Agenda and minutes

The Lord Mayor opened the meeting by extending congratulations to Councillor Marie Sherlock and Claire O’Connor on the birth of their babies. 

Approval was granted for Councillor attendance at the following conference:

·       Energy Action Fuel Poverty Conference on 21st October 2019 in Croke Park Full details at http://energyaction.ie/fuel-poverty-conference

Councillors wishing to attend should contact the Chief Executive’s Office.

Approval was granted to facilitate a meeting of the All Ireland Local Authorities Sustainable Energy Forum (formerly Nuclear Free Local Authorities) on 18^th October 2019 in the Council Chamber. The aim of the Forum is to bring Councillors together to discuss how local government should take a more prominent role in the mitigation of climate change and the reduction of carbon. 

The Lord Mayor informed Members that Richard Brady, Assistant Chief Executive for Environment and Transportation was retiring on 1st November 2019. He extended his thanks to Richard for all his hard work in the City Council and contribution to the city of Dublin. 

It was moved by Councillor Seamas McGrattan and seconded by Councillor Christy Burke, “That Dublin City Council approves the Dublin Chief Executive answering the questions lodged”. The motion having been put and carried, written answers to the 167 questions lodged for the City Council meeting were issued. The Questions and Answers are set out in Appendix A attached.

The minutes of the Monthly Meeting of the City Council held on the 2^nd September 2019 and the Local Property Tax and Special Council Meeting’s held on 23^rd September 2019, having been printed, certified by the Meetings Administrator, circulated to the Members and taken as read, were signed by the Lord Mayor.

Cllr. Deirdre Heney reminded Members of the debate at the Local Property Tax meeting, when it was made clear that due to Government proposals to change the way properties owned by Irish Water are valued for rates purposes, the City Council would potentially have €8.9 million less in revenue income in 2020. It was agreed that the Manager would write to the Minister to convey the Members opposition to the proposals.  

It was proposed by Councillor Dermot Lacey and seconded by Councillor Vincent Jackson “That Councillor Criona Ni Dhalaigh be appointed as a member of the Dublin Mid-Leinster Regional Health Forum”. The motion was put and carried.

It was proposed by Councillor Dermot Lacey and seconded by Councillor Neasa Hourigan “That Councillors James Geoghegan, Dermot Lacey, Jane Horgan-Jones, Donna Cooney, Claire Byrne and Janet Horner be appointed as members of the Sutton to Sandycove Joint Committee”. The motion was put and carried.

It was agreed to defer this appointment to the November City Council meeting.

It was proposed by Councillor Ray McAdam and seconded by Councillor Neasa Hourigan “That Councillor Donna Cooney be appointed as a member of the Economic Development and Enterprise SPC”. The motion was put and carried.

It was proposed by Councillor Dermot Lacey and seconded by Councillor Declan Flanagan “That Councillor Colm O’Rourke be appointed to the Dublin City Local Community Development Committee.” The motion was put and carried.

The second vacancy was deferred to the November City Council Meeting.

It was proposed by Councillor Ray McAdam and seconded by Councillor Vincent Jackson “That Dublin City Council notes the contents of Report No. 310/2019, hereby establishes a Dublin City Council Audit Committee and appoints members to that committee as recommended in the report.” The motion was put and carried.

It was proposed by Councillor Anthony Connaghan and seconded by Councillor Noeleen Reilly “That Dublin City Council notes the contents of Report No. 267/2019.” The motion was put and carried.

It was moved by Councillor Declan Flanagan and seconded by Councillor Vincent Jackson “That Dublin City Council notes the contents of Report No 270/2019 and hereby approves the borrowing requirement as set out therein, subject to the sanction of the Minister for Housing, Planning and Local Government” The motion was put and carried.

It was moved by Councillor Vincent Jackson and seconded by Councillor Christy Bourke “That Dublin City Council notes the contents of Report No 275/2019 and hereby approves the contents therein ”. The motion was put and carried.

