Community and Social Infrastructure Audit - Mill Road SHD
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Community and Social
Infrastructure Audit
Proposed Strategic Housing Development
(SHD)
Social Infrastructure Audit for a
proposed Strategic Housing
Development (SHD) of 274 no. units
on lands at Mill Road, Saggart, Co.
Dublin
Manahan Planners
11/11/2021
Manahan Planners
Social Infrastructure Audit, Mill Road Page 0
C ONTENTS
1 INTRODUCTION ................................................................................................................................. 0
2 AREA CONTEXT .................................................................................................................................. 0
3 Relevant planning Guidance ................................................................................................................ 0
3.1 South Dublin County Development Plan 2016-2022................................................................. 0
3.2 Regional Spatial and Economic Strategy RSES (EMRA) ........................................................... 0
4 DEMOGRAPHIC PROFILE OF RATHCOOLE AND SAGGART ....................................................... 0
4.1 Population Profile ........................................................................................................................ 0
4.2 Age Profile .................................................................................................................................... 0
4.3 Commuting ................................................................................................................................... 0
5 EXISITING COMMUNITY FACILITIES ............................................................................................. 0
5.1 Infrastructure Index ...................................................................................................................... 1
5.2 Open Space .................................................................................................................................... 1
5.3 Education ....................................................................................................................................... 1
5.4 Healthcare & Social Services ........................................................................................................ 1
5.5 Childcare services .......................................................................................................................... 1
5.6 Retail Services ............................................................................................................................... 1
5.7 Employment Centres .................................................................................................................... 1
6 CONCLUSION ....................................................................................................................................... 1
Manahan Planners
Social Infrastructure Audit, Mill Road Page 1
1 INTRODUCTION
This Report accompanies a Strategic Housing Development (SHD) planning
application to An Board Pleanála by Tetrach Residential Limited for residential
development of 274 no. units on lands at Mill Road, Saggart, Co. Dublin
The purpose of this report is to provide an audit of the existing community facilities
within a radius of 1m and 2km from the subject site at Mill Road.
The proposed Strategic Housing Development (SHD) will comprise of 274 no. new
homes on a 4.6 hectare site. The development includes a mix of terraced homes,
duplexes, and two apartment blocks of 5 storeys and part 8 storeys and a crèche
organised around a system of local roads and home zones which weave through the
development, creating a residential network of paths and streets. Car parking for 276
no. cars and 634 no. bicycle parking spaces are located throughout the site.
The residential units will consist of:
17 no. 2-bedroom 2 no. 1-bedroom 62 no. 1-bedroom
houses duplexes apartments
27 no. 3-bedroom 17 no. 2-bedroom 119 no. 2-bedroom
houses duplexes apartments
7 no. 4-bedroom 19 no. 3-bedroom 4 no. 3-bedroom
houses duplexes apartments
The report first provides information of population and demographic profile
occurring within the Settlement Areas of Saggart and Rathcoole.
The report identifies that the site and its immediate residential area is supported by
established neighbourhood centres which contain a wide range of facilities. This
report contains an audit of the existing social facilities and infrastructure in these
centres and the adjoining areas which serve the adjoining population.
The Audit is not intended to be an exhaustive survey of every single facility in the
area. Rather, the purpose of the report is to enable the Board to assess whether there
is a sufficiency of social facilities available in the area to provide “access to services
and facilities to meet the needs” of the future residents of the 274 no. dwelling units
proposed. The conclusion of the report is that there is a sufficient range and quantum
of social facilities for the future residents of this development.
