We have 2 new Local Authorities up this week, Cavan and Donegal have provided planning data for their counties. That’s 18 County Councils and counting and we will continue to work to get more up. More have confirmed that they are nearly there which is great.

So choose a county from the drop down menu to see what is happening in your area. http://app.mypp.ie/search-map
Any questions at all just email us on info@mypp.ie

This week 3 more Local Authorities have provided planning permission information to www.mypp.ie.

Thanks to Roscommon County Council, Clare County Council and Carlow County Council.

Any member of the public can check it out for free by clicking here

2 more Local Authorities have provided planning data to mypp.ie. A big thanks to Westmeath and Longford County Councils, we nearly have the Country linked from East to West but there are lots more to fill in.

We have the following Local Authorities providing updates,

Fingal County Council

South Dublin County Council

Dublin City Council

Wicklow County Council

Westmeath County Council

Longford County Council

Laois County Council

Limerick County Council

Waterford City Council

South Tipperary County Council

Kerry County Council

And more on the way…… Check it out here and create a free account to get links to the drawings. Zoom into the area you are interested or pan on the map.

We just got Limerick County Councils planning data up on our site, now you can see everything granted, refused and under review for the past year and its constantly being updated.

Many thanks to Limerick for embracing the open data initative. Select Limerick from the County Council drop down menu on the right of the page here and access is free, to login and create a free account click here

An Bord Pleanala received appeals against Dublin City Council’s “decision to grant” planning permission for the demolition of Liberty Hall c. 7890 sqm and to replace it with a new 21-story building  c.11,610 sqm, comprising offices, skydeck viewing facility and cafe.

On the 15th Nov An Bord Pleanala made a descision to REFUSE planning for the proposed development.

Reason:

It is considered that the site of Liberty Hall is of national historic and social significance and is located at a prominent and sensitive location fronting onto the River Liffey, within the historic city core of Dublin and adjacent to the Custom House, a protected structure of primary importance in the state. Having regard to policy SC18 of the planning authority, as set out in the Dublin City Development Plan 2011 – 2017, which seeks to protect and enhance the skyline of the inner city, inter alia, and notwithstanding the quality of the architectural design, it is considered that the scale and, in particular, the height of the development as proposed, would be unacceptably dominant in the city, would be visually intrusive in the streetscape and riverscape and would seriously injure the visual amenities of the city and its skyline. Furthermore, the proposed development would seriously detract from the setting and character of the Custom House, would intrude on the O’Connell Street and Grafton Street Architectural Conservation Areas, and other important vistas in the city. The proposed development would, therefore, be contrary to the proper planning and sustainable development of the area.

Link to An Bord Pleanala file here.

To see all current planning applications in Dublin on our map click here.

