Agenda and minutes

Order: Cllr. Patricia Roe proposed by Cllr. Deirdre Heney seconded by Cllr. Naoise Ó Muirí.  Agreed.

Order: Cllr. Daryl Barron proposed by Cllr. Deirdre Heney and seconded by Cllr. Catherine Stocker.  Agreed.

(attached)

Order: Agreed.

(report herewith)

Order: Noted.

Debbie Clarke (report and presentation herewith)

Order: Presentation noted.

Ray Yeates (report herewith)

Order: Ray Yeates updated the NCAC on current projects.  Cllr. Larry O’Toole requested the Arts officer to make enquiries regarding “Woodville House” and it’s suitability as an Arts Centre and report back to NCAC.

Chris Adamson (report herewith)

Order: Chris Adamson to request programme for phasing from Irish Water to establish timelines for work / also he is to report back to NCAC in relation to the proposal of a leaflet drop to residents regarding clamping of cars in cycle lane and to point out timeframe for use of cycle lane on Griffith.

The Manager has committed to a standalone meeting for Councillors at which senior traffic officials will give a presentation on the proposed cycle way projects in the NCA in the coming months.  This will be then followed up by consultation with local schools and interested stakeholders.

Bernie Roe (verbal report)

Order:  Bernie Roe gave a verbal update on the status of the eight main issues regarding Richmond Road.  She will continue to review the situation and report back to the NCAC with recommendations.

Cllr. MacDonncha has requested a report on current position regarding 31, Richmond Ave home of Tom and Kathleen Clarke from an enforcement perspective.

(report herewith)

Order: Agreed. Refer to City Council.

(report herewith)

Order: Agreed. Refer to City Council.

(report herewith)

Order: Agreed. Refer to City Council.

Bernie Roe (report herewith)

Order: Agreed. Refer to City Council.

Derek Farrell (report herewith)

Order: Not agreed.  Cllr. Larry O’Toole proposed that this be rejected and it was seconded by Cllr. John Lyons. The Manager will investigate next steps in this process.

(report herewith)

Order: Cllr. Batten stated that the outline on Housing Report is outdated and requested that this be updated.

Slademore Development -Physical meeting to be arranged with small group of residents representing the wider group.

Whitehall Senior Citizens - The Manager to ask the AHB unit to circulate updated report to the NCAC members.

Millwood Development – Councillors state there is not enough consultation with local residents.  The Manager to contact AHB team.

(report herewith)

Order: Noted.

(report herewith)

Order: Noted.

In the names of Cllr Catherine Stocker and Cllr Deirdre Heney

That the North Central Area Committee agrees to a programme of tree planting in the Clans, Donnycarney, D5. Walking through the roads in the clans what is notable is that, aside from trees in private gardens, there are no publicly planted trees which leaves the area looking sparse. We can all agree that trees are good for our welfare, health and planet and this committee agrees to target this area which has a dearth of same.

In the names of Cllr Catherine Stocker and Cllr Deirdre Heney

That the North Central Area Committee agrees to a programme of tree planting in the Clans, Donnycarney, D5. Walking through the roads in the clans what is notable is that, aside from trees in private gardens, there are no publicly planted trees which leaves the area looking sparse. We can all agree that trees are good for our welfare, health and planet and this committee agrees to target this area which has a dearth of same.

Reply

The area in the ‘Clans’ is unsuitable for tree planting due to  the footpaths being  too narrow to allow for a tree pit and allow for  wheelchair accessibility. In addition there are number of underground and over ground services that make the area unsuitable for tree planting. 

In order to increase the tree canopy in the short term in this area the Parks Service can carry out tree planting in May Park in compensation for this. This can be considered for the tree planting season during the winter of 2021 and early Spring of 2022 subject to budget.

In the longer term consultation could be held with interested residents for tree planting in the front gardens throughout the area.

Karl Mitchell

Acting Executive Manager /Director of Services         

North City

Contact:           Sara Brady, Executive Parks Superintendent

Email:              parks@dublincity.ie

Order: Cllr Catherine Stocker and Cllr Deirdre Heney request an environmental walk around with Parks to identify potential solutions.  Motion referred to Sara Brady, Executive Parks Superintendent.

