Agenda item

Q.1      Councillor Kevin Donoghue

Can signs be erected at the green area at Aikenhead in Stella Gardens asking people to keeps dogs on leashes. Residents are indicating that children are being knocked over by dogs using the park. 

 

Reply:

Appropriate signage will be placed in the above location early in the New Year.

           

Q.2      Councillor Dermot Lacey

To ask the Manager if I could receive an update in relation to these two requests submitted to the Customer Services section in December.

 

The Tree request ref is (Details Supplied)

 

The street cleaning request ref (Details Supplied)

 

Reply:

Waste Management Services had the above mentioned street cleaning request carried out on the 11^th December 2023.

 

Reply:

This tree was inspected and found to be in good condition and does not require work at this time.

           

Q.3      Councillor Dermot Lacey

To ask the Manager if he will arrange for a comprehensive sweep of Victoria Avenue, Donnybrook before Christmas and a gulley clean along same.

                            

Reply:

Waste Management Services had Victoria Avenue swept on the 14^th December 2023.

 

Reply:

The gullies have been cleaned as follows:

           

·         Victoria Avenue – 13 of 13 gullies cleaned on 07/12/2023.  All gullies are in good working order.

 

Q.4      Councillor Dermot Lacey

To ask the Manager to report on why trees at numbers (Details Supplied) Morehampton Road were not trimmed when the rest of the trees along that line were so done in late November/early December even though those trees are causing problems for residents and a request for trimming had been previously submitted.

 

Reply:

The tree work on Morehampton Road will resume again early in the New Year.

 

Q.5      Councillor Dermot Lacey

To ask the Manager if he will have the stretch of Tritonville Road running from the intersection of Sandymount Road & Tritonville Road to the railway line at Serpentine Avenue examined for necessary road and footpath repair and to present a report to the Committee as soon as possible as to when the necessary works will be carried out. 

 

Reply:

Tritonville Road is not included in our planned 2024 Carriageway Resurfacing Programme. The road surface will be inspected and put forward for consideration for inclusion in our future carriageway resurfacing programmes.

 

The footpaths will also be put forward for consideration for inclusion in our future footpath reconstruction programmes. In the meantime, if address locations are provided pinpointing specific locations of concern, these footpath locations will be inspected and any defects found will be logged for local repairs to be carried out.

 

Q.6      Councillor Mannix Flynn

Can the manager address the issues here please. The entrance from Beach Road to the cul de sac which is Sandymount Court (Details Supplied). Cars in the photo attached on both sides of the street I believe are parked legally. However when this happens as in the photo, there is little room for resident's  cars and more important no space whatsoever for an ambulance, a fire engine or a refuse truck to get through.

 

Reply:

The issue outlined above requires further investigation by the Area Engineer. A service request has been created to effect this action. Enquiry Number (Details Supplied) refers.  The Councillor will be informed of the recommendation in due course.

 

Q.7      Councillor Mannix Flynn

Can the manager install a pedestrian crossing at the laneway / roadway that is beside the College of surgeons at Stephen Green West.

 

Reply:

The Traffic Advisory Group (TAG) engineering team has conducted an assessment of the site, and it will be considered for inclusion in the 2024 future works program, pending detailed design and the availability of funding.

 

Q.8      Councillor Mannix Flynn

Can the manager issue a report regarding the installation of strings of lights on Fade Street and Drury Street. What planning or procedure took place here on these historic streets and are protected structures. 

 

Reply:

The strings of lights on Fade Street and Drury Street were installed by Dublin Town (or their Contractor) and are owned and maintained by them.

The lighting on Fade Street and Drury Street are festoon lighting and act as temporary installations.

The light strings have added atmosphere and colour to streets when events co organised by Dublin City Council, Failte Ireland and Dublin Town have taken place to attract shoppers and tourists into our City Centre.

Historically when Dublin Town made the decision to provide festive Christmas Lights on various streets around the City they received some technical assistance and advice, at the time from Public Lighting Services in the development of the specifications and technical requirements.

