Q1. Councillor Mannix Flynn
 Can the manager issue a report as to how much funding is allocated to the South  East Area under the drugs task force initiative.  Also where is this money allocated to  and on what projects and in what areas

Reply

South Inner City Drugs Task Force Funding of Project 2012
The South Inner City Drugs Task Force funds a large number of projects listed below  the Task Force provide funding for Drug Projects Citywide which provide services  residents of the South Inner City Drugs Task Force Area which covers the  geographical area from Ringsend /Irishtown to Dolphins Barn between and Grand  Canal and River Liffey 

Listed below are the projects and monies that are allocated to each project for 2012  by the South Inner City Drugs Task Force.

 Total allocated funding 2012 €2,161,821.00

 Website: www.southinnercitydtf.ie

1.  Ashleigh House, Damastown, Dublin 15
The Ashleigh House rehabilitation service provides a programme for a maximum of  six months, for up to 14 women in residence. It is a therapeutic community modified  to offer women and their children a safe environment to address substance misuse  issues. The programme also admits women who may be on a low dose of prescribed anti-depressant medication, or for those coming off the last of their methadone under  medical supervision, with the view to becoming drug free within weeks of arrival.

The task force funds a Manager, four Project Workers and a Night Care Worker

 Funding for 2012 €248,226.00 & €130,922.00
2.  CAD Co-ordinating Office, 16 Talbot Street, Dublin 1
Community Awareness of Drugs is a voluntary organisation and registered charity that provides comprehensive drugs education programmes to parents and carers, as well as drugs education and training opportunities for a range of community workers. All C.A.D. services aim to reduce the demand for drugs

The task force funds a part-time Tutor and a part-time Development Officer.

Funding for 2012  €44,000.00

3. Casadh
Casadh provides a centre where persons recovering from substance misuse are made feel welcome, valued and empowered to take control of their lives. Casadh seeks to provide a safe and supportive environment which encourages persons with substance misuse problems move towards stabilising their lifestyles, and prepare for Detoxification, Treatment, and Aftercare.

Casadh is a FAS community employment programme, blending a mixture of formal adult education with targeted interventions, with close individual and group support.
       

The task force funds a full-time Project Manager,  a full-time Project Worker and a part-       time Family Support Worker.

 Funding for 2012  €175,960.00 & €24,000.00

4. Community Response
A Voluntary agency based in the South Inner City, Community Response was established in 1990 to work with individuals, families and local communities to develop their own response to problem drug misuse, HIV and more recently hepatitis C.

The organisation has a commitment to resourcing of local people and development and sees as central and invaluable the local contribution to devising lasting solutions to drug problem. Community Response offers drug awareness training for project workers, family support, hepatitis C, community development and our ongoing input into local drug services.

The task force funds a part-time Family Support Worker

Funding for 2012  €24,000.00

5. Coolmine Therapeutic Community
The therapeutic community model is a treatment and rehabilitation approach where clients live in small structured drug-free communities. The goal is to encourage psychological and lifestyle changes to enable people to maintain a drug-free existence. The treatment approach is based on peer support, and participants are expected to contribute to the general running of the community, and to their own recovery, by actively participating in educational activities and in group and individual therapy.

Therapeutic Communities (TC) are designed to foster change and positive growth in their clients, emphasising group work and the taking of personal responsibility within a highly structured environment.
The focus is on offering a holistic approach to dealing with addiction which means that in addition to dealing with the person in recovery, support is also provided for their friends and family thereby creating a strong social network to help them succeed. Coolmine is the oldest therapeutic community in Ireland with over 35 years providing services for drug and alcohol addiction throughout Ireland.
    

The task force funds Coolmine’s Cocaine Initiative and Career Guidance   Programme.
 

Funding for 2012 

Career Guidance €17,464.00  Cocaine Initiative €54,548.00
 

Question to City Manager South East Area Committee
Meeting 14th May 2012 
Q2. Councillor Gerry Ashe
To ask the Manager to arrange to have the broken path edging at (details  supplied) be repaired or replaced.
 

Reply
Repairs to the footpath at (details supplied) will be carried out within the next 6-8 weeks.

Question to City Manager South East Area Committee
 Meeting 14th May 2012 

Q3. Councillor Paddy McCartan
To ask the Manager to have the footpath outside 79 Belmont Avenue Donnybrook  repaired.
 

Reply 
Repairs to the footpath at 79 Belmont Avenue will be carried out within the next 6-8 weeks.

  
Question to City Manager South East Area Committee
Meeting 14th May 2012 

Q4. Councillor Paddy McCartan
 To ask the Manager for an update on the parking situation on Wilfield Road,  Sandymount also when will the examination and report by the Traffic Engineer be  complete?

Reply
Wilfield Road is too narrow to accommodate parking on both sides of the street.  This matter has been examined a number of times over the past years and there is no obvious solution that will facilitate parking for all the residents because the width of the road. There was a proposal a number of years ago to reduce the width of the footpath to facilitate parking. This proposal is not feasible due to cost and negative impact on pedestrian facilities. Pay and Display and Permit parking could be introduced but this would limit parking to one side of the road only. 

 
Question to City Manager South East Area Committee
Meeting 14th May 2012 

Q5. Councillor Paddy McCartan
To ask the Manager to arrange more regular street cleaning and extra bins for the  Ranelagh and Rathmines area.

Reply
Waste Management Services have the main roads and shop fronts in the Ranelagh and Rathmines area cleaned on a daily basis. The residential areas in this area are cleaned once every twelve weeks in accordance with the Litter Management Plan. There is considered to be a sufficient number of litter bins in this area at present. However we will keep the situation under constant review.

 
Question to City Manager South East Area Committee
Meeting 14th May 2012 

Q6. Councillor Paddy McCartan
To ask the Manager to have the graffiti removed from the wall of Hemmingways  premises in Ballsbridge.

Reply
Arrangements are being made to inspect the graffiti in this area and take action as  required.

Question to City Manager South East Area Committee
Meeting 14th May 2012 

Q7. Councillor Paddy McCartan
To ask the Manager to have the street nameplates on Dromard Avenue and Marine  Drive in Sandymount, repainted or replaced.

Reply
A replacement sign for the damaged one at the junction of Marine Drive and  Beach Road has been ordered and will be installed as soon as it becomes available. 

Waste Management Divisions will remove the graffiti on the sign on Dromard Avenue.

Question to City Manager South East Area Committee
Meeting 14th May 2012 

Q8. Councillor Paddy McCartan
To ask the Manager to have the parking space at the entrance to Westwood Leisure  Centre in Sandymount removed.

Reply
This matter will be referred to the Traffic advisory Group and the Councillor will be
advised of the recommendation in due course.

Question to City Manager South East Area Committee
Meeting 14th May 2012 

Q9. Councillor Oisin Quinn
Can the Manager arrange for the Double Yellow Lines on the junction of Cowper  Gardens and Tudor Road to be extended a couple of metres around the corner and  long Tudor Road?  This was originally approved a few years ago but simply didn’t get  done because there was a car parked in the space intended.

Reply
This matter will be referred to the Traffic Advisory Group for consideration and the  Councillor will be advised in due course.
 
Question to City Manager South East Area Committee
Meeting 14th May 2012 

Q10. Councillor Oisin Quinn
Can the Manager arrange for the two street signs defaced with graffiti on Zion Road  in Rathgar to be cleaned.

Reply
Arrangements are being made to inspect the graffiti in this area and take action as  required
 

Question to City Manager South East Area Committee
Meeting 14th May 2012 

Q11. Councillor Oisin Quinn
Can the Manager arrange for the problem of illegal litter and bag dumping along the  wall in Castlewood Terrace Rathmines to be dealt with?

Reply
The South East Area Rapid Response crew undertook a detailed cleanup of Castlewood Terrace on Tuesday the 24th April.  This cleanup entailed removal of bags and abandoned wheelie bins.  Also the area received a detailed sweep.

A Litter Warden will monitor the area on a regular basis.

Question to City Manager South East Area Committee
Meeting 14th May 2012 

Q12. Councillor Paddy McCartan
To ask the Manager for an extension of double yellow lines on Sydney Parade  Avenue from Richeliu Park to the Strand Road junction. Also, a small section to the  left of no.53 to have double yellow lines to prevent cars parking there which block the  view of residents of that property exiting their entrance.
Reply
This matter will be referred to the Traffic Advisory Group and the Councillor will be
advised of the recommendation in due course.
 
Question to City Manager South East Area Committee
Meeting 14th May 2012 

Q13. Councillor Dermot Lacey
To ask the Manager if he will respond to the substantive points made in the email  submitted with this question.