Full Description Below

The proposed development will consist of the demolition of the existing Liberty Hall complex, comprising a seventeen storey office building over two basement levels, and an adjoining linked two storey building over basement level (with a total height of approx. 60.1 metres (m) from footpath level (63.3 m OD) accommodating a performance arts centre, four retail units, and associated ancillary space. The total floorspace of buildings to be demolished comprises approx. 7,890 square metres (sq.m). It is proposed to construct a new mixed use building, part twenty two storeys (with a height of approx. 93.65 m from footpath level (96.85 m OD) a parapet screen level) and part three storeys (with a height of approx. 17.15 m from footpath level (20.35 m OD) to parapet level) with mezzanine at ground leveel, all over two basement levels, together with plant room of approx. 3.4 m height at roof level, behind a parapet screen of approx. 3 m in height. The proposed development has an overall appearance equivalent to a part twenty three storey and part four storey building. The skylift shaft extends 7 m in height above the parapet screen level. The building from footpath level is approx. 93.65 m (96.85 m OD) to parapet screen level, approx 94.5 m (97.25 m OD) to the top plant room and 100.65m (103.85 m OD) to the top of the Skylight shaft. The total height of the proposed building from footpath level is approx. 100.65 m (103.85 m OD). The new building will accommodate offices (approx. 9,822.9 sq.m) at levels 1 to 17; public heritage centre including Skydeck viewing facility and cafe (approx. 1,787.8 sq.m) at levels 18 to 21; shared access, reception areas, coffee shop and associated uses at ground floor level (approx. 864 sq.m) with visitor ticketing area, toilets, Skylight lobby and related services areas including plant at ground floor mezzaanine (approx. 492 sq.m); theatre/conference area and auditorium with pre-conference circulation space, ancillary accommodation for theatre and auditorium, associated facilities, including toilets etc. (approx. 1014 sq.m) at level -1 associated servicing, plant and ancillary areas, including staff showers, associated changing areas and locker facilities at level -2; provision of 74 no. cycle parking spaces (double stacked) at ground floor level, accessed via a ramp off Old Abbey Street and 24 no. on. street cycle parking spaces on Beresford Place adjacemt to the eastern side of the building; all associated servicing, staff, circulation aand ancillary spaces throughout the building. The total gross floor area of the proposed building is approx. 14,688.4 sq.m with external landscaped terraces at level 1 (approx. 121 sq.m) and level 3 (approx. 33.5 sq.m) and double height winter gardens at levels 5 and 11 on the east facade and level 9 on the west facade; associated plant at roof level (approx. 62.7 sq.m), at ground floor mezzanine level (approx, 115 sq.m) and at basement level -2 )approx. 641 sq.m); provision of ESB substation (approx. 16sqm) and LV switch room (approx. 28 sq.m) accessed from a raised platform set back from Old Abbey Street. All associated site development, services and related works; provision of landscaping at site frontage at Eden Quay, including new steps and disabled ramp access to new building entrance. All on a site of some 0.127 hectares. Existing vehicular access to ground floor car park off Old Abbey Street to be removed. Existing off-street parking provision at ground level (19 no. car spaces) to be removed. There is no vehicular access proposed to the building and no on-site car parking provision. Servicing/deliveries as per existing loading bay on Beresford Place and along Old Abbey Street. Servicing/rear pedestrian access off Old Abbey Street, public entrance (pedestrian) to building off Eden Quay. An Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) has been prepared in respect of this planning application and will be submitted to Dublin City Counil with this application.

Kildare County Council made a decision to Grant permission in relation to Intel’s application for planning permission to Kildare CoCo for a new c.160,000 sq.m facility in Lexlip, however this decision was Appealed in September 2012 and is now under review by An Bord Pleanala.
We do not have this application mapped as it’s outside the Dublin Authorities, however we will keep a close eye on it.

Full details to Kildare County Council file here ,  (key in 12435 in planning ref box)

Here is the link to An Bord Pleanala Here

We are pleased to announce that we have added Galway County Councils Planning data to our website. Thanks to the guys in Galway for all their help.
Click here and choose Galway County Council from the drop down menu to see the data mapped.

You can now view Wicklow County Councils planning data on mypp.ie.

Choose Wicklow County Council from the drop down menu and view applications on the map. Thanks to all the team for assisting in this.

Click here for access to the map.

Great news released today that An Bord Pleanala has granted a 7 year permission for the linking of the Red and Green LUAS lines.

Here’s a link to the official RPA website and press release click here

Update 5th Nov 2012:

Extract from the planners report included at the bottom of the post with recommendations at the end.

This report recommends to proceed with 3 conditions.

Dublin City Council have lodged an application for new works for Barrow Street under a Part 8 Application.

The proposed works will comprise of the following:

Introduction of traffic calming measures including the closure of a section of Barrow Street beneath the railway bridge to through vehicular traffic. This will be achieved by the provision of removable bollards on both sides of the existing railway bridge allowing pedestrian and cycling movement only.

Widening of footpaths and provision of improved pedestrian crossing points.

Resurfacing of carriageway and surface points.

Improvement to the public realm to facilitate the disabled, visually impaired and elderly including the introduction of guidance strips, marked crossings and dished kerbs.

Revised parking, loading bay arrangements and taxi stand facilities. Parking will be removed between the Railway Bridge and Gordon Street resulting in the loss of 25 car spaces on Barrow Street.

Provision of new street lighting

Provision of pavement lighting under the railway bridge (a Protected Structure).

Provision of new street furniture including seats and bins etc.

Introduction of new soft landscaping measures including planting and trees.

Provision of appropriate directional signage and markings.

All necessary service, utility and associated works.

