Rosemount Shops Regeneration - Ballyroan
South Dublin County Council is developing plans for the “Rosemount District Centre Enhancement Scheme“ i.e. redeveloping the public road, carpark and public spaces around the shops beside at Ballyroan Church.
I am very (maybe overly!) excited for this project and the potential to transform this public space into something that works for all of our community. Currently it’s nothing more than a car park and absolutely useless to the community for large periods of time.
I’ve sent a proposal into SDCC about this already. I’d love to see this area made into an enjoyable public space where people actually want to spend some time, where you would bring your kids, do the shopping, and visit the church or our amazing Ballyroan library. As part of this I’d propose building a playground as I know this is something that many young families around the area are calling out for.
I’d encourage you to make your own submission to SDCC here: info@sdublincoco.ie
Here are my proposals for the redesign:
I assume that any redesign will take account of the Government's climate action plan and the objective of reducing journeys by private cars by 20% by 2030. As such, active travel modes and public transport must be prioritized as part of the redesign.
The disproportionate amount of public space in the Rosemount area given over to private car parking should be changed. I would love to see this project used as an opportunity for place-making, while balancing the needs of the shops and church in the area.
An amenity for families such as a much-needed playground for the area could be provided if even a few parking spaces were removed. This would naturally drive business to the local shops and cafes.
Sheltered space for outdoor dining / cafe should be provided - ideally with some cover from the road / carpark
Sheltered bike parking should be provided, suitable for cargo bikes and e-bikes.
Specific provision should be made for elderly people and people with additional needs who have no choice but to travel to Rosemount by car.
Electric vehicle charging points should be provided.
Loading bays and specific delivery times should be provided for delivery vehicles. Currently delivery vehicles for SuperValu park on Orchardstown Avenue.
Public Toilets should be provided
At the top of Marian Road / Ballyroan Road there are four schools (Coláiste Éanna, Sancta Maria, Scoil Naomh Padriag and Saplings), with a fifth (Ballyroan BNS) just a few hundred metres down Ballyroan Road. Provision has already been made for a shared safe walking & cycling path at the top of Marian Road. This should be continued along the Rosemount District Centre (and further down Marian Road where there is a very popular Scouts Den).
Marian Road is already a designated 30km/hr zone, though this is more honoured in the breach than the observance. Any design should build in additional traffic calming measures such as parklets, build-outs with planting, etc.