Reply
This issue is the responsibility of the Electricity Supply Board.  They have been  requested to reinstate the pavement at this location as soon as possible. 
 

Question to City Manager South East Area Committee
 Meeting 14th May 2012 

Q14. Councillor Dermot Lacey
To ask the Manager if he will respond to the concerns and issues raised in the email  submitted with this question.

Reply
On 15 June 2011, An Bord Pleanála determined that the provision of a market to operate occasionally for periods not to exceed in aggregate 30 days in any year is exempt from a requirement to obtain planning permission.

Their decision was based on the provisions of class 37 of schedule 2 – part 1 of the Planning and Development Regulations, 2001 and on a definition of the word ‘fair’.. Class 37 states:

“Development consisting of the use of land for any fair, funfair, bazaar or circus or any local event of a religious, cultural, educational, political, social, recreational or sporting character and the placing or maintenance of tents, vans or other temporary or movable structures or objects on the land in connection with such use.”
 
Question to City Manager South East Area Committee
Meeting 14th May 2012 

Q15. Councillor Dermot Lacey
To ask the Manager if he could take the necessary action to have this work  undertaken (details supplied).

Reply
Arrangements will be made to repair this bollard.

Question to City Manager South East Area Committee
Meeting 14th May 2012 

Q16. Councillor Dermot Lacey
That the Manager would initiate the procedures to enable the closure by gate of the laneway to the rear of Rugby Villas, Ranelagh, Dublin 6.

Reply
A formal written application must be submitted by the applicant/s to extinguish a public right of way at the above location (in the case of a group of residents a person acting on behalf of the proposers should be nominated for correspondence purposes).  A site location map should also be furnished to this office.

The applicant should clearly state the reasons for the application e.g. security reasons, antisocial behaviour in the laneway etc. and the manner in which it is planned to block off access to the public in the event that the application is successful e.g. erection of gates etc.

Should the application be approved the applicant/s will be responsible for the future maintenance, upkeep and liability of the area in question.

Upon receipt of this information the statutory process will commence. 
 

 Question to City Manager South East Area Committee
 Meeting 14th May 2012 

Q17. Councillor Edie Wynne
To ask the Manager to have the pothole in the middle of the road at the end of Belmont Ave (Sandford Road end) repaired as it is a danger to traffic.

Reply 
This pothole will be filled by Road Maintenance Staff as soon as possible. Permanent repairs will then be carried out at a later date.

 
 
Question to City Manager South East Area Committee
Meeting 14th May 2012 

Q18. Councillor Gerry Ashe
To ask the Manager to arrange to have more bins installed in the Beggars  Bush Business District and to take on board and act on the contents of the  correspondence (details supplied).

Reply
The Waste Management Division have installed a new litter bin on the new paved area outside the “Chop house”.

As regards the clean up on Sunday 27th May, Paurig Gallagher has arranged for gloves and bags etc to be delivered in order to facilitate the local clean up.
Question to City Manager South East Area Committee
Meeting 14th May 2012 

Q19. Councillor Gerry Ashe
To ask the Manager to arrange to have the noise nuisance being caused by the  extremely early morning collection of waste by a private operator Greyhound at  (details supplied) investigated and appropriate action taken to resolve the problem  as it is becoming a regular issue for residents.
 

Reply
The City Council is shortly to commence a public consultation process on new Draft Bye-Laws for the Storage, Presentation & Collection of Household/Commercial Waste. The Draft Bye-Laws contain proposals regarding the permitted hours for collection of waste.

In regard to the current issues at details supplied the matter will be investigated further on receipt of more specific details i.e times, dates etc.

 
Question to City Manager South East Area Committee
Meeting 14th May 2012 

Q20. Councillor Oisin Quinn
Recently new road markings were painted on Merrion Road at the RDS.  The new  markings at the turn for Serpentine Avenue is now a right turn only arrow. The  marking before it shows a right turn arrow with a straight arrow and the one before  this shows a straight arrow.  This is causing a traffic hazard as the old marking at the turn was a straight and right turn arrow. There is no sign telling motorists that the  road markings have changed and so people are using the right turn only lane to go  straight and people who are aware of the new arrow are using the left lane but have  to come back out to the right hand lane as there is a bus lane here. The markings  were fine before the change.  Can we go back to the old way?

Reply
The Traffic Officer will review road markings at this location and modify same if  required.
 
Question to City Manager South East Area Committee
Meeting 14th May 2012 

Q21. Councillor Oisin Quinn
Can the Manager arrange for the South East Area Office to deal with the Graffiti on  the walls and pillars of gateways on houses near the Cowper Luas stop (while some  owners have removed the graffiti from smooth & painted surfaces – the graffiti on  stone & granite walls needs to be removed)?

Reply
Arrangements are being made to inspect the graffiti in this area and take action as  required.
 
Question to City Manager South East Area Committee
Meeting 14th May 2012 

Q22. Councillor Oisin Quinn
Can the Manager contact the owners of the Dropping Well pub to ensure that their  patrons do not park in the car park beside the pub in a way that blocks access to the  steps to the green space and down to the Dodder?

Reply
The South East Area Office has written to the proprietors of the Dropping  Well pub  as requested.

Question to City Manager South East Area Committee
Meeting 14th May 2012 

Q23. Councillor Oisin Quinn
Can the Manager address the following issue on the Rathmines Road whereby cars  are getting clamped when they park in the bus lane outside of the bus lane hours but  in the vicinity of the pedestrian crossing near the Aldi store.  This clamping seems to  be arising from confusion as to how close you can park to a pedestrian crossing.   Can the Manager arrange for clearer road markings here.
Reply
It is illegal to park within 15m on the approach side and 5m on the far side of a  signalised crossing. Traffic Officer will review location to determine if any  modifications to road markings are required.
 
Question to City Manager South East Area Committee
Meeting 14th May 2012 

Q24. Councillor Gerry Ashe
To ask the Manager to arrange to have the graffiti in the area of (details supplied)  removed and to ask Irish Rail to remove graffiti on it’s property in the area.
 

Reply
Arrangements are being made to inspect the graffiti in this area and take action as  required.
Question to City Manager South East Area Committee
Meeting 14th May 2012 

Q25. Councillor Dermot Lacey
To ask the Manager if he will respond to the issues contained in the message  submitted with this Question and relating to the use of Herbert Park.

Reply
In recent years there has been a large increase in the number of people playing Tag  Rugby in particular City Parks of which Herbert Park is one. The City Parks host  competitions organised by the Irish Tag Rugby Association(ITRA) in May/June and  in the weeks running up to that the same Parks are used by the teams for training  purposes in the evenings.
 
There is also pressure on the Parks from the activities of Bootcamps, fitness clubs,  sports clubs etc.

The activities of teams and organised sports in public parks requires a permit/licence  from the City Council to ensure that satisfactory insurance cover is in place, that the  allocation of pitches for active recreation does not impact on the wider enjoyment of  parks which are also in demand by other park users and that there is a reasonable  consideration of the wear and tear on the park.

The City Parks Superintendent has been in contact with the ITRA with a view to  agreeing mutually suitable arrangements for next year to address the issues above,  to enable better communication with Tag rugby players and to facilitate Tag rugby  training in a wider number of Parks so as to lessen the impact on Parks such as  Herbert Park.

 
 
Question to City Manager South East Area CommitteeMeeting 14th May 2012 

Q26. Councillor Edie Wynne
To ask the Manager if the Fire Brigade was able to be in the optimum position to deal with the recent fire at Rugby Villas and, if not, ensure that steps are taken so that there can be no recurrence of such an incident.
 

Reply
In an emergency if access is required by the Fire Brigade and is blocked by vehicles  the offending vehicles will be removed by whatever means is necessary by the  responding Fire Brigade Units.  The Fire Brigade also address this by making down  large hose over the required distance. 

The Fire Brigade in conjunction with the Roads and Traffic Department will examine  the feasibility of reducing the number of parking spaces at the junction of Alma Court  and Swan Grove as it would facilitate access for emergency vehicles.

Question to City Manager South East Area Committee
Meeting 14th May 2012 

Q27. Councillor Edie Wynne
To ask the Manager to progress a meeting with Rathgar businesses as soon as feasible as Rathgar is one of Dublin’s urban villages that are working very diligently to ensure that business is maintained and developed in their current economic situation.

Reply
Arrangements are being made for the meeting, as requested.

Question to City Manager South East Area Committee
Meeting 14th May 2012 

Q28. Councillor Edie Wynne
Following the unanimous wishes expressed at the AGM of the Terenure Residents  Association, to ask the Manager to request An Post to expedite at the earliest
possible date the opening of a branch of An Post in Terenure Village.

Reply
This request has been forwarded to An Post and the Councillor will be notified when  a reply is available.
 