That lighting technical advice was provided Public Lighting Services and the locations selected for the provision of festive lightings was/ is a matter for Dublin Town.

 

Q.9      Councillor Mannix Flynn

Can the manager explain the markings that are on the footpath and roadway at Mercer Street and York Street. 

 

Reply:

These markings do not belong to Road Maintenance Services. We are not currently aware of what company these survey marks belong to or the agent for whom they are acting.

 

Reply:

Will be checked within 30 days of email.

 

Q.10    Councillor Mannix Flynn

Can the manager issue a report as to what involvement DCC has with Google and community events, can this report also include what community events are sponsored or supported or managed by Google in the Ringsend area and if Dublin city council is aware that some Google local community activity has the potential to undermine the work of community centres and community groups. 

 

Reply:

Many community groups and organisations in the South East Area receive support and sponsorship from private businesses/organisations towards events, projects and programmes.  Such arrangements are made without Dublin City Council’s involvement and are a matter for the parties directly involved.  Our Community Team will continue to support the valuable work carried out by local community groups and centres in the Ringsend area in helping them to achieve their objectives.

 

Q.11    Councillor Mannix Flynn

Can the manager have the street performance unit in DCC to address the issue of large crowds gathering around buskers on Grafton Street. This results in the street getting blocked and is now a safety issue. 

 

Reply:

The Casual Trading Inspectors regularly patrol the area and deal with issues relating to crowds.  At present there is an increase in the number of street performers in the area due to a number of permits issued to charities to fund raise over the Christmas period by the Gardaí.

 

Q.12    Councillor Mannix Flynn

Can the manager have street furniture unit address the issue of the footpath made impassable at Aungier Street East beside the staircase building. Two premises here constantly take over the path and people have to walk on the road. 

 

Reply:

The Street Furniture Unit will ensure that these premises are inspected regularly and if in breach of their Street Furniture Licence will take appropriate action to remediate the situation.

 

Q.13    Councillor Mannix Flynn

Can the manager address the ongoing illegal parking on the footpath at Ross

Road.

 

Reply:

Dublin Street Parking Services will patrol the area and enforce illegal parking

observed.

 

Q.14    Councillor Mannix Flynn

Can the manager contact Dunne’s Stores Stephens Green shopping centre and have them fix the noise nuisance that is now emanating from their premises at lower Mercer Street.  

 

Reply:

The Air Quality Monitoring and Noise Control Unit can investigate complaints about noise under the provisions of the Environmental Protection Agency Act 1992 (Noise) Regulations 1994.

Councillor Flynn will be contacted to get more details about this complaint and an investigation will be carried out. 

 

Q.15    Councillor Mannix Flynn

Can the manager address the issue that is taking place regularly on Camden row where a public house is constantly blocking the road into Camden Row during deliveries resulting in much delay and traffic confusion. These are mainly beer deliveries to Ryan’s public house

 

Reply:

There is regular patrols and enforcement at this location, Dublin Street Parking Services will be instructed to focus on deliveries causing obstruction.

 

Q.16    Councillor Mannix Flynn

Can the manager look at the possibility of dcc acquisition the land at Peters Place that is for sale for public housing.

 

Reply:

Dublin City Council will carry out an assessment to determine whether this site may be a suitable for acquisition. 

 

Q.17    Councillor James Geoghegan

To ask the Area Manager if the issues raised by the principal of Sandymount School in the email thread below, a school which educates children with very complex physical and intellectual needs, can be addressed; the issue concerns a single on road car parking space located in front of the school entrance on Sandymount Avenue which impacts the abilities of specially fitted out buses to turn after collecting children in the school, many of whom are in wheelchairs.

 

Reply:

Following a thorough assessment of the site regarding the removal of two Pay & Display (P&D) and Permit parking bays at the back gate of Enable Ireland School on Sandymount Avenue (opposite house no. (Details Supplied) Sandymount Avenue), the Traffic Advisory Group (TAG) recommends the rescindment of these two P&D and Permit parking spaces. This removal is contingent upon the payment of contribution fees to parking enforcement for the space removal. Additionally, we suggest that the school may explore the possibility of applying for planning permission to upgrade the access at the site.

