I am writing to express my concerns about the Proposed Amendment No. 1 to Leixlip Local Area Plan 2020-2023. I am not against the plan to build new houses as I understand they are so desperately needed. However, I know how important it is to create proper infrastructure for all Coney residents, current and new. The plan needs to respect the residents of Confey, provide the correct infrastructure, preserve green spaces in established estates, remove the proposal to build an unsuitable bridge in a private estate and remove any plans to build a road through St Catherine’s Park. St. Catherine’s Park is a wonderful public amenity which is heavily utilised and will be needed and used by the new residents too. I would like to ask the planners to carefully add to Confey to make it a place where people enjoy living.

I object to the following proposals in the Masterplan:

Ref: 6.6 Proposed Newtown Glendale Bridge:

Connections: 3.2.15 “All new bridges should NOT cause nuisance to existing properties within and immediately outside of the site” Why is the pedestrian bridge being placed into a private estate? I have many concerns on the proposal for this bridge for the following reasons:

• Height - This bridge is positioned in the middle of a very well-maintained green space area within a housing estate that has been in existence for over 50 years. The maximum height of this bridge will elevate to potentially 26ft to clear the railway line. This elevation will be almost the height of a house and will span over the roadway and paths graduating to ground level at the open space and recreational area within Glendale estate.
• Privacy/location - It will encroach on people’s privacy who live only meters away from this proposed bridge. The privacy they now have within their houses and gardens will be diminished.
• Visual aspect - Visually it will be a huge monstrosity and an eye sore. It will destroy an amenity area which residents have taken pride and cared for over 50 yrs.
• Green and recreational areas destroyed - It will potentially require the removal of trees and flower beds to accommodate this bridge. The proposed location for this bridge has a lovely stream with pathways and seating which was funded by residents. It is an area where people sit in the peace and tranquillity that surrounds this open space. This would be a huge loss to the community and reduce flowers, fauna and biodiversity in the area.
• Anti-social behaviour - There are serious concerns that will facilitate an increase in antisocial behaviour given the easy access to / from our estate via the bridge. Health and safety issues with potential objects being thrown onto the road and footpaths from this bridge by passing youths.
• Cope Bridge: The plans for the upgrading of Cope Bridge incorporates both pedestrian and cycle access. Cope Bridge is within 150 meters of this New Bridge. What is the logic of having another bridge so close to the other bridge and destroying green spaces in a private estate?

6.5 Proposed River Forest Bridge: I oppose this bridge as it is going into a recreational area within River Forest and again will pose the similar issues as the bridge in Glendale/Newtown.

3.14 Community Hub: “The northern lands shall be reserved for a new post primary school and A site for possible Community Leisure Centre / Pool.” There is no firm commitment within the Masterplan for KCC to provide funding for this pool. There is no commitment for funding in place for schools.

3.12 Density & Building Heights Strategy: “Shall generally provide for 2 to 5 storey buildings.”. Five storey buildings are out of character with the area and will set a dangerous precedent for future expansion in the greater Leixlip area.

6.8. Western Road Upgrades

• I would invite the planners to drive to Confey on weekday mornings and evenings, to witness the traffic first hand. Existing infrastructure is inadequate to cope with current traffic volumes with residents and visitors experiencing major delays, particularly on weekdays. There are two national schools on Captain’s Hill and a Post Primary school located at the end of Riverforest estate. School related traffic causes major delays during the academic year for residents accessing their homes from Riverforest (and Glendale) onto Captains Hill.
• It is vital that this New Orbital Route Road from M3 to N4 via Hansfield to Kellystown lane be in place for Phase 1 of the Development. However, Kellystown Lane is very narrow with a one-way bridge and may prove impossible to widen for various reasons. There is still serious concerns in Leixlip that a road would be built through St. Catherine’s Park as it still on showing on the Fingal County Development Plans. Any road through the park will be strongly resisted by residents and park users.

Captains Hill Improvements: It is vital that any improvements for Captains Hill are completed before any part of this new housing development is built. Captains hill is narrow in parts, and it will be incredibly challenging to widen it in places. The proposed signalling for junctions at both Glendale and Riverforest will be challenging for those trying to exist onto Captains Hill, especially at peak times. Not everyone will use trains to get to their work places or destination? The area at the bottom of the hill has some scope to be widened with the removal of loading bay and roadside car parking spaces. House Construction Traffic - I would like to raise my concerns for the safety of children going to school if construction traffic were to be use Captains Hill, as it is not suitable. Construction traffic should not use Captains Hill as a route due to the current volume of traffic and major delays on this route. The dirt, debris, and damage it would cause to the road surface on Captains Hill with heavy trucks and building equipment.

1. 1. Enhanced Train Station Connection: With the new configuration of the existing railway station there should be plans to increase carparking spaces and make it viable logistically and financially for people to use these spaces. Not all train users will walk or cycle to Car Park. We already have existing issues with train users parking their cars in Glendale and surrounding areas.

Confey GAA: What are the plans for Confey GAA, a valued amenity for our children? The Local amenity Confey GAA is not showing on the Map. Why has this been removed and replaced with a housing development? This club house and grounds were provided by the existing Confey Community, and it is not acceptable that this social and recreational amenity be lost to the community who originally funded it. 

Linear Park and green areas Due to the lack of funding, as indicated by KCC Parks Dept, the current upkeep of existing green areas and Parks in Leixlip leaves a lot to be desired. There are concerns around the future management and maintenance of amenities within the New Development?

Wind Turbines - There is a number of wind turbines shown on the Map at the Northern end of this New Development. These turbines present health and safety issues according to recent publications by the “National Library of Medicine” and other public bodies.

Conclusion:  I understand that growth, development, and houses are needed but please do it in a way that enhances Confey and does not take away from our wonderful community. Please remove any plans to put a road through St. Catherines Park. It would be of great benefit for those who have gone to great lengths in making their submissions to KCC to have an opportunity to meet with planners and get some clarity on how KCC will address their concerns.

Kind regards,

O'Meara & Sherlock family