Question to City Manager South East Area Committee
Meeting 14th May 2012 

Q29. Councillor Edie Wynne
To ask Manager to require that Water Works staff enter into discuss (details  supplied) with a view to resolving this apparently difficult matter.
 Reply
A fixed water account was set up for details supplied in 2009. This is a minimum fixed charge where it is not feasible to set up a metered account as the premises has a shared supply. A bill was issued annually in respect of this charge over a four year period and no payments were made to the account. The bill did not include any charge for consumption for flats behind details supplied as mentioned in the e-mail. The Rates Office did issue a notice advising the customer of disconnection as no payments were made to the account.

The customer requested that we carry out an inspection at the premises (letter dated 29th March). This inspection was completed by the Engineering Department on the 23rd April and the premises has now been placed on an assessed charge. A new bill has issued to the customer last week reflecting the assessed charge.  The disconnection order will not be removed until satisfactory payment on this account is made.

Question to City Manager South East Area Committee
Meeting 14th May 2012 

Q30. Councillor Edie Wynne
To ask the Manager to have the original sign for Stratford Tennis Club put back or replaced with a new one as it is felt that the sign may have been removed during City Council roadworks.  It is understood that the clubs pay for these signs themselves, but an area Engineer has to authorise the erection of them

Reply
The Traffic Officer will be asked to examine this issue.
 

Question to City Manager South East Area Committee
Meeting 14th May 2012 

Q31. Councillor Edie Wynne
To request the Manager to progress the development of the proposed Mount  Pleasant Linear Park in line with the following suggestions by residents at a public  meeting in the Park which was attended by residents, by a representative of RMDS;   also in attendance were Cllr Oisin Quinn, Cllr Dermot Lacy and where I was  represented by a colleague who reported to me as follows:

1. Address problems with dog fouling
2.  Replace a rather ugly boundary wall with the tennis club; ideally this would be replaced with a fence but in practice the group would like it to be concealed by plants, as the tennis club are rather attached to having a wall.
3. Decision on the issue of whether one of the gates at the Grand Canal end should be open so the park is walk through
4. Action on the closing of the gate opposite the multi denominational school at night – apparently the council have been looking for a volunteer without success
5. The provision of new topsoil and the aerating of same
6. The painting of benches
7. Additional planting of trees and shrubs
 The area is extensively used by the school as its playground area is limited. The  older boys play football at the end furthest away from the school. There is a general  view that the children should have some involvement in the upgrade as a sort of  learning by doing project.

Reply
Following the recent site meeting it was agreed that local park users and RMDS  would bring forward proposals to improve Mountpleasant Park to this Division for  discussion. It was also agreed that it would be important to involve local community  groups and school children, where possible, in any project to enhance this local park.

This Division looks forward to discussing any proposals submitted with  representatives from the local community.

 
 
Question to City Manager South East Area Committee
Meeting 14th May 2012 

Q32. Councillor Edie Wynne
To request the Manager to address this issue, although it is not in our area; it is just  outside it (details attached).

Reply
Dublin Fire Brigade will examine the issue of access to this apartment block and will  liaise with the Management Company in relation to same. 

Cllr Wynne will be kept informed. 

 
 
Question to City Manager South East Area Committee
Meeting 14th May 2012 

Q33. Councillor Dermot Lacey
To ask the Manager if he can supply this Councillor with the structural engineers  report regarding the Pergola that used to stand in Herbert Park.

Reply
Two reports were undertaken by a structural engineer on the pergola in Herbert Park.  The first report was prepared in November 2010, shortly after the collapse of precast  concrete supporting beams in one section of the pergola. The report found that the  collapse was due to the weight of vegetation and recent snowfall. In fact, the vegetation growing on the pergola was preventing a more complete collapse of the  structure.

In December a further collapse of part of the pergola occurred, further inspections  were carried out and a second report recommended that as the stone piers were off  plumb and they had suffered significant damage by the collapsing concrete that they  should be removed.

We are now considering options for restoring a shortened pergola to re-create the  ambiance of the original, however this will be subject to available finance in 2013.

If there are any queries on the above please contact the undersigned.
 

Question to City Manager South East Area Committee
Meeting 14th May 2012 

Q34. Councillor Edie Wynne
To ask the Manager to review parking in Sandymount Village in the context of details  attached.

Reply

The hours for pay and display in Sandymount Village are similar to hours operating I n other areas of the city . Pay and Display is installed to promote a turnover in the  use of parking spaces.  The reduction in pay and display hours would reduce the  availability of parking for customers visiting the village

The new traffic signals on the Canal Way Cycle route fully comply with Traffic Signs   Manual and current legislation.  The operation of the signals in common with most  signals in the city is managed by SCATS a computer based Urban Traffic Control  System. The provision of improved cycle facilities is in keeping with policy outlined in  the city development plan to promote modal shift from private car use towards  increased use of  more sustainable forms of transport such as cycling , walking and  public transport and to implement the initiatives contained in the government’s “  Smarter Travel, A Sustainable Transport Future 2009 – 2020”.
 
Question to City Manager South East Area Committee
Meeting 14th May 2012 

Q35. Councillor Gerry Ashe
To ask the Traffic Department if they could look at the possibility at putting a yellow box at the entrance to Powerscourt Dublin 2 beside the Broadcasting Authority Ireland Offices as exit from Powerscourt is very difficult for residents with very poor visibility onto the canal.

Reply
This matter will be referred to the Traffic Advisory Group for consideration and the Councillor will be advised in due course.
 

Question to City Manager South East Area Committee
Meeting 14th May 2012 

Q36. Councillor Mannix Flynn 
Can the Manager issue a report regarding the fire at Camden Street at the old Fianna Eireann head-quarters.  

Reply
On arrival of the fire brigade at 01.30 hrs on the 7 April 2012 there were flames coming from the roof of 34 Camden St Lower.  The adjoining casino and apartments overhead were evacuated. Dublin Fire Brigade were advised by Mr James Mahon, Engineer, Dangerous Buildings, that he had inspected 34-36 Camden St Lower on the 5 April 2012 and that he deemed them to be structurally unsound, and liable to collapse. All fire-fighting activities were carried out from outside the building. No 33 was checked for fire spread.  Dublin Fire Brigade remained on scene until 04.45 when handed over to Harcourt St Gardai.   3 water tenders and an aerial appliance were in attendance.
 
Question to City Manager South East Area Committee
Meeting 14th May 2012 

Q37. Councillor Mannix Flynn 
Can the Manager, issue a report in relation to illegal parking and unlawful access by motor cars on the plot of vacant land at the bottom of Georges street.  Dublin City Council bollards at this location and cycle rails were removed and vehicles are now parking on this site.  Can the bollard be replaced and also the bicycle stand.
Reply
Roads and Traffic Department will investigate the matter and issue report directly to the Councillor within the next four weeks.
 
Question to City Manager South East Area Committee
Meeting 14th May 2012 

Q38.     Councillor Mannix Flynn 
Can the  Manager investigate as to whether household waste and recyclable waste being collected by Greyhound is being segregated appropriately by collection vehicles in the South East Area.

Reply
The Waste Enforcement Unit carried out a number of spot checks over six separate collection days and a number of different collection routes in the South City area during April and May 2012.  All collections observed confirmed that waste material was collected in the collection vehicles without mixing of bin types.

Question to City Manager South East Area Committee
Meeting 14th May 2012 

Q39.     Councillor Mannix Flynn 
Can the Manager issue a report regarding reports in the media that the detenenting and redevelopment of Crampton Buildings was put on hold because of the General Election 2011.  Also, the report, also stated that the chief fire officer wrote to Dublin City Council executive on 4 occasions because of his grave concerns around fire safety at Crampton buildings. Can the Manager include in this report why the residents of Crampton buildings were not officially informed of these fire dangers by either Dublin City Council staff or by the chief fire officer?
Reply
The redevelopment of Crampton Buildings was not put on hold because of the General Election last year.  At the time of the General Election a proposal to redevelop Crampton Buildings was with the DOECLG but no decision had been made.  Funding was approved by the DOECLG for a redevelopment scheme in January 2012.  The detenanting of Crampton Buildings was not discussed with the tenants until alternative accommodation for them had been secured.  This also happened in January of this year and the tenants were then informed.  The crucial event happened in November with the submission of the independent report on Fire Safety. From that point to the meeting with the residents in early 2012 a period of 12 weeks elapsed.  Proposal to deal with the matter was put in place and funding was secured.

 Question to City Manager South East Area Committee
Meeting 14th May 2012 
Q40.     Councillor Mannix Flynn 
Can the Manager issue a report in relation to the setting fire of household waste bins in A and B block Mercer House, This incident caused smoke damage to the residents in Cuffe Lane and perhaps it is time to secure these waste containers in a more secure lock up.

