07/12/2009 COMHAIRLE CATHRACH BHAILE ÁTHA CLIATH · 07/12/2009 COMHAIRLE CATHRACH BHAILE ÁTHA...

07/12/2009

COMHAIRLE CATHRACH BHAILE ÁTHA CLIATH

Miontuairiscí Chruinniúl Míosúil a tionóladh ar an 7 Nollaig 2009 i Seomra na

Comhairle, Halla na Cathrach, Cnoc Chorcaí ag 6.45 i.n. I Láthair an tArdmheara, An Comhairleoir Emer Costello sa chathaoir.

1. The Lord Mayor, referring to the issue of funding for the 3 swimming pools that have been a cause for concern to Members of the City Council and to the local communities leading up to the Annual Budget 2010, said that the Labour Party have been working on proposals to extend the timescale in order to allow time for alternatives to be explored by the local communities. She stressed that no decision had been made to close any of the pools concerned in January 2010 as has been rumoured. She acknowledged that all the Members are very concerned by this issue and pointed out that the adoption of the annual budget is a reserved function of the City Council. She said that everyone is doing all they can to secure the future of these pools and procure long term funding for these important facilities. During the discussion that followed, Members acknowledged that the pools are old and some are in bad condition and in need of costly repairs that the City Council cannot afford but stressed the importance of these facilities to the local

Comhairleoir: Comhairleoir: Comhairleoir Paddy Bourke Gerry Breen Christy Burke Clare Byrne Eric Byrne Julia Carmichael Aine Clancy Joan Collins Michael Conaghan Pat Crimmins Dessie Ellis Mary Fitzpatrick Declan Flanagan Mannix Flynn Killian Forde Mary Freehill Oifigigh John Tierney Philip Maguire Frank Kelly Kathy Quinn

John Gallagher Deirdre Heney Kevin Humphreys Vincent Jackson Sean Kenny Dermot Lacey John Lyons Ray MacAdam Paul McAuliffe Ruairí McGinley Séamas McGrattan Marie Metcalfe Louise Minihan Andrew Montague Rebecca Moynihan Eoghan Murphy Críona Ní Dhálaigh Ciaran Murray Michael Phillips Michael Stubbs Vincent Norton Seamus Lyons

Catherine Noone Jim O’Callaghan Damian O’Farrell Naoise O’Muiri Clare O’Regan Aodhán O’Riordan Mary O’Shea Larry O’Toole Maria Parodi Ciaran Perry Oisín Quinn John Redmond Nial Ring Brid Smith Bill Tormey Henry Upton Edie Wynne Ciaran McNamara Terence O’Keeffe Oonagh Casey Oliver Douglas David Griffin

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communities, especially to children and young people. A sub-committee of the Arts, Culture, Leisure and Youth Affairs Strategic Policy Committee was set up to look at the issue and held 3 meetings. It found that the cost of running these pools is ten times the revenue generated by users.

The City Manager reminded Members of the context of this discussion – that all programmes of works are under pressure due to the current financial situation. He said all Department Heads are examining their budgets with a view to making reductions. He stressed that the finances of Dublin City Council are heavily dependent on the national government and especially on the upcoming National Budget. He also said that transition arrangements could be made and staff and users would be notified as early as possible of any decision. The final decision rests with the City Council in the adoption of the budget for 2010.

2. Ceisteanna fé Bhuan Ordú Úimhir 16 -– It was moved by Councillor K Humphreys and seconded by Councillor C Burke “That Dublin City Council approves the Dublin City Manager answering the questions lodged”. The motion having been put and carried, written answers to the 143 questions lodged for the City Council meeting of the 7th December were issued. The Questions and Answers are set out in Appendix A attached.

3. Submitted Letter dated 5th November 2009 from South Tipperary County Council

conveying the terms of a motion agreed at their November Meeting calling on the abolition of FÁS in its present format in view of the ongoing revelations surrounding them. It was moved by Councillor G Breen and seconded by Councillor K Humphreys “That Dublin City Council notes the contents of this letter”. The motion was put and carried.

4. Submitted Letter dated 9th November 2009 from An Garda Síochána in response to

a motion agreed at November Meeting of Dublin City Council in relation to incidents over the Halloween period. It was moved by Councillor G Breen and seconded by Councillor K Humphreys “That Dublin City Council notes the contents of this letter”. The motion was put and carried.

5. Submitted Letter dated 26th November 2009 from Limerick County Council

conveying the terms of a motion agreed at a recent Meeting calling on the Government to introduce legislation that Local Authorities, as the Statutory Housing Authority, be given full responsibility for all Social Housing provision and associated housing supports. It was moved by Councillor G Breen and seconded by Councillor K Humphreys “That Dublin City Council notes the contents of this letter”. The motion was put and carried.

6. Submitted Letter dated 26th November 2009 from Kerry County Council conveying

the terms of a motion agreed at their November Meeting calling for the holding of an enquiry into the appointment of rural representative on An Bord Pleanála as those appointed to represent this category were previously Senior Planning Inspectors with the Board. It was moved by Councillor G Breen and seconded by Councillor K Humphreys “That Dublin City Council notes the contents of this letter”. The motion was put and carried.

7. The minutes of the Meeting of the City Council held on the 2nd November 2009

having been printed, certified by the Meetings Administrator, circulated to the Members and taken as read, were signed by the Lord Mayor. Referring to Item 30 of the Minutes, in response to a question from Councillor M Fitzpatrick, the City Manager informed the Members that he had met with the GAA, to discuss the problem of parking in the Croke Park Area. Councillor Fitzpatrick requested that she be kept informed of progress.

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8. Submitted Monthly Financial Statement circulated in accordance with the Local

Government Act 2001. It was moved by Councillor C Burke and seconded by Councillor D Lacey “That the Financial Statements be entered in the minutes”. The motion was put and carried. The Financial Statements are set out in Appendix B to these minutes.

9. Appointment of a suitable member to the Arts, Culture, Leisure & Youth Affairs Strategic Policy Committee following the resignation of Councillor Catherine Noone. It was proposed by the Councillor P Bourke and seconded by Councillor K Humphreys “That Councillor M Conaghan be appointed as a member to the Arts, Culture, Leisure & Youth Affairs Strategic Policy Committee” The motion was put and carried.

10. Appointment to represent the Voluntary & Community Sector on the Dublin City

Joint Policing Committee. It was proposed by the Lord Mayor, Councillor E Costello and seconded by Councillor K Humphreys “That Peter O’Connor, Community Policing Forum, be appointed to represent the Voluntary & Community Sector on the Dublin City Joint Policing Committee” The motion was put and carried.

11. Submitted Report No. 550/2009 of the Executive Manager (V. Norton) –

Appointment of Members to the City of Dublin Vocational Education Committee. It was proposed by Councillor K Humphreys and seconded by Councillor A O’Riordain “That Dublin City Council adopts Report No 550/2009 and hereby appoints B McDowell, M Donnelly, D Smyth and M Lonergan as members to the City of Dublin Vocational Education Committee”. The motion was put and carried. The City Council also noted that Ben Bishop and Helen Brennan have been elected to represent the staff on the City of Dublin Vocational Education Committee.

12. Ratification of 2 nominees from the Environment & Engineering Strategic Policy Committee to the Eastern River Basin District Advisory Council. It was proposed by Councillor E Wynne and seconded by Councillor G Breen “That M. Ettienne Pople and Councillor P Crimmins be appointed to the Committee to the Eastern River Basin District Advisory Council” The motion was put and carried.

