When I first became a TD for Dublin South, one of my main objectives was to develop the Dublin Mountains as a recreational resource for the city.
Therefore, six years ago I set up the first meeting with Dun Laoghaire Rathdown and South Dublin Councils, Coillte and a number of other interested parties to see how we could coordinate the work that everyone was doing in this area. This eventually led to the creation of the Dublin Mountains Partnership which is doing tremendous work in developing the mountains for recreational purposes.
Over the summer, the Dublin Mountaineer Bus ran a very successful service from the Luas in Sandyford and Tallaght around the mountains via Glencullen and Kilakee, and back again.
The service finished on October 3rd, and I am pushing for it to be resumed and extended next year.
A lot of work has been done to improve the trails, mountain access routes, signage and maps of the area to facilitate hiking, walking, orienteering, mountain biking, running, conservation projects and a range of events and activities for all the family.
The Partnership is currently consulting with interested parties to find out how the facilities can be continually improved. Representations can be made on their website.
As well as this, they are seeking Volunteer Rangers for early next year, running and Adopt-a-Trail Programme and have introduced 8 km of new cycle trails at Ticknock.
You can find out what is happening at www.dublinmountains.ie or by calling 01 2011187.
