DUBLIN CITY COUNCIL
SOUTH EAST AREA COMMITTEE
11th OCTOBER 2021
Motion 1 from Councillor Dermot Lacey
This Committee requests the Manager to respond to the issues raised in the email submitted and circulated with this motion which is reflective of many comments received by this Councillor in recent times.
“I live, adjacent to and overlooking Herbert Park. We have lived in the lane since 1973 so the park has been, and continues to be, a huge part of our lives. This magnificent park has been a huge plus for families and people and children in general during the pandemic. It has been wonderful to see all the splendid facilities of the park in full use. Tennis courts, playgrounds, bowling green, croquet lawn, playing fields etc. have all provided Dubliners with a place to socialise and be active in safety. However over the last 2 years it has become very evident that the park grounds (flower beds, paths, hedges, grass, trees etc.) are not receiving any real attention. In some cases none at all. I walk the park every day and I hardly ever see a gardener at work. The park is now very badly maintained in comparison to Merrion Square, St. Stephen’s Green, Blackrock and the lack of staff and oversight is alarming. Much of the work carried out in recent times within the park has been by outside contractors, and the standard has been very good. Simultaneously not a park employee in sight to carry out the routine duties within a park. I attach photos to let you see some examples of neglect; 1) Photos 1 to 7 are from the path adjacent to Ardoyne House. Beautiful ferns were planted which are now completely chocked by weeds. Similarly young trees with convolvulus growing up the stems. Nettles growing out of the hedge along the path and last year’s autumn leaves still on the ground. 2) Photo 8 Entrance at Herbert Park Rd showing weeds growing and spreading. 3) Photo 9, 10, 11, Shrubbery adjacent to the pond. Again full of weeds and not attended to for over 12 months. 4) The pond itself, is full of slime and dirt. Photos 12 and 13. 5) Photos 14 and 15 are of the bowling green hedge which has not been cut this year.
Motion 2 from Councillor Dermot Lacey
Recognizing the location of four schools in the vicinity of St. Christopher’s School, Haddington Road, with the consequential high number of children and parents walking and driving to the schools, this Committee requests the Manager to take the following short term and longer term measures to increase the safety for all:
1) Introduction of a time restricted (possibly 8.00- 9.30am No Left or Right into Haddington Lane from either end.
2) Place no stopping restrictions on the lane for similar hours
3) Examine further measures available to the Traffic Department to improve safety
And
4) Convene a meeting of representatives of all the schools, the Gardaí, Dublin City Council and the residents to see what measures can be introduced on a permanent basis.
Motion 3 from Councillor Dermot Lacey
This Committee requests an update on what is planned for Merrion Row in terms of outdoor dining etc. and what the permanent proposals are regarding bus movements etc. and any other matter relevant to this overall plan.
Motion 4 from Councillor Tara Deacy
That this committee agree based on the findings and discussion following ‘My Home is Crumlin’ presentation that a formal committee be established to include representatives from the Community/ Voluntary and Statutory sectors to further identify the needs of young people in the area with a particular focus on the incorporation of arts and accessible spaces for our young people locally to develop this talent.
This request is based on the excellent work being carried out in the Finglas by DCC to create a ‘welcoming place for teens to hang out’, which involves extensive consultation and resource allocation.
Motion 5 from Councillor Dermot Lacey
That the South East Area Committee supports the Irish Local Development Network (ILDN) and the trade unions, SIPTU & Forsa, in their opposition to the new model of employment services outlined in Pathways to Work which proposes to terminate current Job Clubs and Local Employment Services (LES) by the end of 2021 and to replace the successful 25-year-old community-led and non-profit providers with an untested, unproven centralised profit-driven model of delivery.
Motion 6 from Councillor Dermot Lacey
That this Area Committee requests the Traffic Engineer to review what measures can be taken in the short term to improve safety on Beaver Row including possibly installing a small roundabout at the entrance to Beech Hill estate and the David Lloyd Centre and to publish for public consultation the longer term options for the Road including the various options being considered as part of the Dodder Greenway.