13. Appointment to the Plan Monitoring Committee for Local Area Plans. It was proposed by Councillor R McGinley and seconded by Councillor C O’Regan “That Councillor M O’Shea and the Lord Mayor, Councillor E Costello be appointed to the Plan Monitoring Committee for Local Area Plans” The motion was put and carried.

14. Appointment to the St. Michael’s Estate Regeneration Board. It was proposed by

Councillor V Jackson and seconded by Councillor D Flanagan “That Councillor C Ni Dhalaigh, Councillor C Byrne and Councillor J Gallagher be appointed to the St. Michael’s Estate Regeneration Board ” The motion was put and carried. It was noted that a report on the composition of Regeneration Boards would be sent to the next meeting of the Housing, Social & Community Affairs Strategic Policy Committee.

15. Submitted Report No. 497/2009 of the Assistant City Manager (M. Stubbs) –

Addition of Rathgar House, St. Luke’s Hospital, Dublin 6 to the Record of Protected Structures in accordance with Section 54 and 55 of the Planning and Development Act, 2000. A discussion on the various merits and demerits of listing this particular building took place, during which the Law Agent advised the Members of the legal implications of making a decision contrary to the recommendations of the report. It was then proposed by Councillor J O’Callaghan and seconded by Councillor D Lacey “That Dublin City Council notes the contents of Report No. 497/2009 but, having given due consideration to the matter, approves the addition of Rathgar

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House, St. Luke’s Hospital, Dublin 6, to the Record of Protected Structures in accordance with Section 54 and 55 of the Planning and Development Act, 2000”. The motion was put and carried.

The following Councillors voted against the motion:-

Paddy Bourke Gerry Breen Christy Burke Eric Byrne Aine Clancy Michael Conaghan Sean Kenny John Lyons Ruairí McGinley Séamas McGrattan Damian O’Farrell Naoise O’Muiri Mary O’Shea Larry O’Toole Oisín Quinn Nial Ring The following Councillors voted in favour of the motion:- Julia Carmichael Joan Collins Pat Crimmins Mary Fitzpatrick Mannix Flynn Mary Freehill John Gallagher Deirdre Heney Dermot Lacey Paul McAuliffe Marie Metcalfe Eoghan Murphy Catherine Noone Jim O’Callaghan Maria Parodi Cieran Perry Brid Smith Edie Wynne Abstentions

Lord Mayor, Cllr E Costello Ray MacAdam Rebecca Moynihan Críona Ní Dhálaigh Clare O’Regan Clare Byrne Declan Flanagan Vincent Jackson John Redmond Bill Tormey Henry Upton

16. Submitted Report No. 498/2009 of the Executive Manager (P. Clegg) – Arts

Bursaries 2009. It was proposed by Councillor G Breen and seconded by Councillor D Lacey “That Dublin City Council notes the contents of Report No. 498/2009 and approves the Arts Bursaries as outlined in the report”. The motion was put and carried.

17. Submitted Report No. 506/2009 of the Executive Manager (P. Ayton) - Amendment of Priority 2 eligibility in relation to an Affordable Housing Development at Beechill, Donnybrook, Dublin 4. It was proposed by Councillor D Lacey and seconded by Councillor C Burke “That Dublin City Council notes the contents of Report No. 506/2009 and approves the amendment as outlined in the report”. The motion was put and carried.

18. Submitted Report No. 507/2009 of the Dublin City Manager - With Reference to

Temporary Overdraft Accommodation on Capital and Revenue Accounts for the period 1st January 2010 to 31st December 2010. It was proposed by Councillor P Bourke and seconded by Councillor J Carmichael “That Dublin City Council notes the contents of Report No 507/2008 and agrees to the continuation of borrowing by way of temporary overdraft or other short-term borrowing arrangements up to a maximum of €80 million for the period 1st January 2010 to 31st December 2010, subject to the sanction of the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government”. The motion was put and carried.

19. Submitted Report No. 508/2009 of the Executive Manager (C. Reilly) - With reference to the proposed holding of a plebiscite regarding the renaming of 1-19 (uneven numbers) Beechbrook Grove, The Donahies, Dublin 13. It was proposed by Councillor G Breen and seconded by Councillor L O’Toole “That Dublin City Council notes the contents of Report No. 508/2009 and approves the list of Qualified Electors as outlined in the report”. The motion was put and carried.

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20. Submitted Report No. 509/2009 of the Assistant City Manager (M. Stubbs) - Proposed Draft Variation (No. 41) Dublin City Development Plan 2005-2011 - Manager’s Report on the submissions and observations to Draft Variation (No. 41) of the Dublin City Development Plan regarding the designation of Fitzwilliam Square & Environs as an Architectural Conservation Area. It was proposed by Councillor R McGinley and seconded by Councillor M Freehill “That Dublin City Council notes the contents of Report No. 509/2009 and adopts Variation (No 41) to the Dublin City Development Plan 2005-2011: the designation of Fitzwilliam Square & Environs as an Architectural Conservation Area as outlined in the report”. The motion was put and carried”

21. Submitted Report No. 510/2009 of the Assistant City Manager (M. Stubbs) - Draft

Variation (No. 42) Dublin City Development Plan 2005-2011 - Manager’s Report on the submissions and observations to Draft Variation (No. 42) of the Dublin City Development Plan regarding the designation of Chapelizod & Environs as an Architectural Conservation Area. It was proposed by Councillor M Conaghan and seconded by Councillor E Byrne “That Dublin City Council notes the contents of Report No. 510/2009 and adopts Variation (No 42) to the Dublin City Development Plan 2005-2011: the designation of Chapelizod & Environs as an Architectural Conservation Area as outlined in the report, subject to the exclusion of the following sentence – ‘The house is not currently on the RPS but it would appear that it may be worthy of assessment for addition to the RPS, as it seems there was a similar building on this site in the eighteenth century’.” The motion was put and carried.

22. Submitted Report No. 511/2009 of the Assistant City Manager (M. Stubbs) - Draft

Variation (No. 43) Dublin City Development Plan 2005-2011 - Manager’s Report on the submissions and observations to Draft Variation (No. 43) of the Dublin City Development Plan regarding the re-zoning of site on western side of Charlemont Street. It was proposed by Councillor D Lacey and seconded by Councillor R McGinley “That Dublin City Council notes the contents of Report No. 511/2009 and adopts Variation (No 43) to the Dublin City Development Plan 2005-2011: the re-zoning of site on western side of Charlemont Street from Z1 to Z10 as outlined in the report”. The motion was put and carried.

23. Submitted Report No. 512/2009 of the Assistant City Manager (M. Stubbs) – Draft

Variation (No. 44) Dublin City Development Plan 2005-2011 - Manager’s Report on the submissions and observations to Draft Variation (No. 44) of the Dublin City Development Plan regarding Lands in and around the junction of the Naas Road, Long Mile Road, Walkinstown Avenue and Kylemore Road, Dublin 8 and 12. It was proposed by Councillor E Byrne and seconded by Councillor R McGinley “That Dublin City Council notes the contents of Report No. 512/2009 and adopts Variation (No 44) to the Dublin City Development Plan 2005-2011: rezoning of the lands in and around the junction of the Naas Road, Long Mile Road, Walkinstown Avenue and Kylemore Road, Dublin 8 and 12 from Z 6 to Z14 as outlined in the report”. The motion was put and carried.


