NOTIFICATION TO ATTEND MONTHLY MEETING OF THE SOUTH EAST AREA COMMITTEE TO BE HELD IN THE COUNCIL CHAMBER, CITY HALL, DUBLIN 2 ON MONDAY

Transcription

1 NOTIFICATION TO ATTEND MONTHLY MEETING OF THE SOUTH EAST AREA COMMITTEE TO BE HELD IN THE COUNCIL CHAMBER, CITY HALL, DUBLIN 2 ON MONDAY 11 th FEBRUARY 2013 AT 3.00pm TO EACH MEMBER OF THE SOUTH EAST AREA COMMITTEE You are hereby notified to attend the monthly meeting of the above Committee to be held in the Council Chamber, City Hall, Dublin 2 on Monday 11 th FEBRUARY 2013 at 3pm to deal with the items on the agenda attached herewith. Tony Flynn Area Manager Dated this 6 th February 2013 Contact Persons: Fiona O Brien, June Nugent, Block 2, Floor 4, Civic Offices, Dublin 8. Tel: , 5164 Fax: fiona.obrien@dublincity.ie june.nugent@dublincity.ie Page 1

2 1144. Presentation on Dubline and Bernardo Square Presentation on the Southside Traffic Management to facilitate Luas Broombridge Presentation on Part VIII Application for proposed refurbishment of Crampton Buildings Minutes of the meeting held on the 14 th January 2013 (pages 8-25) Questions to the City Manager (pages 33 38) Planning Matters i. Application Number: 2016/13 Application Type: Permission Applicant: Bryan Cullen Location: Lands at Sandymount Castle Park, Sandymount, Dublin 4. Proposal: Demolition of an existing 2-storey habitable dwelling(150m2) and the provision of 27 no. residential units (10 no. 3-bed houses; 7 no. 2-bed and 1 no. 3-bed apartments; 9 no. 4-bed duplexes) in 3 no. terraces (3544.8m2 total development): Terrace 01 consists of 5 no. 3-bed 2 storey plus attic space houses (905.5m2 total) each with private rear gardens; Terrace 03 consists of 7 no. 2-bed and 1 no. 3-bed ground level apartments with 9 no. 4-bed duplexes over in a 3- storey terrace (1876.2m2 total) each with private balcony / terrace; Terrace 02 consists of 5 no. 3-bed 2-storey plus attic space houses (763.1m2 total) each with private rear gardens; 37 no. surface car parking spaces; 2 no. refuse bin enclosures; 17 no. bicycle parking spaces at surface in a covered stand; site access improvement works, boundary treatment, landscape works, lighting and all ancillary site development works; all on a 0.51 hectare site at Sandymount Castle Park, Gilford Road, Dublin 4. ii. Quarterly Enforcement Report October to December 2012 (page 26) Roads & Traffic Matters i. Minutes of the Traffic Advisory Group held on 24 th January 2013 (enclosed). ii. Road Maintenance Division 2013 Works Programme (pages 27 28) Development Matters i. Proposed disposal of the Council s leasehold interest in No. 3 South Great Georges Street, Dublin 2 (page 29). Page 2

3 1152. South East Area Matters i. Area Manager s Report (pages 30 32). Page 3

4 Motions Motion from Councillor Dermot Lacey This committee requests the Manager to report if the cleansing of Belgrave Square can be improved in line with the suggestions contained below and circulated with this motion Motion from Councillor Kieran Binchy Further to my repeated questions regarding the overgrowth in the area under the control of Irish Rail at Holyrood Park, Dublin 4, and the further reports of significant dumping into the overgrowth area, I would like to thank the Parks section for the work it has done on the road, and ask the manager to report on what channels or mechanisms are in place to ensure that Irish Rail maintain their public areas, what communication has taken place with Irish Rail to date on this matter, and why has there been no progress Motion from Councillor Kieran Binchy To ask the Manager for a full report on the recent changes to parking on Arnott Street, Portobello, including the reasons for the change and an account of the consultation with residents and councillors that took place before the change was introduced Motion from Councillor Kieran Binchy That this committee calls on Greyhound to reverse its decision to charge domestic customers for its recycling bag, thereby introducing a significant charge to customers for recycling, which flies in the face of all sensible environmental policy, and also calls on the company to increase the availability of its tags for normal waste as it is unfair to expect people, especially the elderly, to have to walk significant distances to buy tags Motion from Councillor Dermot Lacey To ask the Traffic Advisory Group to examine the potential dangers to pedestrians due to congestion at the junction of Leeson Street Bridge and Adelaide Road and if the erection of a barrier would ease the problem and / or propose alternative measures to deal with a potential problem caused by motorists being forced onto the footpath at that point due to other motorists cutting across from the outer lane Motion from Councillor Mary Freehill That a pilot scheme be established asking for co-operation of residents to their move cars to facilitate street cleaning on individual roads. That this pilot be tried out in the Belgrave area through the co-operation of the Belgrave Residents Association. It will also be necessary to adopt a flexible approach to disc parking holders for the area to allow them park in surrounding roads on the cleaning day. It is agreed that the pilot will be evaluated after a period of one year Motion from Councillor Mary Freehill That the street parking times which are up to 24 hrs on Upper Rathmines Road revert to 7 to 19 hrs to synchronise with the parking times from Post Office up to Church Avenue and also with the shopping area known as Cowper village on Upper Rathmines Road. Page 4