 

Q.18    Councillor Danny Byrne

To ask the manager to reinstate footpaths at Mount Tallant Avenue.

 

Reply:

The footpaths in Mount Tallant Avenue are currently being reconstructed by Richard Nolan Civil Engineering on behalf of Road Maintenance Services as part of our 2023 Footpath Reconstruction Programme.

 

Q.19    Councillor Danny Byrne

To ask the manager to rectify a vermin problem occurring at (details

supplied).

 

Details: (Supplied) very unkept DCC property. 

 

Reply:

Housing Maintenance has not received a recent report regarding pest control, however an email has been sent to the HSE requesting they call to the dwelling.

The Project Estate Officer for this area has been liaising with the tenant at this location; the garden which had been overgrown has now been cleared and tidied up.

 

Q.20    Councillor Danny Byrne

To ask the Manager if the following can be carried out at (details supplied).

 

Tree was removed outside the house. To ask if the tree can be replaced, tree stump removed and tidied up around it,

 

Details: (Supplied) Merrion Road, Ballsbridge. 

 

Reply:

The location will be inspected with the intention of replacing the tree, however depending on the condition of the root structure this can take up to 3 to 5 years.

 

Q.21    Councillor Paddy McCarten

To ask the manager to have a replacement name plate sign on Beach Ave Sandymount that has been missing for the last 7 months. The reference is (details attached)

 

Details:(Supplied)

 

Reply:

We are currently preparing tender documents to procure a contractor to install nameplates in the South City including on Beach Avenue.

 

Q.22    Councillor Paddy McCarten

To ask the manager to respond to the issues raised in the following email.

She writes.

I am a local resident living off Bellevue Avenue in Bellevue Court. I am writing to you as I am very concerned with the poor state of Bellevue Avenue. Since the Maldron Hotel was completed the patch work job on Bellevue Avenue is insufficient. There are a number of pot holes. I presently have a flat tyre as a result which I will have to have fixed at my own expense. 

I urge you to please help us as residents to have Bellevue Avenue resurfaced before Christmas as the weather will deteriorate in January. For pedestrians and especially my elderly neighbours there is a health and safety risk as  they could potentially fall and break a limb due to these huge pot holes. Also, there is alot of traffic on this road daily.

In addition, I would like to raise my concerns about exiting out on to the Rock Road each morning and evening. The volume of cars on the Rock Road daily  has increased significantly since 2019.I am asking you both to please help me as a local resident who represents many of my neighbours  and my elderly neighbours to secure pedestrian lights to allow us safely ease of access on to the Rock Road each morning and evening. A number of my neighbours are elderly and they are very vulnerable road users.  They are struggling to get out on to the road as motorists and as pedestrians daily. The number of cyclists each morning and evening has increased hugely since 2019.The yellow box that I previously campaigned for has made some difference but many cyclists do not stop and motorists are sitting in the yellow box regardless ignoring the purpose of the yellow box. 

We as a community fear there will be a fatality on the Rock Road if traffic lights aren't installed at the exit and entrance on to the Bellevue Avenue. 

 

Reply:

The request for pedestrian lights outlined above requires further investigation by the Area Engineer. A service request has been created to effect this action. Enquiry No.(Supplied) refers.  The Councillor will be informed of the recommendation in due course.

 

Reply:

Bellevue Avenue carriageway surface will be inspected and temporary pothole repairs will be arranged where appropriate. Bellevue Avenue will be put forward for consideration for inclusion in our future carriageway resurfacing programmes.

 

Q.23    Councillor Fiona Connelly

What is the current level of street cleaning that is provided for on Temple Road in Rathmines? Reports from residents indicate that it is falling below expectations and that additional street cleaning is necessary for this high usage road.

 

Reply:

Waste Management Services clean the above mentioned road on a weekly basis. We will monitor litter levels there and provide additional cleaning there when necessary.