Link to the Local Authority file here

If there is any other help we can provide please feel free to contact us here

See extract from planners report (please note some of the formatting may have changed once pasted into this post, apologies if this is the case) 5th Nov 2012.

MC/DMD

26/10/12

Date of Site Inspection:

4^th September 2012

Site Notices:

4^th September 2012 – In position and legible

Proposal

This is a Part 8 application to carry out the following development:

Proposed public realm improvements works to Barrow Street for an area extending from the existing railway bridge on Barrow Street to the northern property boundary of Gordon House, Barrow Street, Dublin 2. The proposed works will comprise the following:

• Introduction of traffic calming measures including the closure of a section of Barrow Street beneath the railway bridge to through vehicular traffic.  This will be achieved by the provision of removable bollards on both sides of the existing railway bridge allowing pedestrian and cyclist movement only.

• Widening of footpaths and provision of improved pedestrian crossing points.

• Resurfacing of carriageway and footpaths.

• Improvements to the public realm to facilitate the disabled, visually impaired and elderly including the introduction of guidance strips, marked crossings and dished kerbs.

• Revised parking, loading bay arrangements and taxi stand facilities.  Parking will be removed between the Railway Bridge and Gordon Street resulting in the loss of 25 car parking spaces on Barrow Street.

• Provision of new street lighting.

• Provision of pavement lighting under the Railway Bridge (a Protected Structure).

• Provision of new street furniture including seats and bins etc.

• Introduction of new soft landscaping measures including planting and trees.

• Provision of appropriate directional signage and markings.

• All necessary service utility and associated works.

Appropriate Assessment:

The proposals for the Barrow Environmental Improvement Works were assessed and it was considered that given the limited extent of the proposal, extending from the south side of the railway bridge at Grand Canal Station to Gordon Street, and the nature of the works – repaving of existing roadway/footpaths and provision of new lighting, seating and planting, that an E.I.A or an Appropriate Assessment was not required.

Interdepartmental Reports:

Drainage Division: The Drainage Division has no objection, in principle, to this development, subject to complying with the Greater Dublin Regional Code of Practice for Drainage Works Version 6.0 (see www.dublincity.ie Forms and Downloads) and inclusion of conditions relating to flood risk assessment and surface water drainage proposals.

Submissions/Observations from Prescribed Bodies and Third Parties

35 submissions have been received from local residents, management companies and businesses, from  GoCar and from Deputy Kevin Humphreys. There was a large degree of overlap in the observations and these are summarised below. The observations/comments have been summarised as follows:

• Removal of no-entry signs from Barrow Street to Gordon Street and the proposed 24 hour cul-de-sac arrangement will result in rerouting of vehicular traffic onto Gordon Street and other streets in an area bounded by Barrow Street and South Lotts Road. This will result in an increase in traffic on these streets, in particular commercial traffic which will have a detrimental impact on the residential amenities of these streets especially Gordon Street and South Lotts Road, leading to a substantial reduction in safety for older people and children living on these street(s) as well as an increase in noise and air pollution. One submission noted that the planning gains achieved by such a proposal will substantially outweigh any inconvenience to motorists.
• Traffic Report required to assess increases in traffic on these streets including Gordon Street and South Lotts Road and implications for traffic flows on Grand Canal Street/Fenian Street, and Pearse Street/Ringsend Road. Concerns expressed that proposal will lead to further pressure on a number of very busy or dangerous junctions in the area in particular the junction of South Lotts/Ringsend Road and the junction of South Lotts/Grand Canal Street/Shelbourne Road/Bath Avenue/Haddington Road. In this respect, some submissions suggest a fuller assessment of the traffic implications is required of the proposed scheme on other streets and junctions in the wider area.
• No analysis submitted to support assumption of 80-90% reduction in traffic flow as a result of closing Barrow Street to through traffic or that the reassigned traffic will mainly use Macken Street, with a smaller volume using South Lotts Road. Increased traffic on Macken Street will increase potential for vehicle/pedestrian/cyclist conflict.
• Does Barrow Street have to be closed 24 hours a day
• Could Barrow Street be made one way.
• Traffic count required to establish number and type of vehicles generated on Barrow Street, no breakdown of HGVs, taxis, private vehicles that use Barrow Street
• Analysis of pedestrian movements required
• Formalise existing shared space under bridge
• The proposal is only for the benefit of Google which has created many of the problems in the area such as increased traffic congestion, lack of on-street parking and the issue of taxi parking in the area.
• Relocation of taxi rank away from the main user – Google will result in a loss of privacy and loss of residential amenity.
• Existing taxi rank causes significant problems in the area – traffic congestion/double parking, noise disputes etc and  a number of submissions requested that a designated holding area for taxis to wait/enter Barrow Street should be provided.
• A taxi rank should be located on the opposite of the road outside Gordon House.
• Need to implement procedures to restrict excessive numbers of taxis waiting on Barrow Street and in vicinity
• Major concern expressed over loss of 25 on-street car parking spaces in an area where there is already a deficit of on–street parking facilities – serious concern that proposal will place increased demand for car parking on adjoining streets where there is already a shortage of spaces for local residents. Some submissions requested that they be provided as part of the scheme.
• Parking should be provided outside the Euro Spar/Post Office and outside the Pharmacy for customers
• Loss of on-street car parking will result in a significant loss of business for the Euro Spar/Post Office and will also be a major inconvenience for residents in the area who use these facilities, especially the elderly who travel from as far as Irishtown and Ringsend to use the post office .
• Will provision be made for residents on Barrow Street who pay for parking permits for Barrow Street
• Can the southern end of Barrow Street be designated for 24 hour paid marking
• Proposed seats will encourage strangers to loiter in area
• More street trees should be provided as part of proposal
• A Dublin Bike Station should be provided as part of proposal
• Leaves from proposed trees will block up shores
• Why has the entire street not been included in the scheme – a plan for the wider area should be prepared
• It may compromise the integrity of the laneway/entrance to the Gasworks Complex,
  • street furniture should be kept to a minimum distance of 10m from the entrance and a clear path for emergency vehicles should be maintained at all times,
  • any works proposed on common areas requires the consent of the Gasworks Owners Management Co. Ltd.
• Plan too narrowly focused on a short stretch of Barrow Street.
• The scheme should have included the area to the front of Grand Mill Quay Offices and the Dock Mill Apartments which generate significant footfall.
  • In order to comply with ESB requirements, no street furniture should be located in the area around the substation between the offices and the apartments which is ignored in the scheme.
  • It is also requested that the junction between the new paving on Grand Mill Lane should be marked by a band of material running across the lane to deal with the changes in an aesthetically pleasing manner.
  • It is also noted that the scheme encroaches onto Grand Mill property and therefore the agreement of Grand Mill Quay will be required, furthermore in this respect, it has been queried whether Dublin City Council intend to take this area in charge.
• Benches and other seat furniture should be designed with cleats to prevent skateboarding and anti-social behaviour
• More public lighting required
• Proposal premature pending preparation of SDZ for Docklands and any money spent would be wasted as future works in area would undo  and damage proposed works.
• Public consultation period too short.
• Inconvenience to local office workers
• Facilities for car sharing/car club facilities comprising 2/3 car parking spaces be designated for the parking of car club vehicles.

Policy Context

There is a strong policy context for the enhancement of the public realm within the city, first highlighted in the Legible Dublin and thereafter reinforced  by the Dublin City Development Plan 2011 -2017 and the Public Realm Strategy:

1. Legible Dublin

The Legible Dublin Study, commissioned and completed by Dublin City Council in 2004, was the first step towards developing a vision for the evolving role of public space in our city. This study recommended an implementation framework under three themes, ‘The Walkable City’, ‘The Reclaimed City’ and ‘The Connected City’. Progress on implementation has been made through the ……commencement of the Public Realm Strategy.

1. Dublin City Development Plan 2011- 2017

Policy Context

The Dublin City Development Plan places a strong emphasis on enhancing the city’s public realm, while underpinning the city’s strong character and identity.  The Plan contains several policies and objectives to this effect:

• SC20 To promote the development of a network of active, attractive and safe streets and public spaces which are memorable and encourage walking as the preferred means of movement between buildings and activities in the city. In the case of pedestrian movement within major developments, the creation of a public street is preferable
• to an enclosed arcade or other passageway

• SC21 To promote the development of public spaces which are of consistently high quality and which deliver vibrant, attractive and safe places for the city’s communities

