Agenda and minutes

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Items
No. Item

1.

Minutes of meeting held on 19 th April, 2021 pdf icon PDF 1 MB

(attached)

Additional documents:

Minutes:

Order: Agreed.   The Chairperson informed the NCAC of the imminent retirement of Elaine Mulvenny and the Committee expressed their gratitude to her for her unfaltering commitment as a public representative and as an ambassador for DCC. 

2.

Questions to the Area Manager pdf icon PDF 675 KB

(report herewith)

Additional documents:

Minutes:

Order: Noted.

3.

Area Matters

Additional documents:

3a

Updated plans for Dublin Bay Discovery Centre - North Bull Island pdf icon PDF 790 KB

Donncha Ó Dúlaing/Les Moore/Conor Cooney/Thomas Burns (report herewith)

Additional documents:

Minutes:

Order: Detailed Presentation Noted.  Item to be brought back before NCAC prior to receipt of Planning Permission regarding 1) Philanthropic Funding – results of Feasibility study. 2) Sustainable Transport Study 3) Height of tower 4) Broader engagement/consultation with the public and local publicity posters recommended for public display.

3b

Sculpture Dublin pdf icon PDF 191 KB

Les Moore (report herewith)

Additional documents:

Minutes:

Order: Cllr Donna Cooney and Cllr Deirdre Heney nominated to selection panel. Les Moore to confirm that there could be two nominations to the panel.

3c

Bryan Ward Senior Planner by invitation from North Central Area Committee Councillors to answer queries

Bryan Ward

Additional documents:

Minutes:

Order: Bryan Ward Senior Planner answered questions from the Councillors in relation to questions arising from April motions.  He stated that the Development Plan Process review is the place to tease out high capacity issues and indicated the the National guidelines supersedes the Development Plan.

3d

Merville Avenue Waste Management Report pdf icon PDF 390 KB

Robert Ingram (report herewith)

Additional documents:

Minutes:

Order: Noted.  The Committee requested that a Big Belly Bin be considered at this location also that the ELO continue to monitor the situation here. 

3e

With reference to the proposed disposal of a plot of land to the front of 212 Malahide Road, Clontarf, Dublin 3. pdf icon PDF 125 KB

(report herewith)

Additional documents:

Minutes:

Order: Agreed. Refer to City Council.

3f

Naming & Numbering Proposal for a new residential development on the site of 52, 54, 56 & 58 Station Road, Raheny, Dublin 5- (1-105 Barlow Hall, Station Road, Raheny, Dublin 5) pdf icon PDF 328 KB

Elaine Mulvenny (report herewith)

 

Additional documents:

Minutes:

Order: Raheny Heritage Society suggested Owenmore be used instead of “Barlow Hall” as this was the local name of this site in Raheny North townland from late 1890s onwards. Joanne reverted to the developer and they are happy with this name. The full name of the development will be Owenmore Hall, Station Road, Raheny, it is adopted as it has approval from the NCA Committee and the DCC Heritage Officer. Refer to City Council.

3g

Naming & Numbering Proposal for a new residential development on a site at 14-17 Newtown, Malahide Road, Dublin 17- (Heatly Place & Newton Place, Malahide Road, Dublin 17) pdf icon PDF 517 KB

Elaine Mulvenny (report herewith)

 

Additional documents:

Minutes:

Order: Agreed Heatly Place for block A. Refer to City Council. Block B Developer is going to submit alternative name for approval at June Area Committee.

 

3h

Sports and Wellbeing Partnership Report pdf icon PDF 472 KB

(report herewith)

 

Additional documents:

Minutes:

Order: Noted. Cllr. Heney thanked Dee O’Boyle and her team for their continued hardwork.

3i

Housing Allocations Quarterly Report April 2021 pdf icon PDF 267 KB

(report herewith)

Additional documents:

Minutes:

Order: Noted.

3j

Housing Supply Report pdf icon PDF 848 KB

(report herewith)

Additional documents:

Minutes:

Order:  Awaiting word back from Department regarding Oscar Traynor Lands. Cllr Cooney agreed to write a letter to the Minister for Housing on behalf of the NCAC requesting that he meet with them in order to progress this issue with no further delays.

 

Cllr. Gilliland supported by Cllr. O’Toole expressed concern regarding Slademore Presentation by Architects on 21/4/21. More meaningful consultation is essential. Brendan Kenny to refer back with responses to 12 questions.

Connell McGlynn informed the Committee that there will be a 13 – 15 week delay on all City Council Builds.

 

Update Committee on Bunratty Road and Belcamp B.

4.

Roads and Streets Matters

Additional documents:

4a

Minutes of the TAG meeting of 27th April, 2021 pdf icon PDF 175 KB

(report herewith)

Additional documents:

Minutes:

Order: Report noted.  Cllr. Cooney raised concerns regarding complaints of speeding of motor vehicles around safe zones. More signage is required / promote awareness campaign in Residential areas.

