Dublin City Council intends to make an order authorising the temporary closure of the following roads on the 4th of June at the times stated below to facilitate The Women’s Mini Marathon 2012:
 
 
o   06:00 am – 18:30 pm                                   St. Stephen’s Green South
 
o   06:00 am – 18:30 pm                                   St. Stephen’s Green East
 
o   11:30 am – 18:30 pm                                   St. Stephen’s Green North
 
o   06:00 am – 16:30 pm                                   Fitzwilliam Street Upper / Lower
 
o   06:00 am – 16:30 pm                                   Fitzwilliam Place
 
o   08:00 am – 16:30 pm                                   Merrion Square East
Merrion Square North
 
o   08:00 am – 19:00 pm                                   Merrion Square South
Merrion Square West
Merrion Street Upper
 
o   14:50 pm – 16:45 pm                                  Nutley Lane
 
o   08:00 am – 18:30 pm                                   Lower Leeson Street
Leeson Street Bridge
 
o   08:00 am – 18:30 pm                                   Earlsfort Terrace
 
o   08:00 am – 18:30 pm                                   Hatch Street
 
o   12:30 pm – 18:30 pm                                  Kildare Street
 
o   08:00 am – 18:30 pm                                   Pembroke Street
 
o   08:00 am – 19:00 pm                                   Hume Street
 
o   08:00 am – 19:00 pm                                   Ely Place
 
o    06:00 am – 18:30 pm                                   Cuffe Street/Wexford Street

To view replies from the Dublin City Manager to questions tabled at the May South East Area Committee meeting click here: Replies 14th May 2012

To ask the Minister for Finance the position regarding flood insurance – Eoghan Murphy.

Ref No: 23701/12

REPLY

Minister for Finance ( Mr Noonan) : I am advised by the Irish Insurance Federation that flood insurance cover is currently available to approximately 98% of householders in Ireland.  Neither the Central Bank nor I, as Minister for Finance, can compel insurance companies to quote for business. The decision to provide any specific form of insurance cover, and the price at which it is offered, is a commercial matter based on the assessment of the risks involved. There are no provisions in the Central Bank’s Consumer Protection Code to compel an insurance company to accept a particular insurance risk.

However, I wish to inform you that the Minister of State with responsibility for the Office of Public Works (OPW) and his officials are engaged in discussions with the Irish Insurance Federation (IIF) in relation to the difficulties experienced by certain householders in obtaining insurance cover for flood risk.

These discussions have allowed a sharing of information and understanding about the scope and scale of the work undertaken by the OPW on flood risk management and, in particular, on the mapping of areas subject to flood risk nationally which will emerge from the OPW’s Catchment Flood Risk Assessment and Management programme (CFRAM).   This programme is a national initiative to systematically identify, assess, document and report on the most significant flood risks throughout the country.  This work is being undertaken on OPW’s behalf by specialist consultants and is organised into six separate regional or catchment areas.  These comprehensive studies will recommend an integrated management plan and prioritised measures to address flood problems in areas where there is significant risk in each major catchment in the country.

The discussions between the OPW and the IIF have also focused on how the insurance industry can best address the issue of the provision of flood insurance where incidences of difficulties in obtaining flood insurance are being raised.  The insurance industry considers that this incidence is marginal and has indicated that where it arises the causes are complex with each case being assessed in light of the particular circumstances applying.  The OPW and the IIF are keen to establish a sustainable means of sharing information on areas vulnerable to flooding and on identifying flood defence works carried out or funded by the OPW and the impact of those works in reducing the risk of flooding in areas where flooding previously occurred. A number of issues are being clarified with a view to agreement being reached on a viable basis on which information can be provided.

In tandem with these developments, the Irish National Flood Forum, which is a voluntary body representing communities affected by flooding, plans to undertake a survey to gather as much information as possible from their member organizations.  Details of what will be involved should be available shortly on the Forum’s website www.irishnationalfloodforum.com. The information gathered by the Forum will be a useful input into the deliberative process on this subject.

Dublin Bus will be introducing service revisions for Routes 1,2,3 and 47 on Sunday May 13th. Full details on the service revisions can be found here.

As part of the revisions, Routes 1, 2 and 3 will be amalgamated and operate as Route 1. Route 1 will operate cross city from Santry (Shanard) to Sandymount via Swords Road (Whitehall Church), Drumcondra, Dorset Street, Parnell Square, O’Connell Street, Townsend Street, Pearse Street and Ringsend.

Sandymount and Ringsend will benefit from a 10 minute morning peak service on Route 1. This will improve the reliability of the service and help maintain even intervals between the services at all stages on its route.