That the North Central Area Committee agrees that the Artane/Harmonstown area is prioritised for provision of a playground in the 2022 parks budget. This area is identified in the play strategy as having a deficit and we need to ensure this vital community facility is made available to the community.

That the North Central Area Committee agrees that the Artane/Harmonstown area is prioritised for provision of a playground in the 2022 parks budget. This area is identified in the play strategy as having a deficit and we need to ensure this vital community facility is made available to the community.

Reply

The priority for the available playground upgrades budgets in the short to medium term is to bring exiting playgrounds up to standard before addressing areas of deficit.  The priority for 2021 is the refit of Darndale Playground, 2022 is to address the deficit in Harmonstown with a contribution from the discretionary fund.

Karl Mitchell

Acting Executive Manager /Director of Services         

North City

Contact:           Sara Brady, Executive Parks Superintendent

Email:              parks@dublincity.ie

Order: Agreed. Refer to Councillor.

That the North Central Area Committee agrees that the ‘Seomra Taes’ licensed by the city council in the North Central area parks are mandated to use compostable cups and food packaging and to provide appropriate compostable bins. As an example, although it’s a private business, Happy Out on Bull Island provides a range of bins for waste, recycling, compost which are well used. It is welcome that outlets such as Olive’s Room use compostable cups but without corresponding appropriate bins it is a wasted measure.

That the North Central Area Committee agrees that the ‘Seomra Taes’ licensed by the city council in the North Central area parks are mandated to use compostable cups and food packaging and to provide appropriate compostable bins. As an example, although it’s a private business, Happy Out on Bull Island provides a range of bins for waste, recycling, compost which are well used. It is welcome that outlets such as Olive’s Room use compostable cups but without corresponding appropriate bins it is a wasted measure.

Reply

The Seomra Tae for Parks Tearooms promotes the use of compostable cups and food packaging over single use plastics. One of the problems of collecting recyclables and compostables is that there is no corporate contract in place for the disposal of these separated materials to a compost or recyclables centre. We are in discussion with Waste Management on this as they manage the corporate contract.  

Karl Mitchell

Acting Executive Manager /Director of Services         

North City

Contact:           Fergus O’Carroll, Senior Executive Parks Superintendent

Email:              parks@dublincity.ie

Order: Not agreed.  Seconded by Cllr. Naoise Ó Muirí who suggested that this should be one of the conditions of the licence.  Forward to Development Department.

The North Central Area Committee recognises the essential need for all residents to separate and recycle their waste. Therefore the North Central Area Committee requests an audit of recycling facilities available to DCC tenants in our the flats and senior citizen complexes and on our Traveller Accommodation sites in the North Central Area

The North Central Area Committee recognises the essential need for all residents to separate and recycle their waste. Therefore the North Central Area Committee requests an audit of recycling facilities available to DCC tenants in our the flats and senior citizen complexes and on our Traveller Accommodation sites in the North Central Area

Reply

Dublin City Council is committed to ensuring waste is disposed of in the correct manner at all council owned housing complexes. In 2019, a joint Housing Maintenance / Waste Management Services project team was established to introduce segregated waste collections at all Dublin City Council housing complexes on a phased basis, dictated by the volume of complexes in each local area.

As the highest volume of housing complexes is located in the South East Area, this was chosen as the pilot area and was successfully completed in early 2020. Work then commenced in the South Central Area but unfortunately the project was paused due to the arrival of Covid 19 and the initial lockdown of society. Sporadic attempts were made to restart the project in the latter half of 2020, but it was again put on hold when Level 5 restrictions were introduced in January 2021. It is anticipated that work will commence on the project again in Q3 2021. As North Central Area contains the lowest number of council housing complexes, this will be the final phase of the project and it is unlikely that work in the North Central Area will begin before mid-2022 at the earliest.

Contact:           Sid Daly, Public Domain Officer, Waste Management Services

Email:              sid.daly@dublincity.ie

The recycling facilities on Traveller Specific Accommodation sites is available through commercial waste management providers i.e. green bins, brown bins or black bins or the councils recycling centres. Accumulated waste on sites is removed twice weekly or as needed by the Traveller Accommodation Unit Caretaker staff.

Contact:           Pat Teehan, A/Senion Executive Officer         

Tel:                  222 6345          

Email:              pat.teehan@dublincity.ie

Karl Mitchell

Acting Executive Manager /Director of Services         

North City

Order: Agreed. Report to Councillor.