Variation (No. 45) Dublin City Development Plan 2005-2011 - Manager’s Report on the submissions and observations to Draft Variation (No. 45) of the Dublin City Development Plan regarding Lands in and around the junction of the Naas Road, Long Mile Road, Walkinstown Avenue and Kylemore Road, Dublin 8 and 12. It was proposed by Councillor E Byrne and seconded by Councillor R McGinley “That Dublin City Council notes the contents of Report No. 513/2009 and adopts Variation (No. 45) to the Dublin City Development Plan 2005-2011: to designate the area bounding the Naas Road, extending from Bluebell to the junction with Walkinstown Avenue and Kylemore Road, Dublin 8 and 12 as a Prime Urban Centre as outlined in the report”. The motion was put and carried.

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Variation (No. 46) Dublin City Development Plan 2005-2011 - Manager’s Report on the submissions and observations to Draft Variation (No. 46) of the Dublin City Development Plan Lands at Vicar Street, Dublin 8. It was proposed by Councillor C Ni Dhalaigh and seconded by Councillor R Moynihan “That Dublin City Council notes the contents of Report No. 514/2009 and adopts Variation (No 46) Dublin City Development Plan 2005-2011: rezoning of lands at Vicar St, Dublin 8 from Z5 to Z9 as outlined in the report”. The motion was put and carried.


Variation (No. 47) Dublin City Development Plan 2005-2011 - Manager’s Report on the submissions and observations to Draft Variation (No. 47) of the Dublin City Development Plan 2005-2011 regarding the re-zoning of Lands at Newmarket, Dublin 8. The City Council agreed to defer this item to the next meeting of the City Council to take place on the 11th January 2010.

27. Submitted Report No. 518/2009 of the Assistant City Manager (M. Stubbs) – Report

on Draft Development Contribution Scheme. It was proposed by Councillor G Breen and seconded by Councillor N Ring “That Dublin City Council adopts Report No 518/2009 and hereby makes the Development Contribution Scheme under Section 48 of the Planning & Development Act 2000”. The motion was put and carried. It was noted that the Scheme will be effective in respect of all permissions granted from the 1st January 2010.

28. Submitted Report No. 521/2009 of the Assistant City Manager (P. Maguire) –

Grants towards the running costs of private swimming pools for year 2008. It was proposed by Councillor E Wynne and seconded by Councillor G Breen “ That Dublin City Council notes the contents of Report No. 521/2009 and approves grants towards the running costs of private swimming pools for year 2008 as outlined in the report”. The motion was put and carried.

29. Submitted Report No. 546/2009 of the Executive Manager (V. Norton) – Draft Corporate Plan 2010 - 2014. It was proposed by Councillor O Quinn and seconded by Councillor C Burke “That Dublin City Council notes the contents of Report No. 546/2009 and adopts the Corporate Plan 2010 – 2014 as outlined in the report”. The motion was put and carried. Commenting on the plan, Members welcomed the progress made towards more specific targets contained in this plan and more checks and balances and an enhanced role for the Members. The Lord Mayor said it is a vision for the Dublin that we want to develop. Referring to the Creative Dublin Alliance, Members referred to the importance of establishing Dublin as a knowledge city and stressed that this process must be inclusive.

30. The following Emergency Motion submitted in the name of Councillor Mannix Flynn was not taken by the City Council but it was agreed that the City Manager would bring a report on this matter to the next meeting of the City Council to take place on the 11th January 2010.

“That this Council calls on the City Manager to immediately set up an independent inquiry to investigate misallocations of Dublin City Council housing. That this investigation be independent and be conducted by an outside body and financed independently. That this investigation be thorough and that its remit would cover every aspect of the criteria for housing individuals; that the investigation be widespread and cover the past 10 years. That the findings be made public so as to assure that a safe secure proper code of conduct and ethics has prevailed. Furthermore that this enquiry ascertains the level of political

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representation made on behalf of those seeking accommodation with regard to protocols, procedures and appropriateness”

31. The City Council agreed the following Emergency Motion without debate. The motion was submitted in the names of Councillors D Ellis, L O’ Toole, K Forde, C Ni Dhálaigh S Mc Grattan.

“That this Council - Calls on the Government not to press ahead with cutbacks in public

funding to Community projects in this weeks Budget. That this Council further notes:

- the range of vital services provided by the Community Development sector in Dublin that would otherwise have to be provided by the State at a far greater cost.

- that cutbacks in the community sector sacrifice long-term social and economic development for short-term savings

- that community-based projects are needed now more than ever due to rising employment

- that cutbacks and closures will only serve to increase poverty including at least 6,633 jobs State wide including thousands in the most disadvantaged areas of this city with an obvious knock-on effect for local business.

- that the axing of voluntary boards of management in Community Development Projects accrues no financial saving, but is a political move to silence and further marginalise voluntary community activists most affected by Government policy”

32. Submitted Report No. 549/2009 of the Assistant City Manager (P. Maguire) – Draft

Policy for Decommissioning of Public Art. It was proposed by Councill G Breen and seconded by Councillor D Lacey “That Dublin City Council notes the contents of Report No. 549/2009 and adopts the Policy for Decommissioning of Public Art as outlined in the report ”. The motion was put and carried

33. Submitted Report No. 520/2009 of the Area Manager (A. Graham) – With reference

to a proposed extinguishment of the Public Right of Way over a section of laneway extending to the rear the numbers 212-220 Harold’s Cross Road, Dublin 6W (known as Shamrock Villas). It was moved by Councillor R McGinley and seconded by Councillor C Byrne “That We, the Lord Mayor and Members of Dublin City Council, being the Roads Authority for the City of Dublin and being of the opinion that the Public Right of Way over a section of laneway extending to the rear the numbers 212-220 Harold’s Cross Road, Dublin 6W (known as Shamrock Villas, as shown on the attached Drawing No R.M. 25347, is no longer required for public use, extinguish the public right of way in accordance with Section 73 of the Roads Act 1993, subject to the following conditions – that development will commence on that site within five years of this date (7th December 2009) and that development will have a valid planning permission”. The motion was put and carried.

34. Submitted Report No. 551/2009 of the Area Manager (C. Lowe) – With reference to

a proposal to for the Extinguishment of the Public Right of Way over the Laneway to the rear of 48-66 Connaught Street, Between 1 & 1A Shandon Road, Rear of 1-31 Shandon Road, between 31 Shandon Road and 16 Ulster Street, to rear of 1-16 Ulster Street between 1 Ulster Street and 48 Connaught Street. It was moved by Councillor M O’Shea and seconded by Councillor R McAdam “That We, the Lord Mayor and Members of Dublin City Council, being the Roads Authority for the City of Dublin and being of the opinion that the Public Right of Way over the Laneway to the rear of 48-66 Connaught Street, between 1 & 1A Shandon Road, Rear of 1-31 Shandon Road, between 31 Shandon Road and 16 Ulster Street, to rear of 1-16 Ulster Street between 1 Ulster Street and 48 Connaught Street, as shown on the

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attached Drawing No R.M. 25440, is no longer required for public use, extinguish the public right of way in accordance with Section 73 of the Roads Act 1993” The motion was put and carried.

35. Submitted Report No. 501/2009 of the Executive Manager (C. Dunne) – With

reference to the disposal of the fee simple interest under the Landlord and Tenant (Ground Rents) (No. 2) Act, 1978 in 18 premises. It was proposed by Councillor G Breen and seconded by Councillor D Lacey “That Dublin City Council notes the contents of Report No 501/2009 and assents to the proposal outlined therein”. The motion was put and carried.