Reply
There is no evidence of smoke damage as a result of the setting fire of bins in this  complex.  There is a wall of approximately fourteen to sixteen foot high dividing this  complex from the next development. There is no alternative location for these waste  bins. They cannot be placed in a lock-up due to their size and access requirements  by tenants of this complex.

Question to City Manager South East Area Committee
Meeting 14th May 2012 

Q41.     Councillor Mannix Flynn 
Can the Manager  investigate the placing of large lettering on the footpaths at Forster Place Bank of Ireland.  These big letterings are part of an advertising for the wax museum.
Reply
The Wax Museum has been notified that this advertising structure is in breach of Section 71 of the Roads Act 1993 and has been asked to remove it.

 
 
Question to City Manager South East Area Committee
Meeting 14th May 2012 

Q42.     Councillor Mannix Flynn 
Can the City Manager have the windows and safety catches at 71 Cannon Mooney Gardens repaired and put back in good working order.  The tenent at this dwelling has grave concerns with regards the safety of the windows.
Reply
The Area Maintenance Officer has confirmed that a private contractor will call to this  dwelling to carry out any necessary repairs to the windows within the next few weeks.

 
Question to City Manager South East Area Committee
Meeting 14th May 2012 

Q43.     Councillor Mannix Flynn 
Can the Manager issue a report when the works at Fade Street will be finally complete also is it possible at that point to organise  a small celebration and official opening of the new street improvements.
Reply
The works at Fade Street are complete. Consideration will be given to the suggestion of a small event to mark the completion of works and the Councillor will be contacted in due course.
Question to City Manager South East Area Committee
Meeting 14th May 2012 

Q44.     Councillor Mannix Flynn 
Can the Manager give an update  on the liason staff that work within the Senior Citizen housing complexes.  Some time ago a questionaire was circulated in relation to the continuation of this vital service to Senior citizens within the South East area.
 Reply
There are currently 26 liaison Officers working city wide within our senior citizen housing complexes. A review of the liaison service commenced last year and as part of this a questionnaire was circulated to residents to ascertain if they wanted to continue to avail of the service.  As the majority of residents do it is proposed to continue to provide a service.

 
 
Question to City Manager South East Area Committee
Meeting 14th May 2012 

Q45.     Councillor Mannix Flynn 
Can the Manager instruct the public domaines officer to ask the management of  the Business college at lower Georges Street to instruct their students to refrain from congregating and blocking the footpath.  There is a serious issue of congestion here, forcing pedestrians to go onto the road, particularly the elderly.

Reply
The Public Domain Officer called in and spoke to the management in this building  and pointed out the problems caused by students congregating in a manner that  causes congestion on the footpath as described above. The management undertook  to monitor this situation and alleviate the problem in all ways possible.

 
 
Question to City Manager South East Area Committee
Meeting 14th May 2012 

Q46.     Councillor Gerry Ashe  

To ask the Area Manager if he can give an answer to the attached query on commercial re-evaluation.

Reply
The retailer in this case applied to have the valuation on her shop revised.  This is done through the Commissioner of Valuation which is an independent state body.  The valuation of the shop in this case was not revised as it has not structurally changed.  Unless there is a material change to the property, a revision is not permitted under the Valuation Act 2001.

Dublin City Council does not have any role in determining valuations however it does determine the rate on valuation each year at its budget meeting.  The valuation by the rate on valuation = rates payable.

The Commissioner of valuation is obliged under the Valuation Act 2001 to carry out a revaluation of all commercial property and in the case of Dublin City Council this process is underway and will be effective from 1st January 2014. 

   
Question to City Manager South East Area Committee
Meeting 14th May 2012 

Q47.     Councillor Edie Wynne  
To ask the Manager when the next Electrical Re-Cycling collection will take place in the south east area. 

Reply
Free Public WEEE Collection days across the City have proven to be very popular with householders and in conjunction with Rehab Recycling, the organisation which facilitates these collections days, a schedule for this summer is currently in the process of being drafted and will be finalised within the coming weeks. 
A copy of this schedule will be forwarded to all councillors detailing the collection days for their Area.
It should also be noted that Dublin City Council operates a Recycling Centre at Pigeon House Road, Ringsend D4, which accepts a wide range of materials including electrical items, free of charge.
The current opening hours are as Follows:

Mon – Fri:  9am to 8pm
Sat/Bank Holidays: 9am to 4pm
Closed Sundays

Question to City Manager South East Area Committee
Meeting 14th May 2012 

Q48.     Councillor Edie Wynne  
To ask the Manager to address the parking problem at (details supplied).

Reply
A meeting was held recently between Councillors, residents and the Traffic  Department to discuss issues on Templmore Ave.  We are awaiting feedback from  residents and the Councillors will be advised of any future proposals for this area.  There are no plans to change the operation hours of Vernon Grove, which are  standard throughout the city.
 

Question to City Manager South East Area Committee
Meeting 14th May 2012 

Q49.     Councillor Jim O’Callaghan   
To ask the City Manager whether two railings to help elderly persons can be placed on the access path to the canal path directly opposite the large car park gate at Charlemont Court, Dublin 2, and which are required by the elderly persons in Charlemont Court to gain safe access to the canal path.
Reply
Roads and Traffic Department will look into the possibility of providing railings at this location.
 
Question to City Manager South East Area Committee
 Meeting 14th May 2012 

Q50.     Councillor Jim O’Callaghan   
To ask the City Manager whether the playground behind the vacant Hotel in the Docklands is owned by the Council and if so whether it can be upgraded and made adaptable for younger children as the climbing frame and wheels which are in place are more suitable for older children/teenagers. Could the Council also consider introducing more than the two playground apparatus’ which are currently available?

Reply
The area in question is not owned by Dublin City Council.  This question has been forwarded to the Docklands and they will reply directly to the Councillor. 
 

  
Question to City Manager South East Area Committee
Meeting 14th May 2012 

Q51.     Councillor Jim O’Callaghan   
To ask the City Manager for an update on the anti-social behaviour that has recently commenced in the new playground in Belgrave square and which has deterred young children from using the playground.

Reply
The Playground in Belgrave Square has been designed for children up to eight years  of age. However, as often happens when upgrading works occur in a park older  children and teenagers are attracted to the new facility.

Therefore, it is hoped that the current level of anti-social activity will reduce over time.  However,  in the interim it is proposed that the Park Warden Service  undertake more  frequent visits to the Square  when  they are on duty(ie. during the last eight hours  of Park opening) to monitor the level of anti-social activity and take appropriate action.

Should the public witness incidents of anti-social activity they may contact the Park  Warden Service directly on 0818 313 300.

Where incidents of anti-social activity occur outside park opening times the local   Garda station should be contacted directly.
Question to City Manager South East Area Committee
 Meeting 14th May 2012 

Q52.     Councillor Jim O’Callaghan   
To ask the City Manager whether the parking restrictions in Sandymount Village could be lessened at weekends to encourage shoppers and visitors to come to Sandymount.
Reply
The hours for pay and display in Sandymount Village are similar to hours operating in other areas of the city.  Pay and Display is installed to promote a turnover in the use of parking spaces.  The reduction in pay and display hours would reduce the availability of parking for customers visiting the village.
 
Question to City Manager South East Area Committee
Meeting 14th May 2012 

Q53.     Councillor Jim O’Callaghan   
To ask the City Manager when it is proposed to commence building the proposed pavement build-out at Mortons traffic lights, Dunville Avenue, Dublin 6.
Reply
This work is proposed to be completed as part of the works programme for 2012.  An on- site meeting is proposed with Councilors prior to finalization of the drawings.
 
Question to City Manager South East Area Committee
Meeting 14th May 2012 

Q54.     Councillor Jim O’Callaghan   
To ask the City Manager whether lighting can be replaced on the walkway outside the Altovetro Apartment Complex at Grand Canal Dock, Dublin 2. The fixtures have been smashed by vandals and need to be replaced.

Reply
Public Lighting Services maintain the road side lighting on Grand Canal Quay and  Pearse Street surrounding this complex. On a recent night inspection of the area on  30/04/12 the lighting on these roads were found to be operating normally.   There  was no evidence of pubic light fixtures being smashed.

 
 
Question to City Manager South East Area Committee
Meeting 14th May 2012 

Q55.     Councillor Jim O’Callaghan   
To ask the City Manager whether stronger lighting can be introduced in an area known as the tunnel/walkway from Chimney View Road into the docklands area. The current street lights are not sufficient for this area at night time.
Reply
The lighting here is not maintained by Dublin City Council Public Lighting Services.  This issue has been referred to the Dublin Docklands Development Authority for their  attention.
 