• SC22 To promote streets and public spaces which are accessible and inclusive, meeting the requirements of Dublin’s diverse communities

• SC23 To promote public spaces which are designed to deter crime and anti-social behaviour and promote
• Safety

• SC24 To promote streets and public spaces which contribute towards increased urban greening
• It is an objective of Dublin City Council:
• SCO10 To produce a Public Realm Strategy to guide the development of Dublin’s public space. This will set out an action plan for the delivery of a greatly enhanced public realm network and standards for the design and
• management of streets, squares and parks, and will ensure that the Outdoor Advertising Strategy  delivers a high quality public domain

Other Development Plan Issues

Zoning

The footpath and road, the site of the proposed works, in common with most streets and roads in Dublin is not zoned. However, the adjoining lands to the east and west of the west and from the railway bridge to the junction with Gordon Street are zoned Z14, the objective of which is “to seek the social, economic and physical development  and/or rejuvenation of an area with mixed use  of which residential  and “Z6” would be the predominant uses. The adjoining lands on Gordon Street, immediately to the north of the site is zoned Z2- “to protect and/or improve the amenities of residential conservation areas”.

Protected Structures

.

The stone railway bridge crossing Barrow Street immediately to the south of the site is on the Record of Protected Structures.

1. The Dublin Public Realm Strategy

The Dublin Public Realm Strategy was adopted by the City Council on ????.  It emerged from the Legible Dublin Study. It was also an objective of the Development Plan to produce the Strategy. It addresses issues of design, delivery, maintenance and management of the city’s public realm.

The purpose or aim of the Public Realm Strategy is to provide a blueprint for a co-ordinated approach to delivering and managing the public realm that has at its heart the public’s experience, wants and needs. …….developing an agreed vision for the public realm with all the stakeholders; one that is inspired by its historic context and shared by those who use, design, build and manage it. Crucially, this includes agreeing the standard of public realm Dublin needs, and the identifying the important spaces and routes within that

A number of issues are highlighted in the strategy which are of relevance in assessing this application – the first relates to funding – where it highlights the need to investigate New methods of achieving optimum planning gain for public realm improvements from the planning process.

The Strategy also sets out a series of guiding principles to address the challenges and inform the future approach to the public realm, some of these principles are of direct relevance to Barrow Street, e.g. recognising the varied role of streets, making the streets welcoming and safe, improving quality through the use of high quality contemporary design

Proposed Development

Location and Context

Barrow Street is a narrow road connecting Grand Canal Street Upper with Ringsend Road in the south east of the city, on the edge of Dublin Docklands. Pedestrian access to the Grand Canal Dock Dart Station is from Barrow Street and there are a number of major employers on the street – including Google Ireland and Mason Hayes Curran Willis. Barrow Street also provides access for a number of large residential developments including the Gasworks and Grand Mill Quay. The street also provides access to Gordon Street and South Dock Street, quite residential streets located to the east of Barrow Road. As a result, Barrow Street is a busy street providing essential connections to not only many local residents and workers, but it also operates as an important link between the South Georgian Quarter and Docklands including Grand Canal Square.

The site of the proposed development comprises the public realm i.e. the lands located between the building facades extending across Barrow Street and from the southern edge of the railway bridge to the northern edge of Gordon House. Although, this area could be described as public realm, some of the lands immediately abutting the buildings remain in private ownership including Google Ireland Limited, Grand Canal Mill Management Company, the Gasworks Management Company, the remainder is in the ownership of Dublin City Council.

Three of the adjoining buildings, located immediately east and west of the site, are in the ownership of Google Ireland – Gordon House, the Gasworks and Montevetro now known as Google Docks. These are all substantial modern commercial buildings. The proposed development will also extend across a part of the front of Grand Mill Quay – a modern mixed use office and residential development.  The site also encroaches onto the entrances to the Gasworks and Grand Mill Lane, as well as under the existing railway bridge.