Motion 7 from Councillor Mannix Flynn
That this committee of the SEA of Dublin calls on the CEO of Dublin City Council to direct the NTA to reinstate the bus routes No 1 and No 47, which were removed at the request of DCC from Strand Road to facilitate the proposed cycle way which has now been ruled unlawful by order of the high court.
Many elderly residents of Dublin and in particular those in Brabazon House, have been greatly impacted, inconvenienced and their mobility reduced by the removal of these bus services.
Motion 8 from Councillor Deirdre Conroy
To ask the Planning Executive and SEAC to proceed with the Local Area Plan for Harold’s Cross, as the Harold’s Cross Village Community Council is concerned that Harold’s Cross LAP seems to have slipped off the DCC Planning Department’s agenda. Harold’s Cross Village Community Council asks that the SPC and Mr. John O’Hara please reinstate Harold’s Cross on a Masterplan / LAP for the residential, business community, which comprises architectural heritage, environment and contemporary development.
Motion 9 from Councillor Tara Deacy
That this committee agree based on the findings and discussion following ‘My Home is Crumlin’ presentation that a formal committee be established to include representatives from the community/ voluntary and statutory sectors to further identify the needs of young people in the area with a particular focus on the incorporation of arts and accessible spaces for our young people locally to develop this talent.
This request is based on the excellent work being carried out in the Fingal’s by DCC to create a ‘welcoming place for teens to hang out’, which involves extensive consultation and resource allocation.
Motion 10 from Councillor Tara Deacy
That this committee agree to urgently address the accessibility issues pertaining to Kimmage village at present. Individuals using wheel chairs, parents using buggies and the elderly are on a daily basis exposed to dangerous and illegal parking on footpaths. For much of the day walking through Kimmage village is proving very difficult for many. Please see photos attached as an example. Whilst I fully appreciate the business need for parking locally, there has to be some resolution that will accommodate all.
Motion 11 from Councillors Tara Deacy, Carolyn Moore and Pat Dunne
That this committee agree to extend the public hours of access for Crumlin Swimming Pool. At present the pool is not open for general public use during the week and is only accessible to swimming clubs or for swimming lessons. Whilst we acknowledge public access at weekends can the pool open during the week to allow more public access? Several people have been in contact requesting this.
Motion 12 from Councillor Mary Freehill
(a)This traffic motion has been agreed so many times over the past 5 years. We need a Progress report on pedestrian crossing at Sallysbridge and Clogher Road, this motion has been passed on so many occasions. The school term has started again and in the interest of safe route to school, the absence of progress on this is extraordinary.
(b) A formal application was made by residents’ association on 21 January to change the parking hours in Ashdale Road in Terenure so far there has been no progress, would the Traffic Dept. explain why and when will it be implemented.
Motion 13 from Councillor Mary Freehill
That the traffic dept. review the clearway in Harold's Cross village. Last Saturday morning shoppers were clamped when bringing their laundry to Washboard in the village. If people cannot go about their business on Saturday morning there is little future for shops here.
Motion 14 from Councillor Mary Freehill
A van was occupied for a long time by a man as this living space in Rathmines and eventually the Council persuaded him to accept DCC Housing. The van was in a deplorable infested state and there was a lot of local pressure to get it moved. This required the co-operation of the former occupant to clean it out and give permission for it to be moved but he didn’t co-operate. The cleaning out and moving the van required a lot of logistics and dedication on the part of DCC Staff.
It is therefore agreed that this committee write to thank the staff for their commitment and that went well beyond their call of duty. To Dominic Hession, Paurig Gallagher who co-ordinated the operation, Inspector Mark Lawlor from Waste Management who helped get it over the line and Patricia in Abandoned vehicles.
Far too often we elected members make complaints about things not being done, this is one that required dedication, imagination and commitment it is therefore agreed that a letter expressing our appreciation from this LAC go to all of the named people individually.
Motion 15 from Councillor Mary Freehill
That the manager of the relevant depts. give us an update on the following motions which I tabled and were agreed over the past year.
(a) Update on the reopening of Rathmines Road Gulistan gate. Agreed at Sept meeting
(b). Response from Minister for Defence on foot of my motion regarding co-operation with our Sports Dept. on the use of the Cathal Brugha playing fields
(c) Progress on the CPO of strip of land on Leinster Road and development of Biodiversity on the site. As per my June LAC Meeting motion
(d) A motion was agreed at Feb 21 meeting regarding a submission from Grove Park it was agreed that the Parks and Roads would meet the residents but nothing has happened.
