St Catherine's Park is a regional park which spans the Lucan and Leixlip districts with a very small portion in South Dublin lands. A fantastic amenity which attracts visitors from as far as Blanchardstown, Castleknock, Clondalkin, Palmerstown, all of Kildare and Meath. It is developed to a high standard. It has something for everyone, walks through woodlands, along the banks of the river Liffey, a playground, a dog run, a BMX track, cricket, soccer and GAA playing fields. From valley to hills it has everything. Including a diverse wildlife of birds, fish and small mammals, including bats. Leisler's bat is frequently spotted and recorded in all areas of the park. It has achieved a Green Flag status which is no mean feat. As a regional park, It is on a par with the Pheonix park and St Stephen's Green parks in central Dublin.
Unfortunately, Fingal has a planned route going directly through this wonderful facility. This would block access from Kildare. It would bring noise and air pollution. It requires two very major bridges, one spanning the protected Liffey Valley, both reaching invasive heights. This major link road is due to link the N3 with the N4. It would destroy the whole park.
Also, people further along this proposed route living in Ongar, Hansfield and the new development of Barnhill would be adversely affected by this link road with its HGVs avoiding the M50 tariffs.
What a shame to destroy such a wonderful amenity with no regard for people's physical and mental health. This comes at a time when medical doctors are urging people young and old to get active.
It defies logic. read more