36. Submitted Report No. 523/2009 of the Assistant City Manager (C. McNamara) –

With further reference to the disposal of 1 affordable house at No. 2 Clifden Terrace, Ballyfermot, Dublin 10. It was proposed by Councillor G Breen and seconded by Councillor D Lacey “That Dublin City Council notes the contents of Report No 523/2009 and assents to the proposal outlined therein”. The motion was put and carried.


With further reference to the disposal of 1 affordable apartment at No. 5, 13 Clarke’s Terrace, Herberton, Rialto, Dublin 8. It was proposed by Councillor G Breen and seconded by Councillor D Lacey “That Dublin City Council notes the contents of Report No 524/2009 and assents to the proposal outlined therein” The motion was put and carried.


With further reference to the disposal of 1 affordable apartment at No. 23, 31 St. James’s Walk, Herberton, Rialto, Dublin 8. It was proposed by Councillor G Breen and seconded by Councillor D Lacey “That Dublin City Council notes the contents of Report No 525/2009 and assents to the proposal outlined therein” The motion was put and carried.


With further reference to the disposal of 1 affordable apartment at No. 7, The Botanic, Prospect Hill, Finglas, Dublin 11. It was proposed by Councillor G Breen and seconded by Councillor D Lacey “That Dublin City Council notes the contents of Report No 526/2009 and assents to the proposal outlined therein”. The motion was put and carried.


With further reference to the disposal of 1 affordable apartment at No. 5, The Iona, Prospect Hill, Finglas, Dublin 11. It was proposed by Councillor G Breen and seconded by Councillor D Lacey “That Dublin City Council notes the contents of Report No 527/2009 and assents to the proposal outlined therein”. The motion was put and carried.


With further reference to the disposal of 1 affordable house at No. 1 Streamville Close, Kilbarrack, Dublin 13. It was proposed by Councillor G Breen and seconded by Councillor D Lacey “That Dublin City Council notes the contents of Report No 529/2009 and assents to the proposal outlined therein”. The motion was put and carried.

42. Submitted Report No. 534/2009 of the Executive Manager (D. Wallace) - With

reference to the proposed disposal of the Council’s fee simple interest in a site at Ravensdale Drive, Kimmage, Dublin 12 to David Gavin. It was proposed by Councillor G Breen and seconded by Councillor D Lacey “That Dublin City Council

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notes the contents of Report No 534/2009 and assents to the proposal outlined therein”. The motion was put and carried.

43. Submitted Report No. 535/2009 of the Executive Manager (D. Wallace) – With

further reference to the disposal of the Council’s interest in a laneway at the rear of numbers 32/46 Clonshaugh Crescent, Dublin 17, to householders adjoining the laneway. It was proposed by Councillor G Breen and seconded by Councillor D Lacey “That Dublin City Council notes the contents of Report No 535/2009 and assents to the proposal outlined therein”. The motion was put and carried.

44. Submitted Report No. 536/2009 of the Executive Manager (D. Wallace) – With

reference to the proposed disposal of the Fee Simple in 60/61 Middle Abbey Street and 43 The Lotts, Dublin 1 to J.J. Lalor Ltd. c/o Messrs Campion Estate Agents, 1 Harcourt Mews, Charlemont Place, Dublin 2. It was proposed by Councillor G Breen and seconded by Councillor D Lacey “That Dublin City Council notes the contents of Report No 536/2009 and assents to the proposal outlined therein”. The motion was put and carried.

45. Submitted Report No. 537/2009 of the Assistant City Manager (M. Stubbs) – With further reference to the granting of leases to the purchasers of private apartments at (Unit 22 – 4 Herberton Street, Rialto, Dublin 8) Fatima Mansions, Dublin 8. It was proposed by Councillor G Breen and seconded by Councillor D Lacey “That Dublin City Council notes the contents of Report No 537/2009 and assents to the proposal outlined therein”. The motion was put and carried.

46. Submitted Report No. 538/2009 of the Assistant City Manager (M. Stubbs) – With reference to the granting of leases to the purchasers of private dwellings at (Apartment 10 and 11, 86 Reuben Street, Rialto, Dublin 8) Fatima Mansions, Dublin 8. It was proposed by Councillor G Breen and seconded by Councillor D Lacey “That Dublin City Council notes the contents of Report No 538/2009 and assents to the proposal outlined therein”. The motion was put and carried.

47. Submitted Report No. 539/2009 of the Assistant City Manager (M. Stubbs) - With

reference to the granting of leases to the purchasers of private dwellings at (Apartment 22, 2 Herberton Street, Rialto, Dublin 8 and Apartment 15, 31 James’s Walk) Fatima Mansions, Dublin 8. It was proposed by Councillor G Breen and seconded by Councillor D Lacey “That Dublin City Council notes the contents of Report No 539/2009 and assents to the proposal outlined therein”. The motion was put and carried.

48. Submitted Report No. 540/2009 of the Assistant City Manager (M. Stubbs) – With

further reference to the granting of leases to the purchasers of private apartments at (Unit 15, 86 Reuben Street, Rialto, Dublin 8) Fatima Mansions, Dublin 8. It was proposed by Councillor G Breen and seconded by Councillor D Lacey “That Dublin City Council notes the contents of Report No 540/2009 and assents to the proposal outlined therein” The motion was put and carried.

49. Submitted Report No. 541/2009 of the Assistant City Manager (M. Stubbs) – With further reference to the granting of leases to the purchasers of private apartments at (Unit 13, 86 Reuben Street, Rialto, Dublin 8) Fatima Mansions, Dublin 8. It was proposed by Councillor G Breen and seconded by Councillor D Lacey “That Dublin City Council notes the contents of Report No 541/2009 and assents to the proposal outlined therein” The motion was put and carried.

50. Submitted Report No. 542/2009 of the Executive Manager (D. Wallace) - Proposed

grant of a lease of a premises at Neagh Road, Terenure to Mount Tallant Amateur Boxing Club. It was proposed by Councillor G Breen and seconded by Councillor

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D Lacey “That Dublin City Council notes the contents of Report No 542/2009 and assents to the proposal outlined therein”. The motion was put and carried.


With further reference to the disposal of 1 affordable house at No. 5 Herberton Walk, Rialto, Dublin 8. It was proposed by Councillor G Breen and seconded by Councillor D Lacey “That Dublin City Council notes the contents of Report No 543/2009 and assents to the proposal outlined therein”. The motion was put and carried.

52. Submitted Report No. 544/2009 of the Assistant City Manager (C. Murray) – With

reference to the acquisition of 62 Coultry Gardens, in exchange for 74 Forrestwood Avenue, Ballymun, Dublin 9. It was proposed by Councillor G Breen and seconded by Councillor D Lacey “That Dublin City Council notes the contents of Report No 544/2009 and assents to the proposal outlined therein”. The motion was put and carried.

53. Submitted Report No. 545/2009 of the Assistant City Manager (C. McNamara) – With reference to the disposal of 6 affordable houses at No. 15B, 15C and 15D Beech Hill Drive and 31, 33 and 34 Beech Hill Terrace, Donnybrook, Dublin 4. It was proposed by Councillor G Breen and seconded by Councillor D Lacey “That Dublin City Council notes the contents of Report No 545/2009 and assents to the proposal outlined therein”. The motion was put and carried.