5.

Items for following meeting

Additional documents:

Minutes:

Report requested regarding dangerous parking and speeding at safezone in Kincora and request for additional signage etc

 

Water Safety Report ensuing from Motion 6 K May Agenda.

 

6.

Motions

Additional documents:

6a

Motion in the name of Councillor Damian O'Farrell

That this area committee requests that DCC immediately desists from introducing ‘all day’ car parking at the public car park located  opposite the end of Hollybrook Road, Clontarf, removes all ‘all day‘ parking signage and refers this issue to our Arts SPC under whose remit our Public Parks fall.

 

Recently ‘all day’ paid car parking has been introduced by DCC at the above referenced car park which is located in Clontarf Promenade Park, without consulting with local councillors

 

Background

Initially (the noughties) there was free car parking at this location which is utilised  by park users, strollers, joggers , dog walkers and customers of local businesses opposite etc.

 

However there were significant problems due to all day parking and

during the city council period 2009 / 2014 short term paid parking in this car park was agreed by local councillors on foot of a recommendation by DCC  to prevent this ‘all day’ parking which was blocking use of this space for the purpose it was intended.

 

The recent introduction of €6 all day parking by DCC without any local area committee consultation is both a contradiction to the previous recommendation by DCC and a change in policy as regards the use of DCC’s Public Park car parks.  The move will cause serious disruption to park users and local businesses as was the case previously.

 

 

 

 

Additional documents:

Minutes:

That this area committee requests that DCC immediately desists from introducing ‘all day’ car parking at the public car park located  opposite the end of Hollybrook Road, Clontarf, removes all ‘all day‘ parking signage and refers this issue to our Arts SPC under whose remit our Public Parks fall.

 

Recently ‘all day’ paid car parking has been introduced by DCC at the above referenced car park which is located in Clontarf Promenade Park, without consulting with local councillors

 

Background

Initially (the noughties) there was free car parking at this location which is utilised  by park users, strollers, joggers , dog walkers and customers of local businesses opposite etc. 

 

However there were significant problems due to all day parking and

during the city council period 2009 / 2014 short term paid parking in this car park was agreed by local councillors on foot of a recommendation by DCC  to prevent this ‘all day’ parking which was blocking use of this space for the purpose it was intended.

 

The recent introduction of €6 all day parking by DCC without any local area committee consultation is both a contradiction to the previous recommendation by DCC and a change in policy as regards the use of DCC’s Public Park car parks.  The move will cause serious disruption to park users and local businesses as was the case previously.

 

 

 

Reply

 

The Parking Policy and Enforcement Section will investigate this matter of all day parking as outlined by Cllr O’ Farrell and return with a report on the matter as soon as possible.

 

 

Karl Mitchell

Acting Executive Manager /Director of Services         

North City

 

 

Contact:           Hugh Fahey, Administrative Officer, Parking Policy and Enforcement

Tel:                  222 3847

Email:              hugh.fahey@dublincity.ie

           

Order: Motion considered and carried.  Supported by Cllr O’Muirí and Cllr. Heney. Detailed report required from Traffice to be circulated to the Committee. Refer Motion to the Arts, Culture, Leisure and Recreation SPC to discuss Policy.

6b

Motion in the name of Councillor Tom Brabazon

That this Area Committee Calls upon the Minister for Housing to urgently introduce legislation at a national level and/or to lobby for legislative measures  at EU level to prevent the wholesale purchase of housing units built in the state/thoughout the EU being carried out by  corporate bodies whose sole purpose is for profit  blocking out young purchasers of property giving them no chance of home ownership.

 

 

Additional documents:

Minutes:

That this Area Committee Calls upon the Minister for Housing to urgently introduce legislation at a national level and/or to lobby for legislative measures  at EU level to prevent the wholesale purchase of housing units built in the state/thoughout the EU being carried out by  corporate bodies whose sole purpose is for profit  blocking out young purchasers of property giving them no chance of home ownership.

 

 

 

 

Reply

 

 

The full City Council meeting on Monday 10th May 2021 agreed an emergency notice of motion calling on the Minister to respond to this issue.

 

Karl Mitchell

Acting Executive Manager /Director of Services         

North City

 

Contact:          Darach O’Connor, Executive Manager

Phone:             086 8150528

Email:              darach.oconnor@dublincity.ie

 

Order: Agreed. Report to Councillor.

