Agenda and minutes

Action: Agreed.

2 (a) Draft Revised Street Performance Bye Laws 2016

2(b) Appendix – Report on Public Consultation

A report on the background of the review of the Street Performance Bye-Laws 2016 was brought before the Committee.

After a discussion at the March 2016 meeting of this SPC it was agreed to set up a forum consisting of two representatives from each of the interest groups, i.e. buskers, residents, businesses and including members of the SPC.

The forum met on two occasions and there was very useful dialogue between the interest groups. Broad agreement was reached on most of the contentious issues but the amplification issue was not resolved.

Cllr Lyons commended the progress made by the Forum but stated that he supported the wish of Dublin City Buskers to reform the current two tier permit system. He was of the opinion that the suggested alternative of a general permit costing €30 (including the use of amplification) for new applicants and a renewal fee of €10 should be considered by the SPC.

Management stated that it was felt the current fees (€60 amplification permit annually and €30 general permit annually) were not unreasonable as there were also administrative costs involved.

The Chair put the proposal to a show of hands. The proposal was defeated. Recommendations were put before the members to consider.  The Chair suggested that the members go through each of the recommendations for agreement and to leave the bye-law regarding amplification until the end.

·        Permits (Bye-Laws 1 – 3) Outcome: Proposed actions agreed

·        Definition of Street Performance Outcome: Proposed actions agreed

·        Performance Locations and Prohibited Places (Bye Laws 1, 5 and Definitions) Outcome: Proposed actions agreed

·        Special Restrictions – Grafton Street (New Section)

Outcome: Proposed actions agreed subject to an amendment to replace the wording

“large bands” with “bands of 5 members or more”

·        Performance Times (Bye Laws 5 and 6) Outcome: Proposed actions agreed

·        Behaviour and Conduct (New Bye-Law) Outcome: Proposed actions agreed

·        Revocation and Refusals (Bye Law 23 formerly Bye-Law 27)

Outcome: Proposed actions agreed

·        Appeals (Bye-Law 28)

Outcome: Proposed actions agreed

·        Sale of CDs/Merchandise (Proposed New Bye-Law)

Outcome: The issue of the sale of CDs and other merchandise to be considered as part of a review of the Casual Trading Bye-Laws

·        Amplification (Bye-Law 9)

Regarding the proposal to add a Bye-Law “The use of backing tracks is not permitted in any circumstances”, the Chair informed members that the Enforcement Officer had stated that a lot of amplification issues would be removed if backing tracks were not permitted.

The Chair called for a vote, to which the majority of members agreed to add this Bye- Law i.e. backing tracks were not permitted.

In an effort to address noise levels generated by amplifiers and backing tracks, 4 options were proposed:-

1.     A total ban on the use of amplification

2.     A ban on amplification at certain locations and/or at certain times

3.     Amend  the  existing  Bye-Law  of  a  sound  limit  of  80  decibels  to  include  a  set  ...  view the full minutes text for item 2.

The presentation was very strongly supported.

Action: A report and the Draft Policy Document to go to the September SPC meeting

for recommendation to go to the full City Council for adoption. Welcomed and noted.

In terms of the audit of sports and recreational facilities, the first point of contact was within the South West Inner City. An update of observations were presented to members. After a discussion management informed members that the plan is to do an audit of the whole city, working very closely with the Planners and are specifically exploring ideas regarding the Z15 lands and how we can influence that. It was stated that the whole idea around setting up the Sports Partnership was to influence greater sports and recreational facilities throughout the city.

Action: The Sports Partnership to carry out the audit and bring report and more

detailed proposals back to this Committee in the Autumn.

Ray Yeates, City Arts Officer presented his report to the members.

Action:  Members welcomed this project.

This is a standing item on the agenda.

Action: Report Noted. Update on cultural audits in September.

The Chair suggested that members raise their queries in advance of the meeting in order to have the appropriate person in attendance to address the issues.

Action:  Report noted.

Action:  Report noted. Part 8 to go to City Council.

Project Stage 2(a) Sketch Design report has now been approved by the Parnell Square Cultural Quarter Foundation. Work will commence on the stage 2(b) design and planning process. Libraries are working with the Hugh Lane Gallery to develop a new service for a city library visual arts and design collection which will be a combination of a collection of the research collection of the Hugh Lane Gallery and material from the Central Library.

The issue of the appointment of a member from this Committee to sit on the Parnell Square Cultural Quarter Foundation was raised.

Action: A comprehensive report to be brought to the September meeting to include

the matter of representation on this board.

A presentation on The Draft Dublin City Tree Strategy 2016 - 2020 was presented to the March SPC meeting and to the 5 area committees. The members agreed to initiate a public consultation process. This process is now complete and further amendments have been included in the Draft.

A discussion took place regarding the issue of protruding tree roots. Cllr. Freehill requested that a works plan on the matter be included in the Draft Strategy. The Chair put this proposal to a vote and the majority of members present voted to include the amendment.

Action: Report on the Draft Dublin City Tree Strategy 2016-2020 is recommended to the 4th July City Council meeting for adoption subject to amendment outlined above.

Brendan Teeling, Deputy City Librarian updated the Committee on Kevin Street Library works. Part 8 Notice was published last week and includes the provision of a lift to the outside of the building and the completion of the works.

Cllr. O Farrell requested an update on the planning process for Bull Island new park infrastructure works.

City Parks Superintendent informed the Committee that a report will be submitted to the next North Central Area Committee meeting and 3 Part 8’s will be initiated in relation to car parking traffic improvements on Causeway, Interpretive Centre feasibility study and design for the recreation facility at North Bull Wall.

The Chair requested a full plan for greening strategy for Wolfe Tone Park be brought to the SPC meeting in September.

City Parks Superintendent informed the committee that Parks and Landscape Services are working on a design for Wolfe Tone Park and a full public consultation process will be initiated.

Cllr. Flynn requested a full report on International DUBLIN Literary Award.

“George Bernard Shaw Birth House: 33 Synge Street, Dublin 2 previously in the ownership of Dublin Tourism has now been transferred by Bord Failte Ireland into the ownership of the OPW and described as surplus to requirements.  Therefore this committee agrees to request that it be transferred into the ownership of Dublin City Council and that the Arts Officer prepares a report on the possible uses of this house in the context of delivery of Arts Programme for Dublin”

“George Bernard Shaw Birth House: 33 Synge Street, Dublin 2 previously in the ownership of Dublin Tourism has now been transferred by Bord Failte Ireland into the

ownership of the OPW and described as surplus to requirements.    Therefore this

committee agrees to request that it be transferred into the ownership of Dublin City

Council and that the Arts Officer prepares a report on the possible uses of this house in the context of delivery of Arts Programme for Dublin”

Action:   Agreed

Action:  Agreed

Action:  Agreed

Action:  Agreed

Action:  Agreed

Action:  Agreed

Action:  Agreed

Cllr. O Farrell requested a report on the grass cutting service in the City.

Action:  Report to be brought to the next SPC meeting.

Cllr. Clancy and Cllr. Flynn requested a report be brought to a future SPC meeting on traffic plan and security plan for Gay Pride Festival weekend.