Local Fine Gael Cllr Neale Richmond welcomed the largely positive results of the Part VIII Planning Consultation for a new sports facilities in Stepaside that were presented before the Council last night (Monday). However, speaking at the meeting last night, he called on the Council to heed public calls for a playground to be included in the new development.

“The public response to this proposal was extremely positive, but the responses did highlight the dearth of recreational facilities, especially for young families, in Stepaisde.

“I very much welcome the Manager’s response that the Parks and Landscape Services Section have confirmed that they will favourably consider the suggestion that a children’s playground be provided at this location or during the development of the nearby Jamestown Park.

“However, I would like to see something concrete laid down for this facility as there is an immediate need for a playground in the area. The Manager also indicated that two further sites for playgrounds have been identified in the greater Stepaside Area, these will compliment the twenty playgrounds already operated by the Council across the County but there is a big difference between a playground on paper and one actually in use, it’s time the Council prioritised this rapidly developing area.

“The two proposed developments will provide a four-court badminton hall, a fitness equipment room and a dance studio, in addition to an enlarged car park, changing & lockers areas, and other administration and support spaces.”

The Council has begun a Public Consultation for the construction of a new sports facility in Marlay Park at the south-western corner of the park, adjacent to the College Road entrance on the site of the old cricket pitch. The proposed development comprises a new two storey pavilion containing changing rooms, a small café and three large adjustable gym/exercise rooms. Adjacent to the pavilion it is proposed to construct a full-sized all-weather pitch with a running track.

Following representations made by me, the Council has pruned the many overgrown trees along Brehon Field Road; particular attention was paid to the trees surrounding the 16 bus stop at the entrance to Kingston as well as the hedges that are currently protruding from Marlay View. The three trees uprooted along Brehon Field Road during the Marlay Park concerts will also be reinstated in November.

The Council’s Traffic Section proposes to undertake a speed and volume count shortly on the section of the Ballinteer Road between the roundabout at Ballinteer Avenue and the roundabout at Brehonfield Road to determine the full extent of traffic issues on this section of roadway. Possible solutions include the erection of a digital speed display, repeater speed limit signage and greater Gardaí enforcement of the existing speed limit, which should aid vehicles exiting from College Park and Delbrook estates.

The Council has also agreed to replace the outdated black gate which leads from Grange Road into Pine Valley Park with a new kiss gate within the next three months.

As I informed you before, work has begun on the new regional playground in Marlay Park. The new playground is located on the site of the old BMX track near the existing playground. Work is proceeding on schedule and it is hoped that it will be completed before Christmas.

A new playground was opened in Ballawley Park in recent weeks; it is located on the site of the old tennis courts. The facility consists of a number of pieces of equipment and is surrounded by a wooden fence & gated; it will cater for children up to 12 year olds. Work will soon begin on a second play lot.

Over the winter months the Council will also carry out a major refurbishment of the laneway leading from Sandyford Road into Ballawley Park. They will cut back all the protruding branches and remove the lower vegetation near the wall altogether.

Grangefield Estate has been taken in charge by Dun Laoghaire Rathdown County Council; the Council will now be responsible for the maintenance, up keep and development of the estate.

Following the need to uproot existing screen plating so as to install a new drain, the Council will soon erect a 4m high Environmental noise barrier to the rear of College Park, this will help to mitigate for the loss of screening which the trees had provided will reduce noise levels to the houses in College Park.

With the evenings drawing in, many people have been in touch with me in relation to faulty street lights. If there is a street light near you out of order, please contact me and I will have the Council remedy this.