5 1160. Motion from Councillor Kieran Binchy To ask the Manager for a full report on the planning and management issues surrounding the Camden Hall Hostel as a homeless hostel, what consultation occurred with the local community and councillors before the decision was taken to turn it into homeless hostel Motion from Councillor Paddy McCartan To ask the Manager to deal with the issue of Lime trees on Cambridge Road, Rathmines, as they have grown exponentially over the last number of years and are in urgent need of trimming Motion from Councillor Dermot Lacey To ask the Manager if he can update the committee on what measures are being planned to deal with flooding concerns at the Newgrove Avenue / Strand Road area of Sandymount as illustrated in the extract submitted with this question: From the corner of Newgrove Avenue, Sandymount along Strand Road residents are concerned to mitigate future flood damage to their homes having experienced a lot of damage there a few years ago when high tides washed through the then opes in the sea wall at the top of our road. The Council have blocked up the opes in the section of sea wall that would have exposed residents to much more flooding subsequently had they not been filled in. The Council also raised the level of the footpath on Newgrove Avenue subsequently, which may have since prevented some water being pushed in our direction by passing buses etc.) Sea water has come in through the back door of 25 Newgrove Avenue via a laneway running to the back of the house from Strand Road. Also, much more significantly, the seawater came up through the downstairs bathroom fittings in that house when it surged through the sewage system at the top of one side of Newgrove Avenue. The flood waters were over a foot high throughout the lower level of the house which is an 1830s one storey over basement terrace building. Residents did have flood insurance then. They have steel temporary flood barriers on order now as do new neighbours in no. 23 whose house was flooded a second time last year via the downstairs bathroom fittings / and the sewage system on the street again. Huge damage was done there which took thousands to put right. There is no effective way they can address the sewage system risk however. What is planned by the Council for this road other than flood warnings and deploying sandbags at times of high risk? Is the Manager aware of the issue here at this stage in terms of the sewers and generally if they have any plans to address matters in terms of the low sea wall etc.? Motion from Councillor Dermot Lacey To ask the Manager if he will arrange for the works detailed below and relating to drains on Newgrove Avenue, Sandymount, Dublin 4 just at the bus stop used by the trainees and staff in the Rehab Institute to be undertaken. Every time there is a significant spill of rain this drain overflows and leaves a huge puddle the bus passengers have to wade through to get on or off the bus. Many of the bus Page 5

6 passengers who have to constantly wade through these huge puddles are Rehab trainees who have significant physical difficulties either because of impaired sight or the need to use walking aids. This is the only drain on the road where this overflow happens consistently Motion from Councillor Jim O Callaghan This committee calls on the City Manager to reinstate public bins in Ranelagh and to clean the footpaths and main Ranelagh Road on a more frequent basis Motion from Councillor Mary Freehill Would the Manager please explain why the Law Department did not respond to the request regarding leaseholders on Belgrave Square? Furthermore would you please clarify the current ground ownership of the square? Motion from Councillor Mary Freehill To facilitate the residents of Richmond Hill and Lr Mount Pleasant Ave. that the Traffic Engineers assess the on street parking needs for both roads so that the Planning Department can be properly briefed before allowing off street parking on either roads in future Motion from Councillor Paddy McCartan Given that the current signage in relation to dog fouling is not achieving its objective, that a new approach be adopted. In future signage should appeal to individual's civic pride e.g. "Dog Owners: Show Respect for this Area" Motion from Councillor Mannix Flynn That this committee is gravely concerned with the contents of the recent report into drugs task force and the concerns within that report with regards financial management and governance and that this committee calls for a full audited report to be carried out on all South East Area Drug Task Force projects and intiatives to ensure confidence within the public and best practice Motion from Councillor Mannix Flynn That this committee calls on DCC to promote the reinstatement of the historical building at 39 Camden Street Lower. This building was recently damaged by a fire. The building was part of the historical cultural legacy in that this was where Fianna Eireann was founded by Countess Markievitcz. The building was also associated with the founding of the Abbey Theatre and has many connections to the events of Also, that this committee views with concern, the intention to put a gaming arcade on this site. There are many schools in this area and many social housing complexes. There are many homeless hostels in this area also and emergency shelter accomodation. Also there is a resident population within this area. Concerns have been expressed by many in the community with regard the intended use of this new development notwithstanding the fact of the loss of a unique heritage site and location Motion from Councillor Jim O Callaghan This committee calls on the City Manager to take the necessary steps required to ensure that the plaza at the back of Swan Fitness, Williams Place, Rathmines is made safe for the children from St. Louis Primary School who play in the plaza. The City Manager should also see whether further seating can be installed at the back of Swan Fitness in order to restrict children from running onto the steel grill at the back Page 6

7 of the fitness centre Motion from Councillor Jim O Callaghan This area committee is concerned about the ongoing free for all in the Dublin bin collection sector; and believes that some measures or byelaws should be introduced to prohibit bin collectors from using bins of particulars colours or bearing distinctive advertising beneficial to that company Motion from Councillor Mary Freehill That the Traffic Deptartment prepare a report on strategies to alleviate the traffic back up problems at Terenure Cross including Templeogue Road and Terenure Road West junction. As part of the examination that consideration be given to a roundabout by a CPO on part of the building jutting out between Templeogue and Terenure Roads West Motion from Councillor Maria Parodi To ask the Manager to investigate and establish measures to address the issue of dog fouling in Pearse House Motion from Councillor Maria Parodi That this committee asks the Manager to take into consideration the views of local residents with regards to applications for licences including Green Zone proposals. Page 7