54. Submitted Report No. 548/2009 of the Arts, Culture, Leisure and Youth Affairs

Strategic Policy Committee – Breviate of meeting held on 11th November 2009 – Councillor Julia Carmichael, Chairperson. It was proposed by Councillor A O’Riordain and seconded by Councillor M Freehill “That Dublin City Council notes the contents of Report No 548/2009”. The motion was put and carried. It was further noted that some Members of this Committee felt that Item 10 the Breviate did not accurately reflect the agreement/discussion on this issue and they would be proposing at the next meeting of the Arts, Culture, Leisure and Youth Affairs Strategic Policy Committee that the minutes of the meeting to which this Breviate refers be amended if they are not accurate. It was noted that Breviates and minutes should be agreed and signed off by the Chairs of all Committees before submission to the City Council. .

55. Submitted Report No. 516/2009 of the Financial Development and General Strategic Policy Committee – Breviate of meeting held on 19th November 2009 – Councillor Killian Forde, Chairperson. It was proposed by Councillor D Lacey and seconded by Councillor R McGinley “That Dublin City Council notes the contents of Report No 516/2009”. The motion was put and carried.

56. Submitted Report No. 531/2009 of the Economic, Development, Planning and

International Affairs Strategic Policy Committee – Breviate of meeting held on 27th October 2009 – Councillor Mary Freehill, Chairperson. It was proposed by Councillor C Ni Dhalaigh and seconded by Councillor R McGinley “That Dublin City Council notes the contents of Report No 531/2009”. The motion was put and carried.

57. Submitted Report No. 532/2009 of the Environment and Engineering Strategic

Policy Committee – Breviate of meeting held on 26th November 2009 – Councillor Naoise O’Muiri, Chairperson. It was proposed by Councillor R McGinley and seconded by Councillor E Wynne “That Dublin City Council notes the contents of Report No 532/2009” The motion was put and carried.

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58. Submitted Report No. 533/2009 of the Transportation and Traffic Strategic Policy Committee – Breviate of meeting held on 20th November 2009 – Councillor Andrew Montague, Chairperson. It was proposed by Councillor A Montague and seconded by Councillor M Fitzpatrick “That Dublin City Council notes the contents of Report No 533/2009”. The motion was put and carried.

59. Submitted Report No. 499/2009 of the Special Meeting of the North West Area

Committee – Breviate for meeting held on 22nd October 2009 – Councillor John Lyons, Chairperson. It was proposed by Councillor R McAuliffe and seconded by Councillor B Tormey “That Dublin City Council notes the contents of Report No 499/2009”. The motion was put and carried.

60. Submitted Report No. 522/2009 of North West Area Committee – Breviate for the

month of November 2009 – Councillor John Lyons, Chairperson. It was proposed by Councillor B Tormey and seconded by Councillor R McGinley “That Dublin City Council notes the contents of Report No 522/2009”. The motion was put and carried.

61. Submitted Report No. 547/2009 of the Central Area Committee – Breviate for the

month of November 2009 – Councillor Christy Burke, Chairperson. It was proposed by Councillor C Burke and seconded by Councillor M Freehill “That Dublin City Council notes the contents of Report No 547/2009”. The motion was put and carried.

62. Submitted Report No. 519/2009 of the South Central Area Committee – Breviate for

the month of November 2009 – Councillor John Gallagher, Chairperson. It was proposed by Councillor C Burke and seconded by Councillor M Freehill “That Dublin City Council notes the contents of Report No 519/2009”. The motion was put and carried.

63. Submitted Report No. 502/2009 of the South East Area Committee – Breviate for the

month of November 2009 – Councillor Oisín Quinn, Chairperson. It was proposed by Councillor C Burke and seconded by Councillor M Freehill “That Dublin City Council notes the contents of Report No 502/2009”. The motion was put and carried.

64. Submitted Report No. 530/2009 of the North Central Area Committee – Breviate for

the month of November 2009 – Councillor Gerry Breen, Chairperson. It was proposed by Councillor C Burke and seconded by Councillor M Freehill “That Dublin City Council notes the contents of Report No 530/2009”. The motion was put and carried.

65. Submitted Report No. 496/2009 of the Protocol and Selection Committee – Breviate for the month of October 2009 – Councillor Gerry Breen, Chairperson. It was proposed by Councillor E Wynne and seconded by Councillor R McGinley “That Dublin City Council adopts Report No 496/2009”. The motion was put and carried.

66. Submitted Report No. 500/2009 of the North West Area Joint Policing Sub-

Committee – Breviate of Meeting held on 19th October 2009 – Councillor Paul McAuliffe, Chairperson. It was proposed by Councillor R McGinley and seconded by Councillor J Lyons “That Dublin City Council notes the contents of Report No 500/2009”. The motion was put and carried.

67. It was proposed by Councillor C Burke and seconded by Councillor K Humphreys

“That this City Council calls on the Minister to make provision for funding for the youth projects in the MACRO area and that no cuts be made regarding funding.” The motion was put and carried.

68. It was proposed by Councillor C O’Regan and seconded by the Lord Mayor, Councillor E Costello “That Dublin City Council adopt the charter of European Cities

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for Human Rights in a proactive way, with a view to making human rights more central to the workings of Departments, particularly where funding has been cut for existing human rights organisations, and to work collaboratively with existing organisations to make human rights more immediate and visible at local government level.” The motion was put and carried.

69. The City Council agreed that a report be sent to Councillor C Noone on the following motion standing in her name at Item no 47 on the Agenda Paper “That the Manager include costings of any proposed works/processes when responding to Questions from Members and Motions moved for Report at City Council meetings.”

70. The motion referred from the July South Central Area Committee meeting was proposed by Councillor R Moynihan and seconded by Councillor C Ni Dhalaigh “Following the motion adopted by the South Central Area Committee to initiate the ACA process for the CIE works, the Area Committee asks the Area Manager to fast track this process as a matter of urgency. This is in light of the time constraints placed by the proposed Dart Inter-connector tunnel.” Mr Michael Stubbs, Assistant City Manager, advised the Members that it would be inappropriate to start work on the designation of the site as an ACA pending the outcome of the report requested by An Bord Pleanála from Iarnród Éireann. The motion was put and carried.

71. The City Council agreed to refer the following motion standing at Item No 50 in the

name of Councillor N Ring to the next meeting of the Protocol and Selection Committee “That this Council agrees to an immediate review of the procedure whereby a motion (with a review period attaching thereto) pertaining to an issue previously decided upon by the Members is deemed out of order by virtue of the fact that six months have not elapsed since the original decision and that the purpose of the review includes a procedure for facilitating motions where urgent issues arise which are detrimental to the city.”

72. The City Council agreed that a report be sent to Councillor R Moynihan on the following motion standing in her name at Item no 57 on the Agenda Paper “To ensure efficiency in having damaged drains fixed in residential areas this City Council in the first instance will repair the damage and then bill local householders for the work carried out.”

73. The City Council agreed that a report be sent to Councillor A Clancy on the following motion standing in her name at Item no 58 on the Agenda Paper “That the City Manager surveys the residents of Beaver Close, Dublin 1 with a view to introducing residents’ parking.”

74. The City Council agreed that a report be sent to Councillor O Quinn on the following

motion standing in his name at Item no 61 on the Agenda Paper “Given the appetite on the part of Dubliners to work to make our City better, the pressure on the City finances, the benefits of facilitating local initiatives and decentralising decisions. This Council resolves to pursue a policy of actively encouraging volunteers to become involved in working with the City Council to enhance the efficient delivery of City Council services including:

(a) the creation of voluntary community based Boards of Management to help run local Council services such as swimming pools, libraries and information centres;

(b) Public realm enhancements in Council housing developments; (c) developing sports programmes with local school and clubs; (d) Community initiatives to clean and enhance City Parks, Canals, Rives

and the coastal foreshore; (e) Anti-litter and graffiti initiatives; (f) City library, gallery, archive and museum tours.