6c

Motion in the name of Councillor Damian O'Farrell

That this Area Committee agrees that all entry and exit roads ( listed below) to the Marino Scheme are entirely unsuitable for any kind of traffic diversions necessary during the estimated 18 / 24 month construction phase through Fairview (R105) of the Clontarf to City Centre Cycleway (CCCC) The Marino Scheme built in the 1920s includes a very narrow series of roadways totally unsuitable / unsafe for through traffic and a demographic of young children and older persons.  There are major traffic safety concerns in the Marino area due to the impending construction of the CCCC and subsequent road closures and traffic diversions.

 

Furthermore, at the advance traffic planning stage and throughout the construction phase of the above project DCC will in the interests of safety and by whatever means necessary proactively ensure the Marino Scheme is not used for any traffic diversions nor will it be possible for drivers to rat run. 

 

DCC will at an early stage report to the local area committee on how it intends to achieve the above mentioned traffic management.

 

Exit and entrance roads to Marino Scheme

 

o    St Aidan’s Park Road

o    Marino Mart

o    Fairview Avenue Lower

o    Windsor Ave

o    Brian Road ( off Philipsburgh Ave)

o    Croydon Terrace

o    Turlough Parade

o    St Declans Terrace

o    Brian Road ( off Malahide Road)

 

Additional documents:

Minutes:

That this Area Committee agrees that all entry and exit roads ( listed below) to the Marino Scheme are entirely unsuitable for any kind of traffic diversions necessary during the estimated 18 / 24 month construction phase through Fairview (R105) of the Clontarf to City Centre Cycleway (CCCC) The Marino Scheme built in the 1920s includes a very narrow series of roadways totally unsuitable / unsafe for through traffic and a demographic of young children and older persons.  There are major traffic safety concerns in the Marino area due to the impending construction of the CCCC and subsequent road closures and traffic diversions.

 

Furthermore, at the advance traffic planning stage and throughout the construction phase of the above project DCC will in the interests of safety and by whatever means necessary proactively ensure the Marino Scheme is not used for any traffic diversions nor will it be possible for drivers to rat run. 

 

DCC will at an early stage report to the local area committee on how it intends to achieve the above mentioned traffic management.

 

Exit and entrance roads to Marino Scheme

 

o    St Aidan’s Park Road

o    Marino Mart

o    Fairview Avenue Lower

o    Windsor Ave

o    Brian Road ( off Philipsburgh Ave)

o    Croydon Terrace

o    Turlough Parade

o    St Declans Terrace

o    Brian Road ( off Malahide Road)

 

 

Reply

 

The Environment & Transportation Department in Dublin City Council has no current plans to use the road network in Marino for traffic diversions during the construction stage of the Clontarf to City Centre Project. The Environment and Transport Department would also agree that through traffic should be minimised on these roads as far as possible.

 

Dublin City Council is currently in the process of procuring a works contractor for the Clontarf to City Centre Project. The contractor is required to prepare a works programme, which will include detailed temporary traffic management plans for all phases of the works. When the successful contractor is selected, Dublin City Council will have more detailed information on how the works will be phased and details of the traffic diversions proposed for each phase. More information can then be provided in relation to the proposed diversions. At that stage, supplementary traffic management measures to assist in reducing congestion in particular areas can be developed if required.

The Project Team in DCC will report at an early stage to the local area committees on the proposed traffic management plans for the project. The team will work with Councillors in relation to any concerns raised, and develop measures to address them, including measures to prevent rat running through the network of residential streets in Marino should the need arise.

 

 

 

Karl Mitchell

Acting Executive Manager /Director of Services         

North City

 

 

Contact:           Fiona Craven, Senior Executive Engineer

Email:              fiona.craven@dublincity.ie

 

Order: Motion Falls.  5 Abstensions. 2 For and  4 Against.

6d

Motion in the name of Councillor Racheal Batten

That this Area committee desist in any plans to take away the very limited open space in Kilmore next to the Primary Care centre and provide an open forum to the community to engage in a proper facility being put in place in this area.

This area of the city lacks public space and in one of the most high population residential areas in Kilmore and with more housing being planed there is a need for open public space.

This area is at the junction of a very busy road so would not be safe or suitable for housing. gIven the level of residentially units in the area there is a duty on the council to provide community space. As such I ask this area committee pass this motion and write to the chief executive putting the areas committee views.

 

 

Additional documents:

Minutes:

That this Area committee desist in any plans to take away the very limited open space in Kilmore next to the Primary Care centre and provide an open forum to the community to engage in a proper facility being put in place in this area.

This area of the city lacks public space and in one of the most high population residential areas in Kilmore and with more housing being planed there is a need for open public space.

This area is at the junction of a very busy road so would not be safe or suitable for housing. gIven the level of residentially units in the area there is a duty on the council to provide community space. As such I ask this area committee pass this motion and write to the chief executive putting the areas committee views.

