Proposed €2m revamp of Lucan village branded a ‘shame’

A €2 million revamp of Lucan village in west Dublin, which might see higher provision for pedestrians and cyclists with the lack of 11 automotive parking areas, has been described as “shameful” and “a shame” by opponents of the scheme.

South Dublin County Council plans to redevelop the centre of the historic village, with electrical energy and cellphone cables being diverted underground and a brand new “shared house” for pedestrians, cyclists and drivers being created beside the village inexperienced.

Almost 300 submissions have been made on the plans, and whereas a number of have welcomed the scheme, most are emphatically opposed, claiming it will “destroy” native enterprise, deny entry to medical companies, enhance anti-social behaviour, create a “pedestrian wasteland” and switch the village right into a “mini Temple Bar”.

The work would contain the reconfiguration of the under-utilised park on the southern finish of the village to create a inexperienced with an “amphitheatre-style house” and bandstand.

Main Street, to the west of the inexperienced, can be resurfaced and 37 present automotive parking areas can be eliminated, with the availability of 16 new areas on the road, together with three incapacity areas, and one other 10 areas inside 100 metres, the council stated.

A leaflet circulated domestically by Lucan Village Business Group urging individuals to lodge submissions claims the council plans to “take away as much as 60 parking areas” from Main Street. “This will destroy companies within the village and deny sufferers entry to important medical companies.”

The overwhelming majority of submissions on the plans objected to the elimination of parking, with many citing a problem in attending a health care provider’s surgical procedure and companies within the village.

Some claimed there was a must drive in Lucan as a result of “city sprawl” meant many estates weren’t inside strolling distance from the village.

Another stated visitors congestion was “non-existent” in Lucan so there was no want for change and it was steered the proposal “will deface the village with cycle lanes”.

A quantity raised considerations of “anti-social behaviour” if “congregating within the village is inspired”.

Tourists

Several stated vacationers had been being prioritised over locals. “We don’t want a useless village that vacationers prefer to stroll round; a sort of Glasnevin Cemetery attraction.”

Another stated: “Please rethink this plan for the Disneyfication of the village and prioritise the individuals who reside right here.”

The suggestion was made that “non-Lucan” members of the council had been attempting to dictate to locals. One submission, written in block capitals, learn: “Please don’t destroy the guts of our village by making it a pedestrian wasteland.”

Several submissions in help of the proposal stated it will make the village extra engaging and safer for strolling and biking, and would encourage extra individuals to make use of native companies. A quantity steered extra of the brand new parking areas may very well be reserved for individuals with mobility points to accommodate these involved about accessing medical services.

Local Labour councillor Joanna Tuffy stated she was involved individuals had been making submissions primarily based on misinformation.

“I believe this plan will make the village safer and extra accessible, however crucial factor is that individuals know what’s within the plan: this isn’t pedestrianisation, there are not any restrictions on visitors, and a web lack of simply 11 parking areas.”

Lucan Village Business Group stated it was unable to offer a spokesperson this week. A council official stated it had held conferences with stakeholders which had been attended by representatives of the enterprise group.

Submissions might be made on the plan till March third.