Route 47 will operate a revised alignment providing improved linkages from South Dublin to the Docklands area. The service will operate from Sandyford (Belarmine) via Sandyford Industrial Estate, Stillorgan SC, UCD Belfield, St. Vincent’s Hospital, Sandymount and Ringsend to Fleet Street. Route 47 will provide improved connections to key business and leisure areas (Grand Canal Dock, Aviva Stadium, Shelbourne Park and Bord Gáis Energy Theatre). Route 47 will benefit from the consistency provided by the dedicated bus priority on Pearse Street QBC.

Customers will be notified of the changes via leaflet drop, newspaper advertisement, the Dublin Bus website and Dublin Bus’ Facebook and Twitter pages.

945. Presentation on Gully Cleaning by Roy O’Donnell

946. Minutes of Meeting held 2nd April 2012 (Pages 5 – 9)

947. Questions to Dublin City Manager (Pages 35 – 42)

948. Planning Matters

i. Planning Enforcement Quarterly Report January – March 2012 (Cover letter Page 21 and documents enclosed)

949. Environment & Engineering Matters

i. Report on removal of Street Litter Bins (Page 22)

950. Development Department Matters

i. With reference to the Proposed Addition to the Record of Protected Structures of 190a Rathmines Road Lower, Dublin 6. (Pages 23 – 26)

ii With reference to the proposed Addition of Former Christian     Brothers’ School & Monastery, excluding rear extensions, 17 Synge    Street, Dublin 8 to the Record of Protected Structures and      amendment of current entry for Synge Street Christian Brothers’     School. (Pages 27 – 31)

951.     Roads & Traffic Matters

i. Minutes of the Traffic Advisory Group held on 26th  April 2012 (enclosed)

952. South East Area Matters

i. Area Managers Report (Pages 32 – 34)

Dublin City Council

Project Name	Project Description	2012 Allocation €
Grand Canal Premium Cycle Route – Blackhorse to Portobello	This section of the overall Grand Canal Premium route would link to the new infrastructure from the west at Blackhorse and from East at Portobello, providing a continuous route along the Grand Canal in the DCC administrative area, and connecting to the SDCC area. Preliminary Report identifying route options, design studies and cost and risk assessments to be completed in 2012	100,000
Heuston to Chapelizod Greenway	High Quality leisure and commuter cycling route through Irish Rail/Residential/OPW and DCC lands. Could form part of National Cycle Route. Preliminary report identifying route options to be produced in 2012. Further consultations with stakeholders will also be undertaken in 2012	80,000
MID/Pedestrian improvements at junctions	Junctions to be selected from DCC prioritised list. Each junction to be a standalone scheme within STMG process. Approximately 8 junctions to be treated in 2012. Treatments can include extra controlled crossings of junction arms, removal of slip lanes, installation dished kerbing and tactile paving for mobility impaired and disabled people and upgrade of push button units	400,000
Directional Signage Improvements	Signs will be improve way finding for motorists, help to reduce the amount of confusion, late lane changing and u-turns on the routes involved.  Directions to urban villages will be included. Work to focus in Chapelizard, Bluebell, Walkinstown, Terenure and Rathgar areas	100,000
N32 Improvements	Carrying of of a road safety audit on the road markings along the N32 and a redesign of the road lane layouts in consultation with the NRA. Implementation of the revised road layout through new road markings	60,000
Renewal of road markings on bus lane routes	Renewal of end of life road markings to protect investment in bus infrastructure	150,000
Carriageway reconstruction & overlay project for buses and cyclists	Resurfacing of a number of routes that have been identified as key bus and cycle routes, where the current road surface has been identified as being in need of replacement and which are currently incompatible with a high quality bus service or cycle route	2,000,000
Rathfarnham QBC	Completion of design work and preparation of tender documents for the construction of this QBC, which will extend from Camden Street to Grange Road in Rathfarnham	50,000
Thomas Street/James’ Street QBC	Complete final detailed design and finalise tender documents for the upgrading of the QBC, inclusive of footpath improvements through Thomas Street and James’ Street. Construction to commence in the second half of 2012	1,000,000
Ranelagh Village improvements for sustainable modes	The current environment between ‘The Triangle’ and Chelmsford Road will be reviewed with the aim of providing improvements for pedestrians and cyclists. Scoping, planning and design work in 2012	40,000
Fairview to Amiens street Cycle Scheme	Design of high quality cycle route to connect from Sandycove to Sutton cycle route (north Fairview Park) to Amiens Street. (Section across Newcomen Bridge to be developed as separate project)	60,000
Donnybrook Church Junction – Improvements for all modes	The current environment at the intersection of Ailesbury Rd and Anglesea Rd will be reviewed with the aim of providing improvements for all modes. Scoping, planning and design work in 2012	40,000
Dodder cyclist and pedestrian improvement	Improvements for cyclists and pedestrians along the Dodder route, including providing easier access to/from the route. Scoping, planning and design work in 2012	40,000
		4,120,000

MET Éireann’s forecast for heavy rain due later this week has been assessed by the City Council’s Emergency Management Team and following discussions with MET Éireann’s Forecast Division the latest forecasts for Dublin as forecast by MET Éireann is for 12-15mm of rain over this period and other international forecasts are suggesting 15-20mm of rain in this period.