Manahan Planners
Social Infrastructure Audit, Mill Road Page 2
2 AREA CONTEXT The lands around Mill Road & Citywest have undergone significant changes in the last fifteen years or so. Substantial residential and commercial development has transformed the area from a rural area to a developing outer suburb. The site, c.4.2ha, is bound to the north by the N7 Naas Road and Mill Road to the west. The lands are considered an infill site situated in the overall lands of Citywest located in close proximity to Saggart Village, Rathcoole, and Citywest facilities and amenities. The Luas red line to the east is relatively close to the subject site. The character of the area is comprised of two storey semi detached residential houses, which are supported by the Local Centres of Saggart and Rathcoole villages. Residential development containing apartments have been recently granted at Garter‟s Lane, north-east of Saggart village. Figure 1: Google Earth aerial image of site and surrounding areas. Figure 2: Site location map and surrounding areas. Manahan Planners Social Infrastructure Audit, Mill Road Page 3
Figure 3: map showing 1km and 2km radius with neighbourhood centres and employment districts highlighted
3 R ELEVANT PLANNING G UIDANCE
3.1 S OUTH D UBLIN C OUNTY D EVELOPMENT P LAN 2016-2022
The subject site is located within zoning objective RES-N lands “to provide for new
residential communities in accordance with approved area plans”, a small area of
land within the subject site is zoned Objective RES “to protect and/or improve
residential amenity”.
Figure 4: Zoning map 2 South Dublin County Council Development Plan. The site marked in red
Manahan Planners
Social Infrastructure Audit, Mill Road Page 4
The Core Strategy contained within the South Dublin City Development Plan is
focused on residential development and ensuring that there is an acceptable
equilibrium between the supply of zoned, serviced land for residential development
and the projected demand for new housing during the lifetime of the Plan.
On December 9th 2019, SDCC made Variation No. 4 – was adopted to align the Core
Strategy of the Development Plan with new strategic policy set out in the National
Planning Framework 2040 (NPF) the Regional Spatial and Economic Strategy
(RSES). This Variation sets out the areas Saggart and Citywest will be defined as a
“Self-Sustaining Growth Town”. This is changed from “Emerging Moderate
Sustainable Growth Town” previous.
“Saggart/Citywest can be defined as a self-sustaining growth town. The
population taken in conjunction with the extent of economic activity, the
quality of public transport provision, the designation of Citywest Shopping
Centre as a Level 3 Retail Centre in the Retail Strategy for the Greater
Dublin Area 2008-2016 and future growth potential, align strongly with the
definition of a Self-Sustaining Growth Town in the RSES. It is considered
appropriate to reflect this under the County Settlement Hierarchy by
designating Saggart/Citywest as a Self-Sustaining Growth Town.”
The new definition of Saggart/Citywest areas is indicated on the Core Strategy Map
in figure 5.
Figure 5: Core Strategy Map South Dublin City Development Plan 2016-2022 variation no. 4. Site location
marked with yellow star. Annotated Manahan Planners
Manahan Planners
Social Infrastructure Audit, Mill Road Page 5
The Development Plan variation no. 4 also sets out the development capacity with
Citywest/Saggart.
“The self-sustaining growth town of Saggart/Citywest will develop based on
the capacity of the public transport network and social infrastructure. While
additional long term capacity exists in this area, the capacity of zoned lands
is considered to be sufficient to meet demand during the period 2016-2022.”
The Core Strategy of the Development Plan was updated in order to align with the
provisions of the Eastern & Midland Regional Assembly Regional Spatial &
Economic Strategy (June 2019), hereinafter RSES EMRA. The RSES EMRA states
that the new district at Fortunestown near the self-sustaining town of Saggart /
Citywest has a short term population capacity of 45,000 and a medium term capacity
of 21,000 giving a total of capacity of 66,000 persons.
The proposed residential development is located within the south western corridor
catchment and will have a net density of 61 units per hectare. The proposed
development also provides an appropriate mix of unit types and sizes, supported by
appropriate open space provision, and are considered to be consistent with the
designation of Saggart / Citywest as a Self Sustaining Growth Towns.
