CO WICKLOW residents have claimed a breakthrough after the Office of Public Works confirmed it would no longer seek planning permission for commercial telecommunications equipment on a radio mast at Bray Garda station.
The OPW built a 32-metre mast at the Garda station early in 2007 claiming a planning exemption for such equipment. Under a deal with the State’s mobile operators 02, Vodafone and 3, the OPW then allowed mobile phone antennae, cabinets and cables to be installed there.
The mast, located in the southwest corner of the Garda station grounds, replaced a smaller version at the northern end of the property, which had carried only Garda equipment.
However, local residents expressed outrage that the new, higher mast was within metres of their homes and asked Bray Town Council to determine whether the structure was exempt from planning permission.
“We were told by the council that in fact it was exempt,” said Michael Murray who, along with others, decided to challenge that view. They sought a determination from Bord Pleanála which decided the structure was not, after all, exempt development.
The board found that while the State did agree a planning exemption for Garda masts, and mobile phone companies were allowed to benefit from this exemption, the exemption had limitations.
It ruled that under Telecommunications Antennae and Support Guidelines for local authorities published in 1996, telecommunications infrastructure should be located where possible in industrial estates or on industrially zoned land. The guidelines said that “only as a last resort and if the alternatives are either unavailable or unsuitable, should free-standing masts be located in a residential area or beside schools”.
Following the determination by the board, the telecom companies applied to Bray Town Council for planning permission, but this was refused on the grounds the structure would be visually obtrusive and intrusive.
The telecoms companies appealed the decision to Bord Pleanála but the planning inspector found that while sharing was generally acceptable, it was not acceptable to “load” one mast “if there is potential to adversely impact the amenities of the properties in the vicinity”.
Irish Times
www.buckplanning.ie
Showing posts with label bray town council. Show all posts
Showing posts with label bray town council. Show all posts
Wednesday, 15 December 2010
Monday, 18 January 2010
Bray Town Council Development Plan 2005-2011
The Bray Town Council Development Plan can be viewed at http://braytowncouncil.ie/pages/planning.php.
www.buckplanning.ie
www.buckplanning.ie
Thursday, 26 March 2009
Council says yes to apartment plan at former Solus factory in Bray
AFTER A five-year planning battle a consortium of high profile developers has been granted planning permission by Dún Laoghaire Rathdown County Council for an apartment development at the former Solus Tower factory premises at Corke Abbey, Bray, Co Dublin.
The development proposed by Anthony Durkan, Christopher Bennett, Joan Pierce and Conor Kevaney comprises 60 apartments in two blocks ranging in height from two storeys to five storeys all over a basement car-park with 79 spaces.
There would be a mix of 44 two-beds, seven one-beds, and nine three-bed apartments.
The development would also have two roof terraces.
In 2006 the council refused planning permission for 78 apartments on the site and in 2004 An Bord Pleanála refused permission for 88 apartments.
Prior to that, German discount store Lidl was refused planning permission to build a store there.
- Meanwhile Dún Laoghaire Rathdown County Council has circulated a detailed proposal to councillors informing them it wants to erect 30 JC Decaux advertising signs in the county.
This is a separate proposal to the one announced in February proposing 60 freestanding Clear Channel Ireland advertising billboards projected to make €10 million over 10 years.
Proceeds are earmarked to increase expenditure in the recreation and amenity areas of the council’s budget.
This time around the proposal is for for 30 single and double sided large Europanel metropole signs. While the council is remaining tight lipped on the expected revenue, the venture is expected to generate millions for the council given the size of the structures.
The locations for the billboards are believed to be at the junction of Mount Merrion Avenue and Rock Road, near Blackrock College, at the gateway to Cherrywood and at the entrance to Sandyford Industrial Estate.
The council says that any development by a local authority under a €126,000 threshold is deemed to be exempt from requiring planning permission. In the case of the outdoor advertising sites, each site is being developed individually and the cost is far lower than the €126,000 threshold.
- The Dublin Docklands Development Authority (DDDA) has challenged a proposal by Treasury Holding’s Spencer Dock Development Company to build an eight-storey office building on North Wall Quay, Dublin 1.
In an appeal letter to An Bord Pleanála, the DDDA says the office block, which was given the green light by Dublin City Council, is contrary to the North Lotts planning scheme 2002 in terms of its impact on the setting and fabric of two protected structures on the site.
The authority also says the development is too commercial in nature and would prevent the developer from delivering the required 20 per cent of social and affordable housing on the site.