The risk of Pluvial flooding from thunderstorm activity is possible but it is not possible to predict in advance the time, location or severity of any such thunderstorm activity.

Below is an update on the actions being taken by Dublin City Council in advance of the anticipated heavy rain due on Wednesday and Thursday next:

Drainage Division are monitoring the weather and are in close contact with MET Éireann.
Drainage Division are visiting and inspecting all river screens to ensure Drainage system can operate to maximum efficiency.
Waste Management Services staff, who operate a near continuous 24 hour city wide service, have been requested to take action as needed to also respond to any local flooding.
The Traffic Control Centre are using the extensive CCTV system to identify any city wide problems.
The Roads Department are also monitoring the network to mobilise as required.
Dublin Fire Brigade are on hand to respond to requests for service.
Additional Drainage staff are on standby should they be required.
Since the location or timing of any flooding cannot be predicted in advance by MET Éireann putting the community on alert is the most effective response.
You can contact Dublin City Council on 01 222 2222 / customerservices@dublincity.ie

We will keep you informed of any further communication from Dublin City Council, in regards to this.

Those who are not registered to vote in the referendum on the Stability Treaty due to be held on 31 May 2012 should make the necessary arrangements to get on the supplement to the register.

To avail of the supplement to the register you have until Monday 14th May 2012 to make an application to your local registration authority (County or City Council) or by clicking on the link below. Applications received after that date will not be included in the supplement to the register for the forthcoming referendum.

The latest date for receipt of applications for postal or special voters is two days after the Polling Day Order for the Referendum is made by the Minister.

http://www.checktheregister.ie/PublicPages/Default.aspx?uiLang=

To read the replies from the Dublin City Manager click here: Replies South East Area Committee Meeting April 2012

Questions to City Manager:

Q1. Councillor Gerry Ashe
 To ask the Manager to respond to the issues raised in (details supplied).
 
Reply
The new cyclist signals were switched-on on 14th March 2012. Temporary signs were also put up to encourage cyclists to obey the signals. Further information for cyclists on how to use the signals has been provided on the internet on: http://www.dublincitycycling.ie/blog/?p=1263

 Cyclists ignoring pedestrian lights is a matter for the Garda Síochána and the  Roads and Traffic Department will liaise with them on this issue.
A school warden and or school children crossing signs are not appropriate or warranted in close proximity to pedestrian traffic signals.

  
Question to City Manager South East Area Committee
 Meeting 02nd April 2012 

 
Q2. Councillor Edie Wynne
To ask the Manager to have the problem of rubbish in the Rathmines & Ranelagh areas  –  especially in Streets like Ashfield Road where there is a lot of footfall from Ranelagh Village with coffee shops etc. addressed; this appears to be linked to the removal of litter bins from City streets.

Reply
Ranelagh Village is cleaned seven days a week. The street cleaning schedule in Ranelagh Village will be reviewed by the Inspector. All other side streets/residential roads are cleaned every 12 twelve weeks according to the Litter Management Plan. Litter Bins have been removed from areas where people are regularly disposing of quantities of domestic waste and there are no plans to change this policy at this time.
 
 
Question to City Manager South East Area Committee
 Meeting 02nd April 2012 

Q3. Councillor Dermot Lacey
To ask the Manager if he will arrange for litter bin that used to be at the Bus stop on Nutley Lane – opposite the entrance to Elm Park Golf Club to be replaced as soon as possible.

Reply
The litter bin at this location was being used by people to dispose of their domestic waste and had become a focal point of dumping.  There are no plans to reinstate this litter bin.
 
 
Question to City Manager South East Area Committee
 Meeting 02nd April 2012 

Q4. Councillor Dermot Lacey
To ask the Manager to respond to the issues relating to Burlington Road that are submitted with this question.

Reply
The line markings on Burlington Road are clearly marked and are in accordance with the Traffic Signs Manual. The issue raised related to an illegal manoeuvre by drivers and is an enforcement issue.  Prosecution of vehicles making dangerous or illegal manoeuvres is a matter for the Gardai.
 