 

Q.24    Councillor Fiona Connelly

Could DCC clarify the parking on Brighton Avenue? Historically residents have parked with two wheels of their car on the footpath to allow traffic to pass and to facilitate parking on both sides of the road. Recently some residents have been clamped for this despite this being a routine way of parking on Brighton Avenue. Could I please get clarity on this issue.

 

Reply:

Footpath parking is illegal and can be enforced by Dublin City Council and An Garda Síochana.  The issue of footpath parking was brought to the Strategic Policy Committee (SPC)  who recommended that we focus enforcement in cases where there is less than 2.5 metres left on the footpath, however, at no stage does this mean that Dublin City Council condone or permit footpath parking.  The needs of the resident to park on their roads must always be balanced with the needs of the pedestrian to be able to safely navigate the footpath also.

 

Q.25    Councillor Fiona Connelly

Following a question about a pedestrian crossing at the junction of Rathgar Avenue and Garville Road there was a decision to conduct a traffic survey in September to see if this would be a worthwhile crossing to install. What are the results of this survey?

 

Reply:

The Traffic Advisory Group (TAG) engineers have conducted a preliminary assessment of the junction at Garville Ave Upper / Garville Ave / Rathgar Ave in June 2023 based on SR no. 7033548, for the inclusion of the junction in the 2023 works program package 10. However, due to the complexity of the site, particularly the narrow footpaths, a further assessment is required. This assessment is scheduled for early 2024, and based on its findings, the site will be considered for inclusion in the 2024 future works program package, pending detailed design and the availability of funding.

 

Q.26    Councillor Fiona Connelly

Could Rathgar Junior School be considered for School Zoning? The current railings outside the school are very old and could do with urgent upgrading to keep the school community safe.

 

Reply:

The School Mobility Team is installing School Zones in Dublin city as part of the Safe Routes to School Programme, funded by the National Transport Authority. Applications for the School Zone project are currently closed as the team works through a priority list of schools for this programme, as identified by the Department of Transport. Once this list has been cleared, the team will be in a position to re-engage with other schools, subject to the availability of funding and resources.

 

Q.27    Councillor Carolyn Moore

Could the council undertake to plant Christmas trees now in appropriate locations for future use instead of purchasing multiple trees to place in parks and on green spaces each year.

 

Reply:

Parks can review this request in the context of tree purchase 2024/25 as our tree order for 23/24 has already been delivered.

 

Q.28    Councillor Carolyn Moore

As a pilot scheme, and building on the success of their walking trail, could the parks department work with the Crumlin and Walkinstown History Group to install some information signage in some of the large local parks.

 

Reply:

Parks can review this request with the view to installing some appropriate signage to support the initiative.

 

Q.29    Councillor Carolyn Moore

Could the issue with un-regularised parking at the junction of Ferns Road and Sundrive Road be looked at again by TAG engineers? It remains a problem that double parking and parking on the corner here is blocking visibility for pedestrians and other road users. Enforcement is not effective here as there are no demarcated parking spots, but it is problematic for other road users that sightlines for oncoming traffic are being blocked. Tightening the radii on the corners with a build out or moving the stop line forward might help, and would make it safer for pedestrians too.

 

 

Reply:

The Traffic Advisory Group (TAG) engineering team has conducted an assessment of the site, and it will be considered for inclusion in the 2024 future works program, pending detailed design and the availability of funding.

 

                       

Q.30    Councillor Carolyn Moore

Could the wall and kerbs around Bangor circle Kimmage be inspected and repaired.

 

Reply To Kerb Query

The kerbs at this location were inspected and no defects were found.

            Please refer wall capping to Parks Dept.

 

Reply To Wall Query:

A reply to this question is not currently available. It will be sent directly to the councillor in due course.

 

Q.31    Councillor Carolyn Moore

At the Rutland Avenue entrance to Eamonn Ceannt Park, could the gate beside the Tram Café be opened into a fixed position that is wide enough to accommodate cyclists and cargo bikes? The current fixed opening width is too narrow to fit a cargo bike, and the route has become well used by parents in the morning accessing local schools. 

 

Reply:

Parks can review this request early in the New Year. The current angle is designed to slow traffic into and out of the park to protect pedestrians.