 

Reply:

 

The area between Coolock Primary Care Centre and Kilmore Road is zoned Z4 ‘District Centre’ in the Dublin City Development Plan 2016-2022.  The Z4 zoning objective seeks to provide for and improve mixed-services facilities.  Residential is a permissible use under the Z4 zoning objective. It is noted that there are substantial areas of public open space in the vicinity including the Z9 ‘open space’ lands on the opposite side of Kilmore Road and lands adjacent to the Santry river. 

 

 

 

 

 

Karl Mitchell

Acting Executive Manager /Director of Services         

North City

 

 

Contact:           Bryan Ward

Email:              bryan.ward@dublincity.ie

 

Order: Report to Councillor.

6e

Motion in the name of Councillor Racheal Batten

That this area committee write to the Housing Minister stating that we want disadvantaged areas where housing projects are taking place, that an environmental assessment be done on the community facilities, especial those of youths and if they are low that there would be an additional requirement for a high percentage of open space and community facilities to be put in place.

 

 

Additional documents:

Minutes:

That this area committee write to the Housing Minister stating that we want disadvantaged areas where housing projects are taking place, that an environmental assessment be done on the community facilities, especial those of youths and if they are low that there would be an additional requirement for a high percentage of open space and community facilities to be put in place.

 

 

Reply:

 

The City Council is required to carry out a Strategic Assessment Report on all proposed housing projects as part of a funding submission to the Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage.

 

The report assesses a number of options for development of a site and establishes the need to provide accommodation within sustainable communities in line with the Dublin City Development Plan 2016-2022.  This includes the availability of open space and community facilities.

 

 

 

Karl Mitchell

Acting Executive Manager /Director of Services         

North City

 

 

Contact:           Dymphna Farrell, Senior Executive Officer

Phone:             222 6114

Email:              dymphna.farrell@dublincity.ie

           

Order: Report to Councillor.

 

6f

Motion in the name of Councillor Racheal Batten

That this Area committee ask the Area Manager to investigate the possibility of having outdoor dining seating area in Ellenfield Park. I the council does not believe that it can facilitate a refreshment percent building that they explore the option of providing a permit to a mobile refreshment provider to ensure that the park is to be utilised as best as possible.

 

 

Additional documents:

Minutes:

That this Area committee ask the Area Manager to investigate the possibility of having outdoor dining seating area in Ellenfield Park. I the council does not believe that it can facilitate a refreshment percent building that they explore the option of providing a permit to a mobile refreshment provider to ensure that the park is to be utilised as best as possible.

 

 

             Reply:

 

The Council is activity exploring the licencing of mobile refreshment providers in such area where they can be provided in tandem with public toilets.  Unfortunately there is no suitable toilet in the park that could be brought into commission under this initiative.  The redundant pavilion to the north of the park is in such bad condition it would be prohibitively expensive to bring into service in the short term.  The Parks Service is open to proposals from service providers as to how these objectives might be achieved.

 

 

Karl Mitchell

Acting Executive Manager /Director of Services         

North City

 

 

Contact:            Fergus O’Carroll, Senior Executive Parks Superintendent

Email:              parks@dublincity.ie

 

Order: Report to Councillor.

 

6g

Motion in the name of Councillor Racheal Batten

That this Area Committee ask the Area Manager to open and maintain the toilets in Ellenfield park. With the government and the medical professional stating that outside summer is the theme the council has an obligation to encourage the health and safety message and ensure that toilets that are available are open.

 

 

Additional documents:

Minutes:

That this Area Committee ask the Area Manager to open and maintain the toilets in Ellenfield park. With the government and the medical professional stating that outside summer is the theme the council has an obligation to encourage the health and safety message and ensure that toilets that are available are open.

 

Reply:

 

It is assumed this motion refers to the pavilion to the northern end of the park which was taken out of commission due to condition and public health concerns and would be prohibitively expensive to upgrade to the point where it could be opened to the public.

 

 

 

Karl Mitchell

Acting Executive Manager /Director of Services         

North City

 

 

Contact:            Fergus O’Carroll, Senior Executive Parks Superintendent

Email:              parks@dublincity.ie

                       

Order: Report to Councillor.

 

 

6h

Motion in the name of Councillor Deirdre Heney

That the manager, in relation to access to the seafront in Clontarf, refer to concerns from users, both pedestrians and some cyclists, of the dangerous situation that prevails for pedestrians, particularly our valued elders, while trying to cross the cycle track at the various junctions in order to get to the seafront e.g. Vernon Avenue and Bull Bridge (at Kanoodle). 

 

As the committee is aware, our elders have been more or less housebound for over a year now and its vital we take all possible measures to respect their right to be allowed enjoy our amenities in a safe manner. Many have now been vaccinated and so are keen to get out and about independently so we need to avoid situations where our valued elders are scared to cross the road at  Bull Bridge.