8 SOUTH EAST AREA COMMITTEE COISTE CHEANTAR AN OIRDHEISCIRT MINUTES OF MEETING HELD ON 14 th JANUARY 2013 ORDUITHE A DEINEADH AN COISTE 14 th EANAIR Presentation on Dublin Age - Friendly City Programme. Order: Noted Presentation of Aungier Street Study by Nicola Matthews and Susan Roundtree. Order: Noted Minutes of the Meeting held 10 th December Order: Agreed Questions to the City Manager. Order: Circulated and noted Development Matters. i. With reference to the proposed disposal of fee simple in the premises No. 10 Wexford Street, Dublin 2. Order: Agreed to recommend to City Council. ii. Derelict Sites Quarterly Report. Order: Noted. iii. Deletion from the Record of Protected Structures of Nos. 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8 & 9 Temple Place. This item was not on the agenda, as it was already agreed to recommend to the City Council in July Order: Noted Culture Recreation and Amenity Matters. i. Sport & Leisure Services Quarterly Report September to November Order: Noted. Cllr. Lacey requested a report on the Astro Turf pitch in Herbert Park. Cllr. Flynn asked for DCC Sports Department to liaise with Sports Against Racism In Ireland (SARI). ii. iii. Tree surveys in South East Area Parks. Order: Noted. Review of gate opening in Herbert Park. Order: Agreed. Proposed by Cllr. Lacey. Seconded by Cllr. McCartan. Page 8

9 1123. Roads & Traffic Matters. i Minutes of the Traffic Advisory Group held on 20/12/2012 (enclosed). Order: Noted South East Area Matters. i. Area Managers Report. Flood Fora Order: Councillors to be included in the Flood Resilience Group. Grafton Street Quarter Order: Cllr. Flynn to contact the Project Manager for update. Crampton Buildings Order: It is proposed to present an updated report to Councillors within the next two weeks. Cleaning of villages Order: Noted. Ringsend to be included if the scheme is continued in Dog litter in the South East Area Order: Parks & Landscapes Services Division to be contacted re Dartry Park, Belgrave Square and Mount Pleasant Square. Established school routes to be prioritised in dog litter cleaning rota. Report on the effectiveness of the pilot anti-dog fouling campaign to be given to the Councillors. Dartmouth Square Order: Noted. DCC and local residents commended for their work. The Dubline Dublin Discovery Trail Order: Manager to revert with time frame for completion. Anglesea Road Former Public Toilets Order: No decision will be taken on the future use of the site without consultation with the Councillors. A report will be presented to the South East Area Committee when expressions of interest for the future use of the site have been received. Palmerston Park Order: Time frame for the completion of the works to be given to the Cllr. Freehill. Page 9

10 Grand Canal Sub Group Order: The date of the next meeting of the Grand Canal Sub Group will be forwarded to Cllr. Freehill. Community Grants Scheme Order: An update will be sent to Cllr. Flynn. The Gathering Order: An update on the groups assisted by DCC Community Development Section with their application will be sent to Cllr. Lacey. Christmas Tree Lighting Ceremonies Order: Councillors commended the work of the South East Area Office Community Development staff. Friends of Green Spaces Order: The Community Development Section will consider extending the scheme to other flat complexes in the South East Area. Matters arising Order: A meeting is to be arranged with the Herbert Park Users Group. A letter of condolence is to be sent to the family of the late Catherine Cavendish. The South East Area Office to contact Wong s Restaurant in Ranelagh to offer advise in the aftermath of the fire at their premises. Motions Motion from Councillor Dermot Lacey (deferred from December meeting) This Committee seeks to assert the Right of Way across the pathway/boulevard from Ballsbridge past the hotel and into Herbert Park and requests that all and any actions required to assert this are taken. Order: Report to Councllor Motion from Councillor Dermot Lacey This Committee agrees to discuss how we can seriously tackle the issue of dog dirt in the City Council area and Dublin South East in particular and takes note of the information submitted with this motion and circulated to Councillors. Order: Taken in conjunction with motion Agreed. The issue of dog fouling to be included in the Area Manager s Report Motion from Councillor Dermot Lacey This Committee requests a report from the Regional Drugs Task Force covering our area on what measures have been taken in Dublin South East covered by it since the 2009 Local Elections. Order: Report to Councillor. Page 10

11 1128. Motion from Councillor Oisin Quinn This Committee calls on the Manager to commence the process of adding the old chapel, known as Cuisle, at St Louis Girl's Secondary school to the record of protected structures. Order: Agreed Motion from Councillor Oisin Quinn This Committee calls on the Manager to review the adequacy of the Council's response to the continuing nuisance, problem and health hazard caused by dog fouling on footpaths and public greenspaces and parks and to set out what staff and resources are currently deployed to tackle this problem and what additional options are open to the Council to counteract it. Order: Taken in conjuction with item Agreed Motion from Councillor Dermot Lacey To ask the Manager if he will examine the location of the containers along Sandymount Strand promenade and relocate them to a more sensitive and visually unobtrusive location within the same general vicinity. Order: Report to Councillor Motion from Councillor Dermot Lacey To ask the Manager if he will again attempt to contact the owner of the Martello Tower at Sandymount Strand with a view to initiating discussions about its future use. Order: Agreed Motion from Councillor Jim O Callaghan This committee condemns the categorisation by the government of many houses in the south east area as Mansions and regards the said categorisation as a populist attempt by sections of the government to introduce class politics into our political discourse. Order: Motion defeated 7:2 with 1 abstention Motion from Councillor Mary Freehill That Waste Management take action on over flowing bins and plastic bags left out permanently in Grove Park and Grove Road Harold's Cross end and corner of Harold's Cross Road. Order: Report to Councillor Motion from Councillor Mannix Flynn That this committee initiate the proceedures wherby an appropriate memorial stone be laid in the Temple Bar Area in the vacinity of the Temple Bar Pub in honour and memory of the late Mr Hugh O Regan. Hugh O Regan was one of the main instigators of Temple Bar renewal and development, his inspiration, vision, drive and commitment encouraged many to progress the cultural and business quarter to the position it now holds. Order: Report to Councillor. Guidelines and initiation process to be forwarded to the Councillor. Page 11