The protected structures on the site are the Woolstore and the former Goods Depot and the DDDA says the height and massing would materially detract from their setting.
Irish Times
www.buckplanning.ie
The development proposed by Anthony Durkan, Christopher Bennett, Joan Pierce and Conor Kevaney comprises 60 apartments in two blocks ranging in height from two storeys to five storeys all over a basement car-park with 79 spaces.
There would be a mix of 44 two-beds, seven one-beds, and nine three-bed apartments.
The development would also have two roof terraces.
In 2006 the council refused planning permission for 78 apartments on the site and in 2004 An Bord Pleanála refused permission for 88 apartments.
Prior to that, German discount store Lidl was refused planning permission to build a store there.
- Meanwhile Dún Laoghaire Rathdown County Council has circulated a detailed proposal to councillors informing them it wants to erect 30 JC Decaux advertising signs in the county.
This is a separate proposal to the one announced in February proposing 60 freestanding Clear Channel Ireland advertising billboards projected to make €10 million over 10 years.
Proceeds are earmarked to increase expenditure in the recreation and amenity areas of the council’s budget.
This time around the proposal is for for 30 single and double sided large Europanel metropole signs. While the council is remaining tight lipped on the expected revenue, the venture is expected to generate millions for the council given the size of the structures.
The locations for the billboards are believed to be at the junction of Mount Merrion Avenue and Rock Road, near Blackrock College, at the gateway to Cherrywood and at the entrance to Sandyford Industrial Estate.
The council says that any development by a local authority under a €126,000 threshold is deemed to be exempt from requiring planning permission. In the case of the outdoor advertising sites, each site is being developed individually and the cost is far lower than the €126,000 threshold.
- The Dublin Docklands Development Authority (DDDA) has challenged a proposal by Treasury Holding’s Spencer Dock Development Company to build an eight-storey office building on North Wall Quay, Dublin 1.
In an appeal letter to An Bord Pleanála, the DDDA says the office block, which was given the green light by Dublin City Council, is contrary to the North Lotts planning scheme 2002 in terms of its impact on the setting and fabric of two protected structures on the site.
The authority also says the development is too commercial in nature and would prevent the developer from delivering the required 20 per cent of social and affordable housing on the site.
The protected structures on the site are the Woolstore and the former Goods Depot and the DDDA says the height and massing would materially detract from their setting.
Irish Times
www.buckplanning.ie
Wednesday, 3 September 2008
Tesco not allowed expand Bray store
PLANS to demolish Tesco on the Vevay Road in Bray and rebuild a store twice the size of the existing one, which would have closed for six months, have been knocked back by Bray Town Council.
Residents at Charnwood and Ard Bré, as well as a small apartment building near the supermarket, have expressed relief at the refusal of the development, which they said was too big and would have caused huge problems with traffic in an already congested area.
The application was refused on the grounds that the initial planning was given for a neighbourhood shopping centre, that the size would be overbearing and obtrusive and that there were no details in the application regarding flood impact.
A representative of Tesco Ireland’s corporate affairs department had claimed several months ago that rumours that the store would close for six months for refurbishment were unfounded.
Wicklow People
www.buckplanning.ie
Residents at Charnwood and Ard Bré, as well as a small apartment building near the supermarket, have expressed relief at the refusal of the development, which they said was too big and would have caused huge problems with traffic in an already congested area.
The application was refused on the grounds that the initial planning was given for a neighbourhood shopping centre, that the size would be overbearing and obtrusive and that there were no details in the application regarding flood impact.
A representative of Tesco Ireland’s corporate affairs department had claimed several months ago that rumours that the store would close for six months for refurbishment were unfounded.
Wicklow People
www.buckplanning.ie
Tuesday, 19 August 2008
Site for new town centre in Bray to be restored to car park, says council
BRAY TOWN Council has said its site for a new town centre is to be restored to a car park by November, following the decision of its joint venture partner Ballymore to stall the project.
The council, which has been working on the project with Ballymore for almost 13 years, said it now at least had "some certainty" over the immediate future of the site, which was partly compiled with the aid of compulsory purchase orders.
Bray town councillors had hoped to see a major development, to be known as the Florentine Centre, incorporating an anchor retail store, a new street, shops, offices and apartments.
Over the years, the site - which is accessed from Quinnsboro Road and Florence Road - grew to incorporate a number of buildings on the Main Street, some of which were demolished and others which are now boarded up.