The overarching strategy with regard to the provision of community infrastructure in
new developments is set out in Chapter 3 of the County Development Plan:
“The overall aim of the Development Plan with regard to community
infrastructure is to support the planned provision of accessible community
and recreational facilities, parks and open spaces, and to ensure that all
communities in South Dublin County have access to a range of facilities that
meet the needs of the communities they serve…
Community infrastructure, for the purpose of the County Development Plan,
includes community centres and halls, libraries and cultural facilities,
religious buildings and burial grounds, sporting facilities, health facilities,
childcare and educational facilities, and open space and recreational
facilities…”
Chapter 3 of the Development Plan also contains a number of relevant policies for
the provision of social infrastructure in support of sustainable communities, which
are listed below:
Policy C1 Community Centres – It is the policy of the Council to ensure
that all communities have access to multifunctional community centres that
provide a focal point for community activities.
Policy C2 Libraries – It is the policy of the Council to continue to provide
an innovative, community focused public library service to all who live, work
and study in South Dublin County.
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Social Infrastructure Audit, Mill Road Page 6
Policy C3 Arts & Cultural – It is the policy of the Council to facilitate the
continued development of arts and culture in the County.
Policy C4 Places of Worship – It is the policy of the Council to support
and facilitate the development of places of worship and multi-faith facilities
at suitable locations.
Policy C5 Fire Stations – It is the policy of the Council to co-operate with
Dublin City Council in the development of the fire service in the Dublin
Region.
Policy C6 Burial Grounds – It is the policy of the Council to facilitate the
sustainable development of cemeteries and crematoria to cater for the needs
of the County.
Policy C7 Sports Facilities – It is the policy of the Council to ensure that
all communities are supported by a range of sporting facilities that are fit for
purpose, accessible and adaptable.
Policy C8 Childcare – (a) It is the policy of the Council to support and
facilitate the provision of good quality and accessible childcare facilities at
suitable locations in the County.
(b) It is the policy of the Council to require the provision of new childcare
facilities in tandem with the delivery of new communities.
Policy C9 Primary & Post Primary – (a) It is the policy of the Council to
work in conjunction with the relevant education authorities to promote and
support the provision of primary and post-primary schools in the County.
(b) It is the policy of the Council to engage with the Department of Education
and Skills and to support the Department’s School Building Programme by
actively identifying sites for primary and post primary schools at suitable
locations, based on forecast need.
Policy C10 Third and Fourth Level Education – It is the policy of the
Council to support the development and ongoing provision of third level
education in the County, and to develop Tallaght as a hub for education and
employment to provide further opportunities for the County’s workforce.
Policy C11 Healthcare – (a) It is the policy of the Council to support the
Health Service Executive (HSE) and other statutory and voluntary agencies
in the provision of appropriate healthcare facilities, including the system of
hospital care and the provision of community based primary care facilities.
(b) It is the policy of the Council to support and encourage the integration of
healthcare facilities within new and existing communities that are
appropriate to the size and scale of each settlement.
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Social Infrastructure Audit, Mill Road Page 7
Policy C12 Open Space – It is the policy of the Council that a hierarchical
network of high quality open space is available to those who live, work and
visit the County, providing for both passive and active recreation, and that
the resource offered by public open spaces, parks and playing fields is
maximised through effective management.
Policy C13 Accessibility – It is the policy of the Council to promote the
highest levels of universal accessibility in all community facilities.
3.2 R EGIONAL S PATIAL AND E CONOMIC S TRATEGY RSES (EMRA)
We note that the Regional Spatial and Economic Strategy 2019-2031 (RSES)
prepared by the Eastern & Midland Regional Assembly (EMRA) was published 28
June 2019 and supersedes the previous Regional Planning Guidelines for the Greater
Dublin Area 2010-2022. This document takes account of the Dublin Metropolitan
Area Strategic Plan (MASP), which identifies strategic residential and employment
corridors within the area and provides guidance for development opportunities
including housing delivery.
