Agenda and minutes

Attached herewith.

The Chairperson Councillor Patricia Roe commenced the meeting by extending sincere condolences to Councillor Larry O’Toole on the loss of his son Paul, on behalf of the NCAC & North Central Area Staff.  She also requested that the condolences of the NCAC be extended to Wexford Co. Council on the tragic death of one of their staff in the course of his duty during the recent storms.

She then welcomed the New Director of Services, Mr. Derek Kelly.

Order:  Agreed.  Councillor Cooney requested that TAG revert back to her on issues raised at the previous meeting.

Attached herewith.

Order:  Noted.

Report herewith.  Aideen O’Connor

Order: Noted.  Councillor Butler requested an update on the deficit of a sports officer in the Donaghmede ward.  Councillor T Flanagan queried how long this vacancy has been in existence and if a replacement is being actively sought.  Aideen O’Connor stated that the work created by this vacancy is currently being shared & whilst we are not actively recruiting at the moment, an assessment of all vacancies is taking place.  Should there be any particular questions in relation to this work, she will be happy to deal with councillors directly.  Councillors Heney & Cooney reiterated that the work of Aideen & her team is very much appreciated.  Lord Mayor Alison Gilliland queried if finding indoor space to facilitate sport was ever an issue.  Whilst there are times where outsourcing is required, Aideen O’Connor stated that where possible, Dublin City Council owned facilities are availed of.

Report & map attached herewith.  Nicola Finegan

Order: Agreed.  Recommend to City Council.

Report & maps herewith. Nicola Finegan

Order: Agreed.  Recommend to City Council.

Report & map herewith. Nicola Finegan

Order: Agreed.  Recommend to City Council.

Report & map herewith.

Order: Agreed.  Recommend to City Council.

Report herewith.James Nolan (Project Manager), Mary Davis (SSO), Glen Murray (Asst. Project Manager).

Order:  Noted. 

Presentation to follow.  Diarmuid Murphy

Order:  Noted with reservations.  Councillor Damian O’Farrell posed several questions on behalf of Councillor Naoise O’Muirí who could not be present but who has been working with residents in the area.  These were addressed by David Freeland in so far as was possible.  Student accommodation is a residential use which is acceptable under the zoning.  The suitability of the scheme would be considered on the basis of its impact on the existing local residents in terms of overbearing and daylight/sunlight studies. The scale of the development is also subject to the reports outlined above.  In terms of car parking, the development plan and apartment guidelines make provision for lower levels of car parking numbers for certain areas of the city and this will be a matter for the Transportation Planning Division to decide upon.  With regards to the fire exit, again the TPD section would require autotrack drawings supplementing the application to demonstrate that there is appropriate turning space for fire tenders/ambulance/refuse.  The construction management plan will also be catered for by the TPD which will include operational hours etc.  They will also look for a mobility transportation plan.

Councillor Cooney expressed concern in relation to how the proposed development would fit into the current street scape and also the impact it will have on several protected structures in the locale including structures in St. Vincent’s Hospital.  She also queried the living standards available to the students.

Councillor Heney stated that the available parking spaces is low.  It would be useful if the planner could do a site visit on Richmond Road and Convent Avenue.  She also stated that there is a huge amount of congestion here and was keen that the needs of existing residents should be taken into account.  The overlooking of two story houses is a serious matter for the people living there. She also stated that this application should not be taken in isolation, but should be looked at in tandem with the pre-planning discussions that are ongoing in relation to a proposed new wing for St. Vincent’s’ Hospital which includes up to 1000 apartments.  She also wondered if the hospital had been in contact with the planner in relation to the long term impact on the hospital in terms of noise levels for patients if the student accommodation proceeds.

Report herewith. John Downey

Order:  Noted.  Fergus O’Carroll responded to queries raised and the members were advised that should they have anything further, that they can email John Downey directly and he will be happy to assist.

Presentation to follow.  Managers Bernie Roe & Derek Farrell

Order:  Noted.  The members welcomed the presentation.  They were collectively appreciative of the considerable amount of work done in the North Central Area via the 2021 Discretionary Fund, acknowledging that it was also carried out under challenging circumstances.  They thanked management & all staff involved in effecting this work.

A narrative to accompany & complement the presentation is currently being produced and will be made available to the members as soon as possible. Three separate meetings (one for the Whitehall/Artane LEA and the other two for the Donaghmede and Clontarf LEAS) to discuss the 2022 allocation will take place in early March with the two local Area Managers individually.