That the DNC area committee request the Area Manager to set up proper ongoing consultation with Residents adjacent to the proposed Cluid/Clann development of Age Appropriate Housing on the Whitehall car-park site, that the Area Manager makes a statement on how he intends to improve and progress the lack of meaningful consultation to date and that this area committee recommends that the Park 8 process should not commence until after engagement and agreement with the adjacent residents.

That the DNC area committee request the Area Manager to set up proper ongoing consultation with Residents adjacent to the proposed Cluid/Clann development of Age Appropriate Housing on the Whitehall car-park site, that the Area Manager makes a statement on how he intends to improve and progress the lack of meaningful consultation to date and that this area committee recommends that the Park 8 process should not commence until after engagement and agreement with the adjacent residents.

Reply

Clann/Cluid engaged with local residents via an online meeting on the 25^th of March. This meeting was an introductory meeting to provide the community with information on the service that Clann provide and to deliver a detailed presentation of the proposed plans for the site.

Residents were invited on the night to provide contact details to Clann/Cluid so that they can open direct communication channels with local residents via email, phone and printed material.

Residents were contacted by letter on the 4^th of May and advised that their feedback was under review and there will be further communications to follow.

On the 5^th of July Clann/Cluid circulated a further written communication to residents on the latest developments on the project. Having taken on board local residents concerns, the decision has been taken to lower the heights. Residents were also advised that further work will now begin on the redesign to take into account the lower heights.   

Under normal circumstances, the local community would be invited to a series of face-to-face meetings but due to COVID-19 safety restrictions this has not been possible.

The intention is to continue to provide opportunities for local community engagement via virtual meetings, leaflet drops, and through online communication channels.

Part 8 has not yet commenced on this development. This project is still at Pre-Part 8 stage and consultation is currently ongoing with DCC technical departments. When the new design has been prepared this will be presented to local residents and Councillors.

Karl Mitchell

Acting Executive Manager /Director of Services         

North City

Contact;           Michelle Robinson, Senior Executive Officer 

Tel:                  222 3517 

Email:              michelle.robinson@dublincity.ie

Order:  Manager to follow up with AHB team regarding present status and future consultations.

That this Area Committee calls on DCC Parks Dept to request the formal approval of the DCC Local Area Committee prior to submitting any finalised planning application  to An Bord Pleanala (ABP) in respect of the proposed Discovery Centre on Bull Island. This Area Committee believes the prior approval of the local elected public representatives is warranted.     

That this Area Committee calls on DCC Parks Dept to request the formal approval of the DCC Local Area Committee prior to submitting any finalised planning application  to An Bord Pleanala (ABP) in respect of the proposed Discovery Centre on Bull Island. This Area Committee believes the prior approval of the local elected public representatives is warranted.   

Reply

DCC Parks, Biodiversity and Landscape Services have actively sought the input and views of the Elected Representatives both locally and more widely, through presentations and updates to the Area Committee, SPCs and directly to the Councillors both individually and as a group over the past few years. At the most recent Area Committee Meeting a further presentation was provided and feedback given by Councillors. To date the feedback from the Elected Representatives and the wider community has been broadly positive with some concerns raised which have been addressed as appropriate. We have presented to a range of SPC’s in the past month with positive response.

As required under legislation and previously advised, as the project is a Local Authority own development, a screening examination was carried out in accordance with the provisions of Article 120 of the Planning and Development Regulations 2001. The screening examination considered the nature, size and location of the project in the context of the criteria set out in Schedule 7 and Schedule 7A of the Planning and Development Regulations 2001 and it concluded that the project would require the preparation of an EIAR.

As recently requested the project team are happy to install additional information panels in the coming weeks and report the feedback received to the Area Committee.

Karl Mitchell

Acting Executive Manager /Director of Services         

North City

Contact:           Donncha O’Dúlaing, Senior Executive Officer

Tel:                  222 5033

Email:              parks@dublincity.ie

Order: That the NCAC want all collated feedback brought before the NCA for their approval before Part 8 application. Refer to Les Moore, Parks Department and Donncha O’Dualaing

That this Area Committee calls on DCC Parks Dept to instigate a widespread public information campaign / consultation including the use of onsite billboards in respect of the proposed Discovery Centre on Bull Island and certainly prior to submitting any finalised planning application to An Bord Pleanala (ABP). This public information campaign / consultation to include an opportunity for members of the public to provide feedback to DCC Parks and that DCC should accommodate both written and online feedback. This Area Committee believes that public awareness / public buy-in is warranted for such a project in so important a location.        