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And asks the Manager to prepare a report on how best to implement this policy.”

75. The City Council agreed that a report be sent to Councillor M Freehill and Councillor K Humphreys on the following motion standing in their names at Item no 67 on the Agenda Paper “As a gesture to all of those who suffered as a result of clerical abuse this Council agrees to change the name of Archbishop Ryan Park, Merrion Square and that this be done by inviting Dubliners to submit their ideas on an appropriate new name for the park and giving them an opportunity to participate.”

76. The City Council agreed that a report be sent to Councillor H Upton on the following motion standing in his name at Item no 68 on the Agenda Paper “That the Garda Commissioner for Dublin presents the next City Council meeting with a coordinated plan to tackle the scourge of open drug dealing in the city, particularly in the city centre along the Liffey Boardwalk and in Christchurch; that this plan ensures the coordinated response of every Garda in the city, as well as any other agency that has a responsibility for drugs management such as the HSE, so that the problem is not moved from one jurisdiction to another and so that we can take back areas of the city centre for Dubliners and tourists alike.”

The meeting concluded at 10pm in accordance with Standing Orders and all items remaining on the Agenda were deferred to the next monthly meeting of the City Council to be held on the 11th January 2010. Correct. ________________________ _________________________ LORD MAYOR MEETINGS ADMINISTRATOR

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APPENDIX A: MINUTES OF CITY COUNCIL MEETING HELD ON 7/12/2009

QUESTIONS LODGED PURSUANT TO STANDING ORDER NO.16 FOR REPLY AT THE MONTHLY MEETING OF DUBLIN CITY COUNCIL TO BE HELD ON MONDAY, 7th DECEMBER 2009 Q1. COUNCILLOR CHRISTY BURKE To ask the City Manager for a progress report on the O’Devaney Gardens,

Dublin 7 flat complex to date, when works on social housing will start and costs and if DCC will continue to relocate residents who wish to move to other areas in the Dublin 7 area.

CITY MANAGER’S REPLY: A submission on the masterplan for the redevelopment of O’Devaney Gardens will be made to An Bord Pleanála during December. Feedback from An Bord Pleanála will inform further detailed design development. Under the proposals presented to and adopted by Council last year, it was envisaged that construction works on Phase 1 residential units would commence during 2011 and would be completed at the end of 2012. There are no definitive details on costs available at this time and no estimates can be given until design development is completed. The proposed masterplan submission to An Bord Pleanála received unanimous approval from the O’Devaney Gardens Regeneration Board at its meeting held on 30th November 2009.

A commitment has been given that every effort will be made to provide suitable alternative accommodation for O’Devaney residents who wish to move.

Q2. COUNCILLOR CHRISTY BURKE To ask the City Manager if DCC will clean out all the shores in the Sheriff

Street area and that the area be cleaned when it needs to be. CITY MANAGER’S REPLY: The Drainage Section is currently working in the Eastwall Area 16 which would incorporate most of the roads in the above question. There is a programme already in place for the cleaning of the gullies whereby we endeavour to clean every gully in the city once every 12 – 18 months and certain areas would also get some degree of special attention if they are prone to flooding. There is also a programme in place of “policing” our areas during heavy rain as a means of highlighting areas that need more attention and the gullies cleaned more often. “And that the area be cleaned when it needs to be” is a very difficult request to accommodate and virtually impossible to answer because at different times of the year depending on weather and leave falling season certain areas will require more or less work than others but we are very aware in the Gully cleaning crew that Eastwall has, in the past, been subject to flooding. Report on Sheriff Street is as follows: Sheriff Street Upper Gullies checked on 17/11/09. 33 out of 34 gullies were cleaned.


Sheriff Street Lower Gullies checked on 10/11/09. 39 out of 41 gullies were cleaned.

Q3. COUNCILLOR CHRISTY BURKE To ask the City Manager that DCC will check and improve public lighting in

the Sheriff St. area. CITY MANAGER’S REPLY: A new public lighting scheme was installed along Seville Place passing by the Church as part of the road improvements that will serve the new Samuel Beckett Bridge to be opened shortly. The public lighting was also upgraded on St. Lawrence’s Place East and Spencer Dock. There are no further improvements planned for this area. A night check was carried out on the 11th November and the only light reported out of order was light no. 18 outside the Church. This pole has been struck by a vehicle and is leaning over. It will be repaired in the next couple of weeks.

Q4. COUNCILLOR CHRISTY BURKE To ask the City Manager when the housing units at Empress Place, Dublin 1

will be complete.

CITY MANAGER’S REPLY: It is expected that the units at Sean Treacy House will be handed over by the Contractor in October/November 2010.

Q5. COUNCILLOR REBECCA MOYNIHAN To ask the Manager if it is the policy of Dublin City Council to request that

people registered on their homeless list must report in person to Dublin City Council housing department every month in order to remain on the list for housing and if not to outline the actual policy of DCC on this issue.

CITY MANAGER’S REPLY: Due to the transient nature of homelessness certain categories of homeless applicant are requested to present in person to Dublin City Council once a month with a receipt from their current accommodation. Generally this applies to single men who are in hostel type accommodation and tend to move around frequently. These applicants are asked to present in order to establish that they are still linked in with homeless services, and therefore still entitled to a homeless priority under The Scheme of Letting Priorities. This also enables us to keep our records up to date and ensure we have the correct contact details for applicants if we need to contact them with an offer of accommodation. Other categories of homeless applicant e.g. those who are in private emergency accommodation, transitional accommodation and those that are linked in with support services tend to move less frequently and can be traced through the services they link in with. They are therefore not asked by Dublin City Council to call in on a monthly basis. However, in many cases service providers recommend that their clients are proactive in sourcing their own accommodation and encourage them to call into the Housing Department every month.


Q6. COUNCILLOR SEAN KENNY To ask the Manager to set out the following in respect of the years 2002 to

2009 to date in respect of Dublin Fire Brigade: • number of house fires called to • number of fires at commercial premises • number of staff employed • number of appliances included specialist appliances • number of pubs or night clubs closed down or applying for a closure order

due to breach in fire safety.

CITY MANAGER’S REPLY:

2002 2003 2004 2005 2006 2007 2008 To 30/11/2009

Total Fire, and Ambulance Incidents

86,075 80,425 79,929 83,356 87,127 92,870 89,848 79,680

Ambulance Incidents

75,312 68,610 68,753 69,597 74,160 77,864 74,765 63,003

House Fires 1,353 1,453 1,250 1,278 1,206 1,962 1,818 1,456 Non-Domestic Fires

620 594 624 2,467 1,788 1,507 1,423 2,604

Other Fires 8,790 9,768 9,302 10,014 9,973 11,537 11,842 12,626

Staff No's. 933 933 1,016 1,029 1,072 1,090 1,101 1,041 Number of appliances including specialist appliances.

28 28 28 28 29 28 28 28

Closure notices were introduced under the Licensing of Indoor Events Act 2003.

Pubs and nightclubs are generally subject to Annual Dance Licence renewal through the Courts. Where fire safety issues arise they can be dealt with through the Courts at this stage. During Performance Inspections, which are undertaken by Fire Prevention District Officers, are being carried out on a scheduled basis where fire safety deficiencies are being addressed and corrected by the building owners.