As the site was being assembled, the main portion of it was used as a car park but in recent years it has been closed. Local traders have complained about the unsightly nature of a large trench around the perimeter.
Despite having secured final planning approval Ballymore announced last month that it was to proceed with just a portion of the development, a single store of 5,574 square metres. The company has also offered to build subject to the planning process, a multi-storey car park which would be jointly owned with the council.
Efforts to contact a spokeswoman for Ballymore yesterday were unsuccessful. However, Bray town clerk Christine Flood confirmed that following Ballymore's decision not to proceed immediately with major elements of the scheme, the car park would be restored in time for Christmas.
Ms Flood said the council and local traders had grave concerns about the lack of parking in the town over the years.
The new arrangement with Ballymore would "have some certainty and some positive effects" in that part of the centre would be built and parking would once more be available. "It is better to have something and some certainty," she said.
The new arrangements do not preclude Ballymore from developing the remaining elements of the scheme once the economy picks up again.
The Irish Times
www.buckplanning.ie
The council, which has been working on the project with Ballymore for almost 13 years, said it now at least had "some certainty" over the immediate future of the site, which was partly compiled with the aid of compulsory purchase orders.
Bray town councillors had hoped to see a major development, to be known as the Florentine Centre, incorporating an anchor retail store, a new street, shops, offices and apartments.
Over the years, the site - which is accessed from Quinnsboro Road and Florence Road - grew to incorporate a number of buildings on the Main Street, some of which were demolished and others which are now boarded up.
As the site was being assembled, the main portion of it was used as a car park but in recent years it has been closed. Local traders have complained about the unsightly nature of a large trench around the perimeter.
Despite having secured final planning approval Ballymore announced last month that it was to proceed with just a portion of the development, a single store of 5,574 square metres. The company has also offered to build subject to the planning process, a multi-storey car park which would be jointly owned with the council.
Efforts to contact a spokeswoman for Ballymore yesterday were unsuccessful. However, Bray town clerk Christine Flood confirmed that following Ballymore's decision not to proceed immediately with major elements of the scheme, the car park would be restored in time for Christmas.
Ms Flood said the council and local traders had grave concerns about the lack of parking in the town over the years.
The new arrangement with Ballymore would "have some certainty and some positive effects" in that part of the centre would be built and parking would once more be available. "It is better to have something and some certainty," she said.
The new arrangements do not preclude Ballymore from developing the remaining elements of the scheme once the economy picks up again.
The Irish Times
www.buckplanning.ie
Thursday, 14 August 2008
Bray town centre plan appealed
PLANNING & DEVELOPMENT: A PROPOSAL to build a €2 billion scheme in Bray town centre has been appealed to An Bord Pleanála.
The development, which encompasses former Bray golf club lands, straddles both Dun Laoghaire Rathdown County Council and Bray Town Council's jurisdictions.
Pizarro Developments is looking to build 348 homes on the former Industrial Yarns site in Bray, in Dun Laoghaire Rathdown County Council's area, as well as shops and a new access off the Dublin Road.
On the Bray side of the development Pizarro is proposing a seafront residential area of over 600 homes.
The core of the development would have more than 100 standard shops plus four anchor shops, 5,795sq m (62,376sq ft) of offices, a 103-bed hotel as well as 17 bars, restaurants and cinemas.
An Bord Pleanála received 10 third-party appeals, eight of which relate to the Wicklow side of the development. In its appeal Zapi Properties, owned by developers Seán Dunne and Seán Mulryan, says the development is premature on the grounds of insufficient capacity in the road network, the absence of flood defence works, and the fact there has been no decision on the Luas interconnector from Wilford interchange to Bray Dart station via the golf club lands.
Zapi is involved in a major residential and shopping and office development at Charlesland, just outside Greystones.
Joanne Connolly of Sutton Park, Dublin 13, says that the height of the development contravenes the restrictions set out in the Bray Golf Club Area Action Plan. She says that serious traffic congestion in Bray will be aggravated, and the scheme "cannot work" until the Dublin Road has been widened.
Maeve McCormack and Colm McCormack, of Newcourt Road, Bray, maintain the scheme "could damage the traditional retail and administrative centre of Bray town" by moving the retail and commercial centre to north of Dargle.
They say the proposed blocks are too high "to retain the visual link between the harbour and the mountains".
Bray Retailers Group is concerned about the scale of the retail element, saying it should be in proportion "to the needs of the area and the protection of the town centre".