With respect to the provision of social infrastructure within Dublin City and Suburbs
(including the emerging town of Saggart/Citywest) the RSES advocates for a wide
range of services and facilities to meet local need and contribute towards an
improved quality of life for all residents, including:
“…facilities in relation to health, education, libraries, childcare, community
centres, play, youth, recreation, sports, cultural facilities, policing, places of
worship, burial grounds and emergency facilities.” [Section 9.6, RSES]
Specific policy objectives for the development of social infrastructure throughout the
region are also included in Sections 9.6 and 9.7 of the RSES, as follows:
RPO 9.20 Childcare – Support investment in the sustainable development
of the Region’s childcare services as an integral part of regional
infrastructure to include:
Support the Affordable Childcare Scheme.
Quality and supply of sufficient childcare places.
Support initiatives under a cross Government Early Years Strategy.
Youth services that support and target disadvantaged young people
and improve their employability.
RPO 9.21 Schools – In areas where significant new housing is proposed,
an assessment of need regarding schools’ provision should be carried out in
collaboration with the Department of Education and Skills and statutory
plans shall designate new school sites at accessible, pedestrian, cycle and
public transport friendly locations.
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Social Infrastructure Audit, Mill Road Page 8
RPO 9.22 Third Level Education – To support the role of Higher
Education Institutions and Educational Training Boards in addressing skills
shortages and life-long learning needs in the Region, and to support the
further development of multi-campus Technological Universities to drive
research and innovation.
RPO 9.23 Healthcare – Facilitate the development of primary health care
centres, hospitals, clinics, and facilities to cater for the specific needs of an
ageing population in appropriate urban areas in accordance with RSES
settlement strategy and core strategies of development plans.
RPO 9.24 Arts & Culture – Promote and facilitate the role of arts and
culture in recognition of its importance to people’s identity and the potential
for economic development through a unique cultural tourism offering
throughout the Region.
RPO 9.25 Arts & Culture – Seek to work with all relevant stakeholders to
promote equality of access to and engagement with arts and cultural
services and in the promotion of culture and heritage led urban and rural
regeneration.
Manahan Planners
Social Infrastructure Audit, Mill Road Page 94 DEMOGRAPHIC PROFILE OF RATHCOOLE AND
SAGGART
4.1 P OPULATION P ROFILE
This section provides an outline of the demographic profile of the study area having
particular regard to CSO Census data from 2006 onwards. The subject site is located
within the „Saggart‟ Electoral Division (CSO ED ID: 267119), which was home to
4,640 No. people at the time of the 2016 Census. The site is adjacent the „Rathcoole‟
Electoral Division (CSO ED ID: 267112), which has a population 5,009 during the
2016 Census. The total population of the surrounding area in 2016 was c.9,649
people. The population of the study area has increased by over 41% between 2006
and 2016.
Figure 6: Electoral Division Boundary Map
ED ID ED Name2006 2011 2016
Population Population Population
267119 Saggart 2,020 3,060 4,640
267112 Rathcoole 3,614 4,740 5,009
Total 5,634 7,800 9,649
% Population change 2006-2016 41%
Table 1: Population of ED Study Area and % of population change
Manahan Planners
Social Infrastructure Audit, Mill Road Page 10The 2016 CSO established „Settlement Area‟ boundaries which compiles statistical
information within defined boundaries of towns, villages and settlements. The
subject site is located at the north-west of the Saggart Settlement Area boundary and
directly east of the Rathcoole Settlement Area boundary. Figure 7 below. This study
area is much smaller in size than the Electoral Division study area and should allow
for a more refined illustration of the demographic profile of the two local centres.
The following sets out the relevant population and housing data for these areas.
ED Size (ha)
Saggart Village 85ha
Rathcoole Village 120ha
Total 205ha
Figure 7: map of Settlement Areas. Source: CSO SapMaps
The overall study area of Rathcoole and Saggart villages is c.205 hectares.
Table 2 below shows the population change of Saggart and Rathcoole Settlement
Areas since the 2006 Census.
