Kildare County Council should establish community-based facilities,  tracks, trails, pitches  and sports grounds, that cater for multi-sport usage. Consideration should be given to include a Sensory Garden, Dog Park and outdoor basketball courts with rubberised rather that hard or solid surface with vandal proof basketball rings and associated street furniture.

The dry canal is a significant legacy from an earlier generation of architecture and engineering that positions  Sallins  at the focal point of communication between Dublin and the rest of Ireland. Indeed Sallins is at the confluence of Irish transport history. In 1783  the Leinster aqueduct was built. In 1883 the osberstown Railway bridge was built which represents 19th century transport infrastructure.  In 1983 the osberstown motorway M7 Bridge was built which represents 20th century transport infrastructure with the arrival of Irelands first motorway "Bypass". This confluence of engineering and architecture should be reflected as a theme in the development of the Sallins amenity lands. For example the tracks and trails in the park could reflect the rail transport heritage while the the canal overflow stream  could reflect the significance of the Grand Canal.  To this end  facilities for water sports,  for example, canoe paddling on the liffey or the Grand Canal could be developed. 

Where possible the  existing  stonework  Farm outbuildings, walls, mature hedgerows and trees should be preserved and Incorporated into to.the new building and Community and cultural Centre layout. These buildings Should rely on   sustainable ahead of  renewable energy  and  be heated   and powered  by green roofs. with grey water usage in toilets.

The Parkland could be a Haven for biodiversity with wildlife corridors running between the river liffey and the Grand Canal. the existing hedgerows should be be kept intact and where possible the new  sports grounds and pitches  could be molded around them.

A community garden with allotments  and a sensory garden could be sustained by water harvested  from rooftops. the overall layout should maximise accessibility and inclusiveness.  Parkland furniture  should be suitable for  intergenerational usage. Audio / Digital Signage and information panels can give relevant information on the flora and fauna  and the historical environs. Active transport including cycling and walking should be facilitated to enhance the links with Sallins Village and surrounding areas. Requsite active travel  infracsture including segregated walking and cycle lanes and bike storage lockers and bike maintenance stations should be included.

Other facilities that should be considered are public toilets, drinking water fonts and a dog park.

 The Creation of a park users forum with input from local community representatives,  park users and the council would help to enhance  the usage of the park.

Cllr Colm Kenny