Swap, which represents "residents of the lowlands of Little Bray", says the development is premature pending flood defence works and maintains the lands were rezoned Town Centre "in direct violation of OPW guidelines for flood plains".
The Irish Times
www.buckplanning.ie
The development, which encompasses former Bray golf club lands, straddles both Dun Laoghaire Rathdown County Council and Bray Town Council's jurisdictions.
Pizarro Developments is looking to build 348 homes on the former Industrial Yarns site in Bray, in Dun Laoghaire Rathdown County Council's area, as well as shops and a new access off the Dublin Road.
On the Bray side of the development Pizarro is proposing a seafront residential area of over 600 homes.
The core of the development would have more than 100 standard shops plus four anchor shops, 5,795sq m (62,376sq ft) of offices, a 103-bed hotel as well as 17 bars, restaurants and cinemas.
An Bord Pleanála received 10 third-party appeals, eight of which relate to the Wicklow side of the development. In its appeal Zapi Properties, owned by developers Seán Dunne and Seán Mulryan, says the development is premature on the grounds of insufficient capacity in the road network, the absence of flood defence works, and the fact there has been no decision on the Luas interconnector from Wilford interchange to Bray Dart station via the golf club lands.
Zapi is involved in a major residential and shopping and office development at Charlesland, just outside Greystones.
Joanne Connolly of Sutton Park, Dublin 13, says that the height of the development contravenes the restrictions set out in the Bray Golf Club Area Action Plan. She says that serious traffic congestion in Bray will be aggravated, and the scheme "cannot work" until the Dublin Road has been widened.
Maeve McCormack and Colm McCormack, of Newcourt Road, Bray, maintain the scheme "could damage the traditional retail and administrative centre of Bray town" by moving the retail and commercial centre to north of Dargle.
They say the proposed blocks are too high "to retain the visual link between the harbour and the mountains".
Bray Retailers Group is concerned about the scale of the retail element, saying it should be in proportion "to the needs of the area and the protection of the town centre".
Swap, which represents "residents of the lowlands of Little Bray", says the development is premature pending flood defence works and maintains the lands were rezoned Town Centre "in direct violation of OPW guidelines for flood plains".
The Irish Times
www.buckplanning.ie
Wednesday, 6 August 2008
€2bn funds for Pizarro plan
A massive €2 billion in funding is in place for a retail, residential and commercial development in Bray.Bray Town Council and Dun Laoghaire Rathdown County Council have granted permission for the Pizarro Development that will include a shopping centre with 100 retail units and four anchor stores, a cinema, a hotel and apartments. A spokesperson from Pizarro developments has co
A massive €2 billion in funding is in place for a retail, residential and commercial development in Bray.
Bray Town Council and Dun Laoghaire Rathdown County Council have granted permission for the Pizarro Development that will include a shopping centre with 100 retail units and four anchor stores, a cinema, a hotel and apartments. A spokesperson from Pizarro developments has confirmed that they hope to begin building work on the first phase in spring of next year.
Local Fine Gael Councillor John Ryan has welcomed the development.
I believe that this decision in crucial for the future of Bray in light of Ballymore Properties signalling a decision to put off the development of the Florentine Centre development in the town centre,' said Cllr Ryan.
Bray People
www.buckplanning.ie
A massive €2 billion in funding is in place for a retail, residential and commercial development in Bray.
Bray Town Council and Dun Laoghaire Rathdown County Council have granted permission for the Pizarro Development that will include a shopping centre with 100 retail units and four anchor stores, a cinema, a hotel and apartments. A spokesperson from Pizarro developments has confirmed that they hope to begin building work on the first phase in spring of next year.
Local Fine Gael Councillor John Ryan has welcomed the development.
I believe that this decision in crucial for the future of Bray in light of Ballymore Properties signalling a decision to put off the development of the Florentine Centre development in the town centre,' said Cllr Ryan.
Bray People
www.buckplanning.ie
Saturday, 19 July 2008
Bray town centre receives planning permission
Approval has been granted for a €2 billion residential, retail and leisure complex in Bray, Co Wicklow.
The Bray Town Centre development will include offices, shops, schools, restaurants and a hotel with a bridge link to the proposed Luas extension.
The scheme will provide jobs for around 2,500 people.
An Bord Pleanala rejected the application last year over traffic concerns and because the town’s flood defence scheme was not completed.
Since then Bray Town Council has produced a flood defence plan and Pizarro Developments has lodged a fresh application with revised road proposals and plans for two new schools.