Motion 16 from Councillor Claire Byrne
That this Area Manager calls on the Area Manager to outline the current state-of-play regarding the refurbishment of Temple Bar Square and surrounding streets, and to explain:
· What happened to the Part 8 scheme designed by REDscape Landscape & Urbanism and GKMP Architects that was adopted by Dublin City Council in 2018? The design team won a commission to renovate the square in an open EU tender competition in April 2017. This scheme was widely accepted by stakeholders and fully completed with all checks and controls by all DCC departments and external utility companies for tendering to construction in 2019.
· In particular, could he outline the circumstances under which the project, led by the Parks department, was handed over to the Roads Department at end of 2019? The contract won by the design team was subsequently terminated.
· Could he also confirm that approximately €100k to €300k (internal and external costs) of public monies was spent on the development of the scheme that was bizarrely cancelled, despite the City Council giving its approval under Part 8 in 2018 and having developed the scheme to tendering for construction in 2019?
· Further, could he inform me what design parameters or principles to inform the renovation of Temple Bar Square have been adopted by the Roads Department and whether the plan it is apparently drawing up would provide for private enclosures in the public realm of the square?
Motion 17 from Councillor Claire Byrne
That this Area Committee calls on the Area Manager to arrange a meeting with the residents of Temple Bar, DCC, The Gardaí and the Temple Bar Company and other relevant stakeholders to discuss the on-going issues in the area since re-opening.
Motion 18 from Councillor Pat Dunne
That this committee calls on the Waste Management Section to ensure that normal street cleaning services remain in place during the Autumn season and that extra resources be employed to deal with the collection of leaves during this period.
Motion 19 from Councillor Mary Freehill
That Traffic and Environment Health address the following matters:
I had a site meeting with residents of Church Gardens Rathmines regarding a number of traffic issues.
This is a cul de sac entered from Church Ave. At the far north end it has a pedestrian exit to Castlewood Ave and a crèche is located in this corner. The cul de sac on the North West side has a pedestrian gate to Rathmines Post Office.
Recently a commercial food operation commenced in a shop on Rathmines Rd and they are using their rear entrance on Church Gardens for collections by vans and cars, the back door to the premises is at the north end beside the crèche. During the day there is very heavy traffic caused by this business and the crèche; the problem is further exacerbated by An Post who travel in and out starting at 3.30am. and reverse at speed. The other problem is that the exit on to Church Ave is blind and parking spaces may need to be removed.
All of these conflicting activities are a danger to residents and children, therefore I propose, in the first instance that the traffic Dept. agree to a site visit where they can see at first hand the problems and that solutions be then be recommended”
I attach background information for the Traffic Dept.
Hello Mary,
On behalf of the Church Gardens residents, we would be grateful of your assistance with several matters. For some background, we are a small, narrow street which ends in a cul de sac. The road is only wide enough for one car to pass at a time and there is one turning point which involves reversing around a corner to then drive back up the road. Safety and noise are the main concern and nuisance for us. Here is a top level list which we can discuss in more detail via email or phone, whichever suits I best.
The noise from the An Post depot yard regularly begins at 03:30 on weekday and 06:00 on Saturday mornings waking residents and keeping them awake. DCC have contacted An Post as they are in breach of the EPA 1992 act on noise nuisance laws however after having a few quieter summer months, the noise level has returned to very loud levels and additional support in the matter would be welcome
Motion 20 from Councillor Daniel Céitinn
That this Area Committee agrees to consider and consult with residents and interested parties on the installation of a skate park in Belgrave Square.
Minutes:
Emergency Motion from Councillors Hazel Chu and Mannix Flynn
That this area committee asks the management to agree to a two week extension to the consultation period of the Gulistan Depot site. Currently residents and local community in and around the area has only recently found out that there is consultation and that said consultation period is due to end soon. It would be helpful for all groups involved if a two week extension of the consultation period can be facilitated.
Order: Agreed.