Question to City Manager South East Area Committee
Meeting 14th May 2012 

Q56.     Councillor Jim O’Callaghan   
To ask the City Manager whether broken pavements in the docklands area (which are being broken by bin trucks and deliveries to retail units because there is not enough room for them to turn so they mount the pavements instead) can be assessed and, if necessary, fixed.

Reply
Many of the roads in the Docklands area are still in charge to the DDDA and the  Council has no responsibility for their upkeep. In addition to this, many of the roads  that are in charge have been left in very poor condition by developers who walked  away from sites there during the recent building industry collapse. Road Maintenance  does not have sufficient funds available to carry out large scale footpath  reconstruction in this area of the city. However, if the councilor has specific  areas or streets that have been brought to his attention, we will endeavor to  patch up the worst parts as best we can.

 
 
Question to City Manager South East Area Committee
Meeting 14th May 2012 

Q57.     Councillor Kieran Binchy    
To ask the Manager to install bollards outside the following house (details supplied) to prevent cars from mounting on to the footpath, damaging the footpath and the house railings, as this spot is currently used by motorists seeking to turn.

Reply
Traffic Engineer will inspect location to determine if bollards are warranted. It is not a general policy to erect bollards on footpaths.
 
Question to City Manager South East Area Committee
Meeting 14th May 2012 

Q58.    Councillor Kieran Binchy    
To ask the Manager to install speed limit signs at the following locations (details supplied).

Reply
Traffic Officer will inspect location to see if repeater signs are warranted. The default speed limit in Dublin city Council Area is 50km/h.

It is not the general policy of the Traffic Section to erect speed limit signs on all roads as it will lead to a proliferation of signs and poles.
 
Question to City Manager South East Area Committee
Meeting 14th May 2012 

Q59.    Councillor Kieran Binchy    
To ask the Manager to install speed bumps on a road (details supplied), as the combination of the wide road and the bend make this particularly dangerous for pedestrians crossing the road. If speed bumps are not recommended, please implement other traffic calming measures at this spot.

Reply
This matter will be referred to the Traffic Advisory Group for consideration and the  Councillor will be advised of the recommendation in due course.
 
Question to City Manager South East Area Committee
Meeting 14th May 2012 

Q60.    Councillor Kieran Binchy    
To ask the Manager to investigate the efficacy of the traffic ramps at a location (details supplied) as residents have reported that they are too small and too shallow to have any effect on traffic speed, which is a big issue on the road.

Reply
Traffic Officer will arrange for speed survey to be carried out to determine if ramps are effective at this location.
 
Question to City Manager South East Area Committee
Meeting 14th May 2012 

Q61.    Councillor Kieran Binchy    
To ask the Manager to tackle the grafitti the Arnott Street corner under the Hospital Chimney in Portobello.

Reply
Arrangements are being made to inspect the graffiti in this area and take action as  required.

Question to City Manager South East Area Committee
Meeting 14th May 2012 

Q62.    Councillor Kieran Binchy    
To ask the Manager for an update on the parking measures being considered and being implemented in the Arnott St and Lombard St West area of Portobello, including proposed plebiscites, recent passed or rejected plebiscites, and planned changes to parking schemes.
Reply 
A request for extension of hours of pay and display and permit parking was received in 2011 but this street had been balloted in 2010 and was not be eligible for re ballot until May 2012.  Arnott Street will be recommended for re balloting within the next few weeks.

The Traffic Engineer will also be making a recommendation to the next Traffic Advisory Group to rescind a section of pay and display and permit parking, and single yellow lines on the Meath Hospital side of Arnott Street, following a request from a concerned resident about the width of the street and access for ambulance and fire brigade.  The Councillors will be advised thorough the normal process of the recommendation of Traffic Advisory Group on this issue.
 
A recent request for extension of hours has been received for Lombard Street and the Traffic Engineer will be recommending re balloting of this street at the May TAG Meeting.

Ballots should take place within the next few weeks.
 
Question to City Manager South East Area Committee
Meeting 14th May 2012 

Q63.    Councillor Kieran Binchy    
To ask the Manager to confirm when the previously approved signs (details supplied) will be erected.

Reply
Traffic Officer will confirm progress and the Councillor will notified within the next two weeks.
 
Question to City Manager South East Area Committee
Meeting 14th May 2012 

Q64.    Councillor Kieran Binchy    
To ask the Manager for an update on my various queries concerning dumping in the Portobello area (details supplied – part 1).

Contact
This area has been inspected and cleaned on 30/04/2012.  This query has also  been forwarded to Greyhound for their attention.

Question to City Manager South East Area Committee
Meeting 14th May 2012 

Q65.    Councillor Kieran Binchy    
To ask the Manager for an update on my various queries concerning dumping in the Portobello area (details supplied – part 2).

Reply
This area has been inspected and a No Dumping Sign has been erected here.  A  Litter warden will continue to monitor this location.  Funding for CCTV is not  available at present.
 

Question to City Manager South East Area Committee
Meeting 14th May 2012 

Q66.    Councillor Mary Freehill     
To ask the Manager to organise a meeting with Bus Eireann in connection with their instance on covering the bus stop on Harold’s Cross Rd with advertising which completely blocks the view of the shop front of Tallon’s Tailoring.

Reply
The South East Area Office has forward this request to Dublin Bus.  The Councillor  will be notified when a reply is available.
 
Question to City Manager South East Area Committee
Meeting 14th May 2012 

Q67.    Councillor Mary Freehill     
Following my motion some months ago, proposing that a programme of Summer concerts in conjunction with the DIT Conservator of Music be arranged for the Square in front of the Swan Leisure Centre in Rathmines, would the Manager please now set out that programme.
Reply
The Community Development Section of the South East Area Office is currently in  discussions with the D.I.T Conservator of Music and exploring the possibility of  hosting some music events in front of the Swan Leisure Centre during the summer.   Contact has also been made with the manager of Swan Leisure who is very  supportive of such an event.  A meeting with all parties is due to take place on  Thursday, 17th May to progress this proposal.

 
 
Question to City Manager South East Area Committee
Meeting 14th May 2012 

Q68.    Councillor Maria Parodi
Can the Manager provide a report on what action has been taken regarding (details supplied).
Reply
The plan for the awareness campaign includes the following:
• Each area are to forward the name of location which is most affected by dog fouling to the Litter Prevention Officer
• Litter Prevention Officer together with reps from Area Office will launch the campaign at that location. 
• Poop-scoops will be handed out to dog walkers for one day
• Increased cleansing will take place  at that location for a period of one week
• Increased patrols by a litter warden at that location for one week.

Question to City Manager South East Area Committee
Meeting 14th May 2012 

Q69.    Councillor Maria Parodi
To ask the Manager for a report on the following (details supplied).
  
Reply
(a) In relation to the request for signage in the vicinity of Westland Row CBS, South Cumberland Street, Dublin 2 the Roads & Traffic Department has installed 2 signs at South Cumberland Street and 1 sign at Boyne Street in May 2012.
  
( c) & (d) The Area Office did write to Irish Rail on two occasions and has received no  response.  We will write to Irish Rail again and contact the Councillor as soon as a  response becomes available.
 
 

Question to City Manager South East Area Committee
Meeting 14th May 2012 

Q70.    Councillor Maria Parodi
To ask the Manager to provide a response to the following (details supplied).
 

Reply
(a) The bollard at this location will be repaired.

(b) This matter will be referred to the Traffic Officer for attention.

 Question to City Manager South East Area Committee
 Meeting 14th May 2012 
Q71.    Councillor Maria Parodi
To ask the Manager to implement traffic calming measures to (details supplied) as a matter of urgency.
Reply
This will be referred to the Traffic Advisory Group and the Councillor will be advised of the recommendation in due course.

Question to City Manager South East Area Committee
Meeting 14th May 2012 

Q72.    Councillor Maria Parodi
To ask the Manager to provide a response to the following (details supplied).

Reply
The NPPR charge was introduced in the Local Government (Charges) Act 2009.  It is not a charge for a specific service and customers are required to declare liability.  The Department of Environment, Community and Local Government and Local Authorities have undertaken an advertising campaign each year to advise owners of non principal private properties that the charge is due.  In addition to advertising on radio and in the papers, registered customers receive a reminder by e mail from the NPPR bureau each year.  This e mail goes to the e mail address provided by the customer at registration. A reminder letter issues to the home address provided where a customer does not provide an e mail address.

There are exemptions to the charge, however, there is no provision to waive late fees.  
 