That this Area Committee calls on DCC Parks Dept to instigate a widespread public information campaign / consultation including the use of onsite billboards in respect of the proposed Discovery Centre on Bull Island and certainly prior to submitting any finalised planning application to An Bord Pleanala (ABP). This public information campaign / consultation to include an opportunity for members of the public to provide feedback to DCC Parks and that DCC should accommodate both written and online feedback. This Area Committee believes that public awareness / public buy-in is warranted for such a project in so important a location

Reply

The project team have made every effort to raise awareness and gain feedback to the Discovery Centre Project. Throughout the design process we have engaged with the elected representatives, community groups, NGOs, volunteer groups and other stakeholders which has informed the scale and design of the proposed centre which will replace the existing Interpretive and Education Centre which is no longer fit for purpose. While we have recently installed information posters with a QR code to more detailed information at various locations on Bull Island and in St. Anne’s Park we are happy to install larger signs, with opportunities for feedback in the coming weeks as suggested.

Karl Mitchell

Acting Executive Manager /Director of Services         

North City

Contact:           Donncha O’Dúlaing, Senior Executive Officer

Tel:                  222 5033

Email:              parks@dublincity.ie

Order: That the NCAC want all collated feedback brought before the NCA for their approval before Part 8 application. Refer to Les Moore, Parks Department and Donncha O’Dulaing

That this Area Committee supports the establishment of a Ranger/Warden service to assist with the management of the public domain on Bull Island.

That this Area Committee supports the establishment of a Ranger/Warden service to assist with the management of the public domain on Bull Island.

Reply

With the range of activities and numbers of people using both St Annes Park and the North Bull Island there is certainly a case to be made for a ranger/warden system to be put in place. This would also support conservation management objectives for the nature reserve. The setting up and provision for a ranger/warden service will be considered in the context of the 2022 estimates.

Karl Mitchell

Acting Executive Manager /Director of Services         

North City

Contact:           Leslie Moore, Head of Parks, Biodiversity and Landscape Services

Culture, Recreation and Economic Services Department

Email:              leslie.moore@dublincity.ie

Order: Agreed. Refer to Parks Department.

That the manager, in relation to the park situated next to Pinebrook estate Artane, which was handed over to Dublin Corporation in 1982 by Powers Supermarket, and which is home to an historical burial ground and church ruin, begin the process of naming this much loved and  historical place and if a detailed report can be made on the plans for same.

That the manager, in relation to the park situated next to Pinebrook estate Artane, which was handed over to Dublin Corporation in 1982 by Powers Supermarket, and which is home to an historical burial ground and church ruin, begin the process of naming this much loved and  historical place and if a detailed report can be made on the plans for same.

Reply

If adopted, this motion should be referred to the Arts, Culture, Leisure & Recreation SPC for consideration. Having considered the motion the SPC may refer the matter to the Commemorations & Naming Committee, who will consider the proposal under the Council’s Policy for Commemorative Naming of Infrastructure and the Provision of Monuments, Memorials and Plaques.

Karl Mitchell

Acting Executive Manager /Director of Services         

North City

Contact:           Brendan Teeling, Deputy City Librarian

Tel:                  222 4816

Email:              Brendan.teeling@dublincity.ie

Order: Agreed. Report to Councillor. Refer to Arts SPC.

That the Manager, in relation to continuing and ongoing problems of speeding traffic and narrow footpaths coupled with tight road space on St. Brigid's Road, Abbeyfield, Middle Third, The Demesne, Clanhugh Road, Killester Avenue and surrounds, that a special meeting be held with Area Management and the Roads and Traffic Dept. to see what solutions can be identified to deal with (a) speeding traffic (b) lack of parking space and (c) vulnerable pedestrian safety.

