The Liffey Valley
Park Alliance
The Liffey Valley Park Alliance - Who are we?
The
Liffey Valley Park
Alliance, (LVPA), is a federation of
local and national organisations which was formed in 2000 to press for
the conservation of the valley. Community groups from:
- Chapelizod,
- Palmerstown,
- Strawberry Beds,
- Dublin 15,
- Lucan,
- Leixlip,
- Celbridge,
- Straffan and Clane,
together with a number of national organisations such as An Taisce and The Irish Wildbird Conservancy / Birdwatch Ireland are all members of the coalition.
What are we about? The Alliance sees the valley as a vital green lung for the burgeoning new communities of West Dublin and North Kildare and as part of the national heritage. The Alliance reflects the growing concern that for too long there has been inadequate recognition of its recreational and tourism potential; rather it is suffering encroachment from residential and commercial development as the city spreads westwards.
The precedent for the concept of the proposed park which would be composed of public, institutional and private land has already been successfully achieved in the Lagan Valley between Belfast and Lisburn.
The Proposed Liffey Valley Park
The location and quality of the landscape make the valley a natural site for a park and its position make it and ideal resource for all of the Greater Dublin Area in particular, encompassing the ever extending boundaries of Dublin and the adjacent counties of Kildare and Meath. The LVPA have proposed a definition for the park, which stretches from the Phoenix Park to Straffan in Co. Kildare and beyond, and is shown on the map below.
This definition of the park would encompass public, institutional and private lands, and define an area to be protected from unsympathetic and inappropriate development which could compromise the valley forever.
A portion of the park is already protected by a Special Amenity Area Order,(SAA)), which means it enjoys a zoning with very special protection, but this area is very limited. Additionally, the effective lack of protection for the lands adjoining this Special Amenity Area really compromises it, as they are vulnerable to unscrupulous re-zoning proposals and development - such as was the case for the recent scandalous proposal for the lands at St Edmundsbury in Lucan. ( Read more about this under proflo The Threats ).
As indicated earlier above, the model of the Lagan Valley Park in Northern Ireland has demonstrated how the LVPA's proposals for a Liffey Valley Park can be achieved - if there is a will - in particular if there is a political will - which is ultimately down to the pressure we as individuals put on politicians.
The Liffey Valley is, above all else, a dramatic and beautiful landscape. The recreational amenities which it already provides, and the further opportunities that it could provide, are invaluable and irreplaceable. There is a wealth of plant, animal and bird life in the valley to further enhance the visual splendor of the physical landscape and the recreational richness provided, all changing with each season.
A Liffey Valley Park - Realising the Dream - and what can you do to help?
Every one of us can play a part in ensuring that this priceless heritage is conserved for future generations.
We can do so by :
- Exploring the area and making use of the facilities which are available to the public ( check out details under the Overview Menu )
- Actively lobby our public representatives both at Council and Government level to ensure its conservation through their support for the proposed park. Make it an issue on your doorstep, through your emails and letters to public representatives.
- Council Level Focus
- At no cost to the public purse, the local authorities have the power through zoning in their county development plans to prevent further residential development from encroaching on the valley. The Councilors you elect vote on these matters and on any proposed rezoning initiatives outside the County Development Plan - like the latest threat currently for the valley at St. Edmundsbury in Lucan.
- Goverment Level Focus
- It requires the Government to put in place the legislative and administrative structures necessary for the County Councils of Dublin City, in particular South Dublin, Fingal and also that of Kildare to establish and administer a Liffey Valley Park.
- Please engage with us in lobbying for protection for your valley.
- Keep an eye on our home page for updates of events and actions.
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