A total of 52 no. motions were submitted on the Draft Park West – Cherry Orchard LAP 2019 from the following elected representatives: -

·       Cllr. Hazel De Nortúin, People Before Profit

·       Cllr. Daithí Doolan, Sein Féin

·       Cllr. Vincent Jackson, Non-Party

·       Cllr. Sophie Nicoullaud, Green Party

With regards to forty six of the fifty two motions, the Chief Executive’s recommendation was accepted. The following six motions were discussed and the following amendments agreed. 

Motion 21:

It was agreed to amend the Chief Executives recommendation to include the following wording, “to aspire to the provision of social labour clauses in all projects”.

Motion 23:

The Chief Executive’s recommendation was agreed and he would also to write to private developers seeking greater than 10% social housing.

Motion 52:

The Chief Executive’s recommendation was agreed and he would also write to Emergency Services regarding local provision, in particular provision of a local Garda Station.

Motion 13 & 30:

It was agreed to amend the Chief Executive’s recommendation to include the following wording in Objective CS5, “to continue to support the development of the Cherry Orchard Equine Centre, and the Horse Power Project and, to consider proposals for community stabling on Site 3a, subject to further detailed analysis, including governance”.

Motion 33:

The Chief Executive’s recommendation was agreed and he would also write to Department of Education and Skills with regard to clarifying the local request for a Gael Scoil.

The City Planner, John O’Hara confirmed that the amendments would be incorporated in to the final LAP. He then informed Members that none of the amendments agreed constituted material alterations to the Draft Park West – Cherry Orchard Local Area Plan and therefore the Members could proceed to consider the scheme.

It was proposed by Councillor Vincent Jackson and seconded by Councillor Criona Ni Dhalaigh “That Dublin City Council approves Report No 276/2019 and the Park West – Cherry Orchard Local Area Plan is hereby made.” The motion was put to a vote and carried. (See appendix B).

It was moved by Councillor Terrence Flanagan and seconded by Councillor Micheal MacDonncha “That Dublin City Council notes the contents of Report No 306/2019 and hereby approves the proposals set out therein”. The motion was put and carried.

It was moved by Councillor Vincent Jackson and seconded by Councillor Christy Burke “That Dublin City Council notes the contents of Report No 286/2019 and hereby approves the proposals set out therein”. The motion was put and carried.

Councillor Dermot Lacey informed Members that he was a Board Member of Scouts Ireland but as the facility would be owned by Dublin City Council he did not believe this constituted a conflict of interest. Councillor Patrick Costello also informed the meeting that he was a member of the Scouts but did not believe he had a conflict of interest.

It was moved by Councillor Vincent Jackson and seconded by Councillor Christy Burke “That Dublin City Council notes the contents of Report No 277/2019 and hereby approves the proposals set out therein”. The motion was put and carried.

An amendment to Report No 274/2019 was proposed by Councillors Ray McAdam, Janice Boylan and Cieran Perry. The addition of the following text to item 8(b) of the report, “Furthermore, an operational Traffic Management Plan be required as of an overall Mobility Management Plan.” The motion was put and carried.

It was moved by Councillor Janice Boylan and seconded by Councillor Ray McAdam “That Dublin City Council notes the contents of Report No 274/2019 as amended and hereby approves the proposals set out therein”. The motion was put and carried.

It was moved by Councillor Janice Boylan and seconded by Councillor Vincent Jackson “That Dublin City Council notes the contents of Report No 278/2019 and hereby approves the proposals set out therein”. The motion was put and carried.

It was moved by Councillor Michael Pidgeon and seconded by Councillor Vincent Jackson “That Dublin City Council notes the contents of Report No 285/2019 and hereby approves the proposals set out therein”. The motion was put and carried.

