REPORT TO THE DUNDRUM AREA COMMITTEE

Lower Kilmacud Road – Drummartin Road Quality Corridor & Infrastructure Project

PUBLIC CONSULTATION REPORT

October 2010

Dún Laoghaire – Rathdown County Council, County Hall, Marine Road, Dún Laoghaire, Co.

Lower Kilmacud Road –Drummartin Rd QBC & Infrastructure Project Public Consultation Report

Introduction

The QBN Project Office in partnership with Dún Laoghaire – Rathdown County Council (DLRCC) has prepared a preliminary design for a proposed Quality Bus Corridor and Infrastructure Project on Lower Kilmacud Road and Drummartin Road.

The objectives of the scheme are to provide for high quality transportation along the corridor and thus achieve the following:

• To provide a more equitable allocation of road space between competing road users. • To improve bus journey times and provide improved facilities for cyclists, pedestrians and additional safety measures for all road users. • Integration of the bus corridor with other inter-connecting public transport routes, such as QBCs and at . • To improve access between surrounding residential, retail, educational and employment centres. • Attractive and comfortable passenger facilities with superior provision of information. • Bus access that caters for the Mobility Impaired and Disabled. • General environmental enhancements along the corridor. • A high profile “identity” for bus services using the corridor.

The proposed scheme runs between the existing Stillorgan QBC and Upper Kilmacud Road and between Upper Kilmacud Road and Drummartin Link Road.

The proposal includes the provision of a dedicated left turn lane from South Avenue onto Lower Kilmacud Road together with the extension of the existing bus lane on Upper Kilmacud Road towards Lower Kilmacud Road.

Scheme Justification

The proposed scheme is in accordance with the transport strategy as outlined in “A Platform for Change” and is included in the “Dún Laoghaire Rathdown County Council Development Plan 2010-2016” and accordingly constitutes Council policy.

Public Consultation

Following the completion of the preliminary design, the Dún Laoghaire-Rathdown County Council sought comments and observations from the public.

Consultation was undertaken under Section 38 of the Road Traffic Act 1994 by way of public notice. This enabled us to inform stakeholders of the proposed scheme and also to obtain comments that could help inform the process. An advertisement was placed on the Council’s website and in the Irish Times on 5 th July 2010, with a closing date for submissions on the 31 st August 2010.

Plans illustrating the scheme together with an information sheet were also on display at the Council Offices in Dún Laoghaire, the Dundrum Area Office and the Stillorgan Library from the 5 th July 2010 to 16th August 2010. A copy of the newspaper advertisement is attached in Appendix A.

A total of thirty individual submissions were received and two submissions were received from residents groups.

2 of 10 Lower Kilmacud Road –Drummartin Rd QBC & Infrastructure Project Public Consultation Report

Comments and Observations

The main comments and observations relating to the proposed scheme have been summarised and responded to as follows in order of the number of submissions received per issue:

Safety

A number of submissions were received raising concerns over the safety of various aspects of the scheme as detailed below:

Pedestrians

Comments/Observations

12 submissions were received relating to pedestrian safety with particular reference to the reduction in footpath widths at areas of road widening. Requests were also made for additional pedestrian crossing facilities on Lower Kilmacud Road.

Response

Pedestrian and wheelchair user facilities along the entire route will be significantly improved with the implementation of the scheme. All signalised junctions will be upgraded with tactile paving, dished kerbs and push button units. In addition, footpaths on the route will be upgraded to a high quality surface finish.

In relation to pedestrian crossings, Lower Kilmacud Road is currently served by 8 signalised pedestrian crossings and one dedicated school warden crossing. This represents a crossing on average every 240m. It is proposed to reconfigure the junction of Lower Kilmacud Road/Allen Park Drive as a signalised junction and introduce an additional pedestrian crossing across Allen Park Drive. In addition, as part of the inclusion of entry treatments, crossing distances at side roads will be reduced as will the speed of vehicles entering and exiting side roads.