Councillor Patricia Roe raised concern that despite the great work achieved via the North Central Discretionary fund, that there is a discrepancy across the city council in terms of staff resources to implement this work.  Some areas have less councillors and a lot more staff.  She feels that staffing levels are not commensurate with the number of councillors and size of the North Central area, to cater appropriately for the level of work involved.  She also queried why seemingly routine foot path repairs form part of the discretionary budget.  Manager Derek Kelly stated that in some instances, the item could be on a list for a lower category of repair.  Given the level of urgent repairs that would be given priority, it would be very difficult to expediently effect these lower category repairs.  Match funding from the discretionary budget is a mechanism to attend to these issues more quickly.

Report attached herewith.  Derek Farrell & Dympna McCann

Order:  Noted.  Councillor Lyons commended the efforts of the IOG team and is delighted with the sustained level of engagement & commitment from Dublin City Council.   He thanked Dympna McCann for the integral role she plays at the IOG meetings and in progressing the actions of this work, which is now visible in the area.

Councillor Batten queried if anything could be done to improve the aesthetics of the kelly blocks in Darndale.  Manager Derek Farrell stated that there are plans to address this issue.

Councillor Roe also commended the work of the team and was grateful for receiving the update.

Report herewith for noting.

Order:  Noted.

Report herewith for noting.

Order:  Noted.

Reports herewith for noting.

Order:  Noted.  Councillors Cooney & Heney requested an update on the installation of the pedestrian crossing on Mount Prospect Avenue.  Councillor Cooney queried why the results of the speed survey which were promised for January at the December meeting, still aren’t available.  Councillor Heney again raised the issue of an exceptionally dangerous bend in Clanree Road, which she wants resolved in terms of traffic calming.   She also queried if someone from the team could meet with her to examine possible solutions to a speeding issue on the bend at Collins Avenue East, heading towards the Howth Road.

In relation to the speed survey reports, the company contracted to carry out surveys experienced a significant backlog in work following lockdowns which resulted in delays to completing the 50 no. surveys for DCC. TAG were obliged to review the reports for accuracy prior to issue to Councillors. A summary will be made available as soon as possible.

Catalin Rosca to look into these issues and to revert to both councillors directly.

Report herewith for noting.

Order:  Noted.

The North Central Area Committee recognises the frustrations of local residents in the Belmayne area and those who use Parkside Boulevard at the ongoing difficulties arising from the lack of progress or commitment from the developer to bring the infrastructure, particularly the road infrastructure, up to standard so as to commence a taking in charge process. For too long local residents have been left without appropriate road signage or pedestrian crossings causing an ongoing safety issues, particularly for young children making their way to school. The North Central Area Committee appreciates the interim measure of securing an additional lollypop person to help crossing Parkside Boulevard but requests that every possible effort be made, including using the developer bond and/or legal measures, to demand that the developer make good their commitment to completely finish this area and enable the commencement of the taking in charge process by Dublin City Council.

The North Central Area Committee recognises the frustrations of local residents in the Belmayne area and those who use Parkside Boulevard at the ongoing difficulties arising from the lack of progress or commitment from the developer to bring the infrastructure, particularly the road infrastructure, up to standard so as to commence a taking in charge process. For too long local residents have been left without appropriate road signage or pedestrian crossings causing an ongoing safety issues, particularly for young children making their way to school. The North Central Area Committee appreciates the interim measure of securing an additional lollypop person to help crossing Parkside Boulevard but requests that every possible effort be made, including using the developer bond and/or legal measures, to demand that the developer make good their commitment to completely finish this area and enable the commencement of the taking in charge process by Dublin City Council.

Reply:

For discussion at meeting.

Order: Agreed.  Lord Mayor Alison Gilliland stressed that currently we cannot install pedestrian crossings and Road Traffic Act legislation cannot be enforced by An Garda Siochana as the roads here have not been taken in charge.  Road markings have no legal standing until the roads are in charge.  She is particularly concerned about the school crossings at Parkside Boulevard for children who are attending the two new schools located on Belmayne Avenue.  She would like to see the bond from the developer used and to look at legal measures to demand that the developer make good on their commitment to complete the area to standard, so we can take this in charge.

Councillors Stocker & Butler supported this motion. Councillor Roe requested that a walkabout be organised with the Area Manager to inform councillors of the issues in this area.  Manager Bernie Roe is happy to facilitate this request.

That North Central Area Committee support the installation of a We Go inclusive swing for Fairview playground similar to the one installed in Fingal county council in Millennium Park Blanchardstown, (I provide more details to NCA committee from the supplier and perhaps a site visit to see this really inclusive equipment).

That North Central Area Committee support the installation of a We Go inclusive swing for Fairview playground similar to the one installed in Fingal County Council in Millennium Park Blanchardstown, (I can provide more details to NCA committee from the supplier and perhaps a site visit to see this really inclusive equipment).