Pizarro project manager Mary Bermingham said the development would not only boost the town but bring in €60 million in wages annually for the area.
Building on the development, which will be located on the old Bray golf club, is expected to start next year.
It will include over 100 shops, 326 apartments, a 103 bedroom hotel, restaurants and cafes and an eight-screen cinema.
There will be a seafront residential neighbourhood with open space, a GAA pitch and a new primary and secondary school.
Bray Chamber of Commerce welcomed the decision.
Irishtimes.com
www.buckplanning.ie
The Bray Town Centre development will include offices, shops, schools, restaurants and a hotel with a bridge link to the proposed Luas extension.
The scheme will provide jobs for around 2,500 people.
An Bord Pleanala rejected the application last year over traffic concerns and because the town’s flood defence scheme was not completed.
Since then Bray Town Council has produced a flood defence plan and Pizarro Developments has lodged a fresh application with revised road proposals and plans for two new schools.
Pizarro project manager Mary Bermingham said the development would not only boost the town but bring in €60 million in wages annually for the area.
Building on the development, which will be located on the old Bray golf club, is expected to start next year.
It will include over 100 shops, 326 apartments, a 103 bedroom hotel, restaurants and cafes and an eight-screen cinema.
There will be a seafront residential neighbourhood with open space, a GAA pitch and a new primary and secondary school.
Bray Chamber of Commerce welcomed the decision.
Irishtimes.com
www.buckplanning.ie
Councils approve €2bn Bray project
BRAY HAS moved a stage further towards securing a new €2 billion town centre which will include more than 100 shops as well as offices, a hotel, leisure facilities and a residential complex.
However, the decision by Bray Town Council and Dún Laoghaire- Rathdown County Council to grant permission for the vast scheme will almost certainly be appealed to An Bord Pleanála.
Last year the board blocked the same development on the old Bray golf course lands because it said it would be "premature" pending the approval of the Bray Flood Defence Scheme and pending a plan for the overall management of traffic in Bray. Meanwhile, Seán Mulryan's Ballymore Properties is expected to tell Bray Town Council on Tuesday next whether it will be proceeding with the rival Florentine Centre in Bray.
The scheme has been held up by delays linked to the implementation of a Compulsory Purchase Order on the site by the town council.
Pizarro, the company promoting the larger centre, is comprised of Paddy Kelly and the Kelly family, the McCormack family vehicle Alanis, Durkan New Homes, Newlyn Group and Pierse Construction.
They bought the site in 2003 from Dwyer Nolan for €90 million.
Last October Pizarro lodged a revised planning application which included new road network and access to an underground car park which will have 3,300 spaces.
The scheme will include 58,243 sq m (626,927sq ft) of shopping facilities, a 103-bedroom hotel, 17 bars, restaurants and cafes, an eight-screen cinema and 326 apartments.
The development will provide a link between the original town centre and the seafront, while the town's river Dargle will be enhanced with a riverside walk and flood protection facilities.
Pizarro claims its development will bring in more than €60 million in wages annually and employ more than 2,500 people.
Meanwhile, Ballymore has just completed an important office letting to high street bank Barclays in Birmingham.
The bank has taken a 15-year lease of 9,104sq m (98,000sq ft) in the first phase of the one million square feet mixed-use scheme at Snow Hill.
Ballymore has already secured the city's largest pre-let at the scheme, signing Wragge & Co for No 2 Snow Hill. The Irish company has now let a total of 43,663sq m (470,000sq ft) of offices to Wragge, Barclays and KPMG.
The Irish Times
www.buckplanning.ie
However, the decision by Bray Town Council and Dún Laoghaire- Rathdown County Council to grant permission for the vast scheme will almost certainly be appealed to An Bord Pleanála.
Last year the board blocked the same development on the old Bray golf course lands because it said it would be "premature" pending the approval of the Bray Flood Defence Scheme and pending a plan for the overall management of traffic in Bray. Meanwhile, Seán Mulryan's Ballymore Properties is expected to tell Bray Town Council on Tuesday next whether it will be proceeding with the rival Florentine Centre in Bray.
The scheme has been held up by delays linked to the implementation of a Compulsory Purchase Order on the site by the town council.
Pizarro, the company promoting the larger centre, is comprised of Paddy Kelly and the Kelly family, the McCormack family vehicle Alanis, Durkan New Homes, Newlyn Group and Pierse Construction.