Proposed Development

The application has been prepared in partnership with Google and proposes the introduction of new traffic management measures and the upgrading of the external environment. The Part 8 application proposes traffic management measures and the provision of wider footpaths to create an improved environment for pedestrians and a reduction in traffic volumes through flow and management of parking and loading arrangements. The quality of the public realm is also addressed through substantially improved hard landscaping, street furniture, public lighting and planting.  It is envisaged that once complete the Part 8 proposals will create a more inviting pedestrian dominated environment.  It is intended that the works will constitute a significant enhancement of the area for all residents and workers on Barrow Street and reduce the impact of the vehicle. These works will all take place in the vicinity of Google’s offices and the DART station

The proposals also seek to improve the entrance to the street at the railway bridge, by improving the extent of pavement and restricting the width of the carriageway. It is also proposed to provide a lighting scheme under the bridge to improve the safety of the space.

Principal Planning issues

1. A. Closure of Barrow Street to through Traffic

The most significant aspect of the Part 8 application is the proposal to turn Barrow Street into two cul des sacs, one each side of the railway bridge, and close the street to through traffic on a 24 hour basis. This closure of the street will be achieved by the installation of bollards at each end of the railway bridge which will be removable for access or emergency access, similar to the installation at Grand Canal Quay.

This is intended to ‘traffic calm’ the street and provide a much improved public realm for the pedestrian. The proposal will also allow for an increase in the width of pavements and increase the safety factor for pedestrian use exponentially. It is intended that the public footpaths would extend into the street with a corresponding reduction in the width of the carriageway while still allowing for full vehicular access for servicing, established resident and worker parking and emergency access for fire tender and ambulance.

It is suggested that this measure will have significant benefits to the area with a considerable reduction in quantum of through traffic. It is supported by traffic surveys which indicated that the predominant movements at the Railway Bridge are pedestrian movements to and from the DART Station. The surveys indicate that the impact of closing Barrow Street beneath the railway bridge would result in a removal of through traffic from Barrow Street, with only vehicles requiring access to the street using it.  Therefore traffic flows are expected to be in the order of 10% to 20% of current levels on this Street. The reassigned traffic is expected to mainly use Macken Street, with a smaller volume using South Lotts Road. The no-entry sign to Gordon Street would be removed to facilitate traffic flows.

There has been a significant public response to this element of the proposed development with many local residents and workers expressing their objections to the creation of the cul-de-sacs. They have expressed concern that this measure together with the removal of the no-entry sign to Gordon Street will result in rerouting of vehicular traffic onto Gordon Street and other streets in the vicinity, leading to an increase in traffic on these streets, especially commercial traffic which would have a detrimental impact on residential amenities. Some submissions also questioned the findings of the traffic surveys and requested a fuller assessment of the traffic implications of the proposed scheme on streets and junctions in the wider area.

In response to submissions, Roads and Traffic have reviewed the proposal and have suggested a number of amendments to address local concerns.  In this respect, it is now proposed to provide a one-way system under the bridge

It is intended that the roadway north and south of the bridge will be two way,  but that only north bound traffic i.e. one way traffic will  be permitted under the bridge. This would result in traffic coming from Upper Grand Canal Street being able to travel northwards down Barrow Street all the way to Ringsend Road, but traffic travelling southwards from Ringsend Road terminating at the railway bridge. This is to facilitate the provision of a wider footpath under the bridge where, particularly at peak times, there are high volumes of pedestrian traffic and very narrow footpaths. In this respect, the footpath on the western side would be increased in width to approx 3.5m while the footpath on the eastern side of the road would remain the same width. This will increase the space available for pedestrians coming and going from the DART station. The provision of this one-way system would, critically, remove the requirement to allow traffic divert onto Gordon Street, therefore ensuring that the no-entry sign onto Gordon Street would be retained.  This should ensure that there will be no increase in traffic on Gordon Street or any significant increase of traffic on South Lotts Road.

Regarding comments on the Traffic Analysis, a traffic analysis was carried out prior to the Part 8 being lodged which indicated that the level of cars that will be displaced on the network, due to the improvements on Barrow Street, will be insignificant.  Given that a traffic analysis has already been carried out there is no requirement for a further assessment.

1. B. Car Parking / Taxi Rank

It is proposed to remove areas of car parking outside Gasworks, Gordon House and Google Docks. A smaller area of parking for loading and an accessible car parking bay will be maintained outside the Spar store under Gordon House. The taxi rank outside Google Docks will be moved from its present location to outside Grand Canal Quay. The removal of this car parking/taxi rank will facilitate the building out of the public footpaths, creating an enhanced environment for pedestrians.