 

Q.32    Councillor Carolyn Moore

To ask Parks for an update on plans for improvements to Eaton Square Park which were agreed with Councillors and local residents during the summer. Can we get an update and timeline on re-seeding plans and drainage for the park please.

 

Reply:

Parks will be carrying out improvements in Eaton Square in the New Year. The ground is extremely soft at the moment following a very wet autumn. Once ground conditions improve these works will commence.  The other improvements are scheduled to be carried out early in the New Year.

 

Q.33    Councillor Carolyn Moore

Can Presentation primary school on Terenure Road West and Presentation secondary school on Terenure Park please be given consideration for school zone treatment? Extremely narrow footpaths outside Presentation primary school in particular make it a very dangerous spot for children to be exiting and entering the school grounds en masse, and some signifiers and safety measures are required to ensure drivers are approaching the school with extreme caution. 

 

Reply:

The School Mobility Team is installing School Zones in Dublin city as part of the Safe Routes to School Programme, funded by the National Transport Authority. Applications for the School Zone project are currently closed as the team works through a priority list of schools for this programme, as identified by the Department of Transport. Once this list has been cleared, the team will be in a position to re-engage with other schools, subject to the availability of resources.

 

Q.34    Councillor Deirdre Conroy

To ask the Chief Executive and Local Area Manager in regard to School Zones Project outside St Louis Primary School, Rathmines.

 

The enquirer states:

 

Overall, the school community have found the School Zone to be useful, our feedback is that this Zone as a first phase needs to be more visible, but that a second phase is necessary in order to change road behaviour.  

We are requesting a Flashing light warning sign, and a "cul de sac" sign as you approach Williams Park leading up to the school, and the Flashing light warning sign on the Leinster Road entrance also.  We strongly feel that the School Zone requires more prominent signage as motorists continue to approach this area at speed. 

 

As discussed, St Louis School is willing to work with DCC to help fund (through school fundraising events) the lights if necessary, but we would need the expertise of the council for planning and installation.

Also, as discussed, the School Zone project has improved visibility, but has not changed behaviour.

 

Reply:

The Transport Advisory Group will install an F 150 Cul de Sac sign on Williams Park.

This will be set up and put through the TAG process for installation – Enquiry Number 7036815 refers.

 

School Zone:
School Ahead signs with flashing amber signals are usually installed on busy roads with high volumes of traffic and high speeds, as such they were not deemed appropriate for the School Zone at St Louis Primary School. The School Mobility Team met with the school recently and discussed the possibility of implementing a School Street on the cul-de-sac on Williams Park. The team are now looking into options for this and will follow up with the school in due course.

 

Q.35    Councillor Deirdre Conroy

To ask the Local Area Manager and Roads Department, re Corrib Road in regard to the enquirers who have strong objection to the proposed plan to erect bollards on Corrib Road which would further limit access to Terenure Village for residents in their community.

 

Enquiry:

There have been previous Bollards erected on Corrib Rd and Derravaragh Rd which have already reduced our access to the village, and this latest proposal would leave only one access point on the narrowest section of our road, making it difficult for residents to go about our daily lives.

One of the primary concerns we have with this proposal is the potential impact on emergency vehicle access. The narrow entrance onto Corrib Road is not conducive to two-way traffic, and emergency vehicles typically use the Hazelbrook route. With the proposed bollards, our access for such vehicles would be further limited, potentially putting lives at risk in case of emergencies. I understand that congestion and traffic management are important considerations for the local council. However, I would like to suggest an alternative solution that may address the concerns while still allowing access for residents and emergency vehicles. The council could consider implementing turn restrictions at certain times, similar to what has been done on nearby Aideen Avenue. This approach would help manage traffic flow

without completely blocking off access for residents who rely on Terenure Village for their daily activities.

In conclusion, I urge you to reconsider the proposed erection of bollards on Corrib Road and take into account the objections raised by the distressed residents of our community. We believe that there are alternative solutions that can address traffic concerns without causing undue hardship to those of us who depend on easy access to Terenure Village.