They bought the site in 2003 from Dwyer Nolan for €90 million.
Last October Pizarro lodged a revised planning application which included new road network and access to an underground car park which will have 3,300 spaces.
The scheme will include 58,243 sq m (626,927sq ft) of shopping facilities, a 103-bedroom hotel, 17 bars, restaurants and cafes, an eight-screen cinema and 326 apartments.
The development will provide a link between the original town centre and the seafront, while the town's river Dargle will be enhanced with a riverside walk and flood protection facilities.
Pizarro claims its development will bring in more than €60 million in wages annually and employ more than 2,500 people.
Meanwhile, Ballymore has just completed an important office letting to high street bank Barclays in Birmingham.
The bank has taken a 15-year lease of 9,104sq m (98,000sq ft) in the first phase of the one million square feet mixed-use scheme at Snow Hill.
Ballymore has already secured the city's largest pre-let at the scheme, signing Wragge & Co for No 2 Snow Hill. The Irish company has now let a total of 43,663sq m (470,000sq ft) of offices to Wragge, Barclays and KPMG.
The Irish Times
www.buckplanning.ie
Sunday, 24 June 2007
Mixed reaction to plans for Bray
There was a mixed bag of views expressed by retailers based in Bray town centre during a questions and answers session at last Wednesday's meeting.
Calling the scheme marvellous', John Doyle said the plan for the town seemed very positive, a view which was echoed by many members of Bray's retail community.
But retailers from both the Albert Walk and the Village Arcade were disappointed and angry that these areas were not to be included in the rejuvenation plan.
Town Manager Des O'Brien explained that the areas which the plan will cover had to be limited as covering the whole town would have meant less of an impact as the funds available to the committee would have to be spread very thinly.
However this was not accepted by one trader on the Albert Walk who made the point that although traders there paid full commercial and water rates, the area continues to be one of the dirtiest and most run-down in Bray.
While welcoming the committee's plans, Gordon Lennox said that any rejuvenation of the town would be pointless if shoppers could not get in and out of the town because of traffic and parking problems. He urged the council to address these problems as a matter of urgency.
Acknowledging that the parking situation is a major deterrent for shoppers, Town Clerk Christine Flood said that a traffic study of the town was being undertaken and that hundreds of additional spaces would be coming on stream between now and 2012.
Bray People
Calling the scheme marvellous', John Doyle said the plan for the town seemed very positive, a view which was echoed by many members of Bray's retail community.
But retailers from both the Albert Walk and the Village Arcade were disappointed and angry that these areas were not to be included in the rejuvenation plan.
Town Manager Des O'Brien explained that the areas which the plan will cover had to be limited as covering the whole town would have meant less of an impact as the funds available to the committee would have to be spread very thinly.
However this was not accepted by one trader on the Albert Walk who made the point that although traders there paid full commercial and water rates, the area continues to be one of the dirtiest and most run-down in Bray.
While welcoming the committee's plans, Gordon Lennox said that any rejuvenation of the town would be pointless if shoppers could not get in and out of the town because of traffic and parking problems. He urged the council to address these problems as a matter of urgency.
Acknowledging that the parking situation is a major deterrent for shoppers, Town Clerk Christine Flood said that a traffic study of the town was being undertaken and that hundreds of additional spaces would be coming on stream between now and 2012.
Bray People
Where should the Bray Luas line terminate?
Plans for the extension of a proposed Luas link to Bray are underway, and a decision on where to locate a new terminus will come down to residents' demand, according to Claire Falkiner, Project Manager with the Rail Procurement Agency.
The already confirmed new green line extension, known as Luas Line B2, will run from Cherrywood to Fassaroe, with possible stops on the way including St. Colmcille's, Stonebridge Road, Crinken Lane, Wilford, Old Conna and Fassaroe. A park and ride facility is expected to be included in the Fassaroe development.
Whether there will be a spur to a proposed new DART station or alternatively to the existing station at Bray remains undecided, and is still a matter subject to further public consultation.
While progress is being made with regard to the plans, the extension is not expected to be complete until 2015, and the projected cost of the 6km project is not known as of yet.
Arguments in favour of bringing the extension to the existing DART station include the possibility of attracting more business and tourism to the area, while arguments against include the congestion that some feel the town will suffer as a result of poor parking facilities.
Ms. Falkiner has remarked that opposition is inevitable to whatever decision is made. With a decision on the route expected to be made in the Autumn, the people of Bray have vastly differing views on which direction they feel the plans should take.