12 1135. Motion from Councillor Paddy McCartan To ask the Manager if a section of the Irish Glass Bottle site at Ringsend could be used as an over flow car park on match days at Aviva Stadium? The local gardaí would be very supportive of this but have indicated that insurance could be a stumbling block. Given that the site is under the control of Nama, will the Manager raise this issue with them and report back to this committee? Order: Agreed Motion from Councillor Paddy McCartan To ask the Manager to supply the following information to this committee on the Poolbeg Project: (a) Who is the Project Engineer, and who does he report to? (b) Who reviewed the Project Engineer's decisions to certify expenditure? (c) Who has been appointed as Client Representative for the construction and commissioning phase of the project? Order: Report to Councillor Motion from Councillor Mary Freehill That the Traffic Engineer gives us a report on any plans to narrow or change the entrance at Scoil Lios Na Nog on Oakley Road, furthermore if this is so what consideration was given to the turning space for the lane and residents opposite this opening? This committee therefore resolves that no work commences on this site until consultation takes place with residents who would be affected to find a resolution that will allow easy access and egress. Order: Report to Councillor Motion from Councillor Mary Freehill That the Environmental Officer advises supermarkets on the appropriate type of biodegradable bin liners for brown bins. Currently it is impossible to purchase these liners and when I enquired I found that some shops no longer stock them because they found that customers believe the type of biodegradable liner on sale, is not appropriate for Greyhound Bins. Therefore this committee resolves that DCC provides leadership and clear information to ensure the supply of these liners. Order: Report to Councillor. Information on specification of bin liner to be forwarded to the Councillors Motion from Councillor Kieran Binchy To ask the manager for a progress report on the issue of the protection from destruction of the historic gravestones in the Cabbage Patch. Order: Report to Councillor Motion from Councillor Kieran Binchy To ask the manager for a report on the proposed sites for the expansion of the dublinbikes scheme, which is of particular interest in the South East Area. Order: Report to Councillor. Cllr. Binchy asked that Councillors be contacted before sites are agreed. Cllr. Wynne asked for Rathgar and Trinity Hall, Dartry Road to be added Motion from Councillor Kieran Binchy To ask the Manager to examine the feasibility of pedestrianising Foster Place, Dublin 2, for example during the day or on weekends, or of using it as a market or as a park. Order: Report to Councillor Motion from Councillor Kieran Binchy To ask the manager to introduce a 30km an hour zone in Sandymount Village. Order: Report to Councillor. Page 12

13 1143. Motion from Councillor Kieran Binchy To ask the Manager to publish the Jacob's report into flooding. Order: Report to Councillor. Cllr. Kieran Binchy Chairperson Dated 14 th January 2013 Attendance Non Members. Bernard McDonald, Aging Well Network. Members Councillor K. Binchy (in the chair). Councillors D. Lacey, P. McCartan, M. Freehill, G. Ashe, E. Wynne, M. Parodi, M. Flynn, O. Quinn and J. O Callaghan. Officials T. Flynn, Area Manager, South East Area. F. Lambe. Assistant Area Manager, South East Area. G. Gorman, Assistant Area Manager, South East Area. S. Dunne, Administrative Officer, South East Area. P. McCann, Administrative Officer, South East Area. E. Martin, Housing Manager, South East Area. S. Roundtree, Senior Architect. City Architect s. N. Matthews, Conservation Architect. City Architect s. H. Fahey, Administrative Officer, Social Inclusion. P. Crowe, Senior Staff Officer, Development. P. Hyde, Senior Planner, Development Department. Ml. Noonan, Senior Executive Parks Superintendent, Parks Department. K. McGlynn, Senior Executive Engineer, Roads & Traffic, J. Cryan, Assistant Engineer, Roads & Traffic. D. Brennan, Assistant Engineer, Roads & Traffic. E. Walsh, Assistant Engineer, Roads & Traffic. F. O Brien, Staff Officer, South East Area. M. Ginnetty, Assistant Staff Officer, South East Area. J. Nugent, Assistant Staff Officer, South East Area. Page 13

