The public inquiry into the proposed south-eastern motorway in south Co Dublin closed yesterday after eight days of evidence. The motorway scheme, which together with junctions will be just 12 km long, is planned for completion by the year 2003. At an estimated cost of £130 million, it will form the final leg of Dublin's C-ring motorway.
Throughout the eight days representatives of the design consultants M.C. O'Sullivan and Dun Laoghaire Rathdown County Council were questioned by members of more than 70 public and private bodies.
Issues raised ranged from noise and pollution which would be generated by the motorway - particularly in the Sandyford and Leopardstown areas where the road passes close to local housing - to visual intrusion, access and the ecology of the route.
It was acknowledged that the local extinction of the kingfisher and dipper birds as well as otters might take place in the upper reaches of the Shanganagh and Carrickmines rivers.
Visual intrusion was cited as a devastating effect of the motorway in the Carrickmines-M11 interchange where a number of bridges are to be built, including one of six lanes over the scenic Bride's Glen at Loughlinstown. Tunnels under the motorway are to be provided for badgers.
In terms of access and traffic flows, submissions were made by numerous residents' associations as far apart as Blackrock, Rathmichael and Dundrum.
The British embassy, which stands to lose some of the ambassador's garden at Sandyford, said it would not be registering an objection to the scheme.
Submissions were made by the Irish Horse Authority and Leopardstown Club in relation to the loss of the existing six-furlong gallop at the racecourse.
Other corporate bodies affected include Esso Ireland, the ESB, the Legionaries of Christ and Leopardstown Park Hospital.
Throughout the inquiry a number of side meetings were held between legal representatives of objectors and officials of the county council. This resulted in a number of objections being withdrawn before the close. The inquiry findings will now be submitted by the Inspector, Mr L.A. O'Connell, to the Minister for the Environment, who may amend the scheme.