  

Question to City Manager South East Area Committee
Meeting 14th May 2012 

Q73.    Councillor Maria Parodi
To ask the Manager for a response to the following listed in (details supplied).
Reply
(a) There are four taxis allowed on the taxi rank at Barrow Street.
(b) The issue of taxis forming illegal ranks is a matter for enforcement by the Gardai or the Taxi Regulator.

 
 
Question to City Manager South East Area Committee
Meeting 14th May 2012 
Q74.    Councillor Maria Parodi
To ask the Manager for a response to (details supplied).
 

Reply
The situation on Simmonscourt Road will be re-examined, however the position of
            the current rank cannot changed except as part of the next revision of the relevant
            Bye-Laws. The current Bye-Laws came into effect on 12th December 2011 and the
            next review is expected to commence towards the end of this year or early next year.

            
Question to City Manager South East Area Committee
 Meeting 14th May 2012 
Q75.    Councillor Maria Parodi
To ask the Manager to upgrade (details supplied) as it has been left in an unfinished state since the works were completed on this site over a year ago.

Reply
The ownership of the wall has to be ascertained and once this established the Councillor will be contacted.

Question to City Manager South East Area Committee
Meeting 14th May 2012 
Q76.    Councillor Maria Parodi
Can the Manager provide a response to the following in (details supplied).
Reply
This matter will be referred to the Traffic Advisory Group and the Councillor will be advised of the recommendation of the group in due course.

 
 
Question to City Manager South East Area Committee
Meeting 14th May 2012 
Q77.    Councillor Maria Parodi
Can the Manager provide a report on the following (details supplied). 
 
 
Reply
The public network on Pembroke Cottages is in good working order. The problem here is with the shared private drain. This drain runs down the backs of the houses on Pembroke Cottages, the maintenance and upkeep of this line is the joint responsibility of all those who share the line. 

 
DUBLIN CITY COUNCIL
SOUTH EAST AREA COMMITTEE
14th MAY 2012

Motion 953

Motion from Councillor Dermot Lacey
This Committee requests the Manager to seek to implement one or other of the objectives sought in the email submitted with this motion.

Report
There are a number of playgrounds in the Sandymount area including the ones mentioned and also Herbert Park. This Division continues to review it’s policy regarding the provision of playgrounds and the installation of a new playground and requests for additional playground facilities will be considered in the context of available resources, proximity to existing facilities  and the needs of  the local community.

Michael O’Neill
Area Manager
 
DUBLIN CITY COUNCIL
SOUTH EAST AREA COMMITTEE
14th MAY 2012

Motion 954

Motion from Councillor Dermot Lacey
To ask the Manager if we will seek to get an answer from the DCC Traffic Authorities, the Dun Laoghaire Rathdown Traffic Authorities, the NRA or the Gardai, whichever is responsible for the application of the crazy speed limits on the Stillorgan Road between Nutley lane and Fosters Avenue, a detailed reasoning for same, or if these are in place solely to enable the Traffic Gardai catch people allegedly speeding.
Report
Between Nutley Lane and Fosters Avenue, Dublin City Council is responsible for the setting of the speed limit on the Stillorgan Road as far south as the county boundary at Belfield Flyover, Dun Laoghaire Rathdown County Council is responsible for the section between the county boundary and Fosters Avenue. The default speed limit in a built up area is 50 km/h. This default speed limit can be revised by the making of Special Speed Limit Bye Laws. The enactment of Special Speed Limit Bye Laws is a reserved function of the relevant local authority. Dublin City Council’s most recent revision to Special Speed Limit Bye laws came into operation on 29th March 2011.

The current bye laws specify a speed limit of 60 km/h for this section of the Stillorgan Road rather than the default limit of 50 km/h. This section of road caters for significant numbers of motorists and vulnerable road users such as cyclists and pedestrians. Some sections of the road have direct frontal access and there is an on road cycle track. Taking safety, the built up nature of the location and the need to promote sustainable forms of transport, 60 km / hr is considered an appropriate speed limit.

Michael O’Neill
Area Manager
 
DUBLIN CITY COUNCIL
SOUTH EAST AREA COMMITTEE
14th MAY 2012

Motion 955

Motion from Councillor Dermot Lacey
This Committee supports the call for the development of the former Hume Street  Hospital and adjoining buildings to be developed for Cultural purposes.

Michael O’Neill
Area Manager
 
DUBLIN CITY COUNCIL
SOUTH EAST AREA COMMITTEE
14th MAY 2012

Motion 956

Motion from Councillor Dermot Lacey
To ask the Manager to respond and to seek a further response from Waterways Ireland to the issues contained in the email submitted with this Motion.
Report
On 15 June 2011, An Bord Pleanála determined that the provision of a market to operate occasionally for periods not to exceed in aggregate 30 days in any year is exempt from a requirement to obtain planning permission.

Their decision was based on the provisions of class 37 of schedule 2 – part 1 of the Planning and Development Regulations, 2001 and on a definition of the word ‘fair’.. Class 37 states:

“Development consisting of the use of land for any fair, funfair, bazaar or circus or any local event of a religious, cultural, educational, political, social, recreational or sporting character and the placing or maintenance of tents, vans or other temporary or movable structures or objects on the land in connection with such use.”

Michael O’Neill
Area Manager
 
DUBLIN CITY COUNCIL
SOUTH EAST AREA COMMITTEE
14th MAY 2012

Motion 957

Motion from Councillor Dermot Lacey
This Committee agrees to request the Manager to organize an event under the working title of “A Day for the Dodder” bringing together the different youth, environment, sporting, community and residents Groups along the Dodder with a  view to having one big clean up day utilising the resources of the Council and other  arms of the Public Service.
Michael O’Neill
Area Manager
 
DUBLIN CITY COUNCIL
SOUTH EAST AREA COMMITTEE
14th MAY 2012

Motion 958

Motion from Councillor Mary Freehill
That Dublin City Council co-operate with the occupant of 114 Lr Rathmines Rd regarding water rates.   So far he has not had an explanation regarding the high water usage.   Either the meter is connected to another premises or other parts of the building or there is a leak.  Either way he deserves help and explanation from the Council.
Report
A fixed water account was set up for Rathmines Pharmacy (Account No 128627) in 2009. This is a minimum fixed charge where it is not feasible to set up a metered account as the premises has a shared supply. A bill issued annually in respect of this charge over a four year period and no payments were made to the account. The bill did not include any charge for consumption for flats behind the pharmacy as mentioned in the e-mail. The Rates Office did issue a notice advising the customer of disconnection as no payments were made to the account. The customer requested that we carry out an inspection at the premises (letter dated 29th March). This inspection was completed by the Engineering Department on 23rd April and the premises has now been placed on an assessed charge. A new bill has issued to the customer last week reflecting the assessed charge. The disconnection order will not be removed and the customer should make an immediate payment on this account.

Michael O’Neill
Area Manager
 
DUBLIN CITY COUNCIL
SOUTH EAST AREA COMMITTEE
14th MAY 2012

Motion 959

Motion from Councillor Mary Freehill
Following the very serious arson attack on Rugby Villas which caused a house and two cars to be burned out, had it not been for the alertness of a neighbour at 4.30a.m there would certainly have been loss of life.
It is proposed to put the following measures in place to make the area safer:
a)      Check the need for DYL on corner of Alma Court, Fire Tender couldn’t get though,
b)      the erection of CCTV,
c)      and closing off the rear lane and having gates erected, its used as a dumping ground.

 Report
a) The Fire Brigade in conjunction with the Roads and Traffic Department will examine the feasibility of reducing the number of parking spaces at the junction of Alma Court  and Swan Grove as it would facilitate access for emergency vehicles.

b)  Funding for CCTV  is not available at present.
c )  A formal written application must be submitted by the applicant/s to extinguish a public right of  way at the above location (in the case of a group of residents a person acting on behalf of the proposers should be nominated for correspondence purposes).  A site location map should also be furnished to this office. The applicant should clearly state the reasons for the application e.g. security reasons, antisocial behaviour in the laneway etc. and the manner in which it is planned to block off access to the public in the event that the application is successful e.g. erection of gates etc.  Should the application be approved the applicant/s will be responsible for the future maintenance, upkeep and liability of the area in question. Upon receipt of this information the statutory process will commence
Michael O’Neill
Area Manager
 
DUBLIN CITY COUNCIL
SOUTH EAST AREA COMMITTEE
14th MAY 2012

Motion 960

Motion from Councillor Oisin Quinn
This Committee calls on the Manager arrange for a meeting with NAMA to discuss the number of buildings owned &/or controlled by NAMA that are on the Council’s Derelict sites lists to work out a plan to ensure these buildings, especially those on the RPS, do not fall into unnecessary disrepair.
Report
A meeting has taken place with NAMA to clarify their role in relation to land/buildings which it is believed they may have an involvement and which have come to the attention of the Derelict Sites and the Conservation Section.