14 QUESTIONS TO DUBLIN CITY MANAGER SOUTH EAST AREA COMMITTEE MEETING, 14 th JANUARY 2013 Q1. Councillor Edie Wynne To ask the Manager to explore the viability of hanging a flag pole outside Rathmines College, Town Hall, Rathmines Road and also to secure some location signs indicating the location of Rathmines College, similar to signs indicating other schools in the locality. The erection of a flag pole outside a premises requires planning permission unless it is a single flagstaff fixed in an upright position on the roof of a premises and which bears only the name or logo of the premises. Regarding directional signage to Rathmines College, it is suggested that signage similar to that used for the new wayfinding scheme in the city centre would be the preferred form of signage as it is of high quality and durable. The provision of such signage may be considered subject to funding being made available to extend the city centre scheme. Q2. Councillor Gerry Ashe To ask the Manager when the flood gate on the Dodder River between Bath Avenue and Lansdowne Road will be replaced, as it has been missing for nearly a year. This gate location is at the highest ground level of all floodgates installed to date, a ground level of 3.8m Malin. The gate insert was stolen by vandals and a replacement is being procured. In the interim sandbags are deployed when required to provide a full flood protection at this location. Q3. Councillor Gerry Ashe To ask the Manager to investigate the problems to residents caused by *details supplied and to ensure that measures are put in place to ensure that they do not reoccur. The Events Section in Dublin City Council received an Event Management Plan on behalf (details supplied) to host the animation of the approach roads to the Aviva Stadium for the Autumn International Rugby Season. The first international match took place on 10 th November As part of the event liaison process, the Event Management Plan was circulated to all relevant internal and external agency stakeholders for their comments. If any comments are received from these stakeholders, they are forwarded to the event organiser for their immediate attention and a revised EMP is requested taking into account any issues raised, before final approval is granted. In this case, confirmation was given by the Event Organiser that businesses and residents had been consulted and that noise levels would be kept to a minimum. Final approval was granted subject to compliance with conditions outlined in the letter of approval. The EMP must include all elements of the proposed activity so that an informed decision can be made, and consideration given to potential issues that might arise, in advance of the event. The EMP for this event on the 10 th November 2012 stated that the bands were jazz bands (and not rock bands playing loud music). The Event Company was advised that the location was a residential area and noise levels should be kept to a minimum. Page 14

15 Applications for events are dealt with on an event by event basis, if problems arise, approval may not be granted for similar activity if they wish to apply again for future events. In this case the company was notified that approval would not be granted for the music / bands elements of their proposal as they had breached their conditions for the previous event. The international rugby season event held on the 24 th November 2012 went off satisfactorily and did not include any loud amplified music from bands and no complaints were received. We are conscious that while it is important to promote events and encourage vibrancy around key sporting occasions in Dublin City, it is also important to ensure that such activity does not unreasonably interfere with residents and local businesses we endeavour to achieve the right balance for everyone. Q4. Councillor Gerry Ashe To ask the manager to arrange to have the exposed pipe on the property of *details supplied reburied and to have any gaps in the pathway to the house filled. This location will be examined and a full report will issue to the Councillor within the next two weeks. Q5. Councillor Gerry Ashe To ask the Manager to arrange to have the windows in the front of *details supplied replaced at the same time as the work to replace the windows in the rear is being carried out. The Area Maintenance Officer has confirmed that an order has been placed with our Joinery Workshop for new timber double-glazed windows for the front of this dwelling. These will be fitted when the new windows for the back of the dwelling are being fitted. Due to the volume of orders currently on hand it is not possible to give a timeframe for installation at this stage. Q6. Councillor Dermot Lacey To ask the Manager if he will clarify the current stage of the process to have the former Chapel building (now called Cuisle) on the St. Louis School Rathmines included on the list of protected structures. The current stage of the process is that the building has been visited and photographed by the Conservation Section and at present the history and architectural influences of this 1964 church building are being researched. The former chapel will be examined in the context of other chapels / churches of the period to establish if it has any special characteristics which would give it regional status and thereby warrant its addition to the RPS. If it is decided to add it to the RPS, the former chapel will be brought before the SEAC to initiate the process of addition. Q7. Councillor Dermot Lacey To ask the Manager if he could investigate this alleged case of the DSP clamping "service" not responding at Estate Cottages, Ballsbridge (details supplied). The main objective of parking enforcement in Dublin City is to keep traffic flowing freely and to ensure a regular turnover of parking spaces within the City. Priority is Page 15

16 given to enforcing parking offences in bus lanes / clearways, dangerous parking, vehicles causing obstructions, loading bays, taxi ranks and non display of a valid parking ticket. Dublin Street Parking Services attended the location referred to above on both the 11 th and 19 th of December. In both instances the vehicle was parked on the dished entrance to the property at the end of a cul-de-sac and was not causing an obstruction to other traffic or pedestrians. A vehicle parked at this location would only be enforced on foot of a written complaint from the resident that access / egress to his / her property is being obstructed. Q8. Councillor Dermot Lacey To ask the Manager if he will arrange for the Traffic Engineer or relevant other staff member to meet with the resident named in the correspondence submitted with this question relating to parking / traffic problems on Oakley Road with a view to reaching an agreement that is appropriate for residents and recognizing the fact that there are two schools located there. The Traffic Department has met with the resident referred to on Oakley Road on the 18 th of December 2012 and on the 3 rd of January 2013 with respect to the proposed footpath widening works. We have also received correspondence outlining in detail the residents concerns. The proposed works are currently suspended pending a detailed review of the works to be carried out giving consideration to the issues raised by the resident. At the completion of the review the resident will be consulted on its conclusions prior to the commencement of any works on site. Q9. Councillor Jim O Callaghan To ask the City Manager whether the large pothole on the road outside No. 50 Grosvenor Road, Dublin 6 can be filled in? On inspection no pothole was found outside 50 Grosvenor Road. A pothole further down the road (outside No. 47) has been filled and made safe. Q10. Councillor Jim O Callaghan To ask the City Manager whether the footpath of Woodstock Gardens can be levelled out to prevent the elderly people from Woodstock Court from tripping? This matter has been referred to our direct labour force via the Road Maintenance Division Sharepoint system. Remedial works will be carried out as soon as possible. Q11. Councillor Jim O Callaghan To ask the City Manager when the works beside Maxwell Court are due to commence? Tender documentation for the construction of nine x two bedroom apartments at Maxwell Road is nearing completion and will issue shortly. It is anticipated that the tender process and subsequent mobilisation by the successful contractor will take 4 6 months. Consequently the project, subject to final approval of the Department of the Environment, Community & Local Government, is scheduled to commence in July / August Page 16

