STUDY AREA
Glenasmole/Bohernabreena Housing and Planning Study
2.0
Study Area
2.1
Extent
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The Study Area boundaries are shown on Figure 2. The area is located approximately 15km south west of Dublin city centre, on the fringes of the built up area of Tallaght and extends from Bohernabreena Cottages to Glenasmole Lodge, Castlekelly, and from Newtown Lane, Friarstown, to Vance’s Lane, Ballinascorney Upper.
2.2
Description
The Glenasmole valley lies at the northern extremity of the Dublin and Wicklow Mountains. The River Dodder, rises in the uplands near Kippure and flows through the Valley and northwards into Dublin. The area is picturesque and historic. The landscape includes open peatland in the uplands and small agricultural holdings in the lowlands. Hill farming and forestry contribute to the variation in views, while the river valley and lakes contribute to the tranquillity of the area. A discontinued landfill site at Friarstown lies at the northern edge of the valley. In the Study Area the River Dodder has been impounded to form two reservoirs comprising the upper and lower reservoirs at Glenasmole. These are both operated by Dublin City Council. The upper reservoir is used to provide a water supply for human consumption and is of strategic importance to the overall supply of water for Dublin City and County. The Study Area is also home to a rural community of approximately 700 persons who comprise a close-knit community with a strong sense of identity. The community includes families which have lived in the valley for a number of generations. Despite the proximity of the expanding suburbs, agriculture and other rural activities are still of importance. The area is also used extensively by residents of the city for passive recreation.
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Figure 2 : Study Area - Local Context
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