That the Manager, in relation to continuing and ongoing problems of speeding traffic and narrow footpaths coupled with tight road space on St. Brigid's Road, Abbeyfield, Middle Third, The Demesne, Clanhugh Road, Killester Avenue and surrounds, that a special meeting be held with Area Management and the Roads and Traffic Dept. to see what solutions can be identified to deal with (a) speeding traffic (b) lack of parking space and (c) vulnerable pedestrian safety.

Reply

As you may be aware, a presentation on the subject of Neighbourhood Transport Schemes was delivered at the North Central Area Committee Meeting on Monday 20th January 2020. As highlighted during this presentation, the goal of a Neighbourhood Transport Scheme is to provide more walkable and calmer streets where the priority is given to pedestrians, cyclists and public transport. These schemes are particularly aimed at residential areas which suffer from transport issues in relation to:

·         Rat Running (the practice by motorists of using residential side streets instead of the intended main road in urban or suburban areas)

·         Speeding

·         Heaving traffic volumes

·         Congestion

·         HGV’s through residential areas

·         Other dangerous issues

As outlined at the time, a list of residential areas that may qualify for a Neighbourhood Transport Scheme was being finalised (i.e. Phase 1). Following this meeting, an email was also sent (on 17th February) to all Councillors with a request to submit any areas for consideration by the 13th March 2020. Subsequently, the following areas proceeded to Phase 2:

·         Haverty Road

·         Grange Park Avenue

·         Millbrook Avenue

·         Coolgreena Road

·         Mayne River Avenue

·         Grace Park Terrace

·         Briarsfield Road

·         Windsor Avenue

·         Riverside Park

·         Killester

Please note that the above list also includes the surrounding streets and areas. The focus of Neighbourhood Transport Schemes are on local streets in residential areas which are bounded by the main thoroughfares and arterial roads.

Phase 2 involves assessing and ranking these areas in keeping with the formalised process as agreed at the Nov 2018 SPC. This involves assessing the areas against a number of set criteria (e.g. level of cut-through traffic at peak times) to determine the order of implementation for a Neighbourhood Transport Scheme. The initial forecast period for completion of this phase was Q2 2020 however this was delayed due to Covid 19.

Phase 3 involves working with councillors and various internal and external stakeholders in developing a Neighbourhood Transport Scheme for the top ranked area(s).

Notwithstanding this, any specific requests for traffic measures at specific locations in the North Central Area are welcome and can be submitted to the website: https://www.dublincity.ie/traffic-service-request-councillor where they will be dealt with by the Area Engineer.

I trust this information is satisfactory but should you have any further questions please do not hesitate to contact me.

Karl Mitchell

Acting Executive Manager /Director of Services         

North City

Contact:           Andrew Geoghegan, Neighbourhood Transport Engineer (North City)

Tel:                   222 6347          

Email                andrew.geoghegan@dublincity.ie

Order: Councillor Heney to forward results of local survey/questionnaire for the attention of Bernie Roe, North Central Area Office.

That Dublin North Central Area organise safe outdoor family events this summer and autumn, including outdoor cinema, music in the parks, yoga on the beach, plays on the promenade and parks, roller disco in the car park etc. Bring your own blanket seats and separate family/group pod areas marked out, roller disco would be distanced anyway. 

That Dublin North Central Area organise safe outdoor family events this summer and autumn, including outdoor cinema, music in the parks, yoga on the beach, plays on the promenade and parks, roller disco in the car park etc. Bring your own blanket seats and separate family/group pod areas marked out, roller disco would be distanced anyway. 

Reply

Dublin City Council’s Events Section are currently involved with Dublin City Council’s City recovery strategy which involves animation of the public domain along with the possibility of facilitating suitable events in the City Centre. Currently, the events section along with Dublin City Council’s arts office are involved in rolling out the Live Performance Support Scheme initiated by the Department of Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sport and Media. This scheme aims to support live performances particularly where capacity is restricted due to Covid 19. In addition, Dublin City Council’s Events Section are currently assessing public tenders to develop a multi-party framework of event management companies to facilitate outdoor events in the public domain and parks. Once completed, this framework will be available to all departments within Dublin City Council.

Karl Mitchell

Acting Executive Manager /Director of Services         

North City

Contact:           Tom Doyle, A/Senior Staff Officer

Tel:                  222 3360

Email:              events@dublincity.ie

Order:  Cllr Cooney wants lists of family/child outdoor events circulated.  The Manager stated this was more relevant to individual areas and after Covid, Community and Libraries will get back to doing this.