17 Q12. Councillor Jim O Callaghan To ask the City Manager whether trees can be planted along Maxwell Road after the new building works have been completed. This request will be brought to the attention of the City Architetct s who will be asked to consider the proposal when the public realm works are being finalised. We will be planting six new trees on Maxwell Road as part of the current tree planting season. Q13. Councillor Jim O Callaghan To ask the City Manager when it is intended to occupy the voids in Woodstock Court and Maxwell Court. The table below details units that are currently void in Maxwell Court and Woodstock Court. No`s 9 & 14 Maxwell Court have recently become void. These will be assigned to a private contractor for refurbishment. The remaining voids in the complex are bedsit units which are refurbished subject to demand. No`s 42 & 54 Woodstock Court are currently in progress by direct labour. These units are nearing completion and should be ready for letting in four to five weeks. The remaining bedsit units are low demand and difficult to let. They will be refurbished when a suitable new tenant has been selected. Dwelling Type Number Street Name Bedrooms Senior Citizens 8 MAXWELL COURT 0 Senior Citizens 9 MAXWELL COURT 2 Senior Citizens 11 MAXWELL COURT 0 Senior Citizens 14 MAXWELL COURT 1 Senior Citizens 16 MAXWELL COURT 0 Senior Citizens 22 MAXWELL COURT 0 Senior Citizens 24 MAXWELL COURT 0 Senior Citizens 34 MAXWELL COURT 0 Senior Citizens 18 WOODSTOCK COURT 0 Senior Citizens 19 WOODSTOCK COURT 0 Senior Citizens 29 WOODSTOCK COURT 0 Senior Citizens 42 WOODSTOCK COURT 1 Senior Citizens 52 WOODSTOCK COURT 0 Senior Citizens 54 WOODSTOCK COURT 1 Senior Citizens 60 WOODSTOCK COURT 0 Q14. Councillor Jim O Callaghan To ask the City Manager whether it is the intention of the council to narrow Oakley Road in the vicinity of the schools and, if so, whether the concerns of the person whose details are attached have been considered by the council? Page 17

18 The proposed footpath widening works outside Scoil Lios na nog have been suspended pending a detailed review of the works to be carried out giving consideration to the issues raised by the resident. At the completion of the review the resident will be consulted on its conclusions prior to the commencement of any works on site. Q15. Councillor Jim O Callaghan To ask the City Manager whether more of the new stop dog poo signs can be placed throughout the south east area. The SEA Office will make arrangements to have extra Stop Dog Poo signs placed throughout the South East Area. Q16. Councillor Mannix Flynn Can the Manager have the flagpole at Palace Street repaired and the Irish flag reinstated? Recently this flagpole was vandalised and the Irish flag was removed. Also can this report enquire as to whether there would be advanced security mechanisms installed on these flagpoles in order to deter vandalism and theft. The flag raising and lowering mechanism is housed within the pole and has a plastic covered access point. That cover was smashed and the flag lowered and stolen. We are arranging to have that cover replaced with a more robust metal cover system on the vandalised pole and also on the other two poles adjoining. Q17. Councillor Mannix Flynn Can the Manager investigate complaints of intolerable noise eminating from the Mercer Hotel at York Street? Many residents here are complaining about the levels of noise from the fan extractors of this hotel which appears to be left on on regular occassions throughout the night. Also can the possibility of placing extra double glazed windows at this apartment complex be examined with particular regard to the North facing side of this apartment block. The issue of excessive noise emanating from The Mercer Hotel was investigated in At this time monitoring was carried out in the bedroom of one of the complainants; however no noise nuisance was detected. If details regarding those currently affected by noise from The Mercer Hotel are passed to this office a further investigation will be carried out. Housing Maintenance will not consider additional glazing in these units. If additional investigations have been carried out, and a noise nuisance is identified, our Environmental Health Officer will advise on what actions are required. Q18. Councillor Mannix Flynn Can the Manager investigate the installation of Heineken illuminated signs on public house buildings and licensed premises many of which are listed buildings? These signs are in breach of DCC s policy with regards cluttering also these signs are by in large to advertise and promote product and it would appear, from my examination, that no planning application was received. Page 18