  
Question to City Manager South East Area Committee
 Meeting 02nd April 2012 

Q5. Councillor Oisin Quinn 
Can the Manager arrange for the Graffiti to be removed at following locations:

(a) The gable/side wall at the Junction of Maxwell Road and Frankfurt Avenue;
(b) The gable wall of the Villiers shop on Highfield Road (this graffiti is abusive);
(c) The gable/side wall of the house at the junction of Palmerston Road and Windsor Road; &
(d) The side walls of each house on Palmerston Park at the top of Temple Villas.

Reply
These issues have been reported to our Graffiti Removal contractor on 20th March  2012. 
 

Question to City Manager South East Area Committee
 Meeting 02nd April 2012 

Q6. Councillor Oisin Quinn 
Can the Manager arrange for the grate in the footpath right outside the Ranelagh Credit Union which is 5/6 The Triangle in Ranelagh to be repaired as it is causing a tripping a hazard?

Reply
The cover immediately outside the entrance to the Credit Union is a private manhole cover. The Drainage Department will advise the Credit Union of their responsibilities with regard to removing the trip hazard. There are also several loose flagstones in the immediate vicinity that will be repaired by Road Maintenance Division staff as soon as possible. 

 
 

 
Question to City Manager South East Area Committee
 Meeting 02nd April 2012 

Q7. Councillor Oisin Quinn 
Can the Manager arrange for the cracks in the footpath at Winton Avenue in Rathgar to be permanently repaired.  Some temporary repairs have been done which is welcome but the temporary fill isn’t lasting.

Reply
This division is currently assessing the level of pavement trips which can be attributable to tree roots lifting pavement surfaces in the South East Area.  Works will then be undertaken, using available resources, to undertake the necessary repairs and prioritised based on the hazard associated with the ‘trip’ and the level of ‘footfall’ on the pavement.  The footpath along Winton Avenue will be added to the list of locations for assessment and prioritised based on the above mentioned criteria.
In the interim the pavement in this area has been made safe and the broken kerb removed.

 
Question to City Manager South East Area Committee
 Meeting 02nd April 2012 

Q8. Councillor Oisin Quinn 
Can the Manager review the adequacy of the public lighting on Temple Road in Dartry?

Reply
We have investigated the existing lighting here and consider the lighting levels to be  to an acceptable standard. The lighting is scheduled to undergo bulk lamp changing  and lantern cleaning in the coming weeks which will increase the overall light output.  We have no plans at present for any further improvements 
 

 
Question to City Manager South East Area Committee
 Meeting 02nd April 2012 

Q9. Councillor Oisin Quinn 
Can the Manager renew the request to Dublin Bus to re-instate the long promised Bus Shelter at Palmerston Park for the 140 terminus?

Reply
This issue has been forwarded to Dublin Bus and the Councillor will be contacted as  soon as a reply is available. 
 
 
Question to City Manager South East Area Committee
 Meeting 02nd April 2012 

Q10. Councillor Gerry Ashe 
To ask the Manager to arrange to have the loose service manhole covers and shores at (details supplied) properly secured as at present they make a lot of noise when traffic passes over them and are disturbing local residents.
 

Reply
The covers mentioned above are Eircom covers.  Eircom has been contacted and asked to repair same. 
 

 
Question to City Manager South East Area Committee
 Meeting 02nd April 2012 

 
 
Q11. Councillor Maria Parodi 
To ask the Manager to examine the fountain at (details supplied) and provide a report on the current condition of this structure and what measures can be put in place to protect and preserve it.
 
Reply
The ownership of the fountain is uncertain.  The Parks Department say it is not in Dublin City Council ownership and that it is privately owned. A reference request is being sent to the Law Department to resolve the ownership issue.

 
 
Question to City Manager South East Area Committee
 Meeting 02nd April 2012 

 
 Q12. Councillor Maria Parodi 
To ask the Manager to repair and restore the wooden lats on the benches in  Sandymount Green.

Reply
There is an on-going problems with replacement of wooden laths on park benches  because they are regularly vandalised shortly after being repaired.

 Therefore, this Division no longer propose to replace wooden laths but to replace  them with steel laths which are more robust and should be more resistant to  vandalism.

 The repair of the seats in Sandymount will be added to our list of Park bench repairs  in the area and undertaken as resources allow.

 
Question to City Manager South East Area Committee
 Meeting 02nd April 2012 

Q13. Councillor Maria Parodi 
To ask the Manager to identify the owners of (details supplied).
  
 

Reply
According to our records, Dublin City Council does not have any title interest in this property.