Settlement 2006 2011 2016 % change
06-16
Saggart 868 2,144 3,133 261%
Rathcoole 2,927 3,421 4,351 48.7%
Total 3,795 5,565 7,484 51%
Table 2: Total population of Saggart Settlement Area
Table 3 shows the total housing stock within Saggart and Rathcoole Settlement areas.
Settlement 2011 2016 Density
(2016)
Saggart 1,167 1,249 15 units p/ha
Rathcoole 1,456 1,679 14 units p/ha
Total 2,623 2,928
Table 3: Total housing stock within study area
Manahan Planners
Social Infrastructure Audit, Mill Road Page 11Census 2016 for Rathcoole and Saggart Housing Type
House Type RATHCOOLE SAGGART Total % of total
House/Bungalow 1,180 501 1,681 63.5%
Flat/ Apartment 344 575 919 34.6%
Bed-sit 8 1 9 0.3%
Caravan/Mobile 1 3 0.1%
2
home
Not stated 18 23 41 1.5%
Table 4: Total housing by type
Almost two thirds of the housing type in the Settlement Areas are houses with one
third of accommodation listed as apartments. In 2016, the population density of
Saggart Settlement Area would be 37 people per hectare while the housing density
would be 13 units per hectare. The population density of Rathcoole Settlement Area
is similar to above with 36 people per hectare and a housing density of 13 units per
hectare.
Although the population in the area grew by over 41% between 2006 and 2016, the
housing density of 13 units per hectare in the study area is remarkably low.
Manahan Planners
Social Infrastructure Audit, Mill Road Page 124.2 A GE P ROFILE Table 5 below shows the age breakdown of the population of the Settlement Areas of Rathcoole and Saggart during the 2016 Census. Census 2016 for Rathcoole and Saggart Settlement Areas Age RATHCOOLE SAGGART Total % of Total group 0-9 882 711 1,593 21% 10-19 364 281 645 9% 20-29 439 361 800 11% 30-39 1,069 943 2,012 27% 40-49 534 463 997 13% 50-59 338 159 497 6% 60-69 368 125 493 6% 70-79 308 67 375 5% 80+ 99 23 122 1% TOTAL 4,351 3,133 7,484 100% Table 5: Age breakdown of the population found in Rathcoole and Saggart village; Source: CSO 2016 Census As Table 5 shows, the dominant age cohorts that resides in this area are the 30-39 year age bracket with 2,012 people (27%), followed by 1,593 0-9 year olds (21%). The high population of these two age brackets suggest a relatively high number of young families living in the study area. There are 904 pre-school children (0-4 yrs) that may need childcare facilities. The 20-29 year age bracket is a modest 800 people. The 20-29 year age bracket is a modest 800 people. 20-29 make up less than 11% of the population within the two Settlement areas. This suggests that there may not be suitable accommodation, facilities or amenities in the area for younger people. In summary, this information indicates that the subject site is a typical suburban area of the city centre that has grown rapidly over the past 15-20 years. There are a large number of families living within the study area. Manahan Planners Social Infrastructure Audit, Mill Road Page 13
4.3 C OMMUTING It is noted that the subject site is located along Dublin bus route 69 and 69x on Mill Road and Dublin bus routes 125, 126 and 126x from Rathcoole Village with a frequency of every 30 minutes towards Dublin City Centre. The 69 and 69x bus routes also connect the site to Saggart Luas stop via Saggart village. Furthermore, the subject site is located on the future BusConnects route which will greatly increase the frequency and capacity of public transport adjacent the site and facilitate greater accessibility to other areas of Dublin other than the city centre. The proposed development will include a pedestrian and cycling route through the former Citywest golf course lands connecting with the existing footpaths that serve the hotel, and through to the Saggart Luas stop, indicated by red dashed line on map below. Figure 7: Proposed BusConnects route map. The NTA Greater Dublin Cycle Network Plan runs east west along the N4 which bounds the site to the north and also in an east west direction located south of the site on Ballyowen Road and Willsbrook Road. Manahan Planners Social Infrastructure Audit, Mill Road Page 14
