FAQs

The project relates to a proposed new bridge and associated infrastructure at Druid’s Glen in Cherrywood. The project will be a critical enabler for sustainable development in Cherrywood that will unlock access to lands zoned for development and open a much-needed new strategic connection from the N11 into the heart of Cherrywood. It will help enable the realisation of a balanced and connected transport network that can accommodate Cherrywood’s growth.

Completed in 2023, Phase 1 of the Druid’s Glen Road involved the construction of a major traffic junction onto the N11 between Johnstown Road and the Wyattville Link Road. Phase 2 was completed in 2024 connecting the junction to Lehaunstown Lane. Submissions and observations were invited from the public during the planning application processes for both Phases. Druid’s Glen Road Phase 3 will progress the completed Phases 1 and 2 and will comprise the important final piece of this essential project.

The Druid’s Glen Road Phase 3 is needed to:

• Connect development areas within the Cherrywood SDZ.

• Unlock land for housing and commercial use.

• Improve connectivity between neighbourhoods.

• Improved distribution and balance of traffic throughout Cherrywood by way of opening a direct new access point to Cherrywood lands from the N11.

• Improve access to services like schools, jobs, and recreation.

• Support sustainable transport, including buses, walking and cycling.

• Reduce travel times for all and promote safer travel for pedestrians and cyclists

The proposed bridge will span Carrickmines River and Druid’s Glen Valley and will complete the vehicular and pedestrian/cycle connection between Lehaunstown and the N11. The bridge is expected to have an overall length of approximately 147m. The project also includes approximately 110 metres of new road involving tie in with Phase 2 and a new junction for pedestrian, cyclist and vehicular movement on the southern side of the bridge that will create an important connection point for the completion of Barrington’s Road, which is to be delivered separately as part of the future development of zoned lands.

The Emerging Preferred Concept for the project has been designed to promote the continued use of Lehaunstown Lane for pedestrian and cyclist movement and to facilitate a permitted section of greenway along the Carrickmines River that will cross Lehaunstown Lane as part of the permitted Cherrywood Green Routes Network.

It is considered that the valley setting of the Brennanstown Dolmen (National Monument) was determined to be largely unaffected by all four of the Bridge Design Concept Options. Existing vegetation around the Dolmen is considered to provide sufficient screening of the Bridge Site located approximately 0.5 kilometres to the east of the Dolmen. The Emerging Preferred Design Concept for the Bridge would also be located outside the field of a Protected View associated with Glendruid House (Protected Structure).

A key component of identifying an Emerging Preferred Concept for Druid’s Glen Road Phase 3 was to assess different Vertical Alignment Options before exploring Bridge Concept Design Options. Noting that the horizontal alignment and indicative cross section for the bridge crossing is prescribed under the Cherrywood Planning Scheme (2014, as amended), this was necessary given the differing heights between the north and south side of Druid’s Glen, the area’s geology, the need to comply with technical requirements regarding gradients and the need to consider the impact on zoned lands regarding issues such as access and road frontage.

Firstly, all four bridge design concepts were sense checked against Project Objectives before progressing to a more technical Multi-Criteria Assessment (MCA). For the MCA, Design Options were assessed against a range of issues/criteria that included the following: impacts regarding Visual Impact, Climate Change, Biodiversity including Woodland, Ground Water, Water Courses, Flood Risk, Costs, Maintenance, Buildability and Health and Safety. All options were informed by objectives contained in the Cherrywood Planning Scheme (2014, as amended). The Emerging Preferred Concept Consultation Document (July 2025) and the Final Options Appraisal Report (Barry Transportation/Egis, 2025) outlines the results of this analysis and presents the Emerging Preferred Bridge Design Concept together with a series of concept plans, elevations and cross-sections for all options that were used to help inform the decision-making process.

The bridge route will pass through the Druid’s Glen Buffer as well as one of the Primary Ecological Corridors within Cherrywood, which includes woodland and riparian habitats. Another key consideration is impact on Surface Water features, Groundwater resources and Flood Risk Zones. These factors require an engineering solution involving an elevated road crossing that will sensitively cross the terrain while minimising disruption to the environment, ecology, green infrastructure and the visual setting for architectural and archaeological heritage. It is within this context that the Emerging Preferred Concept has been informed by Objectives contained in the Cherrywood Planning Scheme, which seek to:

• Minimise disturbance to the Druid’s Glen Valley, retain woodland, retain ecological corridors, prevent water pollution, and protect riparian habitats etc.

• Protect the setting and views from Glendruid House (Protected Structure); and

• Preserve the Valley setting of Brennanstown Dolmen (Recorded and National Monument).

Option 3 was considered the best because it is:

• A slender, unobtrusive design suitable for the valley site.

• A three-span form with a reduced footprint on the Druid’s Glen Valley floor with the potential. for a reduced impact on ecology, ground water, the Carrickmines River and flood risk.

• Avoids visually heavy elements like tall pylons or arches.

• Simple in form, promoting ease of maintenance.

• In adherence to safety, environmental, and design requirements.

• Technically simple and fast to build.

• Cost-effective, both to build and maintain.

A full Tree Impact Assessment will be carried out at the next stage of the project and will inform a more detailed planning application proposal. It is envisaged that any loss of existing trees and vegetation from the Druid’s Glen will be addressed and mitigated at that stage of the project.

There are a small number of landowners directly affected by the bridge project. As the project progresses, DLR will discuss any additional land requirements with directly affected landowners.

The current non-statutory consultation, which is open from 15th July to 28th August, seeks to provide details around the process of identifying the Selected Vertical Alignment and the Emerging Preferred Bridge Design Concept for Druid's Glen Road Phase 3 and seeks feedback on such before progressing to a Preliminary Design.  There is a webinar and Drop-In event planned as part of the consultation – Go to Dún Laoghaire Rathdown County Council’s Citizen Space website for more details, to partake in a survey and to get details on how to make a submission by email or post.

Feedback from this consultation will help shape and inform a preliminary design/planning proposal for the project, which Dún Laoghaire-Rathdown County Council intend to submit to An Coimisiún Pleanála in late 2026. The public will also have a chance to engage further on the project and make a submission on the preliminary design when it has been submitted for planning approval.

Upon initial investigation of the Emerging Preferred Concept, it is apparent that the project is likely to exceed a threshold under Roads Legislation with regard to the need to carry out an Environmental Impact Assessment Report and to apply to An Coimisiún Pleanála for planning permission. The Preliminary Design at the next stage of the project will help confirm this. A comprehensive range of seasonal ecological surveys are currently ongoing and will inform the Environmental Impact Assessment, Ecological Impact Assessment and Appropriate Assessment processes that will run parallel to the next stage of the project and inform a more detailed planning application proposal.

Construction is currently planned to begin in 2029. Other steps required in the meantime after the non-statutory consultation include: Preliminary Design; Statutory Approval; Detailed Design & Pre-Tender; Tender Evaluation and Award.