The Proposed Closure of Porterstown Road

1. The Proposed Closure of Porterstown Road David Hughes Monday 25th November 2013 Public Meeting

2. What Is Proposed? • To close Porterstown Road at the level crossing. • To erect Railings 2.4 meters high on either side of Rail lines in place of Electric operated gates. • To construct a Pedestrian bridge of 20 steps on either side of railway on the Dublin side . • To erect wooden bollards on Porterstown rd. on the Clonsilla side preventing motor vehicle entry onto the bridge.

3. Who is promoting the Closure? • Its an objective of Irish Rail for safety reasons and to facilitate the upgrade of the Maynooth /Dublin line including future electrification of route. • The National Transport Authority • Fingal County Development Plan ( TO 34)

4. Is this inevitable? The proposal to close the level crossing and install a pedestrian bridge originated with the NTA which is an agency under my remit. It forms part of a programme to close level crossings around the country in order to reduce the risk of accidents, improve safety, reduce manning costs and improve rail speeds thus reducing journey times for passengers. The level crossings on the Maynooth line are a particular priority as it is proposed to upgrade the line to DART in advance of the DART Underground project.  Reilly's crossing is currently being closed and replaced with a large new bridge. Solutions for Coolmine and Clonsilla are in development.  However, the decision is actually a local one to be made by members of Fingal County Council by a vote having considered all the submissions and weighed up the pros and cons. I am confident they will do that and come to the right decision for residents of the general area.  Best regards, Leo Leo Varadkar, Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport So it can only proceed by a vote in favour by elected members of Fingal Co Co.

5. Why Oppose ? • Will further detach Clonsilla from the Porterstown Parish and traditional community links. • Will create two Cul De Sac`s prone to Dumping • Will isolate Dwellings immediately proximate to the bridge. • Will inconvenience the residents of St Brigids Halting site.

6. Traffic? • Existing traffic problems at School times will multiply as cars will have to turn . • No through Road will cause severe delay`s at the Clonsilla Rd junction. • Parking during Football Matches. • No release for traffic if Troy bridge becomes congested . • Will make a bad situation worse.

7. Environment? • Negative Visual impact • Arguably defacing protected structure Kennan Bridge. • Dumping on both sides is a problem this will make it worse. • Pedestrian Bridge will not facilitate Prams Buggies or wheelchairs.

8. Is there an Alternative? • No compelling argument to close the road. • Dumping problem can be deterred by filling in the ditch on the Porterstown side and putting a footpath and cycle lane in its place. • This would also facilitate traffic calming measures • Improve Street lighting and install CCTV at Royal Canal to protect against dumping.

9. Potential ? • A revamped Porterstown Road will enhance its attractiveness as a popular walk . • It can be the ideal pedestrian entry to the Royal Canal Tow path walks on either side of Kennan bridge. • It will maintain the connection between the Schools and the St, Mochta’s Football pitches.

10. What you can do ? • Make a Submission or Objection to Fingal Co. Co. by e-mail to devplan@fingalcoco.ie up to Monday 6th January. • Sign our petition tonight or sign online petition • www.facebook.com/keepporterstownroadopen • Email and talk to our local representatives.