I welcome the opportunity to comment on Council’s proposals for speed limits on roads and lanes within the wider Strawberry Beds area. I live on Angler’s Rest side of Lower Road. As a new resident, I have become aware of the speed of vehicles on the road, (despite the series of ramps) and the inappropriate accessibility of heavily loaded vehicles along the road.

Generally, in the context of the Strawberry Beds area being covered by a Special Amenity Area Order (SAAO) in 1990, for the reasons stated as ‘it’s outstanding beauty’ with areas of ‘special recreational value’ which ‘exhibit a need for nature conservation’, the area must attract a high level of commitment for its development and enhancement for amenity and recreational use. In addition, the area is steeped in heritage and cultural tradition.

With such a rich variety of environmental and natural life in the area, it is understandable that maintaining and developing this asset, and opening up its accessibility to residents; visitors; transient users and commuters is challenging. The area accommodates the travel needs of these groups. It’s roads and lanes suffer from serious congestion and inappropriate use by heavy and large vehicles. More significantly, its roads provide many users with a series of speed tracks, despite the provision of speed deterrents.

If the area is to maintain and develop as a SAA, it is imperative that a comprehensive traffic management plan is introduced throughout the area which incorporates appropriate speed limits, but also accommodates the mix of users in the area such as walkers; joggers; cyclists; fishermen; canoeists and considers the movement and safety of these users throughout the area; provision of points of interest interpretation; riverside access and parking space generally.

From my short residency and knowledge to date, I would wish to comment on a number of areas and applicable speed limits.

• Rugged Lane, which is currently a 60kph area is a narrow, rough lane, barely accommodating a two way traffic system in, sometimes, treacherous circumstances and conditions. I would support the current call for a 30kph limit on this lane and consideration of other traffic management arrangements in both short and longer terms. Consideration of the implications and needs of future housing development in the area is critical.

• Somerton Lane should, similarly, be designated as 30kph along with the consideration of other traffic management arrangements in the wider area.

• Traffic at Sand Pits (off Carpenterstown Road) is currently designated 50kph. Consideration should be given to a 30kph limit here and its approach to the Yellow Box at Diswellstown Cottages from both directions.

• Luttrellstown Road between point below M50 service access and junction of Somerton should be 50kph given the pedestrian lights; access to GAA club and access to Diswellstown Manor.

• Lower Road from traffic lights at Knockmaroon. Currently a 50kph zone with ramps. Traffic builds up speed on a downward hill towards Strawberry Hall. Consideration should be given to introduction of 30kph for the section from above Angler’s Rest at Knockmaroon lights to end of last cottage on left side of road towards Strawberry Hall.

• Full length of Lower Road should be designated 50kph

Question – Does Council have flexibility to introduce Variable and/or Periodic Speed Limits through local Bye-Laws? Is there latitude to consider the introduction of these in the context of Strawberry Beds review?

Finally, like many who live in the Strawberry Beds area, I believe that the area offers so much potential for sensitive development and interpretation, but also potential in protecting and conserving the magnificent beauty that we have. Council has, since 1990 assumed ownership of this precious asset. It is imperative, at this stage (and opportunity) to address an ongoing issue of traffic management and to incorporate its management as a critical step in focusing on the future development of the Strawberry Beds.

Road Traffic (Speed Limits) (County of Fingal) Proposed Bye-Laws 2020 - Submissions

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