Figure 8: Greater Dublin cycle network plan routes
The below mapping shows the possible distance travelled from the site by:
15 minute walking
5 minute cycling
10 minute cycling
Figure 9: 15 minute walk from site
Manahan Planners
Social Infrastructure Audit, Mill Road Page 15Figure 10: 5 minute cycle from site Figure 11: 10 minute cycle from site Manahan Planners Social Infrastructure Audit, Mill Road Page 16
Cycling infrastructure in the surrounding area varies from good to very poor. Cycle routes south of the site connecting Saggart Village are moderate to good. However, from there, cycling infrastructure is non-existent towards Saggart Luas stop and is potentially hazardous to cycle along this route. The cycling infrastructure from the subject site to Rathcoole village is considered to be adequate. A number of photographs showing the existing provision of pedestrian and cycling infrastructure within a 1 km radius of the subject site are shown in the following pages. The map below shows the location of the corresponding number given for each image. Figure 12: Map showing locations of the below photographs Manahan Planners Social Infrastructure Audit, Mill Road Page 17
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The above imagery of the existing pedestrian and cycling network in the surrounding
area of the site shows that the existing street network does not lend itself to safe
active travel. This is the driving rational and justification of why the proposed
development will comprise of a dedicated safe cycling and pedestrian route at the
south of the site, heading west to east, through the former Citywest golf course lands
connecting to the existing pathways that serve the Citywest Hotel and through to the
Saggart Luas stop.
5 EXISITING COMMUNITY FACILITIES
An audit was carried out of the existing social and community infrastructure within a
1km and 2km radius of the site.
The study area surrounding the site comprises of Rathcoole Village and Rathcoole
Park to the west, Saggart Village to the south, Citywest golf course and hotel, an open
green land zone to the east and the N7 Naas road and Baldonell Aerodrome to the
north.
A search was carried out for facilities in the area and they were categorised as
follows.
Category Description
Open Space Parks, pitches, residential green areas, playgrounds
Sport & Recreation Sport clubs, stadiums, racetracks, swimming pools, gyms
Education Services Primary schools, post-primary schools, special schools
Universities, other educational facilities
Healthcare/social Hospitals, medical centres. Other health services, childcare
services services, Garda stations, fire stations
Community Facilities Libraries, community centres, religious facilities, post offices
Retail Services Supermarkets, convenience shops, speciality shops,
restaurants/cafes/takeaways, pubs
Table 6: Category of uses
Manahan Planners
Social Infrastructure Audit, Mill Road Page 245.1 I NFRASTRUCTURE I ND EX
Type Within 1km Within 2km
Open space Ratchoole Park Citywest and Hibernian golf course lands
Dawson Park Carrigmore Park
Rathcoole Woodland Rathcoole Football Club lands
Citywest golf course lands Church Road green
St. Mary‟s GAA Club lands
Sports & Recreation St. Mary‟s GAA Club Greenouge Equestrian
Facilities
Commercials GAA Club (Dawson Park) Riot Fitness & Yoga
Citywest Hotel recreational facilities Rathcoole Football Club
Saggart Karate club Unlock Fitness
Red Rhino Kickboxing club
Education Services St. Mary‟s National School Holy Family National School
Colaiste Pobal Fola Holy Family Community School
Scoil Chronain Citywest Educate Together National
School
Gealscoil Lir
Healthcare & Social Rathcoole Health Centre Swiftbrook Medical Centre
Services
Rathcoole Dental Enlightenment Psychotherapy
Little Swallows Mental Health Therapy VetCare Rathcoole
Smiths pharmacy Reidy‟s Pharmacy
Saggart Medical Centre Citywest Medical Centric Health
Slade Castle Family practice McCabe‟s pharmacy
Elain kerin Physiotherapist Little Rascals Pre-School
Saggart pharmacy Little Saints Pre-School