It is not registered in the Land Registry.

 
 

Question to City Manager South East Area Committee
 Meeting 02nd April 2012 

Q14. Councillor Maria Parodi 
To ask the Manager to address the following issues outlined in (details supplied).

Reply
(Details supplied) was inspected on the 28th of March and the Dangerous Buildings Inspector reported nothing dangerous was found on site to warrant action by the Dangerous Buildings Section.

This building is being monitored on a regular basis.
 
 

 

Question to City Manager South East Area Committee
 Meeting 02nd April 2012 

Q15. Councillor Maria Parodi 
Can the Manager ensure that (details supplied) is added to the Council’s grass cutting programme as residents have expressed that this area has not been maintained and it is creating a problem with rodents.
 

Reply
The area mentioned has a main sewer running through it. We are not permitted to use heavy grass cutting machines on this area. In the coming weeks we will arrange to have the area cleaned up manually.
 

 
 
Question to City Manager South East Area Committee
 Meeting 02nd April 2012 

Q16. Councillor Maria Parodi 
Can the Manager provide an update on (details supplied).
 
 
Reply
The City Architect’s Section is working on this issue at the moment and further  information will be available within the next 4 weeks. 
 

 
Question to City Manager South East Area Committee
 Meeting 02nd April 2012 

Q17. Councillor Dermot Lacey  
To ask the Manager if he will make contact with the owners of the properties referred to in the attachment submitted with this question with a view to resolving the matters outlined.
Reply
The Litter Warden will be asked to inspect this area and inform the owner of his  obligations under the Litter Management Act. 
 
 
Question to City Manager South East Area Committee
 Meeting 02nd April 2012 

Q18. Councillor Gerry Ashe  
 To ask the Manager to arrange to have the railed park opposite (details supplied)  properly cleaned and maintained.

Reply
 This area (at details) will be cleaned by the Parks and Landscape Services Division  over the coming week.

 
Question to City Manager South East Area Committee
 Meeting 02nd April 2012 

Q19. Councillor Dermot Lacey  
To ask the Manager if he can respond to the issues relating Sandymount Promenade submitted with this question.

Reply
At the start of 2011, paid parking was introduced in the car parks along the Strand Road, Sandymount and because of space restrictions the large green recycling container for plastics in the car park near the Martello Tower had to be removed. Arrangements for the collection of textiles, glass, aluminium & steel cans were not affected by this change. The current Regional Waste Management Plan sets out the regional policy framework for Dublin and the strategy for the sustainable management of waste arising in the Region. The policy in the current Plan builds on the long-term regional waste strategy and continues to endorse the EU Waste Management Hierarchy. This strategy aims to deliver on maximum recycling potential and as a result the possibility of removing all remaining banks from the car park at Sandymount at this time would not feasible. The recycling banks at Strand Road have a very high usage and as such play an important role in the local community.
 The containers in question are used to store sand bags for use by Dublin City  Council Drainage Division during emergency flooding situations. The location of the  containers on the grass verge rather than in the car park proper allows for optimum  use of the car parking facility.

 
 
Question to City Manager South East Area Committee
 Meeting 02nd April 2012 

Q20. Councillor Gerry Ashe  
To ask the Manager the outcome of any previous planning enforcement investigation into building work carried out 1(details supplied) following a complaint from 2 (details supplied) and if the complainant can be informed of the outcome.

Reply
The Planning Enforcement Section has not received any complaint concerning development works at the address mentioned.
 

 
Question to City Manager South East Area Committee
 Meeting 02nd April 2012 

Q21. Councillor Gerry Ashe  
 To ask the Manager for the Yellow Box to be reinstated at the junction of (details  supplied).

Reply
This matter will be referred to the Traffic Officer for attention as soon as possible.
 
 

 
Question to City Manager South East Area Committee
 Meeting 02nd April 2012 

Q22. Councillor Gerry Ashe  
To ask the Manager to have the pothole be repaired at this location (details supplied).

Reply
Drainage Maintenance has temporarily repaired the surround around the manhole mentioned. A permanent reinstatement will be carried out in the near future. 

 

Question to City Manager South East Area Committee
 Meeting 02nd April 2012 

Q23. Councillor Gerry Ashe  
To ask the Manager to arrange to have the service Manhole cover at (details
supplied) repaired as soon as possible.

Reply
This is not a Dublin City Council manhole cover, it appears to be an Eircom cover and I have contacted them to repair same.

 
 
Question to City Manager South East Area Committee
 Meeting 02nd April 2012 

 
Q24. Councillor Jim O’Callaghan
To ask the City Manager whether additional measures (such as an increase in the amount of Dog Wardens available) can be put in place to deter dog fouling in the Sandymount area.