19 The addresses of each licensed premises should be forwarded onto the Planning Enforcement Section who will then carry out an inspection at each location. Q19. Councillor Mannix Flynn Can the Manager issue a report with regards the pedestrianisation of the many laneways within the Temple Bar Area? These laneways are becoming a social nuisance in that they attract dumping, constant unacceptible social behaviour and are used throughout the day and night by intravenous drug users. They also attract on street drinking and on many occasions groups of individuals can be found drinking together in these back streets. These laneways are by and large abandoned and are constantly in a state of filth. While I would be wholly opposed to extinguishing the right of way I would support pedestrianisation and public domain improvement. It is now time to pedestrianise these streets therefore creating much needed improvements which has the potential to lead to greater usage by the patriots of the many hotels and business s that are in the area. There is enormous possibility to create green areas and even cycle lanes that would give more life and make it more urban friendly and safe to use, this wonderful opportunity in the heart of the city centre should not be missed. There are no definite plans at present to pedestrianise the laneways within the Temple Bar area. However, Temple Bar Company have produced a document TEMPLE BAR 2020, THE FUTURE outlining 20 objectives for this area, and one of these objectives is to make the area more pedestrian friendly for all. It is expected that Temple Bar Company will shortly make a presentation to the area committee on their vision for Temple Bar. Waste Management staff and also Temple Bar Company cleaners regularly visit the laneways in the area. The Gardaí also monitor anti-social behaviour in the general Temple Bar area, including the laneways. Q20. Councillor Mannix Flynn Can the Manager examine the possibility of dishing all sides of the footpaths at the junction of Wicklow Street, Suffolk Street and South William Street? Also can the manager have examined, the whole extent of wicklow street and Exchequer street and the general area of this particular quarter to ensure that there is adequate dishing and accessability for the many wheelchair users and elderly that frequent this issue. The Roads Maintenance section will arrange to have the dishing in question lowered to improve their accessibility. Q21. Councillor Mannix Flynn Can the Manager ascertain how much revenue from DCC s budget for the Gathering will be allocated for events in the South East Area particularly community initiatives or events held by communities and community groups in the South East Area. In October 2012 Dublin City Council received notification of an allocation of 30,000 from the joint IPB Insurance / Gathering Ireland 2013 Local Community Fund to support events and gatherings in the Dublin City Council area. The amount of funding available to individual applicants who could demonstrate their capacity to Page 19

20 attract additional overseas visitors during 2013 ranged from 500-2,500 with a corresponding minimum number of overseas visitors required ranging from By the closing date of 30 th November 2012 a total of 77 applications were received by Dublin City Council. 17 of these applications were from the South East Area. Following the evaluation process a total of 26 applications were awarded funding totalling 30, of the successful applications were from the South East area and the total funding awarded was 7,000 Successful applicants have been notified and letters of offer have been issued with a number of terms and conditions in accordance with the instructions of The Gathering Ireland. Subject to acceptance of the terms and conditions and receipt of signed undertakings arrangements will be made to process the payments without delay. The Gathering Ireland will publicly announce the nationwide list of successful applications shortly and local authorities have been requested to hold off on any local public announcement until then. Councillors will be notified when the public announcement is made. The summary of the successful applications in the South East Area is as follows: Ref: Theme Amount LCF/018/SE Sports & Outdoor 2, LCF/021/SE Sports & Outdoor LCF/028/SE Sports & Outdoor 1, LCF/048/SE Community 1, LCF/051/SE Heritage & Tracing Your Roots 1, LCF/052/SE Community LCF/064/SE Sports & Outdoor 1, , In addition to the funding provided by IPB Insurance / Gathering Ireland 2013, Dublin City Council will be advertising shortly for expressions of interest from the event industry, festival producers, cultural institutions, governing bodies of sport, city businesses and other interest parties to collaborate with and support Dublin City Council in developing the Annual Calendar of Festivals and Events for This year will be encouraging applicants to mobilise international connections and networks to attract additional overseas visitors to the city in 2013 as part of The Gathering. Specific queries in relation to The Gathering Local Community fund can be directed to the Events & Tourism Promotion Section Tel thegathering@dublincity.ie Q22. Councillor Mannix Flynn Can the City Manager call on Eircom to remove the four phone boxes at South Great Georges Street outside of Dunnes Stores? These phone boxes have now become the centre of criminal activity and vandalism in that they are used constantly for drug taking. Many individuals have been observed intraveneously injecting themselves in these phone boxes while others as a result of alcohol intake lye slumped and comatosed in their doorways. This is a daily occurrence and gives rise to many Page 20

21 issues for the public and the workers in this area. It is now time that these phoneboxes be removed and replaced with a more friendly and safe aparatus. It would appear also, that the phoneboxes are mainly used for advertisement purposes and on occasion can be covered entirely in advertisements making it almost impossible to see into the phonebox, this is not best practice and is not in the best interest of public health and safety. I have a series of photos, if needed, of the kind of illegal activity taking place at this location. The SEA Office has forwarded this query to Eircom. The Councillor will be notified when a reply is received. Q23. Councillor Mannix Flynn Can the Manager speed up and initiate the double yellow lines and markings in the laneways adjacent to Tom Kelly flats at the back of the George Bernard Shaw public house? Also can the manager organise the clean up of the filth and debris in this laneway which is used mainly as an entrance for residents of the Tom Kelly flat complex? Also can the manager request that this area be cleaned entirely of graffiti which is giving this area an abadoned derelict feel? Waste Management Services had the above mentioned laneway cleaned on the 7 th January At its meeting of 25 th October, 2012, the Traffic Advisory Group recommended double yellow lines at 3 locations within the above area, Gordon Place / Richmond Villas. The Traffic Officer has confirmed that arrangements are being made to put temporary no parking signs in place at these locations to allow access for implementation of the double yellow lines concerned. Once these lines are in place the issue of graffiti can be examined. Q24. Councillor Mannix Flynn Can the City Manager examine traffic arrangements on the recenlty improved Fade Street? Many residents and business s in this area have complained of enormous build up of traffic at this location particularly in the evening times, while some of it is taxi related (stalling for fares etc.) quite a lot of it has got to do with the car park and people exiting the car park on Drury Street at certain times. This issue is causing a massive noise pollutant as well as excessive exhaust emissions. Many of the residents are suffereing as a result of these fumes and in many cases can no longer open their windows. There is continuous beeping of horns from irritated drivers who seem to have no regard that they are in a residential area. Can the Manager issue a report on the complete pedestrianisation of Fade Street which in the main is now being used as small exit onto a main thoroughfare? With the advent of the closure of Dawson Street to traffic parking in this particular carpark and traffic management in this area will be seriously impacted upon. It is a possibility that this particular small vein could become so congested that it would seriously damage the quality of life for the individuals living and working and engaging with this street. It is time that this street be seriously considered a pedestrian zone even if such a measure was constructed as a pilot scheme initially during the many works that are to be taking place in this area. Works were carried out recently to Fade Street. There are no plans to carry out any further works or alterations to the current layout. Particular difficulties were reported during the December shopping period arising from high traffic volumes associated Page 21