Kidorama Creche & Montessori Teach na Leanai
Krafty Kids breakfast & after school care Littlefingers childcare
Happy Feet Early Learning Centre
Grian na nOg
Community Rathcoole Community Centre Lisheen Nursing Home
Facilities
Saggart Village Heritage & Arts Centre Citywest Post Office
Rathcoole Garda Station TLC Nursing home
Church of the Holy Family Rathcoole
Church of the Nativity of the Blessed
Virgin Mary
Millbrook Manor nursing home
Saggart Post Office
Rathcoole Post office
Retail (incl. Avoca Rathcoole Citywest Shopping Centre
Food/drink)
Centra Rathcoole
Tesco Express Rathcoole
Spar Rathcoole
Centra Saggart
Dunnes Stores Saggart
Table 7: Infrastructure index table of uses
Manahan Planners
Social Infrastructure Audit, Mill Road Page 255.2 O PEN S PACE The site is within an area that has substantial amounts of regional, neighbourhood and local parks located within the surrounding area of the site. There is also 2 separate golf course lands to the east and south-east. A large amount of agricultural lands are located over 1km to the south that extends as far south as the Dublin mountains. A simple desktop study was carried out to identify the surrounding public parks within a 1 km and 2 km radius of the subject site. These parks contain many functions which include formal and informal children‟s play areas, walkways and cycleways, seating playing pitches and passive recreation areas. Figure 13: Map showing parks and green lands within 1km and 2km of the subject site The application site is located in close proximity c. 5-10 minute walk to Rathcoole Regional Park. There are also a number of other green spaces used for sports and leisure activities within reach of the subject site. The Citywest golf course lands also offer an important future amenity space. This is a high level of open space provision which could accommodate higher density development at this site. Manahan Planners Social Infrastructure Audit, Mill Road Page 26
5.3 E DUCATION
The area surrounding the site contains several existing primary and secondary
schools. Within the 1km radius, there are three primary school and one secondary
schools. There are a further 3 primary schools within a 2km radius.
Schools located within the study area radius:
Type 1 km 2 km
Education Services St. Mary‟s National School Holy Family National School
Colaiste Pobal Fola Holy Family Community School
Scoil Chronain Citywest Educate Together National School
Gealscoil Lir
Table 8: Schools within 1km and 2km of subject site
Primary schools: Secondary Schools:
St. Mary‟s National School Colaiste Pobal Fola
Scoil Chronain
Gealscoil Lir
Holy Family National School
Holy Family Community School
Citywest Educate Together National School
Figure 14: Location of schools. Primary schools in red, secondary school in yellow.
There is a proposed new 300-student primary school and a 1,000-student secondary
school at Fortunestown Lane, c.1km east of the site, Reg. Ref. SD19A/0393 which
was granted in 2021.
Manahan Planners
Social Infrastructure Audit, Mill Road Page 275.4 H EALTHCARE & S OCIAL S ERVICES
The responsibility for the provision of Health Care Facilities lies with the Health
Service Executive (HSE). In terms of Primary Health Care Provision, the study area
is served by a number of Medical Clinics, Mental Healthcare Services, Family
Practices and GP Services.
There are a number of health services available within the surrounding area of the
subject site. There are two medical centres about 1 km away in Rathcoole village and
Saggart village and a further medical centre located at Citywest shopping centre
c.2km east. There are also a number of other healthcare services provided in the
study area such as dentistry, pharmacy, physiotherapy, psychotherapy and mental
health services.
5.5 C HILDCARE SERVICES
In addition to the health care and security provision, the subject site has numerous
crèches/Montessori/nurseries‟ in its surrounding area. There are approximately 20
of these childcare facilities within a 2km radius of the site. 5 of these are within 1 km
of the site.