Reply
The programme for the provision of free poop-scoops, erection of signs and the provision of special dog bins was not particularly effective and was considered to be an inefficient use of resources. We do not intend to resume such a programme at this time.

As an alternative we will in 2012 be running awareness programmes highlighting the need for responsible  behaviour on this issue. Also Dublin City Council together with other Local Authorities in the region have proposed a number of amendments to Section 22 of the Litter Pollution Act. Proposed changes are in red :-

            Section 22 (1) Where faeces has been deposited by a dog in any place to
            which this subsection applies, the owner or person in charge of the dog shall
            carry a means to collect the faeces at all times and shall immediately remove
            the faeces, ensuring  that it is properly disposed of in a suitable sanitary
            manner.
           

Section 22 (2) Subsection (1) applies to a place that is—

(a) a public road
(b) a public place
A submission on amendments to the Litter Pollution Acts will be forwarded to the Minister for the Environment in the coming weeks.
 

 
Question to City Manager South East Area Committee
 Meeting 02nd April 2012 

Q25. Councillor Jim O’Callaghan
To ask the City Manager whether an additional parking permit can be allocated to the partner of the resident who resides at No. 7 Holyrood Park, Sandymount, Dublin 4 and who is also resident at this address.

Reply
No. 7 Holyrood Park is a house converted into two separate units. Under the Parking Control Bye-laws a maximum quota of one residents permit per unit is allowed. In this instance both units have availed of the maximum of one permit each. Consequently it is not possible to issue another permit for either unit.
 
 

Question to City Manager South East Area Committee
 Meeting 02nd April 2012 

Q26. Councillor Jim O’Callaghan
To ask the City Manager whether planning permission has been granted for a business car park to the rear of 38, 40 and 42 Upper Rathmines Road under Planning Ref No. 3715/06.

Reply
There is no record of any planning application relating to a business car park to the rear of 38, 40 and 42 Upper Rathmines Road.

 
Question to City Manager South East Area Committee
 Meeting 02nd April 2012 

Q27. Councillor Jim O’Callaghan
To ask the City Manager how often the main street in Ranelagh is swept, whether more litter bins can be installed there and whether the frequency of cleaning can be increased.

Reply 
The main street in Ranelagh is cleaned every day, Monday to Sunday. The Inspector will review the sweeping arrangements and the number of bins in the area.
 
Question to City Manager South East Area Committee
 Meeting 02nd April 2012 

Q28. Councillor Jim O’Callaghan
To ask the City Manager for an update on the current status of the litigation that was threatened or instituted by RTE against the City Council arising from the most recent Development Plan.

Reply
 A request for voluntary discovery of documents held by Dublin City Council has been made on behalf of RTE and a response is in preparation.

 
Question to City Manager South East Area Committee
 Meeting 02nd April 2012 

Q29. Councillor Jim O’Callaghan
To ask the City Manager what is the current percentage of voids for City Council Housing in the South East area and how it compares to the other areas of the city.

Reply
This information has been sent directly to Cllr. O `Callaghan on the 20th March 2012.
 

 

Question to City Manager South East Area Committee
 Meeting 02nd April 2012 

Q30. Councillor Jim O’Callaghan
To ask the City Manager how the City Council proposes to repay residents money which they may have paid on credit to the City Council for their bin collection and which remains outstanding to those residents since the transfer of the bin collection service to Greyhound.

Reply
We have commenced refunding accounts that are in credit since the transfer of the waste collection service with 1,300 refunds processed to date.

All other accounts that remain in credit will be examined and refunds made as appropriate.

 
 
 
Question to City Manager South East Area Committee
 Meeting 02nd April 2012 

Q31. Councillor Edie Wynne 
To ask the Manager the estimated length of time for the draft submission for the Rathmines Pembroke Sewerage Scheme to the Department of the Environment to be completed?

Reply
The next stage in the GDRDP Rathmines & Pembroke Sewerage Scheme Project is to engage Consulting Engineers to advance the Drainage Area Plan to Preliminary Report Status, i.e. to assess the modelled solutions with regard to buildability, feasibility and budget and identify a preferred solution that can eventually be advanced to construction.

There are quite a number of processes to be carried out in advance of completion of the Brief for submission to the DECLG to ensure a ‘Fixed-Price Lump-Sum’ for the consultancy stage. These include workshops, risk register, detailed tender documentation and consultancy budget. Once the tender documents and budget have been approved by DECLG it will be possible to go to the market to tender for Consulting Engineers.