22 with Christmas shopping in the area. The Traffic Department will investigate times, dates, locations and possible causes of problems and determine what type of solutions are available. With reference to the comments on noise pollution and excessive exhaust emissions, examination of the current noise maps for that area indicates that daytime sound emission levels in this street are deemed to be acceptable under the current Noise Action Plan. Night time sound levels are deemed to be acceptable except at the junction of Fade St and South Great Georges St. This is due to the sound emissions from Sth. Great Georges St. extending into Fade Street. Throughout the majority of day and night time, the dominant sound emissions in this street are from traffic sources on Sth. Great Georges Street. The Noise Maps do not quantify sound emissions due to driver behaviour such as sounding of horns. However, the City Council has limited direct influence on driver behaviour. In relation to excessive exhaust emissions, it is not considered that the volumes of traffic on Fade Street would cause emissions to approach the EU limit values for Particulate Matter (PM 10 ) or Nitrogen Dioxide (NO 2 ) even in combination with emissions from the more heavily trafficked South Great Georges St. Q25. Councillor Paddy McCartan To ask the Manager to add Strand Mews, Sandymount to the rota for regular street cleaning. On December 13th both sides of St John's Road, Sandymount were cleaned but not Strand Mews. Waste Management Services had Strand Mews cleaned on the 7 th January We will monitor the future cleanliness of this location. Q26. Councillor Paddy McCartan To ask the Manager in the event of the closure of flood gates on the Dodder due to severe weather conditions and or high tides, is it possible to have signs erected to inform pedestrians that gates are closing? Information signs will be put in place to inform the public that the flood defences are being deployed. Q27. Councillor Paddy McCartan In relation to the derelict Pigeon House Generating Station, to ask the Manager (a) Why did DCC purchase this site from the ESB at a cost of 600,000 euro? (b)what costs have been incurred by DCC on this site since the purchase? (a) The City Council purchased a one hectare site at Southbank / Whitebank Road and lands which included the Pigeon House Hotel, Generating Station & environs as one lott from the ESB of for the purpose of: 1. The relocation of Westway Terminals Hibernian Molasses from the Waste to Energy Site to Southbank / Whiltebank Road. 2. Commercial Redevelopment of the lands at Pigeon House Hotel, Generating Station & environs incorporating Community Gain objectives. This will require the preparation of a Development Framework Plan involving public consultation. Page 22

23 (b) The main cost incurred by DCC on the lands at Pigeon House Hotel & The Pigeon House Generating Station and its environs since their purchase has been in securing the property. An amount of 336,700 has been spent on this service. This cost is no longer being incurred as the former hotel is being used as office space for the contractors working on the Waste Water Treatment Works in Ringsend. This occupancy has reduced the need for security. In addition the Drainage Division now has CCTV cameras in operation at the site. There has also been a small amount of income generated from the use of the Generating Station for filming purposes. Q28. Councillor Paddy McCartan In relation to Hammond Lane, to ask the Manager: (a) What was the cost of the alternative site for Hammond Lane? (b) Did Hammond Lane pay for their new site having received payment for their existing site? (c) How did relocation costs of over 850,000 euros arise for moving scrap metal a distance of some hundred metres? a) Hammond Lane Metal Company and The Trustees of The Clearways Disposals Ltd. Directors Pension scheme were paid 5,646,292 and 1,693,727 respectively in full and final settlement for their Leasehold and Freehold interests in the site at Shelleybanks Road. These payments were to compensate them for the interests in the site occupied by them in the Pigeon House Road / Shellybanks Road CPO and were agreed with the Arbitrator. b) The Council is not aware how the monies have been spent. c) In order to facilitate Hammond Lane vacating the site in late 2008, DCC agreed to fund temporary accommodation costs following a move from the Shellybanks Road site to a temporary site at Craig Avenue in Clondalkin. These costs included the differential on their Rent and Rates and also adaptation works necessary to enable Hammond Lane to carry on their business. Q29. Councillor Paddy McCartan To ask the Manager in relation to Westway Hibernian Molasses: (a) Was any council approval obtained for the decision to buy out WHTL and build a new terminal? (b) Did WHTL pay towards the renewal of their plant? (c) Who were the consultants to WHTL for the relocation project, and who was given the contract to construct the new terminal. (a) & (b) (c) The City Council agreed to compensate Westway Terminals Hibernian Molasses (WTHM) for their leasehold interest in their site by providing a new facility to WTHM on an alternative site. The site acquisition process is an executive function and therefore did not require the approval of the Elected Members of the City Council. WTHM appointed Fahy Fitzpatrick Consulting Engineers as the consultants for the construction of the new facility. Fahy Fitzpatrick managed the tender process which lead to the appointment of SIAC as the main contractor. Page 23