 

Both cyclists and pedestrians appear to get the green light at the same time for crossing at the Bull Bridge which makes this crossing chaotic. This access point and others need to be made safe for pedestrians and cyclists e.g.  calming measures installed, all cyclists to slow down/dismount at these junctions to avoid conflict and possible injury.

 

 

Additional documents:

Minutes:

That the manager, in relation to access to the seafront in Clontarf, refer to concerns from users, both pedestrians and some cyclists, of the dangerous situation that prevails for pedestrians, particularly our valued elders, while trying to cross the cycle track at the various junctions in order to get to the seafront e.g. Vernon Avenue and Bull Bridge (at Kanoodle). 

 

As the committee is aware, our elders have been more or less housebound for over a year now and its vital we take all possible measures to respect their right to be allowed enjoy our amenities in a safe manner. Many have now been vaccinated and so are keen to get out and about independently so we need to avoid situations where our valued elders are scared to cross the road at  Bull Bridge.

 

Both cyclists and pedestrians appear to get the green light at the same time for crossing at the Bull Bridge which makes this crossing chaotic. This access point and others need to be made safe for pedestrians and cyclists e.g.  calming measures installed, all cyclists to slow down/dismount at these junctions to avoid conflict and possible injury.

 

Reply:

The pedestrian signals crossing the roadway at the entrance to the Bull Wall Bridge are known as ‘Toucan’ signals. A Toucan Crossing is designed for both pedestrians AND cyclists to cross at the same time, hence "Two-can" crossing, or "toucan" crossing. Toucan crossings are commonly used across the city and many other cities and towns throughout Ireland in areas where Toucan crossing are used the width of the crossing is increased from a standard to 2.4m to 4m to allow sufficient space for pedestrians and cyclist to cross at the same time.

 

In order to reduce the wait time for pedestrian the junction in question currently operates with a maximum cycle length of 80s (the cycle length is the time required for all movements in the junction to operate, if demanded e.g. all pedestrian/cycles and vehicles movements). In order to allow sufficient time for the green and amber man for the pedestrian to operate the Toucan phase is allocated 25s each cycle. To allocate a further a separate time to a unique cycle phase would not leave sufficient timings to service all the required movements in the junction.

 

Contact:           Seán Fallon, Assistant ITS Officer, Environment and Transportation Department.

Tel:                  222 6198.

Email:              sean.fallon@dublincity.ie

 

 

Rumble strips and slow down road markings were marked on the ground to inform the cyclists that they are entering into a shared space.

 

Contact:           Perry Chitombo, Senior Executive Engineer.

            Email:              perry.chitombo@dublincity.ie 

 

 

 

Karl Mitchell

Acting Executive Manager /Director of Services         

North City

 

 

Order:  Detailed report on safety issues at numerous junctions along cycling lane with regard to mix of pedestrians and cyclists. Issues concerned cyclists and large numbers of pedestrians crossing junctions at the same time and speed of cyclists in general causing safety issues for cyclists versus cyclists and for cyclists versus pedestrians in general along the route including the  ...  view the full minutes text for item 6h

6i

Motion in the name of Councillor Deirdre Heney

That the manager, in relation to graffiti at the ESB substation in Marino Park and in the playground in Maypark, Donnycarney, arrange for removal of same

 

 

 

Additional documents:

Minutes:

That the manager, in relation to graffiti at the ESB substation in Marino Park and in the playground in Maypark, Donnycarney, arrange for removal of same

 

 

Reply: 

 

The Public Domain Environmental Liaison Officer will request the graffiti contractor to remove this graffiti from both locations. 

 

Contact:           Richard Cleary, Public Domain Enforcement Office

Phone:             222 8866

Email:              richard.cleary@dublincity.ie

 

 

The graffiti on the ESB Substation will be referred to the ESB in the first instance.

 

Arrangements will be made to have any graffiti removed from the playground in Maypark as part of routine maintenance

 

Contact:            Fergus O’Carroll, Senior Executive Parks Superintendent

Email:              parks@dublincity.ie

 

 

 

Karl Mitchell

Acting Executive Manager /Director of Services         

North City

 

Order: Agreed. Report to City Councillor.

6j

Motion in the name of Councillor Catherine Stocker

That this committee agrees to the parks department undertaking a revitalisation of the playground in Maypark. The fundamental equipment is good but over years graffiti and general appearance has dis-improved. The playground could do with removal of all graffiti, brightening up through painting/restoration of equipment and a thorough weeding of surrounding areas.

Additional documents:

Minutes:

That this committee agrees to the parks department undertaking a revitalisation of the playground in Maypark. The fundamental equipment is good but over years graffiti and general appearance has dis-improved. The playground could do with removal of all graffiti, brightening up through painting/restoration of equipment and a thorough weeding of surrounding areas.