NAMA officials are keen to co-operate with Dublin City Council in relation to alleged dereliction and issues with protected structures. They have nominated a contact person within NAMA to liaise with Dublin City Council regarding these particular properties. They also stated that the liability for these lands/buildings remain with the debtor/borrower or with a receiver as the case may be.
Michael O’Neill
Area Manager
 
DUBLIN CITY COUNCIL
SOUTH EAST AREA COMMITTEE
14th MAY 2012
Item No. 961

Motion from Councillor Jim O’Callaghan
This Committee requests the Waste Management Department to re-instate a litter bin at the top of Ashfield Road (Beechwood Road end), Ranelagh, Dublin 6, as under the Council’s Litter Management Plan residential streets are only scheduled for cleansing once every twelve weeks and this cleansing is insufficient to tackle the volume of rubbish generated at the two public benches on a green area (which differentiates from that of a residential street site).

Report
Waste Management Services are currently reviewing the issue of litter bins in the South East area and we will consider this request during the course of this review.
Michael O’Neill
Area Manager
 
DUBLIN CITY COUNCIL
SOUTH EAST AREA COMMITTEE
14th MAY 2012

Motion 962

Motion from Councillor Jim O’Callaghan
This Committee calls upon the City Manager to conduct a traffic management plan for the Pearse Street/Macken Street junction which is in immediate need of a proper management plan to cope with the increased level of traffic at the junction.
Report
Traffic Management Plans are generally carried out on new or proposed junctions. The junction of Pearse St and Macken St is monitored 24 hours a day via our SCATS Traffic System and additional time is given to the various traffic movements automatically depending on traffic demand. CCTV is also used to monitor the junction throughout the morning and evening peaks. Priority is given to Macken St as it has the heaviest traffic volumes.

In common with many city centre junctions it is operating at above capacity and as a result delays can occur at peak times. The ITS section will monitor the junction to determine if any signal adjustments can be made to improve operations.
Michael O’Neill
Area Manager
 
DUBLIN CITY COUNCIL
SOUTH EAST AREA COMMITTEE
14th MAY 2012

Motion 963
Motion from Councillor Jim O’Callaghan
This Area Committee calls on the City Manager to reinstate the traffic ramp on Moyne Road (between Windsor Road and Ormond Road) which was removed a number of years ago during drainage works and which now requires to be reinstated because of the speed of traffic and threat to children caused by the removal of the ramp.

Report
The Traffic Engineer will arrange for speed checks to determine if a ramp is required.
Michael O’Neill
Area Manager
 
DUBLIN CITY COUNCIL
SOUTH EAST AREA COMMITTEE
14th MAY 2012

Motion 964

Motion from Councillor Mary Freehill
In relation to the ongoing behaviour problem in Maxwell Court which is disturbing the peace and good community relations that a bullying and harassment procedure be put in place.

Report
In relation to the above matter as stated in Dublin City Councils Tenancy Agreement, in particular under Section 13. (a) Neither the tenant nor any member of his/her household or any household or any sub-tenant or visitor shall cause any nuisance, annoyance or disturbance to any neighbours, their children or visitors or to council staff. For the purpose of this agreement the phrase “nuisance, annoyance or disturbances” includes inter alia the following (i) harassment (ii) violence or threats of violence against the person or property. (iii) threats, abuse or harassment of any kind or omission causing disturbance, discomfort or inconvenience.

Please supply details of any particular incident that has occurred. The matter will be investigated and appropriate action will be taken.

Michael O’Neill
Area Manager
 
DUBLIN CITY COUNCIL
SOUTH EAST AREA COMMITTEE
14th MAY 2012

Motion 965

Motion from Councillor Kieran Binchy
To ask the Manager to tackle the ongoing traffic jams and lane problems at the junction of Pearse St and Macken St (which are not just caused by the Grand Canal Theatre).

Report
The junction of Pearse St and Macken St is monitored 24 hours a day via our SCATS Traffic System and additional time is given to the various traffic movements automatically depending on traffic demand. CCTV is also used to monitor the junction throughout the morning and evening peaks. Priority is given to Macken St as it has the heaviest traffic volumes.

In common with many city centre junctions it is operating at above capacity and as a result delays can occur at peak times. The ITS section will monitor the junction to determine if any signal adjustments can be made to improve operations.

Michael O’Neill
Area Manager
 
DUBLIN CITY COUNCIL
SOUTH EAST AREA COMMITTEE
14th MAY 2012

Motion 966

Motion from Councillor Mary Freehill
That a working group be established comprising waterways Ireland, Dublin City Council elected and administrative staff and any other appropriate personnel to deal with the management and maintenance of the Grand Canal between Harold’s Cross bridge and Ringsend.

Report
The Grand Canal Sub-Group was set up in accordance with the recommendations of the Dublin City Canals Study. It is tasked with actively participating in the maintenance, management and development of the Grand Canal within Dublin City, i.e. from Ringsend Basin to Ballyfermot. The Sub-Groups comprise of members of Waterways Ireland, the local community, voluntary organisations and Dublin City Council. It would appear to be a duplication of work and waste of administrative resources if another working group was set up specifically for the area between Harold’s Cross bridge and Ringsend.

Michael O’Neill
Area Manager
 
DUBLIN CITY COUNCIL
SOUTH EAST AREA COMMITTEE
14th MAY 2012

Motion 967

Motion from Councillor Mary Freehill
That the local area committee agree to invite Mr. Peter O’Brien to give a presentation to one of our meetings.   Peter is an environmental Activist and has organised many initiatives in the D 4 and 6 areas.   In the current climate its in our interest to harness this voluntary leadership which enables the community to help themselves, the work Peter has been doing on the ground very moves in that direction.

Michael O’Neill
Area Manager

Question to City Manager South East Area Committee
Meeting 14th May 2012

Wednesday was a pretty big day. The Taoiseach came to speak to a group of start-up tech companies who were pitching to potential investors from Ireland and abroad. Some very impressive talent and the T took time with each of them. He also met with Silicon Valley Bank and some other key investors. Some were more than happy to speak to camera and state their support for the Referendum. This kind of event is exactly why the Treaty is so important.

I’ve had a couple of radio outings this week to debate Greece, the euro and the Treaty. The Last Word with Matt Cooper on Wednesday over the phone and the Late Debate with Fergal Keane last night in studio. It’s better when debating to be in the studio I think, you get a better interaction with the other panelists. The situation in Greece is really critical and I think it does underline the importance of our own progress and continuing on a stable path.

Speaking in Trinity this evening which should be fun (!). Then it’s out and about on the campaign trail in Ranelagh village tomorrow morning. Just under two weeks to go.

THE OIREACHTAS public accounts committee needs increased resources if it is to deal effectively with its workload in examining accountability in various State bodies and Government departments, its members said yesterday.

“There aren’t the resources there that we need,” Fine Gael TD and committee member Eoghan Murphy said at the launch of two reports by the committee.

“There is a lot coming in. People are demanding more from their public representatives . . . and rightly so, but it is also at a time where we have less resources and we try to manage it as best we can, but a committee as important as this doing its work week in week out does need more,” Mr Murphy said.

Chairman of the committee John McGuinness said he agreed the committee needed more resources to carry out its remit.

“We have increased the staff from three in support of the committee by one member and perhaps it is something the Government could look at in the context of the volume of work that we have to do in resourcing the committee much better, but we work with the Government in relation to that and we have received some positive responses,” Mr McGuinness said.

“In terms of numbers there’s 140 people employed in the CAG’s [Comptroller and Auditor General] office and yet those of us that are looking at public accounts and so on, there’s just [four] support staff. I would agree with Deputy Murphy that much more needs to be done in that area if we are to deliver on all of the work that is expected of us.”

He added that the committee would like to see the CAG’s powers extended to be able to examine the accounts at local government level, which would then bring it under the committee’s remit.

“When you look at accountability in local government it is an issue for us. We want to see the CAG empowered to look at local authorities because they do spend €5 billion a year that we can’t pursue, so we are anxious to deal in a comprehensive way, with the spending of taxpayers’ money regardless of where it goes.

“To that extent we would like to be empowered.”

This correspondence was received today at the Public Accounts Committee following my request.

The document is 9 pages long and has been scanned in so requires some scrolling.

Please click here: http://www.eoghanmurphy.ie/2012/05/17/e27-million-in-military-goods-exported-in-2011-details-below/

The Rehab Group currently employs over 3,500 people, with 2,500 staff based in Ireland and another 1,000 in the UK, Poland and the Netherlands.