It was proposed by Councillor Noeleen Reilly and seconded by Councillor Anthony Connaghan “That Dublin City Council notes the contents of Report No 266/2019 and hereby approves the holding of a plebiscite in relation to the proposed name change of 65 & 67 Ratoath Avenue to 65 & 67 Kilshane Road.” The motion was put and carried.

It was agreed to defer this item to the November 2019 City Council Meeting.

It was agreed to defer this item to the November 2019 City Council Meeting.

It was proposed by Councillor Joe Costello and seconded by Councillor Ray McAdam “That Dublin City Council notes the contents of Report No 303/2019 and assents to the proposal outlined therein” The motion was put and carried

It was proposed by Councillor Anthony Connaghan and seconded by Councillor Micheal MacDonncha “That Dublin City Council notes the contents of Report No 282/2019 and assents to the proposal outlined therein” The motion was put and carried

It was proposed by Councillor Christy Burke and seconded by Councillor Ray McAdam “That Dublin City Council notes the contents of Report No 287/2019 and assents to the proposal outlined therein” The motion was put and carried

Councillor Noeleen Reilly informed the meeting that she had a conflict of interest in relation to this matter and excused herself from the Chamber.

It was proposed by Councillor Keith Connolly and seconded by Councillor Vincent Jackson “That Dublin City Council notes the contents of Report No 288/2019 and assents to the proposal outlined therein” The motion was put and carried.

It was proposed by Councillor Declan Flanagan and seconded by Councillor Naoise Ó ‘Muirí  “That Dublin City Council notes the contents of Report No 289/2019 and assents to the proposal outlined therein” The motion was put and carried.

It was proposed by Councillor Vincent Jackson and seconded by Councillor Nial Ring “That Dublin City Council notes the contents of Report No 290/2019 and assents to the proposal outlined therein” The motion was put and carried.

It was proposed by Councillor Keith Connolly and seconded by Councillor Terrence Flanagan  “That Dublin City Council notes the contents of Report No 291/2019 and assents to the proposal outlined therein” The motion was put and carried.

It was proposed by Councillor Criona Ní Dhalaigh and seconded by Councillor Paddy McCartan “That Dublin City Council notes the contents of Report No 292/2019 and assents to the proposal outlined therein” The motion was put and carried.

It was proposed by Councillor Anthony Connaghan and seconded by Councillor Keith Connolly “That Dublin City Council notes the contents of Report No 294/2019 and assents to the proposal outlined therein” The motion was put and carried.

It was proposed by Councillor Vincent Jackson and seconded by Councillor Daithi de Roiste “That Dublin City Council notes the contents of Report No 293/2019 and assents to the proposal outlined therein” The motion was put and carried.

It was proposed by Lord Mayor Paul Mc Auliffe and seconded by Councillor Keith Connolly “That Dublin City Council notes the contents of Report No 295/2019 and assents to the proposal outlined therein” The motion was put and carried.

It was proposed by Councillor Vincent Jackson and seconded by Councillor Christy Burke “That Dublin City Council notes the contents of Report No 296/2019 and assents to the proposal outlined therein” The motion was put and carried.

It was proposed by Keith Connolly and seconded by Lord Mayor Paul Mc Auliffe “That Dublin City Council notes the contents of Report No 297/2019 and assents to the proposal outlined therein” The motion was put and carried.

It was proposed by Councillor Naoise O’ Muirí and seconded by Councillor Declan Flanagan “That Dublin City Council notes the contents of Report No 298/2019 and assents to the proposal outlined therein” The motion was put and carried.

It was proposed by Councillor Naoise O’ Muirí and seconded by Councillor Deirdre Heney “That Dublin City Council notes the contents of Report No 299/2019 and assents to the proposal outlined therein” The motion was put and carried.

It was proposed by Councillor Paddy McCartan and seconded by Councillor Daithi de Roiste “That Dublin City Council notes the contents of Report No 300/2019 and assents to the proposal outlined therein” The motion was put and carried.