Motion 1 from Councillor Dermot Lacey
This Committee requests the Manager to respond to the issues raised in the email submitted and circulated with this motion which is reflective of many comments received by this Councillor in recent times.
“I live, adjacent to and overlooking Herbert Park. We have lived in the lane since 1973 so the park has been, and continues to be, a huge part of our lives. This magnificent park has been a huge plus for families and people and children in general during the pandemic. It has been wonderful to see all the splendid facilities of the park in full use. Tennis courts, playgrounds, bowling green, croquet lawn, playing fields etc. have all provided Dubliners with a place to socialise and be active in safety. However over the last 2 years it has become very evident that the park grounds (flower beds, paths, hedges, grass, trees etc.) are not receiving any real attention. In some cases none at all. I walk the park every day and I hardly ever see a gardener at work. The park is now very badly maintained in comparison to Merrion Square, St. Stephen’s Green, Blackrock and the lack of staff and oversight is alarming. Much of the work carried out in recent times within the park has been by outside contractors, and the standard has been very good. Simultaneously not a park employee in sight to carry out the routine duties within a park. I attach photos to let you see some examples of neglect; 1) Photos 1 to 7 are from the path adjacent to Ardoyne House. Beautiful ferns were planted which are now completely chocked by weeds. Similarly young trees with convolvulus growing up the stems. Nettles growing out of the hedge along the path and last year’s autumn leaves still on the ground. 2) Photo 8 Entrance at Herbert Park Rd showing weeds growing and spreading. 3) Photo 9, 10, 11, Shrubbery adjacent to the pond. Again full of weeds and not attended to for over 12 months. 4) The pond itself, is full of slime and dirt. Photos 12 and 13. 5) Photos 14 and 15 are of the bowling green hedge which has not been cut this year.
Order: Report to Councillor.
Motion 2 from Councillor Dermot Lacey
Recognizing the location of four schools in the vicinity of St. Christopher’s School, Haddington Road, with the consequential high number of children and parents walking and driving to the schools, this Committee requests the Manager to take the following short term and longer term measures to increase the safety for all:
1) Introduction of a time restricted (possibly 8.00- 9.30am No Left or Right into Haddington Lane from either end.
2) Place no stopping restrictions on the lane for similar hours
3) Examine further measures available to the Traffic Department to improve safety
And
4) Convene a meeting of representatives of all the schools, the Gardaí, Dublin City Council and the residents to see what measures can be introduced on a permanent basis.
Order: Report to Councillor.
Motion 3 from Councillor Dermot Lacey
This Committee requests an update on what is planned for Merrion Row in terms of outdoor dining etc. and what the permanent proposals are regarding bus movements etc. and any other matter relevant to this overall plan.
Order: Report to Councillor.
Motion 4 from Councillor Tara Deacy
That this committee agree based on the findings and discussion following ‘My Home is Crumlin’ presentation that a formal committee be established to include representatives from the Community/ Voluntary and Statutory sectors to further identify the needs of young people in the area with a particular focus on the incorporation of arts and accessible spaces for our young people locally to develop this talent.
This request is based on the excellent work being carried out in the Finglas by DCC to create a ‘welcoming place for teens to hang out’, which involves extensive consultation and resource allocation.
Order: Report to Councillor.
Motion 5 from Councillor Dermot Lacey
That the South East Area Committee supports the Irish Local Development Network (ILDN) and the trade unions, SIPTU & Forsa, in their opposition to the new model of employment services outlined in Pathways to Work which proposes to terminate current Job Clubs and Local Employment Services (LES) by the end of 2021 and to replace the successful 25-year-old community-led and non-profit providers with an untested, unproven centralised profit-driven model of delivery.
Order: Agreed.
Motion 6 from Councillor Dermot Lacey
That this Area Committee requests the Traffic Engineer to review what measures can be taken in the short term to improve safety on Beaver Row including possibly installing a small roundabout at the entrance to Beech Hill estate and the David Lloyd Centre and to publish for public consultation the longer term options for the Road including the various options being considered as part of the Dodder Greenway.
Order: Report to Councillor.