The new posts arise in the areas of training, education, health and social care, IT, sales and marketing, management and administration.

Commenting on the announcement Angela Kerins, Chief Executive, Rehab Group noted “Rehab has a significant growth strategy for 2012 to 2015 in all of its areas of activity. We are currently looking further afield at new opportunities and hope to have some important new developments to announce later this year.

“Rehab Group provides health, social care, education and training services to 56,000 people in four EU member states and we aim to grow this to supporting 75,000 people by 2015. Our services are recognised internationally, and have proven results. For example, 90% of people who complete our training courses here in Ireland go on to further education, training or employment. Our overriding objective is to improve the lives of the people we support and to provide sustainable employment for our staff, both with and without disabilities.

“Most people are familiar with Rehab Group as a provider of services to people with disabilities and others who are marginalised in their communities, but may not be aware that in addition to our health and education services in Ireland and the UK, we run a number of businesses in each of the four countries in which we work. For example, Rehab is Ireland’s largest processor of glass for recycling, exporting nearly 100,000 tonnes of glass per year. We also operate a resource recovery business in Ireland, the UK and the Netherlands and an international logistics business in Poland and the Netherlands, as well as a retail business and significant gaming and lottery interests. While like everyone else we experience difficulties in some markets, overall we have a positive view of our future development and believe that this can be achieved with hard work, a ‘can-do’ attitude and a little adventure into new areas.”

Minister for Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation Richard Bruton said:
“A central part of our plan for jobs and growth is creating a powerful engine of indigenous enterprise. Yes we must continue to attract world-class multinational companies, but we must also ensure that we have more Irish companies growing to scale, competing and succeeding in world markets, and creating more jobs.
“Rehab is an Irish organisation which had success in its original field, branched out into new sectors, competed and succeeded in export markets and created large-scale employment. Today’s announcement that it is to create 750 new jobs over the next three years is very welcome. I am determined that, through continued implementation of the Action Plan for Jobs, we can see more Irish companies replicate this success and drive the sustainable jobs recovery that we need.”

The Rehab Group will be recruiting on an ongoing basis over the coming months to positions both in Ireland and overseas, and vacancies will be advertised on its website www.rehab.ie

73 of the 400 new jobs are currently being recruited, rising to 150 in the next year with the remainder to come on stream over the next three years. In addition, 115 jobs have been created on Rehab Group construction projects in Limerick, Portlaoise and Sligo.

A further 350 job opportunities will arise within Rehab Group companies overseas, with 80 people already recruited overseas this year.

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.

I met many people there who believed that, regardless of what may or may not take place on polling day, Russia needed a strong leader like Putin if it was to continue as a stable nation. They placed stability and security ahead of democracy. Which I found interesting.

Samuel Huntington, famous for his book ‘The Clash of Civilizations’, charted what he called “the third wave of democratisation”, which took place (roughly) between 1970 and 2010, and saw a surge in countries moving towards democracy, including Russia.

Francis Fukuyama, commenting on this transition, notes that 1 in 5 of those new democracies have since reverted back to authoritarianism or have seen a significant erosion of democratic values. Look at Russia and it’s concept of ‘managed democracy’ and we must consider it one of these relapses.

Now just before anyone jumps to the wrong conclusion, I am not seeking any sort of comparison here between recent events in the EU and the erosion of democracy elsewhere. Quite the contrary.

My point is about adaptability. In Fukuyama’s ‘The Origins of Political Order’ he states that “Political decay occurs when political systems fail to adjust to changing circumstances”. When they fail to adapt to meet the needs of the people or the needs of the time (often both).

We here in Ireland are facing a major challenge and it concerns the adaptability of our political institutions: a challenge to the capacity of our democracy to deliver the changes that the people want to see given the radically changed circumstances. Will our institutions be able to adjust – will we be able to lead that adjustment? And what will we adjust to? More or less democracy? Or simply a different type of democracy?

The European Union is facing the exact same challenge. There has been a massive economic shock. It has exposed flaws in the structure. And now change is under way. Countries are adapting to the new situation. The infrastructure of the EU is adapting. What this adjustment will bring is still uncertain, but at the very least we can agree that some form of change is necessary. The right leadership will bring about the right change.

The great difficulty though for Ireland to meet this challenge at the present moment in time is the bailout agreement – the temporary suspension of control over our own affairs. Because of the extreme deficit we are too exposed to external events. Because of the extreme deficit we require assistance and dictation from the troika. That is why cutting deficit to within reasonable levels is so important.

Our immediate aspiration is to change our situation – to regain control over our fiscal affairs and to be able to borrow on the markets independently. It might sound counter intuitive but we need the option of a permanent bailout fund to be able to avoid ever having to use it.

We need the continuation of the EFSF and we need the European Stability Mechanism. Either in case we cannot meet all of our funding requirements post 2013; or, to improve our borrowing position on the markets by providing a form of guaranteed insurance on those borrowings (which is what access to the ESM will do).

And that is why we need the fiscal compact treaty. Because it guarantees access to the permanent fund. People will argue over whether or not this should be the case. They will raise other inadequacies both of the treaty and the process. But we are here now and we have a decision to make.

There are bigger questions to be asked – greater choices to be made. But these will have to wait to be answered until we are on firmer footing financially. People will seek to use this referendum campaign to attempt to answer these bigger questions. This would be a mistake. I think it is the wrong campaign for that.

In the European context, I do not think this referendum should be about our membership of the euro or our commitment to future fiscal union, and it certainly should not be about the long term debt situation or the possible restructuring of the promissory notes. It should be confined to the treaty itself and its necessity for us in moving to a post-bailout situation.

Once the referendum is held, and if we then have access to the ESM guaranteed, we will have the room to discuss the greater existential questions about the political constitution of this Republic and what our future ambitions are for the political and fiscal infrastructure of our European Union. But only then.

Last week was incredibly busy. Still I managed to get a video recorded for the Facebook page, answering a question about the Treaty and the tech sector (you can watch it here – http://www.eoghanmurphy.ie/2012/05/15/the-importance-of-the-treaty-to-the-it-sector/). Young Fine Gael also asked me to provide a short piece on why the Treaty is important and I pretty much repeated the same message as in the video (you can read it here -http://www.eoghanmurphy.ie/2012/05/15/to-be-the-tech-capital/).

Unfortunately the Thursday evening canvass wasn’t as positive as I had expected, but we bounced back with a great Saturday. There was a good crew out, in the sun, and everyone was very positive during the few hours we spent around the village. It’s good when you’re out like that, people are around and they can see that there is support on the ground for the treaty. The atmosphere is generally more relaxed and people take the time to have a chat and ask you questions.

It was a busy weekend with six separate local events in all – events that had nothing to do with the Treaty or politics. So you’re not actually canvassing. Yet you’d be surprised how many are quick to offer up their own thoughts and opinions. So it’s a bit of a soft canvass in a way and a great opportunity to get an un-biased view of how things are going. 

The poll results were good. But I’m worried that it will motivate the No side and give them an occasion to rally. There’s still more than 2 weeks to go and all to play for. This week is a big one in terms of keeping the message on Yes and sustaining the momentum that is there in favour of the Treaty. This means hitting more and more doors at the local level while getting the key messages out nationally. Not an easy task with all that is going on in our Member countries. But the key objectives of the Treaty remain sound and it’s still important that we get our citizens signed up to the package so that we can be ready to play a full part in the next stage of the process.

Right now we’re positioning ourselves as the Tech Capital of Europe, to act as a gateway for the major tech companies in to the European and North African markets, but also as a launch pad for new players here in Ireland in to the European market and beyond. We have new tech companies setting up in Ireland every day, homegrown ones as well as start-ups from abroad.

This sector is incredibly competitive, because it’s incredibly mobile – these companies can locate anywhere in the world. When they’re making that decision as to where they base themselves, where they live and where they do their work, they want to have certainty in their choice. They want a stable and a healthy environment.

That’s why the stability treaty helps. It brings in responsible budgeting for the government as well as back up funding should we not be able to return to the markets after next year. So that we can have the money to spend on the types of infrastructure the tech sector needs. So that we can invest in education and retraining and take advantage of all the new jobs being created in IT (and there are literally thousands being created, so many in fact that we cannot fill the vacant positions). And, so that we can fund and run an economy and a country that works well and is constantly improving and evolving. That’s how we compete with all the other small, smart and hungry countries looking to be kings of this new industry.

We’ve been saying this Treaty is about stability; it’s the Stability Treaty. And while that mightn’t sound too exciting to you or me, stability brings investment, and it leads to recovery. This means being able to compete, and being able to win.

To be the Tech Capital of Europe we need to vote Yes to Stability.