Reply:

A new design and model of wheelchair swing has recently come onto the market which appears to be suitable for unsupervised playgrounds. This model does not require fencing from the rest of the playground and so would be considered suitable for inclusion in our playgrounds. The cost of each swing is in the order of €40,000 and there appears to be a single agent in Ireland. We will include this swing for consideration in future playground up-grades or it can be purchased as a single item subject to funding being available.

Contact:         Fergus O’Carroll, Senior Executive Parks and Landscape Officer

Tel:                 222 6625

Email:             parks@dublincity.ie

Order: Agreed.

That North Central Area committee support the restoration of the Realt na Mara statue on Bull Wall on the 50th anniversary. Also that there is an event to mark the anniversary with a publication on the history of this statue. Could this project be part funded from the North Central Area and request some other from DPC or others as a heritage project.  

That North Central Area committee support the restoration of the Realt na Mara statue on Bull Wall on the 50th anniversary. Also that there is an event to mark the anniversary with a publication on the history of this statue. Could this project be part funded from the North Central Area and request some other from DPC or others as a heritage project.  

Reply:

The Realt Na Mara statue is an important cultural feature of the Bull Island Nature Reserve, reminding us of the role of Dublin Port and its dockers in the development of the island itself. 

Light was recently restored to the statue when electrical cables were repaired and light fittings installed in November 2021, and the light is now in working order.

A ground level inspection was undertaken in November 2020, indicating the statue was in good structural condition with no visible defects.

There is considerable historical data available and republishing of same by the North Central Area Office would be an appropriate tribute to mark the anniversary.

Contact:         Shane Casey, Parks Biodiversity and Landscapes Service

Email:             parks@dublincity.ie

The Area office would be more than happy to engage with Shane to explore the potential behind the project he has proposed (referenced in his response above) and can of course contribute some funding and resources to bring such an initiative to life.

Contact:         Bernie Roe, North Central Area Manager, (Clontarf –Donaghmede LEA)

Tel:                 222 8846

Email:             bernie.roe@dublincity.ie

Order:  Agreed.

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 Declan’s Terrace

o    Brian Road ( off Malahide Road)

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 Declan’s 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 Transportation Department would also agree that through traffic should be minimised on these roads as far as possible.

Dublin City Council requires that the Contractor proceeds with the implementation of works in a cost effective and time efficient manner. The contractor for the Clontarf to City Centre Project is preparing an updated works programme, which will include detailed temporary traffic management plans for all phases of the works. When the programme is submitted, 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 potential “rat running” through the network of residential streets in Marino should the need arise.

Contact:         Fiona Craven, Senior Executive Engineer, Sustainable & Mobility Projects.

Email:             fiona.craven@dublincity.ie

Order:  Agreed - Subject to Chris Manzira reverting back to the NCAC.  Councillor Cooney disagreed with the motion presented.

Chairperson Councillor Patricia Roe requested that Chris Manzira review the issues raised by the members at the meeting and  ...  view the full minutes text for item 5d

That this Area Committee agrees that a wheelchair-ability audit between the CRC on Vernon Ave and their facility on the Howth Road.  We note that walkability audits are included in the draft development plan and believe that our request is in keeping with this objective.  

That this Area Committee requests a wheelchair-ability audit between the CRC on Vernon Ave and their facility on the Howth Road.  We note that walkability audits are included in the draft development plan and believe that our request is in keeping with this objective.  

Reply:

We will contact the Central Remedial Clinic to invite them to participate in an audit at this location.

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

Email:      antonia.martin@dublincity.ie

Order:  Agreed.

That this area committee agrees to install a story trail – similar to that at Ardgillan castle (photos attached) in St Anne’s or Fairview Park. The story trail in Ardgillan Castle is of the story ‘The Ravenous Beast’ by Irish author Niamh Sharkey. Subject to discussion a suitable story might be ‘Have You Seen the Dublin Vampire?’ By Una Woods given the Bram Stoker connection to the area.

That this area committee agrees to install a story trail – similar to that at Ardgillan castle (photos attached) in St Anne’s or Fairview Park. The story trail in Ardgillan Castle is of the story ‘The Ravenous Beast’ by Irish author Niamh Sharkey. Subject to discussion a suitable story might be ‘Have You Seen the Dublin Vampire?’ By Una Woods given the Bram Stoker connection to the area.

Reply:

Parks will examine the installation at Ardgillan Castle and liaise with Fingal Parks Management as to how the trail was delivered and how much work it involved but it is understood that the trail and story was created with the involvement of the local author. If the parks mentioned were deemed suitable for such an installation and a local author could be identified it would seem like an excellent addition to a park subject to the identification of finance for the project.

