Residents in Dundrum, south Dublin, protested outside their local council offices yesterday to highlight their opposition to a proposed new road they fear will ruin a local amenity, Airfield House.
Dún Laoghaire Rathdown County Council held a closed meeting for councillors in their Dundrum civic office to discuss the proposed Sandyford to Dundrum link road, which will join the Wyckham bypass extension and Blackthorn Drive.
The 1.7km road will run parallel with the Luas line, crossing it by bridge near the Balally stop, and running along a narrow stretch of land at the rear of homes at Balally Drive, Lakelands Close and Holywell. Costing about €20 million, it will also skirt the boundary of the 35-acre Airfield Estate and run close to lands there that are zoned for residential development.
Councillors remain to be convinced of the merits of the road and locals fear it will encourage residential development in Airfield and disrupt its tranquillity and will destroy the quality of life for residents.
Members of the Balally Residents' Association were joined by the Holywell Residents' Association and the Save Airfield Campaign outside yesterday's meeting.
John O'Hanlon, of the Balally group, said they wanted to send a clear message to councillors that the proposed road is not wanted or needed. "It is going to cost €20 million, it's going to mean the end of Airfield as we know it and in terms of local inhabitants, there'll be a 21 foot wall at the rear of their gardens, they will have to move out," he said. He added that most councillors had indicated support for their campaign as they entered the meeting.
A spokeswoman for Dún Laoghaire Rathdown County Council said yesterday's meeting was to provide information to councillors on the proposed road and no decision on its future was taken. It is expected that councillors will vote on the proposal at next week's full council meeting. They may also consider rezoning land at Airfield Trust from residential to open space.