Serious concerns were raised in the written submissions regarding the loss of car parking, the relocation of the taxi rank and general provisions for taxi parking in general. Roads and Traffic have responded by stating that the issue of taxis illegally parking is an issue for the taxi regulator and An Garda Síochána. However it is proposed to provide 7 designated spaces for taxis on the street. The possibility of providing another location on the surrounding road network is also being actively investigated. It is also important to note that the relocation of the taxi rank will require an alteration to the Bye-Laws, which will be subject to a further public consultation process. This process will take approx 6-8 months and should be completed before any works are done.

It is acknowledged that the scheme will result in the loss of on-street spaces. In this respect, however, it is important to note that there are currently approximately 80 car parking spaces on Barrow Street and 26 permits, even with the loss of c. 25 spaces, there would still appear to be a surplus of car parking spaces to permits. However in deference to local concerns, it is proposed to limit the hours of operation of the loading bay and taxi rank so that the loading bay outside the Spar will only be operational between 7am and 7pm and will then revert to Pay and Display and residential permit parking, The taxi rank will operate between 10am and 7pm and will revert to Pay and Display and residential permit parking outside of these hours.  It is also intended to review the bye-laws for taxi ranks which will involve looking at all the existing ranks not just Barrow Street.

Some local residents requested the introduction of a 24 hour pay and display scheme. However, Dublin City Council does not operate 24 hour pay and display schemes anywhere in the city. Pay and display schemes run until midnight (12am) and parking is free until 7am. Furthermore, any alterations to the pay and display scheme would require the approval of local residents by ballot. The decision of the majority of respondents would be implemented.  The residents of Barrow Street were balloted in May 2011 to alter the times of the pay and display parking on the street. The result of the ballot was 9 in favour and 9 against. It was decided to retain the existing pay and display times (September 2011). As the total number of spaces is being reduced, Roads and Traffic are happy to conduct a new ballot, subject to receiving an official request. There is currently a request from a resident of Barrow Street to reduce the maximum stay time of pay and display spaces from 3 hours to 1 hour.

Hard and Soft Landscaping

The footpaths on both sides of the road from the junction with the railway bridge to a point approximately in line with the Spar shop will be widened. They will be repaved with a mixed palette of new concrete paviours and provided with a new range of street furniture including benches and trees. Within the extended footpaths, it is proposed to maintain a 2m wide corridor free from any obstructions and delineated by a clear “guidance” path for both wheelchair and visually impaired users. Tactile paving will be provided at pedestrian crossing points. The carriageway will be finished in concrete or reconstituted stone (Pembroke) slabs, which has been designed to take vehicular traffic. The interface between the pavement and the street will be clearly delineated. This will clearly indicate the extents of the works and ensure that the transition is appropriately and robustly detailed. There will be no change in levels or “steps” at these interfaces and if required remedial works to the concrete footpaths at these locations will be implemented to enable a pedestrian friendly interface.

A small number of submissions requested that additional trees should be planted on the street as part of any environmental improvement scheme. As part of the scheme, it is proposed to provide 12 large planters with corten steel facing. These will be planted with species of trees appropriate to the location and will be complementary to the environment.

However, due to the location of extensive public utilities and services in the pavements and roadways, it will be necessary for proposed planting to be located above the slab level of the street to reduce the requirement to plant tree bulbs etc. into the road and street ways. Given the restrictions on site, it is probably not possible to plant any additional trees in the roadway.

Lighting

Bespoke lighting with approved lighting fittings will be located at strategic locations to provide the required lux levels and to denote the location with signature design pieces. The specification of lighting in the pavement is indicated on the Part 8 drawings.

Seating

Polished concrete free form seating will be located at key nodes along the pavement and throughout the public realm to facilitate casual meetings and make the location attractive to pedestrian movement and activity. It is envisaged that these seats will allow pedestrians to reclaim the street.

Ownership

A couple of management companies operating on behalf of their members have raised issues regarding site boundaries, ownership and taking in charge. It is acknowledged that the red line boundary on the Part 8 application includes a section of land on Grand Mill Lane, which is in the ownership of Grand Mill Quay. The red line relates to the area where works are proposed. Dublin City Council does not intend to take this area in charge. It is proposed that a strip of studs can be provided to delineate ownership as is the current situation.