It is in exceptional circumstances, where there is an immediate risk, that Closure Notices have been used and two such occasions have arisen (2 closure notices served in 2009).

Q7. COUNCILLOR EDIE WYNNE To ask the Manager to have the traffic monitored on Northumberland Road

from No. 13 to No. 1 with a view to removing parking restrictions on Saturdays and bank holidays - in the context of the QBC because of the small amount of traffic on Saturdays and also because of its serious impact on residents.


CITY MANAGER’S REPLY: This matter will be examined by the Traffic Advisory Group and the Councillor will be contacted when a report is available.

Q8. COUNCILLOR LARRY O’TOOLE To ask the Manager to have the upstairs heating repaired at, (details

supplied).

CITY MANAGER’S REPLY: The Area Maintenance Officer has confirmed that the radiators upstairs in this

dwelling have been re-vented and are now in good working condition. Q9. COUNCILLOR CRĺONA Nĺ DHÁLAIGH To ask the City Manager as a matter of urgency to consider painting the

interior of the two remaining blocks, (details supplied). The residents are angry and frustrated at yet another delay to the start date of the regeneration. The state of the interior is awful and depressing and in bad need of improvement. This request could be a confidence building measure as the residents’ confidence in the council is very low at the moment.

CITY MANAGER’S REPLY: This complex is not included in our Housing Maintenance Painting

Programme for 2009/2010. Q10. COUNCILLOR DESSIE ELLIS To ask the City Manager to arrange for the trees out the back of, (details

supplied), to be removed or trimmed back as there is a constant problem with flies and blocking out of light.

CITY MANAGER’S REPLY: Parks and Landscape Services Division will include, (details supplied), in their 2010 Tree Pruning Programme, subject to the availability of funding.

Q11. COUNCILLOR DESSIE ELLIS To ask the City Manager to arrange for the following at, (details supplied).

(A) Road sign on grass margin to be placed on concrete path, (B) Bollards that are missing to be reinstated facing this address. CITY MANAGER’S REPLY: The, (details supplied), road sign was installed by the Area Office. From a visibility point of view, the location of the sign on the grass verge appears to be optimum for the drivers coming at the junction from (details supplied), not to mention that on either side of the grass verge there is a vehicular access.

The missing bollard will be replaced within the next 8 to 10 weeks.

Q12. COUNCILLOR DESSIE ELLIS To ask the City Manager to look at the possibility of placing gates on the strip

of land between, (details supplied), as bikes are flying up and down uninhibited.


CITY MANAGER’S REPLY: Investigations will be carried out and a solution will be decided to resolve the problem. The Councillor will be contacted in the next 2 weeks to inform him of the outcome.

Q13. COUNCILLOR DESSIE ELLIS To ask the City Manager to arrange for repairs to road outside of, (details

supplied), where there is a huge pothole and a constant build up of water.

CITY MANAGER’S REPLY: The area has been inspected and the pothole will be repaired within the next 6 to 8 weeks. It is illegal for the householder to drive over the footpath without a vehicular dishing to gain access to his driveway. He must install a vehicular dishing at his own expense. He should contact Road Maintenance, Collins Avenue Depot on 8840500 in order to obtain a quotation.

Q14. COUNCILLOR SEAN KENNY To ask the Manager to say what purpose is served by the pole erected by

Dublin City Council on the footpath outside, (details supplied).

CITY MANAGER’S REPLY: The purpose of the pole that is installed near, (details supplied), is to carry an overhead cable in order to maintain electrical supply to a nearby light.

Q15. COUNCILLOR CRĺONA Nĺ DHÁLAIGH To ask the City Manager to ensure that, (details supplied), is inspected and

repaired as soon as possible, A. checked for dampness, B. sockets falling off walls and to report back to this Council on the matter. An elderly sick tenant lives here and it needs to be made safe and comfortable for her.

CITY MANAGER’S REPLY: The Area Maintenance Officer confirms the following:

• An inspection has been carried out to this flat. • Work has been carried out to the bathroom. • There is no evidence of dampness. • The sockets will be re-fitted.

Q16. COUNCILLOR RUAIRI MCGINLEY To ask the Manager to set out the income for the following revenue streams

for Oct / Nov 2009 with a comparison to Oct / Nov 2008:

Commercial rates Housing rents Parking Income Commercial water charges Commercial trade waste Environmental charges


CITY MANAGER’S REPLY: Commercial Rates Cash receipts for commercial rates at 29th November 2009 are €287M compared to €279.5M at end November 2008.

Housing Rents

Cash Receipts for October/November 2008: €12,509,264 Cash Receipts for October/November 2009: €12,866,561 Parking Income Parking income for October /November 2008 - €5,059,148 2009 - €4,678,264

Commercial Water Commercial water rates discharged at 29th November 2009 is €18.5M compared to €17.4M at end November 2008

Commercial Trade Waste

The position with regard to commercial trade waste is as follows;

Cash Receipts for October/November 2008: €431,899 Cash Receipts for October/November 2009: €252,587

Environmental Waste Charges Income October/November 2008 Income October/November 2009 € 4,358,442 € 2,965,616 Q17. COUNCILLOR LARRY O’TOOLE To ask the Manager to have a full inspection carried out at, (details

supplied).

CITY MANAGER’S REPLY: The Housing & Residential Services Department has requested the Senior Structural Engineer to conduct a survey of the wall, (details supplied), and to submit a written report, which will be forwarded to the Councillor within four weeks.

Q18. COUNCILLOR LARRY O’TOOLE To ask the Manager to have front and back doors replaced/repaired and the

house inspected for dampness and necessary remedial works carried out at, (details supplied).


CITY MANAGER’S REPLY: The Area Maintenance Officer reports the following in relation to this dwelling:

• There is no evidence of dampness. • A new front door has been ordered, and will be installed within the

next few weeks. • The back door is not in need of replacement.

Q19. COUNCILLOR KEVIN HUMPHREYS To ask the Manager for the trees to be removed at, (details supplied), and

are the roots of trees causing damage to the house.

CITY MANAGER’S REPLY: It is proposed that the damage to the footpath associated with this tree will be repaired over the coming weeks.

Q20. COUNCILLOR REBECCA MOYNIHAN To ask the City Manager if he will provide a report on the status of the

redevelopment of Grattan Square Park. Can he also state what funding has been applied for and give a timeline on when the playground is likely to be installed?


There are proposals for two playgrounds one a junior and the other a senior playground for older children. Tenders have been received for the junior playground and it is anticipated that work on the playground will start in the first half of 2010 subject to financial resources being available. In October 2008, the proposed masterplan for Grattan Crescent Park and Camac Greenlink went to public consultation. The plans for the park and for a linear pedestrian and cycle route were well received. The City Council are now in the process of bringing the project to the next stages. A Part VIII planning application is currently being prepared. It is hoped to complete this planning application in 2010.

In addition to the Part VIII planning application it is intended to construct a junior playground in 2010 subject to the necessary funds being available from Dublin City Council Capital Budget. There may be funding available from the Kilmainham Inchicore Community Gain Fund but this will not become known for a number of months. There is no other source of funding available at present.

Q21. COUNCILLOR REBECCA MOYNIHAN To ask the City Manager if he could make provision for CIE Works in

Inchicore to have a 30mph limit.

CITY MANAGER’S REPLY: The recently revised Special Speed Limit Bye-Laws will come into effect early in 2011.


