Protecting the heritage, biodiversity and character of old Finglas
Scribblestown Lane is more than a road. It is part of the last remaining rural landscape of old Finglas, an important connection to the area's history and a valuable green corridor supporting local wildlife and biodiversity.
As Fingal County Council progresses its plans for a major new development at Dunsink, Scribblestown Lane must be protected from the damaging effects of road widening, increased traffic and construction activity.
A rural lane under threat
Earlier proposals for the Dunsink Urban Area Plan raised serious concerns about using Scribblestown Lane as a major access route. Widening the lane to accommodate increased traffic could fundamentally change its character, remove established hedgerows and trees, damage wildlife habitats and bring an urban road infrastructure into one of the last remaining pieces of rural old Finglas. So much of the history of Finglas has been bulldozed and it’s important to protect the last pieces of rural Finglas.
There are also concerns that widening the lane could require the loss of land from Tolka Valley Park and the destruction of existing housing in Scribblestown Lane and Scribblestown Housing Estate.
Protecting biodiversity and our natural heritage
Scribblestown Lane forms part of a wider landscape of hedgerows, trees, green spaces and wildlife habitats. These features provide shelter and food for wildlife and help connect habitats across the area, including those associated with Tolka Valley Park, which is Dublin's third most biodiverse park.
Once mature hedgerows, established trees and historic rural landscapes are destroyed, they cannot simply be replaced. Protecting these features is essential to preserving the area's biodiversity and its distinctive local character.
Housing must not come at the expense of existing communities
We support the delivery of much-needed housing at Dunsink. However, new homes must be planned responsibly, with appropriate infrastructure and access routes that do not place an unfair burden on neighbouring communities.
Directing substantial additional traffic onto Scribblestown Lane and the already constrained Ratoath Road risks creating serious problems for Finglas and Cabra. The impact of construction traffic, road widening and additional vehicle movements must be assessed across the wider road network, not considered in isolation.
Fingal County Council must work with Dublin City Council to identify sustainable transport solutions that protect existing communities, green spaces and local heritage.
What we are calling for
Protect Scribblestown Lane's rural character and prevent unnecessary road widening that would destroy its historic landscape.
Safeguard hedgerows, mature trees and wildlife habitats that contribute to the area's biodiversity.
Protect Tolka Valley Park from the loss of land and green space associated with road expansion.
Prevent inappropriate construction traffic routes that would damage the lane and place additional pressure on local residential roads.
Require a transparent assessment of traffic and environmental impacts before decisions are made about access to the Dunsink development.
Ensure Finglas and Cabra are properly represented in decisions that could permanently change their communities.
We believe Dunsink can provide much-needed homes without sacrificing the natural heritage and rural character that remain around it.
Scribblestown Lane should not become the price paid by existing communities for a development of this scale.
Protect Scribblestown Lane. Protect old Finglas. Plan Dunsink responsibly.