 

 

 

Reply:

 

The graffiti and cleaning of the playground will be addressed as part of the annual maintenance programme.  As is no doubt appreciated the treatment of weeds around the playground with chemicals is no longer acceptable such weeds will be strimmed when there is sufficient growth to facilitate same.  The policy shift away from chemical control of ‘weeds’ or native opportunistic pollinator friendly plants does mean that they will be more evident in the public realm.  Such plants should not be regarded as unsightly but as a positive that toxic chemicals are not being used where children play.

 

 

 

Karl Mitchell

Acting Executive Manager /Director of Services         

North City

 

 

Contact:            Fergus O’Carroll, Senior Executive Parks Superintendent

Email:              parks@dublincity.ie

                       

Order: Agreed. Report to Councillor.

6k

Motion in the name of Councillor Catherine Stocker

That this committee calls on the manager to increase the number of lifeguards facilitating sea swimming and the facilities available to them to do so. Sea swimming has become increasingly popular and the number of lifeguards needs to be increased correspondingly. Furthermore current lifeguard facilities are inadequate and purpose built units such as these (pictures attached) currently rolled out in Cork have much better visibility for observing swimmers. This committee calls on the manager to ensure investment in appropriate facilities and resources for the provision of a safe life guarding service.

 

Additional documents:

Minutes:

That this committee calls on the manager to increase the number of lifeguards facilitating sea swimming and the facilities available to them to do so. Sea swimming has become increasingly popular and the number of lifeguards needs to be increased correspondingly. Furthermore current lifeguard facilities are inadequate and purpose built units such as these (pictures attached) currently rolled out in Cork have much better visibility for observing swimmers. This committee calls on the manager to ensure investment in appropriate facilities and resources for the provision of a safe life guarding service.

 

 

 

Reply:

 

The Parks Service has become aware of the increase in sea swimming in recent times often taking place in areas that are nether designated bathing areas nor covered by the Beach Guarding Service.  It is unclear on what basis the current lifeguard numbers or huts are claimed to be inadequate.  It certainly would not be practical to attempt to provide facilities of lifeguards at every location where citizens choose to swim and the Council would always encourage those who wish to engage in sea swimming to do so where the Beach Guards are in attendance. 

 

The designation of new bathing areas is a statutory process under the bathing water directive transposed into Irish Legislation in 2008.  There may well be a strong rationale to designate and service new areas for sea swimming and to which end the Parks Service will monitor the situation and engage with stakeholders in the coming months including Dublin Port, EPA, Irish Water, Water Safety and Water Quality Departments, Local leisure craft clubs and user groups.

 

 

 

Karl Mitchell

Acting Executive Manager /Director of Services         

North City

 

 

Contact:            Fergus O’Carroll, Senior Executive Parks Superintendent

Email:              parks@dublincity.ie

 

 

Order: Cllr. Stocker not happy with response.  DCC Water Safety Officer to prepare written report to be circulated to NCAC members. If the NCAC are unhappy with report item to be listed on a future agenda.

6l

Motion in the name of Councillor Jane Horgan Jones

To ask the Manager if the Dublin City community call phone line can be used to arrange transportation to vaccination centres for those older and more vulnerable people in the Dublin North central area who are offered vaccination in City West.

 

Additional documents:

Minutes:

To ask the Manager if the Dublin City community call phone line can be used to arrange transportation to vaccination centres for those older and more vulnerable people in the Dublin North central area who are offered vaccination in City West.

 

Reply:

 

 

The North Central Area Community Call team, wherever possible arrange transport for medical appointments etc for their callers. However seeing as the Civil Defence are now assisting the HSE with transport and a number of volunteers from the St Johns Ambulance and Order of Malta are returning to work,  their availability is not as plentiful as it had been over the past year. The North Central team will endeavour to arrange transport for the older and vulnerable people seeking transport to their vaccination.

 

 

 

 

 

Karl Mitchell

Acting Executive Manager /Director of Services         

North City

 

 

Contact:            Derek Farrell, Acting Local Area Manager Artane-Whitehall LEA

Phone:             222 8546

Email:              derek.farrell@dublincity.ie

 

           

Order: Agreed. Report to Councillor.

6m

Motion in the name of Councillor Jane Horgan Jones

That this area committee asks the Manager to engage with the Department of Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage to resolve the urgent issue of pollution of the Dublin Bay biosphere through inadequacy of wastewater treatment in Dublin Bay which is endangering bathing water quality on Dollymount strand and off Bull Island.

 

Additional documents:

Minutes:

That this area committee asks the Manager to engage with the Department of Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage to resolve the urgent issue of pollution of the Dublin Bay biosphere through inadequacy of wastewater treatment in Dublin Bay which is endangering bathing water quality on Dollymount strand and off Bull Island.