 

Reply:

The National Transport Authority have submitted their proposals to An Board Pleanála for the Kimmage to City Centre Bus Connects Scheme. The public consultation period for this scheme has now ended. Please send any correspondence regarding this scheme to info@busconnects.ie.

 

Q.36    Councillor Deirdre Conroy

To ask the Local Area Manager and Roads Department, in regard to the former response to Derravaragh Road enquirers. It is noted that not all people can take a bus to different areas.

 

Enquirer states:

 

Originally the notice was actually posted on the opposite side of the junction, where it was even more difficult to notice as this side of Derravaragh Road is a cul de sac. 

 

The DCC proposal still does not make any sense and will massively impact neighbours on a daily basis. 

 

The first image below is the normal route home as Kimmage Road is usually bumper to bumper from Templeogue. This is the route that is affected as residents will not be able to turn left from Derravaragh Road onto Corrib Road.

 

 

When you look at the image inserted below, it will look so inconsequential as the distance on the map looks really short – Enquirer took the drive recently.

 

It took 27 minutes to get from the Terenure Garda Station to the home house when it should have taken 2 minutes to go by Derravaragh Road. 

 

Terenure Road West is heavily congested every single day and the proposed changes mean we will have to drive to the KCR junction and then turn right onto Kimmage Road, which is also heavily congested with traffic.  These changes are going to make this congestion even worse as now people who would be travelling onto the estate cannot do this and will have to sit in this traffic jam every day.  These changes are actually going to make the congestion on Kimmage Road worse as now people have no other option but to travel on Kimmage Road. 

 

With the current changes this will lead of significant backlogs of cars trying to get onto Kimmage road from Corrib road as there is only one way for us to get out of the estate.  It will also mean that daily commute is going to be significantly longer and stressful. 

 

Reply:

The National Transport Authority (NTA) proposes an inbound bus gate at Ravensdale Park at peak periods on Kimmage Rd Lower to reduce bus journey times.

During the hours of the bus gate, when leaving Corrib Rd, you will experience reduced traffic on Kimmage Rd Lower. When returning to Corrib Rd, you will have to travel via Larkfield Park. The NTA has shown the bus gate to be operational from 06:00 to 10:00hrs and from 16:00hrs to 20:00hrs Mon to Sun. Outside the hours of the bus gate, there will be no restrictions in place.

 

The Bus Connects project aims to reduce bus journey times, improve cycling facilities, and reduce car dependency.

 

The scheme is currently with An Board Pleanála, and a decision is due shortly.

 

All scheme details are available at www.kimmagescheme.ie

 

Q.37    Councillor Deirdre Conroy

To ask the Local Area Manager, and Lighting Department, in regard to a former response to enquirers about the Upper Harold’s Cross Road, east side and Brighton Square, west side.

 

Enquirer states:

 

This cul de sac lane is heavily used night and day by residents of approximately 80 homes on both sides of it, i.e. Upper Harold's Road (East side) & Brighton Square (West side). By foot, bike, motorbike, car, van, constantly. By kids playing, walking, families, workers, seniors, trades people using rear access. 

 

Upper Harold's Cross Road residents have no other vehicle access option open to them as Dublin City Council previously removed arbitrarily all their car parking on Harold’s Cross Road to facilitate a cycle and bus way. They have no other option but to use this lane for road access, as a result of a previous Dublin City Council traffic decision, in darkness.

 

There are other similar lanes in this area which are publicly lit. But, this heavily used, unlit rear lane needs, and deserves public lighting now for very obvious rear security and safety reasons, and to deter growing anti-social activities.

 

Reply:

A map and Google picture has been pasted below showing the rear entry laneway that we understand is being referred to.

It is sandwiched between Harold’s Cross Road and Brighton Square (and parallel to Harold’s Cross Road and a section of Brighton Square).

 

This lane is a Cul de Sac that only provides rear access to the residential properties. It is not the main access to any of the properties bounding the lane.

 

As mentioned previously the City Council doesn’t provide street lighting for rear entry lanes such as these except for those sections of lanes where Mews houses may front onto them as occurs from time to time.