Local Labour Deputy Tommy Broughan T.D. has welcomed a new consultation process to examine proposals to replace the roundabout at the Grange Road/Hole in the Wall Road, Donaghmede, Dublin 13 junction with traffic lights.

Deputy Broughan recently received a report by Chartered Engineer Mr. Con Kehely from the Quality Bus Network Project Office on their plans to complete the Hole in the Wall Road Quality Bus Corridor Scheme. As part of these works it is proposed that the roundabout at the Clare Hall Avenue/ Grange Road/ Hole in the Wall Road junction, Donaghmede, Dublin 13 will be replaced with a “signalised four way intersection. These traffic signals will be linked with the Hole in the Wall Road and Grange Road junction signals.”

Deputy Broughan has learnt from the QBN Office that the proposed plans include “on the western approach along the N32 (that) the existing bus lanes will be extended to the junction. A new footpath will be built to link to the bus stop on the northern side which is located opposite the path to Elmfield Vale. On the northern approach along the Hole in the Wall Road the outbound bus lane will be extended to the junction and the inbound bus lane will be finished to the Grange Abbey Road.”

The QBN Report also proposes that “on the eastern approach along the Grange Road, bus lanes will be provided from the entrance to Donaghmede Park to the junction. To enhance pedestrian safety the two pedestrian crossings will be upgraded to Toucan crossings to cater for cyclists. These are seen as important north/south links across the Grange Road and a viable alternative to school children having to use the Hole in the Wall Road intersection. On the southern approach to the junction along the Grange Road an on-road cycle lane will be installed on the inbound side. The existing off-road cycle lanes will be retained and modified where necessary. The bus lanes will be combined bus and cycle lanes, which will cater for cyclists who wish to stay on-road. Pedestrian crossing facilities will be provided on all arms of the main intersection.”

Deputy Broughan said, “As part of the process for applying for Part 8 planning permission these proposals will be available for inspection at Dublin City Council Civic Offices, Wood Quay, Dublin 8 and at the North Central Area Offices, Bunratty Road, Coolock for six weeks between September 25^th and 6^th November 2009. A comment box will be established to allow any residents or other interested parties to comment. Drawings of the scheme will also be available on www.dublincity.ie” If the planning application is successful, Dublin City Council will “be on site in Spring 2010 and (it) should take approximately twelve months to complete.”

Deputy Broughan commented, “Over recent years there have been many complaints from constituents in Gratton Woods, Grattan Lodge, Priory Hall and Clongriffin about the difficulty and dangers particularly for children crossing the Grange Road/Donaghmede Roundabout. The much safer and successful replacement of the Clare Hall/Malahide Road/N32 Roundabout by traffic lights seems to indicate that the new QBN proposals for Grange Road/Donaghmede will also lead to a much safer junction for pedestrians. Cyclists and drivers alike.”

“Therefore I welcome the public display of this proposal and hope that all local residents will view the plans and make their views on it known to Dublin City Council. Dublin City Council must ensure that as wide as possible a consultation process is undertaken and that local residents’ views are fully taken into account when a decision is taken on this critical planning proposal”, concluded Deputy Broughan.