SOUTH DUBLIN COUNTY PUBLIC TRANSPORT REPORT – DRAFT REPORT V2.10 Introduction Transport Insights, on behalf of South Dublin County Council, has undertaken a study of public transport provision within the County. The study has emerged as an action of County’s Local Economic and Community Plan 2016-2021 to undertake a “local transport feasibility study……” to address “difficulties in securing and accessing employment…. compounded by a lack of public transport”. The study has incorporated a full review of the public transport network and infrastructure, accessibility analysis, a survey of local residents and consultation with local businesses. The findings of this review have been used to identify key public transport accessibility challenges and to recommend potential future improvements. This report outlines the analysis underpinning the study, the challenges identified and the emerging recommendations. Study Approach The flow chart below outlines the basic approach and methodology to the study. The study consisted of an initial desktop data gathering exercise before further analysis was undertaken in order to identify deficits in public transport provision within the County. Consultation with both the general public and businesses community throughout the study was key to identifying the challenges unique to South County Dublin, and how these might be addressed. SDCC Engagement Desktop Study Public Public Consultation Network Mapping & & Accessibility Analysis Business Public Transport Gaps & Constraints Identification Option Development & Appraisal Recommendations & Phasing South Dublin County Transport Report South Dublin County Background South Dublin County, along with the Dun Laoghaire-Rathdown and Fingal administrative areas, was formed on the 1st of January 1994 when the Local Government Act of 1993 came into effect. The County has an approximate area of 223 square kilometres and is bounded by the River Liffey to the north and the Dublin Mountains to the south. There are a number of large residential/ employment areas within the County such as Tallaght (the County Town), Lucan, Clondalkin, Jobstown, Firhouse, Ballyboden, Templeogue, Rathfarnham, Rathcoole, Citywest, Palmerstown, Adamstown and Saggart. In transport terms, the County is served by a both a heavy and light rail line as well as a network of bus services. There are a number of strategic national roads running through the County namely the N4, N7 and N81 which are linked by the M50 and two outer orbital regional routes. Population The total population of South Dublin County, as per the 2011 Census, was 265,205. Preliminary results from the 2016 Census indicate that the County’s population has increased to 278,749, representing growth of 5.1% in just 5 years. The map to the right illustrates the approximate population distribution throughout the County. As illustrated, the vast majority of the County’s population is centred on a number of urban centres, namely Lucan, Clondalkin, Tallaght, Firhouse and Templeogue. Approximately 96% of the population resides in only 29% of the total County land area. South Dublin County 2011 Population Distribution Note: Each Dot shown represents 10 people Employment The total number of people employed in South Dublin County is approximately 78,110, according to 2011 Census figures. The distribution of jobs throughout the County is shown in the map to the left. Nearly half (48%), of these workers also resided within South Dublin County. It should be noted that unemployment in South Dublin (11.6%) is significantly higher than that of the other local authorities surrounding Dublin City, i.e. Fingal at 9.8%, and Dun Laoghaire-Rathdown at 6.0%. By comparing the map on the left with the above population map, the distinct separation of residential areas and South Dublin County 2011 employment areas is apparent suggesting Employment Distribution there a lack of mixed development within Note: Each Dot shown represents 5 people the County. Population Demographics In order to fully understand the public transport needs of the residents of South Dublin County, it important to understand the social demographics of the population. Age, employment status, and level of car ownership all play a part in determining the public transport needs of the County. The population demographics for South Dublin have been extracted from the 2011 Census data and compared against that of Fingal and Dun Laoghaire-Rathdown County, where relevant, in order to assess how the needs of South Dublin differ to the other counties surrounding Dublin City. Population Age South Dublin Fingal Dún Laoghaire-Rathdown The Census data shows that 25% South Dublin County has a comparatively lower proportion 20% of older residents than Dun 15% Laoghaire which is in part due to the levels of new development 10% in the County attracting younger families. However, South Dublin 5% % of Total Population % Total of does have an older population 0% than that of Fingal. Age Band The location of older residents within the County is particularly important when considering public transport needs due to lower levels of private car ownership amongst older people and their resulting higher dependency on public transport and other means of non-private car travel. The map to the left shows the population density of over 65s living within South County Dublin. As illustrated, the older population of South Dublin is largely concentrated in the Templeogue, Knocklyon and Ballyboden areas with additional older communities in well-established residential areas of Lucan, Tallaght, South Dublin County 2011 Clondalkin and Palmerstown. Population Density Over 65s Car Ownership 50% Information on car ownership 40% was also extracted from the 2011 Census data for South Dublin, 30% Fingal and Dun Laoghaire- Rathdown. The data shows that 20% South Dublin has a higher proportion of households with no ofHouseholds% 10% car than either Fingal or Dun Laoghaire-Rathdown, as shown in 0% No motor One motor Two motor Three Four or the graph to the right. This would car car cars motor cars more motor suggest that public transport has cars a more significant role to play in South Dublin Fingal Dún Laoghaire-Rathdown accommodating the transport needs of South Dublin residents. Mode Share As part of the national Census, information is gathered on commuting to work and education, including choice of mode. The mode shares by each mode for South Dublin is presented in the pie chart below which shows a mode share of 61.9% for road based modes (i.e. car driver or passenger). This road mode share is higher than both Fingal (59.5%) and Dun Laoghaire-Rathdown (55.2%). Walking 1.5% 17.3% Cycling 3.1% Bus Rail 14.3% 61.9% Road 2.0% Other The County’s combined public transport mode share, including both bus and rail, is 16.3%. This is significantly lower than those of Fingal (20.5%) and Dun Laoghaire- Rathdown (22.5%), both of which have more extensive high quality heavy rail coverage than South Dublin. As a result, South Dublin is more dependent on bus, with its bus mode share higher than both of the other two local authority areas. The map to the left shows the public transport South Dublin County 2011 mode share across South Dublin (darker Public Transport Mode Share areas indicating greater levels of use). Transport Network Review As mentioned previously South Dublin is located between a number of strategic national roads namely the M50, N4 and N7. These roads are among the busiest national roads in the country with the section of the M50 between the N4 and N7 the most trafficked section of road nationally. The congestion along these routes is exacerbated by the significant increase in traffic volumes as they pass through South Dublin. The image below extracted from Google Maps shows the congestion during the AM peak along the M50, N4, N7 and N81, in addition to non-national roads such as Fonthill Road and Nangor Road. Existing AM Congestion Levels (© 2016 Google Maps) According to Transport Infrastructure Ireland traffic counter data, traffic on the N4 increases by 79% as it passes through South Dublin County, which would suggest that strategic routes intersecting South Dublin are being heavily used by residents to undertake more localised trips around Dublin. This is likely to be in part due to the lack of viable public transport options available to residents making these trips. The public transport network is discussed in detail later in this report. Considering the current levels of congestion and demand management proposals for the M50, N4 and N7, public transport will likely need to play an increasingly important role in accommodating South Dublin County’s transport needs. Policy Context South Dublin County Council Development Plan 2016-2022 The SDCC Development Plan was adopted earlier this year and has highlighted two long term public transport corridors, one extending radially through the north of the County and one orbital route from Tallaght up to west of Liffey Valley, with the two interchanging at what is currently St. Loman’s Roundabout. The Plan also contains a proposal to develop an additional link road between the N4, N7 and N81. In terms of land use planning, there are large residential areas planned for Adamstown and Clonburris and employment development zoned around the existing employment centres of Citywest, Greenogue Business Park, Grange Castle and Nangor/ Longmile Road as shown below. South Dublin County Local Economic & Community Plan 2016-2021 South Dublin County Local Community Development Committee