Councillors accept Kilternan plan

Councillors voted to accept an amended local area plan for the south Co Dublin village of Kilternan last night following meetings with planners to address residents' concerns.

The plan had sparked widespread concern among residents who were concerned that the area could not cope with the scale of development envisaged in the plan.

More than 700 submissions were made to Dún Laoghaire-Rathdown County Council about the plan for the Kilternan and Glenamuck area.

Residents were concerned that insufficient provision had been made for open space; that there was no school site earmarked on the plan; and that a bypass to the east of the Enniskerry Road would have a negative effect on the area. They also objected to the proposed heights of five and six storeys for new developments.

However, councillors from all parties except the Greens and the Progressive Democrats voted to accept the plans with a total of 16 amendments.

However, it had the support of the three councillors representing the Kilternan area, Tom Joyce (Fine Gael), Lettie McCarthy (Labour) and Maria Corrigan (Fianna Fáil).

Among the alterations agreed between councillors and planners included the provision of a site for a school, which will be required for the area when it is developed.

The two-hectare site chosen, off the Glenamuck Road, will be sufficient to accommodate a 32-classroom primary school. The council also committed to provide three hectares of public open space at a centrally-located site, and has said it will be acquired by compulsory purchase order if necessary. It is envisaged that the space will be close to the school.

The amendments also relate to commitments to consult the local community over roads in the area and the placement of major electricity cables underground.

Labour councillor Lettie McCarthy said she supported the amended plans in order to avoid a potential "free-for-all" by developers. Plans to cut a new road across Barnaslingan Lane, a picturesque and historic carriageway, were dropped.