Contact;         Fergus O’Carroll, Senior Executive Parks Superintendent

Tel:                 222 6625

Email:             parks@dublincity.ie

Order:  Agreed. 

That this area committee agrees that we should install a wheelchair accessible or ‘roll on’ swing in Fairview playground. Fairview playground is near the CRC, the IWA and Temple Street. It is also due to have a changing places toilet installed as part of the Tea Rooms development. As such it has the potential to be a wonderful focal point for outings for families with additional physical needs and wheelchair users and this swing would contribute to and improve that offering. Consideration should be given to funding this through the area discretionary fund if the parks department does not have sufficient budget.

Further to previous question replies suggesting that wheelchair accessible swings are not considered inclusive I have attached alongside this motion responses from the Irish Wheelchair Association, The Central Remedial Clinic, the Jack & Jill Children’s Foundation and Enable Ireland in support of the use of wheelchair swings. I have also included comments from some parents of children who are wheelchair users.

That this area committee agrees that we should install a wheelchair accessible or ‘roll on’ swing in Fairview playground. Fairview playground is near the CRC, the IWA and Temple Street. It is also due to have a changing places toilet installed as part of the Tea Rooms development. As such it has the potential to be a wonderful focal point for outings for families with additional physical needs and wheelchair users and this swing would contribute to and improve that offering. Consideration should be given to funding this through the area discretionary fund if the parks department does not have sufficient budget.

Further to previous question replies suggesting that wheelchair accessible swings are not considered inclusive I have attached alongside this motion responses from the Irish Wheelchair Association, The Central Remedial Clinic, the Jack & Jill Children’s Foundation and Enable Ireland in support of the use of wheelchair swings. I have also included comments from some parents of children who are wheelchair users.

Reply:

A new design and model of wheelchair swing has recently come onto the market which appears to be suitable for unsupervised playgrounds. This model does not require fencing from the rest of the playground and so would be considered suitable for inclusion in our playgrounds. The cost of each swing is in the order of €40,000 and there appears to be a single agent in Ireland. We will include this swing for consideration in future playground up-grades or it can be purchased as a single item subject to funding being available.

Contact:         Fergus O’Carroll, Senior Executive Parks and Landscape Officer

Tel:                 222 6625

Email:             parks@dublincity.ie

Order:  Agreed.

That this Area Committee is disappointed and concerned by the response of Pope Emeritus Benedict XVI to the findings of the Archdiocese of Munich’s commissioned report into the handling of cases of sexual abuse by church officials and others in his former diocese. 

This was a monumental opportunity for truth & reconciliation and to offer genuine remorse to those who experienced sexual abuse, however there was no effective apology only denial and lawyer speak by Pope Emeritus Benedict XVI.  Many citizens of Dublin who experienced clerical / religious order sexual abuse will be dismayed by his response. 

There are thousands of ‘faithful’ in our city including lay and clerical / religious order members who have carried out and continue to carry great work under the umbrella of their Catholic faith.  They have once again been let down as their Church / faith continues to be brought into disrepute by their religious leaders.

That this Area Committee is disappointed and concerned by the response of Pope Emeritus Benedict XVI to the findings of the Archdiocese of Munich’s commissioned report into the handling of cases of sexual abuse by church officials and others in his former diocese. 

This was a monumental opportunity for truth & reconciliation and to offer genuine remorse to those who experienced sexual abuse, however there was no effective apology only denial and lawyer speak by Pope Emeritus Benedict XVI.  Many citizens of Dublin who experienced clerical / religious order sexual abuse will be dismayed by his response. 

There are thousands of ‘faithful’ in our city including lay and clerical / religious order members who have carried out and continue to carry great work under the umbrella of their Catholic faith.  They have once again been let down as their Church / faith continues to be brought into disrepute by their religious leaders.

Reply:

For discussion at the meeting.

Order:  Agreed.  Councillor O’Farrell requested that the Lord Mayor’s office write to the Papal Nuncio, on behalf of the North Central Area Committee in this regard.

Councillor Heney stated that she would like to meet with the New Director of Services, Mr. Derek Kelly. This was echoed by the members.  In particular, Councillor Heney is very keen for the work of the Clontarf Flood Defence to continue and progress and would like his assurances in this regard. 

Manager Derek Kelly would be pleased to meet with the councillors either collectively or individually.  In relation to the Clontarf Flood Defences, he acknowledged that this is a priority for both councillors, the area office and the community and is happy to progress this issue.

Councillor Cooney asked for a meeting of the actual consultation group as well as the councillors.

Councillor Heney also asked if it was possible for her to attend the Clontarf to City Centre Cycleway sub-committee.  She is not on this committee but would now like to join, due to current developments.

Manager Bernie Roe to revert to both councillors on these matters.