 

 

Reply:

 

Irish Water is the owner of the Ringsend Waste Water Treatment Plant and is best placed to address any queries in relation to any inadequacies at their facility or clarify what those possible inadequacies may be and any actions they may be undertaking to address them. Irish Water operate Ringsend Waste Water Treatment Plant in accordance with discharge licence D0034-01 which is regulated by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA).

Industries that discharge wastewater (typically referred to as trade effluent) to a sewer or waters, are required to obtain the relevant discharge licence in accordance with the Water Pollution Act 1977, as amended. Discharge licences ensure that effluent is treated to the highest possible standard and released in a controlled manner that protects the receiving environment. Licences are issued under Section 4 and Section 16 of the Local Government Water Pollution Act 1977, as amended. Trade effluent licences are regulated by three separate bodies namely Dublin City Council, Irish Water and the EPA. The type of licence required depends on the scale and composition of the discharge.

Sampling of trade effluent is carried out as per the frequency determined in the discharge licence. Dublin City Council regularly audits compliance of results with licence conditions and takes appropriate enforcement actions as necessary under the Water Pollution Act 1977, as amended. Dublin City Council is satisfied that it carries out its regulatory responsibilities in a professional manner and in accordance with the requirements of the relevant regulations and we are not aware of any third party operating their facility outside of their own licenses.

In November 2019, Dublin City Council (DCC) set up a Task Force including representatives from Irish Water, Department of Housing, Planning and Local Government (DHPLG) and Dun Laoghaire Rathdown County Council (DLRCC). The Task Force meets on a monthly basis and is working to improve water quality on Merrion and Sandymount beaches and to address other issues. The Council also hosts high level meetings with EPA, HSE and DHPLG on this issue. We will of course highlight your correspondence when we next meet.

The Council is working closely with UCD Acclimatize, a research project which aims to identify the main sources of pollution in Dublin Bay Area. We are also consulting with several other councils, Inland Fisheries Ireland, DCU and Local Authority Waters Programme Regional Office (LAWPRO).

Since the introduction of the task force, water quality at Sandymount Strand has improved from Poor in 2018, to Sufficient in 2019 and 2020. This means that the permanent prohibition was lifted and bathing is now permitted. DCC is committed to improving water quality at Merrion Strand and across Dublin’s bathing areas.

 

In relation to bathing waters, Dublin  ...  view the full minutes text for item 6m

6n

Motion in the name of Councillor Alison Gilliland

The North Central Area Committee recognises the challenges presented in the local area over the coming months with regard to the significant absence of indoor dining and other recreational activities and the focus on outdoor activities. The North Central Area Committee recognises the need to prepare for such activity, in particular to minimise the level of public littering. Therefore, the North Central Area Committee recommends that areas of high outdoor footfall, particularly at local amenities and outdoor eating areas are identified and audited to ensure an appropriate level of litter bin provision and that appropriate bin emptying rotas are put in place, particularly at weekends and during good weather.

 

Additional documents:

Minutes:

The North Central Area Committee recognises the challenges presented in the local area over the coming months with regard to the significant absence of indoor dining and other recreational activities and the focus on outdoor activities. The North Central Area Committee recognises the need to prepare for such activity, in particular to minimise the level of public littering. Therefore, the North Central Area Committee recommends that areas of high outdoor footfall, particularly at local amenities and outdoor eating areas are identified and audited to ensure an appropriate level of litter bin provision and that appropriate bin emptying rotas are put in place, particularly at weekends and during good weather.

 

 

Reply:

 

Dublin City Council is calling out to all those partaking in outdoor activity to act responsibly by using the bin to dispose of litter and where there is no bin available to please bring litter home and being part of the “Leave no Trace” Campaign.

There are currently over 3,200 bins in the City Council area with an additional 70 barrel bins in place at identified litter hotspots to assist with the extra demand with 30 additional big belly bin being installed in the first half of the year. Litter levels are monitored on a continuous basis to ensure there is an appropriate level of litter bin provision. Frontline street cleaning and bin emptying staff are working around the clock in an effort to deal with all of the extra litter that is being generated by this current focus on outdoor activities.

 

 

Karl Mitchell

Acting Executive Manager /Director of Services         

North City

 

 

 

Contact:           Richard Whelan, Administrative Officer, Waste Management Services.

Email:              richard.whelan@dublincity.ie

 

Order: Agreed. Report to Councillor.

 

6o

Motion in the name of Councillor Donna Cooney

“To ask the Manager could the picnic benches agreed on in an earlier motion for the Clontarf promenade by the Alflie Byrne road and seats repaired on the shelter by the boat launch be put in place now for the summer season” 

 

Additional documents:

Minutes:

“To ask the Manager could the picnic benches agreed on in an earlier motion for the Clontarf promenade by the Alflie Byrne road and seats repaired on the shelter by the boat launch be put in place now for the summer season” 

           

 

Reply:

 

To be discussed further at meeting.