Motion 7 from Councillor Mannix Flynn
That this committee of the SEA of Dublin calls on the CEO of Dublin City Council to direct the NTA to reinstate the bus routes No 1 and No 47, which were removed at the request of DCC from Strand Road to facilitate the proposed cycle way which has now been ruled unlawful by order of the high court.
Many elderly residents of Dublin and in particular those in Brabazon House, have been greatly impacted, inconvenienced and their mobility reduced by the removal of these bus services.
Order: Report to Councillor.
Motion 8 from Councillor Deirdre Conroy
To ask the Planning Executive and SEAC to proceed with the Local Area Plan for Harold’s Cross, as the Harold’s Cross Village Community Council is concerned that Harold’s Cross LAP seems to have slipped off the DCC Planning Department’s agenda. Harold’s Cross Village Community Council asks that the SPC and Mr. John O’Hara please reinstate Harold’s Cross on a Masterplan / LAP for the residential, business community, which comprises architectural heritage, environment and contemporary development.
Order: Report to Councillor.
Motion 9 from Councillor Tara Deacy
That this committee agree based on the findings and discussion following ‘My Home is Crumlin’ presentation that a formal committee be established to include representatives from the community/ voluntary and statutory sectors to further identify the needs of young people in the area with a particular focus on the incorporation of arts and accessible spaces for our young people locally to develop this talent.
This request is based on the excellent work being carried out in the Fingal’s by DCC to create a ‘welcoming place for teens to hang out’, which involves extensive consultation and resource allocation.
Order: Report to Councillor.
Motion 10 from Councillor Tara Deacy
That this committee agree to urgently address the accessibility issues pertaining to Kimmage village at present. Individuals using wheel chairs, parents using buggies and the elderly are on a daily basis exposed to dangerous and illegal parking on footpaths. For much of the day walking through Kimmage village is proving very difficult for many. Please see photos attached as an example. Whilst I fully appreciate the business need for parking locally, there has to be some resolution that will accommodate all.
Order: Report to Councillor.
Motion 11 from Councillors Tara Deacy, Carolyn Moore and Pat Dunne
That this committee agree to extend the public hours of access for Crumlin Swimming Pool. At present the pool is not open for general public use during the week and is only accessible to swimming clubs or for swimming lessons. Whilst we acknowledge public access at weekends can the pool open during the week to allow more public access? Several people have been in contact requesting this.
Order: Report to Councillor.
Motion 12 from Councillor Mary Freehill
(a)This traffic motion has been agreed so many times over the past 5 years. We need a Progress report on pedestrian crossing at Sallysbridge and Clogher Road, this motion has been passed on so many occasions. The school term has started again and in the interest of safe route to school, the absence of progress on this is extraordinary.
(b) A formal application was made by residents’ association on 21 January to change the parking hours in Ashdale Road in Terenure so far there has been no progress, would the Traffic Dept. explain why and when will it be implemented.
Order: Report to Councillor.
Motion 13 from Councillor Mary Freehill
That the traffic dept. review the clearway in Harold's Cross village. Last Saturday morning shoppers were clamped when bringing their laundry to Washboard in the village. If people cannot go about their business on Saturday morning there is little future for shops here.
Order: Report to Councillor.
Motion 14 from Councillor Mary Freehill
A van was occupied for a long time by a man as this living space in Rathmines and eventually the Council persuaded him to accept DCC Housing. The van was in a deplorable infested state and there was a lot of local pressure to get it moved. This required the co-operation of the former occupant to clean it out and give permission for it to be moved but he didn’t co-operate. The cleaning out and moving the van required a lot of logistics and dedication on the part of DCC Staff.
It is therefore agreed that this committee write to thank the staff for their commitment and that went well beyond their call of duty. To Dominic Hession, Paurig Gallagher who co-ordinated the operation, Inspector Mark Lawlor from Waste Management who helped get it over the line and Patricia in Abandoned vehicles.
Far too often we elected members make complaints about things not being done, this is one that required dedication, imagination and commitment it is therefore agreed that a letter expressing our appreciation from this LAC go to all of the named people individually.
Order: Report to Councillor.
Motion 15 from Councillor Mary Freehill
That the manager of the relevant depts. give us an update on the following motions which I tabled and were agreed over the past year.