Given the detail involved in compiling the Brief and Draft Planning Stage Budget it is expected that this submission to the DECLG will be completed by October 2012.

 
 
Question to City Manager South East Area Committee
 Meeting 02nd April 2012 

Q32. Councillor Edie Wynne 
To ask the Manager to consider taking over responsibility for the upkeep of Williams’ Lane, Rathmines, as the lane is very badly maintained.

Reply
 In order for Dublin City Council to take an area in charge a request would have to be  made by the owner who would have to meet the cost of any works required to bring  the area up to in charge standard.
 
 

 
Question to City Manager South East Area Committee
 Meeting 02nd April 2012 

Q33. Councillor Paddy McCartan 
To ask the Manager if the shores that were removed following the flooding in October 2011 close to Dodder View Cottages, Ballsbridge can be replaced, in the interest of public safety.

Reply
 The manhole in question appears to be a private drain. If this is the case, it is the  property owners responsibility to replace the missing cover. Drainage Division are to  carry out a CCTV survey of this drain to establish whether it is active. If this proves to  be the case, the homeowner will be contacted and made aware of their  responsibilities. If the manhole is found to be redundant, Road Maintenance Division  will fill in the manhole and reinstate the footpath above it.
 
 

 
Question to City Manager South East Area Committee
 Meeting 02nd April 2012 

Q34. Councillor Kieran Binchy 
To ask the Manager to investigate the safety for pedestrians and cyclists on the new cycle track at the Leeson Street Bridge.  There have been reports that traffic, particularly coaches and double decker buses coming from the city centre do not stop and drive through the red light.

Reply
The performance of the junction and driver behaviour was observed on the Monday 26th March.   All vehicles were observing the signals.   Any reports of this behaviour should be reported to An Garda Síochána.
 
Question to City Manager South East Area Committee
 Meeting 02nd April 2012 

Q35. Councillor Kieran Binchy 
To ask the Manager to clarify in whose control the bicycle lanes in the south campshires are, and to get them properly marked.

Reply
This area is not in the control of Dublin City Council.  The request will be forwarded to  the Dublin Docklands Development Authority for their attention. 
 
.

Question to City Manager South East Area Committee
 Meeting 02nd April 2012 

Q36. Councillor Kieran Binchy 
To ask the Manager to clean up the streets and footpaths in an area (details supplied) as the green bags have sat uncollected outside houses there for a number of weeks. Could he also clarify the green bag collection date for this area.

Reply
Waste Management Services will arrange to have these streets cleaned. The green bag collection day is a Wednesday.

 

Question to City Manager South East Area Committee
 Meeting 02nd April 2012 

Q37. Councillor Mannix Flynn
 Can the Manager reinstate the wheelchair parking bays that will be removed from  Palace Street when its pedestrianised, to the entrance of Castle Street.  There are a  number of individuals who use these bays regularly to access their work place.  Also  the Olympia Theatre constantly uses these two bays for members of staff and  members of the public attending shows, it is important they these two bays be
 retained in the nearest proximity to where they are presently located.

Reply
There are two existing parking bays for the disabled on the right hand side as you  drive up Castle St. and recently two disabled bays have been located in Essex Street  East. It would appear that an alternative location adjacent to the Olympia would be  preferable to Castle St.. The Traffic Engineer will examine the possibility of locating  two disabled bays in the vicinity to compensate for the loss of the existing bays and  report back to the Councillor via the Traffic Advisory Group.  The area examined will  include Castle St.
 

 
Question to City Manager South East Area Committee
 Meeting 02nd April 2012 

Q38. Councillor Mannix Flynn
 Can the Manager issue a report as to the dangers posed to pedestrians and cyclists  by the parking of vehicles on the banks of the canal.  These vans and stalls are part  of the Mespil market.  With the recent opening of the cycle way it would appear that  this poses a potential traffic hazzard in that a cyclist heading east cannot see  anybody stepping out onto the roadway from the walkway.

Reply
Waterways Ireland has responsibility over the Mespil Market. The cycle way is separated from the footpath by a verge. The vehicles park on the canal side of the footpath. This arrangement provides reasonable space for all road users. No further action is considered necessary at this stage. The observation will be passed on to Waterways Ireland.

 
Question to City Manager South East Area Committee
 Meeting 02nd April 2012 

Q39. Councillor Mannix Flynn
 Can the Manager carry out repairs on the roadway at Drury street just past the  entrance to the Georges St Arcade which has collapsed, sunk and is damaging  vehicles and endangering cyclists.

Reply
 The brick ramp at this location will be reconstructed by a contractor working for Road  Maintenance during the second or third quarter of 2012.

