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A NORTH COUNTY Dublin residents group has called on Fingal County Council to refuse planning permission to DAA’s new plans for an observation point for plane spotters.
The operator of Dublin Airport lodged plans for the aircraft observation facility at the Airport Viewing Point on Old Airport Road last month.
DAA is planning to put in place an elevated viewing platform with sheltered viewing structure, seating and tables and improved parking facilities with 22 car parking spaces.
A planning report lodged with the application states that the proposed development represents “an important investment in community facilities” at Dublin Airport and will contribute “to a safer, more comfortable and more inclusive plane-spotting experience by providing amenities for users”.
The report states that the aircraft observation facility will formalise the position of the ‘airport viewing area’, known locally as ‘The Mound’ in its current informal location.
The facility is to offer a clear view of the south runway and well as the cross runway whilst providing facilities such as shelter, seating, parking and lighting.
The report states that the aircraft observation facility will offer a number of benefits to the airport, the aviation community, and the wider public including enhancing safety; promoting education and boosting local tourism and community engagement.
However, in a comprehensive submission against the scheme, Liam O’Gradaigh of the SMTW Environmental DAC has told the council that the application should be refused on the grounds that the airport should utilise Dublin Airport zoned grounds.
In the submission, O’Gradaigh states that the existing layby has no zoning designation in the Fingal Development Plan.
He said that “it’s worth noting that the daa has an extensive landbank under utilised that is zoned Dublin Airport (DA)”.
He said: “DA zoning facilitates car parking and aviation related activities. Therefore, this application should be refused on the grounds that the airport should utilise DA zoned grounds.
The residents group of The Ward, Co Dublin is battling on a number of planning fronts with daa’s expansion plans for the airport along with noise impacts from aircraft.
The objection stated that the proposed site only has 22 car parking spaces which seems very low compared to the current usage at peak times.
O’Gradaigh stated: “If enough car parking spaces are not provided, then the site will become a traffic hazard with illegal parking.”
O Gradaigh stated: “We welcome improvements to the viewing area but this planning application, as it stands, is deficient on a number of grounds.”
O’Gradaigh added: “The application has only planned for 22 car parking spaces which will not cater for demand or fool proof the development for future years. There are no toilet facilities planned which is another serious deficiency. The current site is a traffic hazard, and the limited parking will only add to the risk.”
He further contended that the DAA “have an opportunity to fully enhance the experience of users at the airport and this minimal development lacks vision”.
A decision is due on the application later this month.
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There is always opposition to a good idea
@Johannes Baader:
@Johannes Baader: your right – the DAA are likely to object to thr good ideas proposed in thr submission
@Johannes Baader: It’s a good idea, but the residents have a point. Converting a roadside layby into a viewing area is not ideal. I’m sure DAA has a suitable spot which they could utilise. Most airports have a viewing area and it’s not a converted layby.
What is wrong with people in this country!
Little to be moaning about!
To be fair to the objectors, one of the main points they are making is the new plans are only allowing for 22 car parking spaces…I drove passed the existing area a few days ago and there was more than 22 cars parked…
@John Carolan: Question! Do the objectors not want it, or do they want it bigger????
@Ollie Fitzpatrick: I’d say if it’ll be bigger, they will object it too.
I object too, it needs to be bigger and with toilet facilities.
@Fiona Wyse: go before ye go smh
@Alex Kane: you obviously have not met my bladder!!
@Alex Kane: Wise advice to everyone!
@Fiona Wyse: oh and a coffee shop too. …. let’s go all out cop on ffs
There will always be a group of people that will take the joy away from anything. It’s already used a veining spot and can be a bit unsafe at times, and now the DAA wants to make it safer, maybe enjoy a cup of coffee with the kids. Let’s fight thrm back.
@Gerard Reilly: good idea most would agree, but with the usual deficiencies – which those objecting are looking to address now. Let them get it right first before they construct it.
@Gerard Reilly: the DAA broke every rule in the book changing their flight plan after they got their planning . More and more planes comming over our direction . DAA Bullied people around St Margrett s and surrounds so yous know nothing
Its a hell of a lot better than what’s there at the moment.
The idea for an observation deck is great! However, I think opposition is good for an open dialogue. I believe the deck should be on land that is not owned by daa. I think there should be negotions that would conclude with daa constructing the building, ongoing maintenance, security and housekeeping of the area, all without cost. Further, the negotiations should figure in no charge for the public to use the facility.
People may have objections, as they do. But they should not be able to block projects based on feelings.
@smatrix mantra: is it a feeling that 22 places isn’t enough? Is it a feeling that there should be adequate toilet facilities…. Or are these valid observations?
Probably looking for some hush money
The DAA does not own the land they are proposing to develop, what right do they have?
No doubt, if it did get developed they would start charging excessively for it.
They wud be better sorting out the car park beside the new runway its always full of trucks which despite the signage sayin no parking put out by fingal co co! Its supposed to be a viewing area! But there is always moaners i luv to watch planes but i wonder have any of the objecters ever done so! Or is it the object to anything faction concerned with the daa!
Fkin nimbys.
No craic Ireland. Moany, self-entitled kill-joys everywhere.
Only @Eamon is hoping to witness a crash.
Let’s be honest, they’re all there hoping to witness a crash.
@Eamon: you need to educate yourself Eamon. What a ridiculous comment.
@reg morrisey: clown.
@Eamon: if I took my daughters to this for the day that’s the last thing I want them to see thanks very much, and myself!
@Nick Vasilakis: Like dalmatian spotting but with a bigger brush.
I’ll get me coat.
WTF is “plane spotting”?
Didn’t realise Fingal CoCo had a Dogging Department
When Ballymun Flats where first built residents on Ballymun avenue changed the name to glasneiven avenue and built a wall at the rear of them.
Now They have a multitude of aircraft flying over them and the high rise flats are gone how times never change but do.
Nimbyism at it’s finest!
I’m just surprised no one mentioned the aspect of antisocial behaviour. A covered seated area on a back road prime for let’s say ” boy racers” to rock up with some refreshments for a twilight meet with the pals
There’s going to be some seriously awkward dogging going on there.
Would they not be better getting more parking or better shuttle services
Look up it’s Air Lingus or is it?
Does it have a bar?
have your say