That this Area Committee agrees that road skills bicycle training be provided for 10 to 13 years olds this summer in advance of schools reopening. 

That this Area Committee agrees that road skills bicycle training be provided for 10 to 13 years olds this summer in advance of schools reopening. 

Reply

Dublin City Council’s Road Safety Section provides funding and support to the Cycle Right Training programme which is available to all primary schools. The Road Safety Section is reviewing this requested. Councillors will be informed in due course.

Karl Mitchell

Acting Executive Manager /Director of Services         

North City

Contact:           Rossana Camargo, Executive Engineer, Transportation. Road Safety. Policy, Strategy and Innovation Section.

Email:              rossana.camargo@dublincity.ie

Order: Agreed. Report to Councillor.

That this Area Committee agrees that zebra crossings be put in place on residential roads to aid crossing in 30km zones, especially on school routes and routes to parks and amenities. 

That this Area Committee agrees that zebra crossings be put in place on residential roads to aid crossing in 30km zones, especially on school routes and routes to parks and amenities. 

Reply

Safe access to schools is being addressed as part of the School Zone and Safe Routes to School projects.

Contact:           Antonia Martin, Active Travel Communication, Engagement & Promotion Officer

Email:              Antonia.martin@dublincity.ie

As a result of observations and representations to the Environment and Transportation Department, Zebra Crossings have been phased out over the years in favour of signalised crossings.

Zebra crossings rely on drivers to give way to pedestrians stepping onto a crossing which results in faster crossing times for pedestrians and less delay for traffic. However, drivers tend not to take as much notice of zebra crossings as they should, as there is no red light signalling them to stop, and pedestrians do not feel as safe as they do with a signal telling them when to cross.

Zebra crossings give priority to pedestrians but do not actively slow down vehicles; thus they may induce unsafe behaviour from both driver and pedestrian. The issue of safety is more critical for the visually impaired and the NCBI have found Zebra crossings undesirable for the visually impaired. In addition, compliance with the law regarding this type of crossing is very difficult to enforce unless offending motorists are caught in the act.

In cases where it is felt a recommendation should be made we would  look at other more suitable traffic calming measures if needed, on a case by case basis, considering the criteria for approval for such measures.

Contact:           Catalin Rosca, Area Engineer

             Environment and Transportation Department.

Email:               catalin.rosca@dublincity.ie

Karl Mitchell

Acting Executive Manager /Director of Services         

North City

Order: Not agreed.  Refer to Transport SPC.

That this Area Committee asks that progress be made on pavements replacement, installing and repair in the Killester Area after my motion placed in 2020 and in light of residents audit of pavements needed, also that speeding is addressed in Killester which is a 30km safe zone, some drivers are regularly exceeding 30kmph. 

That this Area Committee asks that progress be made on pavements replacement, installing and repair in the Killester Area after my motion placed in 2020 and in light of residents audit of pavements needed, also that speeding is addressed in Killester which is a 30km safe zone, some drivers are regularly exceeding 30kmph. 

Reply:

Road Maintenance Services included localised carriageway repairs in Killester Park in the 2021 Major Works Program. In addition to this extensive localised repairs were completed on Killester Avenue, Collins Avenue East and Clanranald/ Clanree estate in the past number of years.

Please supply a list of specific locations which require attention with reference to a local house number or lamp post number. Road Maintenance Services can then arrange an inspection and where necessary schedule repairs when a works crew is available in the area.

Contact:           Shane Satell, Executive Engineer, Road Maintenance Services.

Tel:                  222 2297.

Email:              shane.satell@dublincity.ie

All the residential roads around Killester area are 30 km/h. If there is a problem with excessive speeding or non-compliance with the speed limit in the area, it should be referred to An Garda Síochána as this is an enforcement issue. The Road Safety Section will raise this enforcement issue on the next Working Group Together with the An Garda Síochána

Contact:           Rossana Camargo, Executive Engineer, Transportation. Road Safety. Policy, Strategy and Innovation Section.

Email:              rossana.camargo@dublincity.ie

Karl Mitchell

Acting Executive Manager /Director of Services         

North City

Order: Councillor Cooney to forward results of local survey/questionnaire to Bernie Roe, North Central Area Office.