Corkagh Park Part 8 Submission

South Dublin County Council are planning some big changes for Corkagh Park - I’ve sub some comments on their plans…

You can make your own comments here: Part 8 for proposed enhancements and upgrades at Corkagh Park, Clondalkin | South Dublin County Council's Online Consultation Portal (sdublincoco.ie)

I'm pleased to see many of the proposed improvements to Corkagh Park, which will certainly attract more visitors to the Park. However, the lack of provision for cyclists and other active travel modes in these Part 8 proposals is extremely surprising and disappointing, particularly given the significant and welcome efforts South Dublin County Council is making as part of Cycle South Dublin to encourage active travel in our county.

Indeed it is not clear how this Part 8 fits in with the plans already agreed for Cycle South Dublin, particularly considering Routes 3a-b of Cycle South Dublin go right through the Park. If we are to meet our climate goals, we must encourage people to use  modes other than private cars to visit the Park, as well as encouraging pedestrians and cyclists to transit through the Park. 

It appears that the only bicycle parking provided as part of this Part 8 scheme are 9 uncovered sheffield stands provided outside the "Hub" in the middle of the Park.

High quality, prominent, conveniently located and covered bicycle parking facilities must be provided at every entrance to the park / car park and beside all facilities provided in the park e.g. playing pitches, changing areas, etc. These bike parking facilities should cater for all kinds of bikes including cargo bikes and should be in areas that provide for passive surveillance by other park users. 

There is zero bicycle parking provided at any of the entrances to the park, in stark contrast to the 290 private car parking spaces provided in the redesigned St John's Wood car park and Green Isle Road Car Park. This must be changed. 

Segregated cycling/active travel routes/infrastructure should be provided at every entrance to the Park. None of the entrances to the Park under this Part 8 scheme - whether for pedestrians or vehicles - provide any safe segregated active travel infrastructure. Are cyclists expected to mix with the anticipated heavy vehicular traffic into the Park, or will cyclists be expected to cycle on footpaths? If so, no facilities like dipped curbs, different coloured pavements or signage related to shared spaces have been provided for.    

Kissing gates should be removed from the plans at St John's Wood Drive (and should not be included in the enhanced access points to the Park at Kilcarbery and Camac Valley Camping Park). Kissing gates are discriminatory against anyone with a physical disability (incl wheelchair users) as well as anyone seeking to access the Park on a bike, particularly on a cargo bike or any heavier / larger type bike. 

Thank you for putting this out to consultation and I look forward to seeing revised Part 8 plans.