Roads and Traffic have indicated that contact will be made with the owners to ascertain their requirements prior to any works being carried out. There is no change to the access arrangements for the Gasworks Complex.

Bicycle Parking.

A number of submissions requested the provision of  a Dublin Bike Station for Barrow Street. The City council is currently reviewing a number of locations for the Dublin Bike Scheme, including Barrow Street.

Public/Private Partnership

The Part 8 application and works are to be undertaken as a public/private partnership. The specification of materials will be agreed with the Road Maintenance Department of Dublin City Council to ensure a layout that is not only durable and easy to maintain but also a high quality finish that can be replicated elsewhere throughout the City. It is proposed to select a simple palette of materials that will complement each other, be easily sourced, replaced and maintained will be utilised. The streetscape works will be integrated and complement Barrow Street and ensure a public realm that can be used and enjoyed by everyone.

It is hoped that the successful implementation of this ‘pilot project’ will act as an impetus for other similar projects in the city and set a benchmark for other high quality   and sustainable public realm projects.

Conclusion

It is considered that the proposed Part 8 works will bring about significant improvements to the public realm and enhance the pedestrian environment. While it is focused on one section of Barrow Street, it is envisaged that it will bring benefits to all users of the street, including local residents, workers and passersby. The provision of wider footpaths and a new suite of street furniture will create a more welcoming environment for pedestrians and will provide opportunities for people to linger and sit.  It is hoped that this will make the street more animated and create opportunities for pop up events and facilities to develop such as street markets and street entertainment.

It is considered that the amendments to the Part 8 as proposed by the Roads and Traffic Section address the main concerns of local residents and workers, in particular matters relating to traffic management, parking and the   taxi ranks.

Since, the proposed works will substantially improve the quality of the public realm and will make Barrow Street a safer pedestrian dominated environment, the proposed development is considered to be in accordance with the policies and objectives of the Dublin City Development Plan and the proper planning and sustainable development of the area.

Recommendation:

The proposed development has been assessed and it is considered that it would be consistent with both the provisions included in the Dublin City Development Plan 2011-2017 and with the proper planning and sustainable development of the area, subject to the following amendments:.

1. A one-way system for vehicular traffic shall be provided under the railway bridge for north bound traffic i.e. traffic moving northbound from Grand Street Upper to Ringsend Road. The footpath on the western side of the road under the bridge will be increased in width to approx 3.5m while the footpath on the eastern side of the road shall remain the same width. The no-entry sign onto Gordon Street from Barrow Street shall be retained.

Reason: In order to provide an improved and safer environment for pedestrians and to safeguard the residential amenities of streets in the vicinity of Barrow Street.

1. The development shall comply with the following requirements of the Drainage Division:-

• The  development shall comply with the Greater Dublin Regional Code of Practice for Drainage Works Version 6.0

• An appropriate flood risk impact assessment shall be prepared for the proposed works. It is noted that Barrow Street has a history of pluvial flooding and that the location of the works is in a topographical dip in Barrow Street, taking surface-water runoff from both the north and south of the proposed area of works. The requirement to limit surface-water runoff from new development to greenfield rates is also noted. The incorporation of sustainable drainage solutions rather than raised planters at the locations of the proposed tree planting areas shall be investigated, as such a solution has the potential to address both the runoff restriction requirement and flood management requirement. This information shall be supplied in the form of a surface-water management plan for the area of works and its vicinity.

• Detailed site drainage proposals shall be submitted directly to the Drainage Division of Dublin City Council.

Reason: In the interest of orderly and sustainable development

1. The materials including colour and finishes to be used in the proposed new layout shall be agreed with Road Maintenance Division.

Reason: In the interest of orderly and sustainable development.

Google receives a decision to grant permission for a proposed roof garden to Gordon House.

The development will consist of modifications to Gordon House comprising construction of an external landscaped terrace of 343 sq.metres bound by a 1.8 metre acoustic screen located at second floor level to the north of the existing Gordon House office development. Alterations to northern elevation to provide 3 new doorways to access terrace from second floor level. Development of green roof and selected planters at second floor level. Alterations to roof light proposed under Register Reference 2352/12.

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