Agenda

Motion in the name of Cllr. Deirdre Conroy Chairperson of Public  Transport Sub-Committee

Motion in the name of Councillor Deirdre Conroy, Chairperson of the Public Transportation Sub Committee to the Traffic & Transport SPC, requesting this committee writes to the NTA to bring forward and address a policy in support for a School Bus System for students within the Dublin Area.

There previously was a school bus system in place which was very successful in promoting the use of public transportation for the school-going younger generation but for various reasons this scheme was stopped. Currently in place of this scheme are private operators for specific routes providing a service for selected schools depending on the demand in the area. This privately operated school bus system is on the north side of the city but unfortunately we are not aware of such services on the south side. As the demand for secondary schools is becoming more oversubscribed, students often find themselves at a disadvantage in having to travel a significant distance for a place in a school that may not have private bus services operating from them. Also during school term, we can clearly see the impact of congestion and delays that the school run by private car has on the road network.

Although during the school run times, bus operators put on universal additional buses on routes to meet the increase in demand, but these services are discreet and buses can be already be quite full by the time they pass various schools. This does little to prompt the modal shift to encourage students to take the bus. If there was a dedicated bus service or a bus on the public route service for school going students only, we believe that this would raise a profile of public transportation services for students and provide a friendly and comfortable environment for children at this school-going age.

The purpose of this policy would be;

·         To promote change to public transportation and to allow students to become accustom to taking the bus.

·         To reduce the unnecessary school car run as students would have an alternative

·         To reduce traffic congestion and as a result reduce pollution and improve air quality

·         In providing a dedicated school bus service, this raises the awareness of choice for parents in the use of public transportation and would encourage the right modal-shift.

·         With the integrated ticketing system in place, the travel demand for students on the public routes would be known and this would assist in surveys to determine effective times and routes for dedicated school buses and encourage other students to avail of the service.

Although the remit of school bus services at a national level is with the Department of Education and provided via Bus Eireann, unfortunately there is no central system or scheme in place for the Dublin Area for school children. But there are other agencies, and for the purposes presented above, that are in the best position to assist in supporting this policy. The  ...  view the full agenda text for item 7.

That the Development Plan will incorporate revised and updated guidelines vis a vis Pay and Display in residential areas. This will prioritise public consultation with affected local residents and businesses, it will be flexible and subject to change before the final map is agreed upon and implemented.

Planning Reason

Increase public consultation and involvement by citizens in shaping their area.

Chief Executive’s Response

It is a reserved function of Dublin City Council Members to vote in amendments to the Parking Control By Laws 2019. This is not a matter for the Development Plan.

Chief Executive’s Recommendation

Not agreed, as this motion raises issues that are outside of the scope of the function of Development Plans, as defined by the Planning and Development Act (as amended).

Parks / Playgrounds

PARKS

That DCC provide picnic benches, and appropriate seating for all residents with all levels of ability, that a particular focus be given to parks with little or no amenities in place at present.

In communities with scarce green space that pocket parks, pocket forests and micro parks be put in place through community engagement and to ensure ownership by the local community.

PLAYGROUNDS

This Council must prioritise the provision of playgrounds and we are particularly anxious to provide side by side play opportunities for people with disabilities.

Playgrounds should be seen as not only an investment in children but as a great way to bring communities together, foster social interaction and provide a focal point for parents and grandparents. We want to see greater provision of playgrounds across the city.

We are conscious that the positioning of playgrounds in local communities is an important factor for consideration in order to promote community buy-in, to reduce the risk of vandalism and to minimise anti-social activity. Public consultation will be a vital part of every playground proposal.

We must also ensure DCC provide and update accessible playgrounds for the citizens of our city to include amenities for all children, to pay particular attention to amenities for children with various abilities, to include communications boards for children, alongside wheelchair friendly pieces.

To provide a level of shelter in our playgrounds as seen in other European countries (see attached example) in light of the Irish climate.

To remove ‘Kissing Gates’ throughout the city and replace with a more secure, accessible entrance for all.

Planning Reason

Covid has shown us the importance of our parks/green spaces/playgrounds and what a wonderful amenity they are for us all. It has also shown the gaps in many of our parks and how we can improve them for everyone with varying abilities.