The reduction in the width of the footpaths has been kept to a minimum throughout the scheme. Footpaths have been designed to all relevant design standards and best practice throughout the scheme.

Traffic Calming

Comments/Observations

8 submissions were received regarding traffic calming. Submissions received requested additional traffic calming facilities and raised the issue of speeding vehicles on the route.

Response

Lane widths throughout the scheme will be reduced. This will contribute to an overall reduction in speeds as the driver’s perception of the environment is altered. Raised entry treatments and reduced corner radii will also be introduced at side roads in order to reduce the speed of entering and exiting vehicles. Reduced radii will allow for all necessary vehicular access.

It is not proposed to introduce speed ramps/cushions as this would create an uncomfortable ride for bus passengers. However, it is proposed to amend the proposed

3 of 10 Lower Kilmacud Road –Drummartin Rd QBC & Infrastructure Project Public Consultation Report scheme to introduce a textured/coloured surface at appropriate pedestrian crossing points across Lower Kilmacud Road.

A 30km/h speed limit is currently the subject of a pilot project at Broadford School and environs. Following the completion of this, DLRCC will assess other areas to determine their suitability for the introduction of a 30km/h speed restriction, subject to available funding.

Enforcement is a matter for An Garda Siochana; however consideration will be given by the Traffic Section of DLRCC to the implementation of a speed camera on Upper Kilmacud Road.

Safety at Schools

Comments/Observations

9 submissions were received regarding safety in the vicinity of schools. Submissions received raised the issue of parking adjacent to schools and requested additional safety features.

Response

It should be noted that the Lower Kilmacud Road is a regional route, the introduction of cycle lanes will reduce the small quantity of existing on street parking, however, there is a significant amount of off-line parking adjacent to schools on the route, with pedestrian crossings allowing good pedestrian linkages.

In addition it is proposed to amend the scheme as follows:

Introduce flashing amber signals adjacent to Mount Anville Primary School

Introduce poles with high level signals at the existing pedestrian crossing adjacent to St. Laurence’s Boys National School on Upper Kilmacud Road along with “School Keep Clear” road markings.

Introduce additional “School Ahead” signage on the approaches to “The Children’s House”.

The introduction of a School Warden at “The Children’s House” will be forwarded to the Road Safety section of DLRCC for consideration.

Accessing Driveways

Comments/Observations

10 submissions were received which queried the safety of vehicles entering and exiting driveways following the implementation of a revised lane reconfiguration.

Response

Whilst the proposed layout is different from the existing, the proposed lane configuration has been implemented on a number of schemes of a similar nature to Lower Kilmacud Road without issue. In addition, as part of the detailed design, all sightlines will be checked to ensure compliance with relevant standards and best practice within the constraints of the scheme.

4 of 10 Lower Kilmacud Road –Drummartin Rd QBC & Infrastructure Project Public Consultation Report

Cycle Facilities

Comments/Observations

5 submissions were received regarding cycle facilities. Submissions queried the need for cycle facilities, the type of the cycle facilities, and the safety of the facilities as designed.

Response

As part of any QBC, vulnerable road users are considered from the outset. This includes cyclists, of which there are significant numbers using Lower Kilmacud Road and indeed all the surrounding areas. The introduction of high quality cycle facilities will benefit existing cyclists and encourage more people to use bicycles rather than the private car.

Cycle facilities are provided as both on-road dedicated cycle lanes and combined bus and cycle lanes. The width of the route does not allow off-road facilities to be provided. In addition, it is important to maximise the continuity of cycle facilities. In that regard, off-road facilities are not appropriate in this location due to the large number of entrances and side roads, which would require cyclists on off-road facilities to yield to turning vehicles.

The cycling measures, as proposed, have been designed in accordance with current guidance and best practice and have been used on a large number of schemes throughout Dublin without issue. The surfacing proposed for the cycle lanes is designed to accommodate the loads imposed on it by vehicular traffic on a road of this nature.