It was proposed by Councillor Vincent Jackson and seconded by Councillor Daithi de Roiste “That Dublin City Council notes the contents of Report No 301/2019 and assents to the proposal outlined therein” The motion was put and carried.

It was proposed by Councillor Ray McAdam and seconded by Councillor Joe Costello “That Dublin City Council notes the contents of Report No 271/2019”. The motion was put and carried.

It was proposed by Councillor Anthony Connaghan and seconded by Councillor Alison Gilliland “That Dublin City Council notes the contents of Report No 272/2019”. The motion was put and carried.

It was proposed by Councillor Anthony Connaghan and seconded by Councillor Naoise Ó Muirí “That Dublin City Council notes the contents of Report No 312/2019”. The motion was put and carried.

It was proposed by Councillor Vincent Jackson and seconded by Councillor Christy Burke “That Dublin City Council notes the contents of Report No 307/2019”. The motion was put and carried.

It was proposed by Councillor Vincent Jackson and seconded by Councillor Christy Burke “That Dublin City Council notes the contents of Report No 302/2019”. The motion was put and carried.

It was proposed by Councillor Vincent Jackson and seconded by Councillor Christy Burke “That Dublin City Council notes the contents of Report No 281/2019”. The motion was put and carried.

It was proposed by Councillor Vincent Jackson and seconded by Councillor Christy Burke “That Dublin City Council notes the contents of Report No 280/2019”. The motion was put and carried.

It was proposed by Councillor Vincent Jackson and seconded by Councillor Christy Burke “That Dublin City Council notes the contents of Report No 273/2019”. The motion was put and carried.

It was proposed by Councillor Vincent Jackson and seconded by Councillor Christy Burke “That Dublin City Council approves the contents of Report No 284/2019”. The motion was put and carried.

It was proposed by Councillor Vincent Jackson and seconded by Councillor Christy Burke “That Dublin City Council notes the contents of Report No 283/2019”. The motion was put and carried.

The Members engaged in a full and comprehensive debate on the issue. There was broad agreement that safe injection facilities were necessary to assist in addressing the problem of drug addiction in the city. The Members also called for greater funding for rehabilitation facilities to help people move away from drug use.   

No valid emergency motions were submitted.

1)    Motion No. 1 – Submitted by Councillor Criona Ní Dhalaigh and seconded by Councillor Janice Boylan:

“That this Council agrees to pilot a participatory budget instead of a discretionary fund in one of our 5 areas. A participatory budget would facilitate citizens in local communities to directly decide how to spend the discretionary budget in their area. It would give citizens the direct power to determine spending priorities to improve their community/area.

Participatory Budgeting gives people the power to improve their area and it is empowering, civic minded, educational, fair and transparent. Participatory budgeting is recognised internationally as a way for people to have a direct say in how local money is spent.  I believe that it would be a tool for community engagement and for developing participatory democracy in our city. It was done as a pilot in areas of South County Dublin Local Authority, and proved very successful. We could follow their model or tweak to suit us.”

The motion was put to a vote and carried. (See appendix C for details).

It was agreed to forward the motion to the Finance SPC for consideration and for the SPC to report back to the City Council. 

2)    Motion No. 2 – Submitted by Councillor Deirdre Heney and seconded by Councillor Criona Ní Dhalaigh:

“That this City Council ensures the protection of animals, (including carriage horses) in our city and makes every effort to bring about compliance with the law by all concerned in this regard, and further makes every effort to ensure that the required legislation to regulate the operation of carriage horses is put in place and that a report be provided on same.”

Councillor Deirdre Heney and Councillor Hazel Chu spoke to the motion. Under standing orders the meeting returned to the business on the agenda at 9pm and it was agreed that the debate on the motion would conclude at the next meeting.

3)    The Lord Mayor asked Members if they wished for any of their motions to be moved for report. Councillor Anne Feeney and Councillor Vincent Jackson whose motions stood at number 14 and 24 respectively on the agenda requested that their motions be moved for report.