airport where many Bollywood film stars and prominent Indian professionals and business people live, intermixed with great numbers of Indian midlle class and poor. It is the custom for many of these people to walk the beach at the end of the day. What results is one of the most plural and diverse mixes of people I have ever observed, all harmoniously sharing the same space. I imagine, when your project is complete, it will offer a neutral space where the diverse and interesting people of Dublin can similarly enjoy congregating in a public space. There is something about the meeting of the sea and the land that neutralizes for a moment all (or most!) considerations of class and ownership. Best wishes.

Hugh Evans

From Valerie Fitzsimons 18th February 2005

Great plan, long overdue!! Keep up the good work!

Valerie Fitzsimons

From: Fiona Maguire 16th May 2005

I wish to add my support to this excellent initiative. Whilst living in Sydney Australia I lived near Centennial Park in Randwick. In addition to many other facilities it had a number of tracks around the perimeter for walking/running, cycling and horse riding.They were all well loved and used by the community.

Fiona