Healthcare & Social Services 1km 2km
Kidorama Creche & Little Rascals Pre-School
Montessori
Krafty Kids breakfast & Little Saints Pre-School
after school care
Teach na Leanai
Littlefingers childcare
Happy Feet Early Learning Centre
Grian na nOg
Table 9: Childcare facilities within 1km and 2km of subject site
Figure 15: Locations of childcare facilities (orange) and community centres (black) within 1km and
2km of subject site
Manahan Planners
Social Infrastructure Audit, Mill Road Page 285.6 R ETAIL S ERVICES
The subject site is located in an area that provides an assortment of shops and retail
services. Saggart village and Rathcoole village are located within 1km-1.5km of the
site. Outside the villages, Citywest Shopping Centre and Avoca provide local level
access to retail and service facilities for the area.
Saggart and Rathcoole Villages are designated as Level 4 retail centres. A level 4
retail centre is described in the South Dublin County Development Plan as:
“Centres that usually contain one supermarket ranging in size from 1,000-
2,500 sq.m with a limited range of supporting shops and retail services and
possibly other services such as post offices, community centres or health
clinics grouped together to create a focus for the local population. These
centres meet the local day-today needs of surrounding residents.”
Citywest Shopping Centre provides a large range of retail, services and
cafe/restaurants including Dunnes Stores, McDonalds, Regatta Outdoors and
Specsavers. The main convenience stores located closest to the subject site is Dunnes
Stores and Centra in Saggart village. Avoca, which provides high-end food and
produce is also located near to the site.
Saggart and Rathcoole villages also contain other small convenience shops, including
a Spar and a Centra. The other units within the villages are made up of cafes,
restaurants and takeaways and independent comparison retail including ladies
fashion, charity shops and pharmacies, as well as units that are occupied by services
such as hairdressers, IT repair, estate agents and banks.
5.7 E MPLOYMENT C ENTRES
The subject site is located in an area that is in close proximity to a range of
employment centres. There is significant employment at Citywest Hotel and Citywest
Business Campus and at the various business parks at Greenogue and around
Baldonnell. Baldonnel Aerodrome, a military facility home to the Irish Aer Corps,
also provides employment within this area. These are major employment generators
due to the scale and variety of retail and services offered.
Manahan Planners
Social Infrastructure Audit, Mill Road Page 29Figure 16: map showing 1km and 2km radius with neighbourhood centres and employment districts
highlighted
The 2016 CSO figures for commuting times for work/school show that well over half
of the population of Saggart and Rathcoole villages travel 30 minutes or less for
work.
Settlement Under 15 % 16 – 30 % Total %
Area minutes minutes under 30
minutes
Saggart 550 25% 586 27% 52%
Rathcoole 770 28% 707 26% 54%
Table 9: Journey times
The data would suggest that many of the local population are employed within the
local area. This is not surprising given the extensive variety of retail, commercial,
industrial and healthcare services within the area which this section outlined.
Manahan Planners
Social Infrastructure Audit, Mill Road Page 306 CONCLUSION This Social Infrastructure Audit has identified the infrastructure provision within a 2km accessible zone of the proposed development which serves the existing and future populations of Saggart and Rathcoole villages. The social infrastructure provision within the locality has the capacity to account for the development without undue stress on facilities. The site is well located with regard to proximity to existing community and social infrastructure. It is considered that there is ample provision of existing community, recreation, educational and social infrastructure within the surrounding area of the site. The proposed development will consist of a dedicated cycling and pedestrian route through the Citywest golf course lands which will provide much greater permeability through the site but also improve the overall connectivity of the surrounding area. It is also worth noting that the site cannot be assessed in isolation with respect to the services available in the immediate locality as it is situated approximately 15km from Dublin city. The future residents of this development will be able to avail of the numerous options that the city centre also provides. MANAHAN PLANNERS November 2021 Manahan Planners Social Infrastructure Audit, Mill Road Page 31
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