 
Question to City Manager South East Area Committee
 Meeting 02nd April 2012 

Q40. Councillor Mannix Flynn
 Can the Manager enforce a breach of planning at essex street outside of the  Clarence Hotel evening time/weekends, there continues to be a complete blockade  on the footpath forcing wheelchair users and everybody else to step onto the  roadway.  This is causing a nuisance to footpath users and is resulting in large  groups of people using the roadway at this particular spot creating a dangerous  situation for oncoming traffic and themselves.
 
Reply.
During office hours Dublin City Council can police the use of screens and other structures used by restaurants and nightclubs.  However after office hours and at weekends the resources are not available.  The Public Domain officer will visit the Clarence Hotel and remind them of their responsibility in this regards.. Inconvenience or disturbance to the public caused by these businesses should be brought to the attention of An Garda Síochána, in the case of Essex St this would be Pearse St Garda Station.
 

 
 
Question to City Manager South East Area Committee
 Meeting 02nd April 2012 

Q41. Councillor Mannix Flynn
Can the Manager issue a report as to how much money has been spent in the South East area on removing the security markings from footpaths and street furniture and the removal of duct tape.  Also can the report also include how many lampposts/street furniture have cleaned so far and in what areas? Also how much money remains in this fund to conclude this work?

Reply
 It is not clear if the Councillor is referring to the security marking used in 2011 during  the visit of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth 2nd and President Barack Obama.  These  markings were removed as part of the gum removal programme and no significant  expenses were incurred.  Dublin City Council was allocated a grant of €20,000 under  the Civic Responsibility Week Grant Scheme to undertake activities to improve the  appearance of the environment prior to the visits. This grant was used for the  removal of graffiti.

Public Lighting does not have any specific budget for cleaning lampposts.  When a  maintenance crew are working in a particular area they ensure that any duct tape etc  is removed where necessary.

 
Question to City Manager South East Area Committee
 Meeting 02nd April 2012 

Q42. Councillor Mannix Flynn
 Can the Manager have the dangerous building and conservation section examine the  cracks that are now appearing in the walls above the old headquarters of Fianna  Eireann on Camden Street.  Part of this building is occupied by age action at the top  end of camden street this is a historical location of importance.

Reply
The Dangerous Buildings Section has been informed and are investigating the structural condition of this building.  An appraisal and update will be given to Councillor Flynn.

There is a valid planning permission which includes numbers 33,34,35 Camden  Street Lower, reg Ref 3736/08 refers. This permission has yet to be  implemented. A more recent planning application on the site was refused and may be  appealed to an Bórd Pleanála.

 
 

Question to City Manager South East Area Committee
 Meeting 02nd April 2012 

Q43. Councillor Mannix Flynn
 Can the Manager issue a report regarding the continuing noise situation that is  effecting the residents of Boyne Street. 

Reply
 The South East Area Office has not received any complaints about noise from the  residents of Boyne Street. However we are aware of a liaison group comprising of  local residents and the R.P.A. where these issues are discussed.   Dublin City  Council is not involved in this liaison group.

 
 
Question to City Manager South East Area Committee
 Meeting 02nd April 2012 
Q44. Councillor Mannix Flynn
 Can the Manager issue an update on progress of the situation on pigeon house road  and the noise pollution eminating from MTL and Dublin Port.

Reply
Matters referred to in this question are sub judice as they are, inter alia, currently the subject of proceedings before the High Court. The most recent hearing on these matters was 26 March 2012, with the next hearing scheduled for 2 April 2012.           
  
Question to City Manager South East Area Committee
 Meeting 02nd April 2012 

Q45. Councillor Kieran Binchy 
To ask the Manager what on-street parking is available to a resident at this address (details supplied).

Reply
There is on street Pay & Display parking on both sides of the Gallery Quay apartment complex.  Parking on Pearse Street has operational hours of 0700 – 1900 hours Monday to Saturday and is free outside of these hours.  Parking on Macken Street has operational hours of 0800 – 1830 Monday to Friday and is free outside these hours.  There is no provision for the issue of resident’s permits for residents of purpose built apartment complexes.
 

Question to City Manager South East Area Committee
 Meeting 02nd April 2012 

Q46. Councillor Kieran Binchy 
To ask the Manager to introduce a Sli na Slainte at the following locations (details supplied).

Reply
 This Division is currently in discussion with representative from sli na slainte  regarding the introduction of a route commencing in Ringsend Park but also linking  this park with the surrounding area including Sean Moore Park & Irishtown Nature   Park.

 It is hoped that signage will be erected and a leaflet design over the coming months

 There is an existing Sli route which runs along Sandymount Promenade.