Ann Murdiff, from Mountainview Drive, is resolute that the extension should come to the existing DART station in Bray. It would be more beneficial to the town' she said. You can just park your car and get on it. It would be more likely to bring shoppers to the town.'
Ann and her family were among the first users of the existing DART line over 20 years ago. People said then that it would cause congestion, but it brought more people in. If the new line goes elsewhere then Bray could become a ghost-town.'
Sinead Murdiff, also from Mountainview Drive, disagrees. A new station at Woodbrook would prevent congestion down by the beach' she said. They could build new, proper parking, as opposed to the haphazard parking facilities at the existing station.'
Sinead also remarked that it would make sense to extend the Luas to the proposed site of the new town centre.
Robert Hargan, from Ledwidge Crescent, is a strong supporter of the potential Woodbrook route. It would be easier to get around, it gets very crowded in the town and the extension to Woodbrook might take some of the traffic off the road.'
Shane Surpless, of Connolly's shoe shop on Bray's main street, is in favour of a route coming in to the town and ending at the station itself.
It would bring people into the town hopefully' he said, adding there isn't much parking available at the moment, but the Luas has to be a positive thing really.'
Bray man Ben O'Brien is in agreement with Mr. Surpless, saying that a local spur would be a great advantage. The closer it comes to the town the better' said Ben. It would be handy for people getting off the DART, plus people know exactly where it is. It's just more convenient for everybody in Bray.'
Already having had the chance to offer their opinions on the issue at a meeting in the Royal Hotel, members of the public have until June 29 to make submissions to the Rail Procurement Agency on the proposed Luas route.
Bray People
The already confirmed new green line extension, known as Luas Line B2, will run from Cherrywood to Fassaroe, with possible stops on the way including St. Colmcille's, Stonebridge Road, Crinken Lane, Wilford, Old Conna and Fassaroe. A park and ride facility is expected to be included in the Fassaroe development.
Whether there will be a spur to a proposed new DART station or alternatively to the existing station at Bray remains undecided, and is still a matter subject to further public consultation.
While progress is being made with regard to the plans, the extension is not expected to be complete until 2015, and the projected cost of the 6km project is not known as of yet.
Arguments in favour of bringing the extension to the existing DART station include the possibility of attracting more business and tourism to the area, while arguments against include the congestion that some feel the town will suffer as a result of poor parking facilities.
Ms. Falkiner has remarked that opposition is inevitable to whatever decision is made. With a decision on the route expected to be made in the Autumn, the people of Bray have vastly differing views on which direction they feel the plans should take.
Ann Murdiff, from Mountainview Drive, is resolute that the extension should come to the existing DART station in Bray. It would be more beneficial to the town' she said. You can just park your car and get on it. It would be more likely to bring shoppers to the town.'
Ann and her family were among the first users of the existing DART line over 20 years ago. People said then that it would cause congestion, but it brought more people in. If the new line goes elsewhere then Bray could become a ghost-town.'
Sinead Murdiff, also from Mountainview Drive, disagrees. A new station at Woodbrook would prevent congestion down by the beach' she said. They could build new, proper parking, as opposed to the haphazard parking facilities at the existing station.'
Sinead also remarked that it would make sense to extend the Luas to the proposed site of the new town centre.
Robert Hargan, from Ledwidge Crescent, is a strong supporter of the potential Woodbrook route. It would be easier to get around, it gets very crowded in the town and the extension to Woodbrook might take some of the traffic off the road.'
Shane Surpless, of Connolly's shoe shop on Bray's main street, is in favour of a route coming in to the town and ending at the station itself.
It would bring people into the town hopefully' he said, adding there isn't much parking available at the moment, but the Luas has to be a positive thing really.'
Bray man Ben O'Brien is in agreement with Mr. Surpless, saying that a local spur would be a great advantage. The closer it comes to the town the better' said Ben. It would be handy for people getting off the DART, plus people know exactly where it is. It's just more convenient for everybody in Bray.'
Already having had the chance to offer their opinions on the issue at a meeting in the Royal Hotel, members of the public have until June 29 to make submissions to the Rail Procurement Agency on the proposed Luas route.
Bray People
Bray Town centre to get major facelift
Bray town centre looks set to get a major facelift after a number of exciting initiatives aimed at revitalising the commerical heart of the town were announced last week.
The two initiatives which will most dramatically affect the appearance of the town centre include a grant scheme of €230,000 for the refurbishment of shopfronts, along with a Paint the Town' scheme which will see upper building facades being painted at no cost to retailers.
