Fingal County Council has delayed plans proposed by Dublin Airport authority, DAA, for a spectator area for aircraft enthusiasts situated near the airport. This comes as the council requests more details regarding DAA’s planning application, which spans a variety of areas including the omission of restrooms from the new viewing station, a decision that the council criticised.
The council’s planner report highlights that the lack of restroom facilities runs counter to principles of universal design and high-quality place-making. The report suggests that options like environmentally-friendly toilets or Portaloos should be considered.
As a part of the proposal, DAA is aiming to establish an elevated viewing platform, complete with a covered structure, seating and tables, as well as amplified parking facilities, adding 22 parking bays.
A report accompanying the application suggests the proposal reflects a key investment into community facilities at Dublin Airport. It is also expected to augment a safer and more inclusive plane-watching experience by offering amenities to spectators. The proposed aircraft viewing point would institutionalize the current unofficial airport vantage point, locally called the Mound.
In its demand for more details on the application, the council welcomes the proposal in theory, considering it a notable upgrade from the status quo. For a complete evaluation of the development, further details on accessibility, public facilities, landscaping, tree preservation, construction, and environmental impact are still required by the council.
The council has asked DAA to rule out alternative sites within its large tract of land where the potential of road conflict could be avoided. Additionally, a request has been made to DAA to conduct a dedicated traffic survey of the adjacent road.
For the council to be convinced that the issue of sporadic parking has been dealt suitably, they believe that the planned provision of 22 automobile parking spaces and 10 bicycle parking spaces is sufficient.