In addition it is proposed to amend the proposed scheme to include Advanced Stop Lines at all signalised junctions in order to aid right turning cyclists.

Road Width

Comments/Observations

2 submissions were received with comments that the road width is insufficient to accommodate the proposed configuration.

Response

All lane configurations have been designed to current standards, guidelines and best practice.

It should be noted that the scheme, as a whole, will be the subject of a number of Road Safety Audits carried out by auditors independent to the design team in order to ensure that all measures to maximise safety have been taken.

Scheme Benefits

Comments/Observations

18 submissions were received questioning whether the scheme is justifiable based on the level of bus service and the likely cost. Queries were also raised regarding the location of the bus lanes and the hours of operation.

5 of 10 Lower Kilmacud Road –Drummartin Rd QBC & Infrastructure Project Public Consultation Report

Response

Significant analysis has been carried out by the Quality Bus Network Project Office in relation to the likely benefits of the scheme. This has included traffic volume and journey time analysis.

This analysis shows that implementing bus priority measures will provide significant journey time savings to immediately. The bus lanes have been located at areas of queuing in order to afford the maximum benefit to the bus. The proposed hours of operation will ensure that buses are prioritised during times of heaviest usage whilst remaining consistent with existing QBCs in the area in order to avoid driver confusion.

There is a significant level of service on the route as demonstrated in the table below:

Section Service Number of Services Totals Number 0700 to 1900 Eastbound Westbound Drummartin Link Road to 11 28 40 68 Redesdale Road Redesdale Road to Upper Kilmacud 5, 11 23 45 68 Road Upper Kilmacud Road to Stillorgan 11, 47, 150 162 312 75, 116,

As with all QBCs, the scheme will encourage a change in the behaviour of the travelling public away from the car and towards sustainable modes of transport and will allow shorter and more reliable journey times for bus passengers.

In addition to improving the efficiency of buses directly accessing the route, the scheme will provide direct access to the Sandyford Business Estates in order to support future expansion in the area. It will also provide a high quality link from the LUAS to the Stillorgan QBC and the DART in order to give public transport interchange possibilities, significantly increasing the attractiveness of the area.

The QBC element of the scheme, if approved, will be 100% funded under the Traffic Management Grants scheme administered by the National Transport Authority (NTA) on behalf of the Department of Transport and not from Local Authority funds. The NTA allocates funding approval based on merit and in accordance with departmental guidelines.

Bus shelters

Comments/Observations

12 submissions were received related to the provision of bus shelters as part of the scheme. Submissions related to the necessity for bus shelters, the quality of bus shelters, the safe positioning of bus shelters and the likelihood of anti-social behaviour and littering.

Response

High quality street furniture, including shelters at bus stops, is an integral part of any QBC. It is important that the highest level of service possible is provided to encourage

6 of 10 Lower Kilmacud Road –Drummartin Rd QBC & Infrastructure Project Public Consultation Report people to use public transport. Shelters assist in this by providing shelter from the elements, seating for waiting passengers and information on bus services. The proposed shelters are an attractive design and will serve to enhance the visual amenity of their surroundings.

It is not proposed to introduce bus shelters at all stops. Should the scheme be approved they would be sited in locations of greatest demand only and where there is sufficient space. Where bus shelters are provided, they will be sited in a safe manner and will be the subject of a three stage Road Safety Audit carried out by auditors independent to the design team in order to ensure that all measures to maximise safety have been taken.

The proposed bus shelters are of a high quality, open design in order to minimise the potential for anti-social behaviour and will be maintained to a high standard.

Parking

Comments/Observations

12 submissions were received relating to the loss of parking.

Response

Lower Kilmacud Road is an important part of the overall QBC and public transport network. As stated above, a core aim of any Quality Bus Corridor is to encourage a change in the behaviour of the travelling public away from the car and towards sustainable modes of transport. It is, therefore, important that public transport and cycling is prioritised over the private car.