These ambitious plans were unveiled to retailers and business owners last Wednesday at a special meeting organised by the Bray Town Centre Rejuvenation Committee, a public private partnership between Bray Town Council, Bray Chamber of Commerce and retailers' groups.
The committee hopes that the plan, which also includes proposals to improve Bray's chronic parking problems and tackle littering, will rejuvenate, revitalise and revive' the main commercial areas of the town.
Independent businesses who are interested in the scheme can apply for shopfront grants until Friday August 10, but are being urged to get their applications in immediately.
Bray People
The two initiatives which will most dramatically affect the appearance of the town centre include a grant scheme of €230,000 for the refurbishment of shopfronts, along with a Paint the Town' scheme which will see upper building facades being painted at no cost to retailers.
These ambitious plans were unveiled to retailers and business owners last Wednesday at a special meeting organised by the Bray Town Centre Rejuvenation Committee, a public private partnership between Bray Town Council, Bray Chamber of Commerce and retailers' groups.
The committee hopes that the plan, which also includes proposals to improve Bray's chronic parking problems and tackle littering, will rejuvenate, revitalise and revive' the main commercial areas of the town.
Independent businesses who are interested in the scheme can apply for shopfront grants until Friday August 10, but are being urged to get their applications in immediately.
Bray People
Thursday, 12 April 2007
Developer will reapply to build €2bn Bray complex
THE developers who want to build a €2bn residential and shopping centre in Bray, Co Wicklow, have said they intend to reapply for planning permission in the next year.
Pizarro Developments said that An Bord Pleanala's refusal of permission did not mean the plan would not go ahead. On Tuesday, the board refused permission for the ambitious development - which would "rival Dundrum shopping centre" in scale - until the road network was upgraded and flood protection works put in place. The company was granted planning permission last year by Bray Town Council and Dun Laoghaire Rathdown County Council to build the complex. Bray has a flooding problem and the developers agreed to pay for the flood protection "within reasonable limits". But a scheme is still at the design stage. A Pizarro spokesman said a fresh application would be lodged when the plans for the roads and flood protection were finalised.
PAUL MELIA
Irish Independent
Pizarro Developments said that An Bord Pleanala's refusal of permission did not mean the plan would not go ahead. On Tuesday, the board refused permission for the ambitious development - which would "rival Dundrum shopping centre" in scale - until the road network was upgraded and flood protection works put in place. The company was granted planning permission last year by Bray Town Council and Dun Laoghaire Rathdown County Council to build the complex. Bray has a flooding problem and the developers agreed to pay for the flood protection "within reasonable limits". But a scheme is still at the design stage. A Pizarro spokesman said a fresh application would be lodged when the plans for the roads and flood protection were finalised.
PAUL MELIA
Irish Independent
Sunday, 1 April 2007
Council open to talks on other site
A senior official with Wicklow County Council has said the local authority would 'talk to' the Department of Education concerning the council-owned piece of land adjacent to Scripts Pub, if an interest was expressed.
Greystones town manager Sean Quirke said that if the Department expressed an interest in buying the land, 'we would talk to them'.
Representatives from the Department of Education met with Wicklow County Council three weeks ago, during which the matter of the land, currently zoned for town centre development, was discussed but rejected as a potential option, primarily, it is understood, because of the current zoning.
However, Mr. Quirke said that the council would be open to the possibility of the land being rezoned, but that it would have to go before council members for their approval.
The site adjacent to Scripts is understood to be much more expensive than the Charlesland site, however, the Department of Education has said funding is not a concern.
It is understood that a number of councillors are being asked to table a motion in the coming weeks to have the land at Scripts rezoned from Town Centre to educational.
Bray People
Greystones town manager Sean Quirke said that if the Department expressed an interest in buying the land, 'we would talk to them'.
Representatives from the Department of Education met with Wicklow County Council three weeks ago, during which the matter of the land, currently zoned for town centre development, was discussed but rejected as a potential option, primarily, it is understood, because of the current zoning.
However, Mr. Quirke said that the council would be open to the possibility of the land being rezoned, but that it would have to go before council members for their approval.
The site adjacent to Scripts is understood to be much more expensive than the Charlesland site, however, the Department of Education has said funding is not a concern.
It is understood that a number of councillors are being asked to table a motion in the coming weeks to have the land at Scripts rezoned from Town Centre to educational.
Bray People
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