 

 

 

 

Karl Mitchell

Acting Executive Manager /Director of Services         

North City

 

 

Order:  Report to Councillor.

6p

Motion in the name of Councillor Donna Cooney

That North Central Area requests By-laws to protect sea swimmers and birds and marine life in Dublin Bay SPA from unregulated Ski Jets use, there have been some recent near accidents

 

Additional documents:

Minutes:

That North Central Area requests By-laws to protect sea swimmers and birds and marine life in Dublin Bay SPA from unregulated Ski Jets use, there have been some recent near accidents

 

 

 

Reply:

 

 

The Parks Service has become aware of the increase in sea swimming in recent times often taking place in areas that are neither designated bathing areas nor covered by the Beach Guarding Service. There are no current proposals to increase the number of life guards, upgrade the lifeguards stations or designate new bathing areas but these matters will be monitored during the bathing season and reviewed in the context of water safety.

 

The Jetty and slipway at Clontarf yacht Club is provided for the launching and berthing of crafts and is not a swimming area. In the absence of byelaws restricting the use of jetskis in Dublin Bay other than in the areas covered by the Dublin Port Co. it would seem that the slipway at the yacht club could be considered an appropriate site to launch such a craft and the Council could be considered as acting ultra vires by erecting the signage requested to ban jetskis from using this public facility.  Further legal advices will be sought on the use of the jetty and slipway.

 

It certainly would not be practical to attempt to provide facilities of lifeguards at every location where citizens choose to swim and the Council would always encourage those who wish to engage in sea swimming to do so where the Beach Guards are in attendance. 

 

The designation of new bathing areas is a statutory and consultative process outlined under the bathing water directive transposed into Irish Legislation in 2008.  There may well be a strong rationale to designate and service new areas for sea swimming and to which end the Parks Service will monitor the situation and engage with stakeholders in the coming months including Dublin Port, EPA, Irish Water, Water Safety and Water Quality Departments, Local leisure craft clubs and user groups.

 

 

 

 

Karl Mitchell

Acting Executive Manager /Director of Services         

North City

 

 

Contact:            Fergus O’Carroll, Senior Executive Parks Superintendent

Email:              parks@dublincity.ie

                       

Order:  Refer to Arts, Culture, Leisure and Recreation SPC  request that by-laws for Jet Skies from other Dublin Local Authorities be brought as part of the discussion.

6q

Motion in the name of Councillor Donna Cooney

To ask the Manager could the issue of dangerous parking on pavement and driving outside St. Fiachra’s National school Beaumont Dublin 9. be addressed, the Gardai have to regularly attend and put out traffic cones, could physical measures be put in place to protect the children in this primary school” 

 

Additional documents:

Minutes:

To ask the Manager could the issue of dangerous parking on pavement and driving outside St. Fiachra’s National school Beaumont Dublin 9. be addressed, the Gardai have to regularly attend and put out traffic cones, could physical measures be put in place to protect the children in this primary school” 

 

 

Reply:

 

 

Dublin City Council is implementing School Zones across the city. The School Zone treatment is designed to give priority to students at the school gate by freeing up footpaths and reducing vehicle drop-offs, pick-ups and idling. The aim is to reduce congestion and increase safety at the front of school, and prioritise active travel (walking, cycling and scooting) to and from school.

School Zones aims to:

·         Encourage traffic to slow down in the School Zone area

·         Prevent parking on pavements

·         Encourage drivers to make drop-offs outside the School Zone area and not to stop in the School Zone area

 

A School Zone includes:

·         Line-marking stating ‘School Zone’ at either end of the area

·         Colourful circles on the road demarcating the front of school area

·         Pencil-shaped bollards on the footpath to prevent illegal parking

·         These design features assist in creating a safer, calmer, more attractive environment at the school gate.

 

We contacted all Schools in Dublin City in August 2020 inviting them to apply for a School Zone.  To-date we have received 120 application.  We have not received an application from St. Fiachra’s as yet but the application process remains open.  We will contact St. Fiachra’s directly inviting them to apply through our online portal, https://www.dublincity.ie/residential/transportation/covid-mobility-measures/school-mobility-programme

If the school applies, a site visit will be organised to determine the most appropriate intervention at this location.

 

 

Karl Mitchell

Acting Executive Manager /Director of Services         

North City

 

 

Contact:           Antonia Martin, Communication & Promotion Officer, Covid Mobility Measures.

Email:              antonia.martin@dublincity.ie

 

 

Order: Agreed. Report to Councillor.