(a) Update on the reopening of Rathmines Road Gulistan gate. Agreed at Sept meeting
(b). Response from Minister for Defence on foot of my motion regarding co-operation with our Sports Dept. on the use of the Cathal Brugha playing fields
(c) Progress on the CPO of strip of land on Leinster Road and development of Biodiversity on the site. As per my June LAC Meeting motion
(d) A motion was agreed at Feb 21 meeting regarding a submission from Grove Park it was agreed that the Parks and Roads would meet the residents but nothing has happened.
Order: Report to Councillor.
Motion 16 from Councillor Claire Byrne
That this Area Manager calls on the Area Manager to outline the current state-of-play regarding the refurbishment of Temple Bar Square and surrounding streets, and to explain:
· What happened to the Part 8 scheme designed by REDscape Landscape & Urbanism and GKMP Architects that was adopted by Dublin City Council in 2018? The design team won a commission to renovate the square in an open EU tender competition in April 2017. This scheme was widely accepted by stakeholders and fully completed with all checks and controls by all DCC departments and external utility companies for tendering to construction in 2019.
· In particular, could he outline the circumstances under which the project, led by the Parks department, was handed over to the Roads Department at end of 2019? The contract won by the design team was subsequently terminated.
· Could he also confirm that approximately €100k to €300k (internal and external costs) of public monies was spent on the development of the scheme that was bizarrely cancelled, despite the City Council giving its approval under Part 8 in 2018 and having developed the scheme to tendering for construction in 2019?
· Further, could he inform me what design parameters or principles to inform the renovation of Temple Bar Square have been adopted by the Roads Department and whether the plan it is apparently drawing up would provide for private enclosures in the public realm of the square?
Order: Report to Councillor.
Motion 17 from Councillor Claire Byrne
That this Area Committee calls on the Area Manager to arrange a meeting with the residents of Temple Bar, DCC, The Gardaí and the Temple Bar Company and other relevant stakeholders to discuss the on-going issues in the area since re-opening.
Order: Report to Councillor.
Motion 18 from Councillor Pat Dunne
That this committee calls on the Waste Management Section to ensure that normal street cleaning services remain in place during the Autumn season and that extra resources be employed to deal with the collection of leaves during this period.
Order: Report to Councillor.
Motion 19 from Councillor Mary Freehill
That Traffic and Environment Health address the following matters:
I had a site meeting with residents of Church Gardens Rathmines regarding a number of traffic issues.
This is a cul de sac entered from Church Ave. At the far north end it has a pedestrian exit to Castlewood Ave and a crèche is located in this corner. The cul de sac on the North West side has a pedestrian gate to Rathmines Post Office.
Recently a commercial food operation commenced in a shop on Rathmines Rd and they are using their rear entrance on Church Gardens for collections by vans and cars, the back door to the premises is at the north end beside the crèche. During the day there is very heavy traffic caused by this business and the crèche; the problem is further exacerbated by An Post who travel in and out starting at 3.30am. and reverse at speed. The other problem is that the exit on to Church Ave is blind and parking spaces may need to be removed.
All of these conflicting activities are a danger to residents and children, therefore I propose, in the first instance that the traffic Dept. agree to a site visit where they can see at first hand the problems and that solutions be then be recommended”
I attach background information for the Traffic Dept.
Hello Mary,
On behalf of the Church Gardens residents, we would be grateful of your assistance with several matters. For some background, we are a small, narrow street which ends in a cul de sac. The road is only wide enough for one car to pass at a time and there is one turning point which involves reversing around a corner to then drive back up the road. Safety and noise are the main concern and nuisance for us. Here is a top level list which we can discuss in more detail via email or phone, whichever suits I best.
The noise from the An Post depot yard regularly begins at 03:30 on weekday and 06:00 on Saturday mornings waking residents and keeping them awake. DCC have contacted An Post as they are in breach of the EPA 1992 act on noise nuisance laws however after having a few quieter summer months, the noise level has returned to very loud levels and additional support in the matter would be welcome
7. Order: Report to Councillor.
Motion 20 from Councillor Daniel Céitinn
That this Area Committee agrees to consider and consult with residents and interested parties on the installation of a skate park in Belgrave Square.
Order: Defeated.