We believe that this proposal by South Dublin County Council will have a catastrophic impact upon an already beautiful and natural amenity and its surrounding environs for the following reasons:
Interpretive Centre
Archaelogy
Approximately the size of a shopping centre; catering for 300,000 visitors per annum and associated car parking.
This is a Neolithic landscape of huge national and international importance. It has not been fully investigated. This rush to development can only result in obliterating potential treasures. According to Abarta Heritage, who carried out the recent excavations on Montpelier Hill, “there is much more to be discovered about the site.
Environment and Wildlife
The development will change forever this valuable amenity, environment and fragile ecosystem. This wilderness is a rich and diverse habitat and is home to many wildlife species including the rare red squirrel, brown hare and woodpeckers etc.
Cable Car and Tree Top Footbridge
These grounds are a natural wilderness not a theme park.
Road Safety
Admission Charges
This narrow rural road cannot accommodate existing traffic volumes. Road capacity, access, visibility and effects on pedestrians, cyclists, horse riders and wildlife are being ignored.
This natural wilderness, which is enjoyed by all, will no longer be free.