In light of this and having regard to the fact that the majority of residences on the route have off street parking facilities, the scheme has been designed to ensure that the allocation of road and footpath space will ensure that priority is given to users of sustainable modes of transport, such as bus passengers and cyclists, and provide as much space as possible for pedestrians.

In addition the requirement for parking is likely to be reduced, as more people are encouraged to travel by public transport.

Landscaping

Comments/Observations

8 submissions were received regarding landscaping following implementation of the scheme.

Response

As part of the detailed design, a comprehensive landscaping plan will be prepared in order to maximise the use of existing green areas and those created following implementation of the scheme.

7 of 10 Lower Kilmacud Road –Drummartin Rd QBC & Infrastructure Project Public Consultation Report

Environment

Comments/Observations

5 submissions were received which raised concerns regarding the impact on the environment particularly in relation to increased noise and pollution.

Response

QBCs encourage a change from car usage to public transport usage, thereby reducing general traffic volumes with a corresponding reduction in pollution. In addition, bus lanes will reduce the amount of time a bus is impeded or stopped by general traffic therefore reducing localised pollution and noise.

The provision of cycle facilities as part of the scheme will also encourage a shift towards more environmentally friendly modes of transport.

Increase in Congestion

Comments/Observations

3 submissions were received in relation to increasing traffic congestion on the surrounding network.

Response

The available road space for general traffic other than buses will not be curtailed as part of the provision of bus priority measures and will therefore have limited impact on journey times for general traffic. It is therefore not expected that general traffic currently using Lower Kilmacud Road will divert to other routes.

As part of the detailed design of the scheme, all signals will be optimised to ensure that each junction operates at its highest efficiency. This will include the upgrade of all signals to a SCATS control system.

Utility Upgrades

Comment/Observation

1 submission was received requesting details of the proposed utility upgrades.

Response

In order to avoid, as far as possible, carrying out construction works following the implementation of the QBC, Dún Laoghaire-Rathdown County Council will carry out significant upgrades to underground utilities during the construction of the QBC.

Road Signs

Comment/Observation

1 submission was received concerning the number of additional road signs to be erected as part of the scheme.

Response

8 of 10 Lower Kilmacud Road –Drummartin Rd QBC & Infrastructure Project Public Consultation Report

Road signs will only be erected as necessary and in accordance with statutory requirements.

Construction of the Scheme

Comment/Observation

1 submission was received relating to the impact on the area during construction.

Response

All possible measures will be put in place to ensure that local residences and businesses are fully accommodated during construction of the scheme. The contractor will be required to submit a comprehensive traffic management plan for approval by DLRCC and will be required to submit a programme of works, which will be carefully monitored to ensure timely construction of the scheme.

Proposed Modifications

It is proposed to amend the scheme to include the following:

(a.) A textured/coloured surface at appropriate pedestrian crossing points across Lower Kilmacud Road.

(b.) Flashing amber signals adjacent to Mount Anville Primary School.

(c.) Poles with high level signals at the existing pedestrian crossing adjacent to St. Laurence’s Boys National School on Upper Kilmacud Road along with “School Keep Clear” road markings.

(d.) Additional “School Ahead” signage on the approach to “The Children’s House”.

(e.) Advanced Stop Lines at all signalised junctions in order to aid right turning cyclists.

Conclusion

Having reviewed the submissions, it is in the opinion of the QBN Project Office/DLRCC Traffic Section that the concerns of the residents can be generally incorporated into the final design.

Letters of response will be issued to all parties from whom a submission was received.

9 of 10 Lower Kilmacud Road –Drummartin Rd QBC & Infrastructure Project Public Consultation Report

Appendix A

PUBLIC NOTICE & ADVERTISEMENT

Lower Kilmacud Road –Drummartin Rd QBC & Infrastructure Project Public Consultation Report

Copy of Newspaper Notice

The Irish Times on the 5 th July 2010.

Lower Kilmacud Road –Drummartin Rd QBC & Infrastructure Project Public Consultation Report

Appendix B

Overview of Submissions