In general, I welcome the masterplan as a positive development for the village of Paulstown. Having read and reviewed the draft plan, albeit generic in its presentation and content, I have the following comments;
Settlement Boundary
The determination of the settlement boundary is unclear, particularly the exclusion of lands to south west. Noting that this boundary may not be an item to be considered as part of this masterplan. Attempting to create functional masterplan for the village which excludes the motorway interchange, graveyard, community field and hall, future GAA lands former Garda station (Gowran Road) and sewage works, seems remiss. The study area needs to be defined.
Sustaining Paulstown into the future
The population of Paulstown will decrease over time, due to new housing not being permitted. This is evidenced in school numbers dropping at entry levels and membership of all clubs declining. Paulstown requires investment to enable serviced land to be provided and developed. This investment is line with national policy and will reduce the reliance on one off rural development and direct new housing into the established village, thereby optimising the use of existing facilities and their further enhancement.
Community facilities and amenities
In the interest of clarity, the community hall and pitches host all the clubs within Paulstown including Gaa, Boxing and Soccer. Noting that this facility is a community facility which is heavily dependent on fund raising and grant applications, its relocation elsewhere is not a realistic proposition (Page 51)
Omitted strengths include the playground along with the heavily used footpath loop which surrounds the village and provides a safe all-weather, all-hours amenity used by those from a wider catchment area.
Plan Framework
The plan framework indicates item 6 as a ‘Rail Halt’, this should indicate the footpath around the village which requires completion between the Gowran Road Roundabout and the village centre.
Other observations include:
- To reopen the pedestrian link between the Church on Main Street to the National School
- To enable traffic calming (widened footpaths and cycle paths) through Bothar Bui, the plan should provide for the diversion of HGV through traffic from the Dublin Road and Motorway around the village via the Waterford Road and Motorway link road.
- To improve set down and drop off facilities together with sustainable transport options at the school, via KCC collaboration with the Heath Board and the Department of Education.
Sustaining Paulstown into the future
The population of Paulstown will decrease over time, if new housing continues not to be permitted due to lack of services. This is evidenced in school numbers dropping at entry levels and membership of all clubs. Paulstown requires investment to enable service land to be provided and developed. This will reduce the reliance on one off rural development and direct new housing into an established village, thereby optimising the use of existing facilities and their enhancement.
Implementation
In terms of implementation this table needs to include as an essential priority investment by Uisce Eireann in order to sustain the future of the village and facilitate development. Completion of the footpath by KCC between the Gowran Road roundabout and the village is also a key item.