It is intended to undertake another review of the Bye-Laws next year and the application for a special speed limit at the CIE Works in Inchicore can be considered at that time.

Q22. COUNCILLOR EDIE WYNNE To ask the Manager why, at a time when retail business is experiencing such

difficulties, that businesses are reporting to this Councillor that the City Council is pursuing an active policy of removal and penalisation in relation to the use of A-boards or blackboards to advertise and whether DCC has engaged in discussion with the businesses to see if alternative equally effective measures have been explored to enable businesses to promote their products.

CITY MANAGER’S REPLY: A-boards or blackboards are a serious problem when placed on footpaths or other public areas where they cause an obstruction or hazard. City Council policy has to be applied universally otherwise we leave ourselves open to charges of discrimination from competing businesses. Discussions have taken place with individual businesses within the scope of the existing policy.

Q23. COUNCILLOR DECLAN FLANAGAN To ask the Manager to advise if the park warden service has been removed

as a service, if so can you explain the reason for it, can Dublin City council compliment the service they have delivered and what will happen going forward if there is anti social behaviour in our parks in the city.

CITY MANAGER’S REPLY: Following recent tender for the supply of the mobile Park Warden Service and as a result of current resource limitations of the Parks & Landscape Services Division, the mobile Park Warden Service contract has been discontinued for the short term city wide. It is envisaged that the resources available for this service are best utilised and concentrated on the period of the year of highest demand, from approximately mid March to the end of October. Incidences of antisocial behaviour will be dealt with as they arise by the directly-employed Park Ranger Services personnel.

Q24. COUNCILLOR DECLAN FLANAGAN To ask the Manager have there been any further instances of flooding around

Dublin City in light of the recent torrential rain which we have experienced.

CITY MANAGER’S REPLY: Drainage Division are only aware of property flooding of an underground car park in Chapelizod. The on call Inspector was called to this location and he found that the flooding was the result of water coming through the floor slab of the car park. He alerted the residents and told them to remove their vehicles.

Throughout Sunday, Drainage Division crews worked from 4.00 am to 12 midnight dealing with road flooding, monitoring rivers and distributing sand bags to properties under threat etc. The end result was that as far as we are aware, there were no significant instances of flooding in the City during the weekend.


Dublin City Council Major Emergency Plan, in conjunction with the Dublin Flooding Initiative, provides the flood protection plan for the City. It was activated on 29/11/09 in response to significant flood flows on the River Liffey in particular. Through the combined efforts of the City resources flooding was averted in the City. Close liaison was maintained with surrounding Counties, ESB, Dublin Fire Brigade, Garda Síochána, HSE and Civil Defence.

Q25. COUNCILLOR DECLAN FLANAGAN To ask the Manager what is Dublin City Councils official line in relation to the

proposed incinerator in Ringsend taking on board the recent media reports.

CITY MANAGER’S REPLY: In accordance with the aims of the Waste Management Plan for the Dublin region, 2005-2010, Dublin City Council signed a contract with Dublin Waste To Energy Ltd. (a Public Private Partnership Company) on the 4th September 2007 for the construction of a Waste to Energy Plant at a site in Poolbeg.

Statutory consents have been received in relation to Planning (An Bord Pleanála) and Environmental Protection (Environmental Protection Agency) to allow construction to go ahead. In addition licences have been received from the Commissioner for Energy Regulation for construction of the plant and generation of power.

The Public Private Partnership Company is due to commence works on site in the near future.

Q26. COUNCILLOR SEAMAS MCGRATTAN To ask the City Manager to have security alarms fitted in the senior citizens

complex on, (details supplied).

CITY MANAGER’S REPLY: There is no planned programme for such work on Senior Citizen complexes. If there is a specific problem identified in a particular complex that can be addressed through additional security measures then this can be examined. However, in the accommodation at, (details supplied), all units are fitted with a “call care” system which has 24-hour contact with a monitoring station managed by T.A.S.K.

Q27. COUNCILLOR SEAMAS MCGRATTAN To ask the City Manager for a report on the repairs carried out to all DCC

parks following Halloween bonfires and the total cost of same.

CITY MANAGER’S REPLY: Damages to Parks and Open Spaces due to Halloween activities are reduced and controlled by various actions which include: 1. Increased security of Parks and Depots during the Halloween period.

2. A concerted and coordinated programme of removal of bonfire material

before burning.


Damages to Parks/opens spaces therefore is minimised and involves mainly reinstating burnt grass areas which were the sites of bonfires – the citywide cost of this would be of the order of €50,000. The cost of (1) above citywide is estimated at €20,000. The cost of (2) above is estimated at €80,000.

Q28. COUNCILLOR SEAMAS MCGRATTAN To ask the City Manager what changes can be made to work practises in,

(details supplied), to ensure this vital service for the community will remain financially viable and as a result remain open.

CITY MANAGER’S REPLY: (Details supplied), is open for 86 hours per week including Saturday and Sunday and at night time. The centre accommodates a sports hall, fitness studio, gym, meeting room, changing rooms and an adjoining all-weather pitch and skateboard park. The proposed budget for the (details supplied) Centre for 2010 is € 761,000. The Centre is projected to bring in an income from hire charges of €150,000 from the use of the facilities. The remaining amount required to continue operations as in 2009 is projected to be € 611,000. This amount will be made up from grants under the Young Persons Facilities and Services Fund and by direct contribution from Dublin City Council. The grant made available in 2009 was €439,000. However it is anticipated that this will be reduced in 2010 and the shortfall will have to be made up by Dublin City Council if the service is to continue as before. There is no overtime paid to staff in the centre so the only change in work practices which would reduce operations costs would be a reduction in staff. The staff numbers were reduced in 2009 through the non-replacement of the vacancies that arose. At this time it is too early to state that there will be no reduction in the opening hours or the service offered at (details supplied) in 2010.

Q29. COUNCILLOR SEAMAS MCGRATTAN To ask the City Manager to upgrade public/security lighting in, (details

supplied).

CITY MANAGER’S REPLY: The upgrade of the public lighting on, (details supplied), Road will be considered for inclusion in the 2010 programme of improvements subject to finances being available.

In regard to, (details supplied) Court, consideration will be given to an upgrade of the lighting in 2010, but this will also be subject to finance being available.

Q30. COUNCILLOR CATHERINE NOONE To ask the Manager to keep the gates to the Green in Stella Gardens locked

at all times other than for maintenance and to arrange to cut a section either side of the newly erected gates at either side of the Green for access by Wheelchair or with a pram.


CITY MANAGER’S REPLY: The grass has now been cut and the barriers are secured at present. The Parks Division will examine the feasibility of providing access for wheelchairs, prams etc. at this location.

Q31. COUNCILLOR CATHERINE NOONE To ask the Manager if speed ramps could be installed on Denzille Lane to

reduce the speeding.

CITY MANAGER’S REPLY: This matter will be examined by the Traffic Advisory Group and the Councillor will be contacted when a report is available.

Q32. COUNCILLOR CATHERINE NOONE To ask the Manager to twin the cities of Dublin and Addis Ababa.


Under the terms of our International Policy document approved by the Elected Council in 2008, a list of requests received by Dublin City Council from Cities to Twin with or to make a Friendship Agreement is submitted, in the first instance, to the Protocol and Selection Committee for their consideration (twice a year).

Should the Protocol and Selection Committee decide to recommend that Dublin should twin or make a Friendship Agreement, that recommendation would then be submitted to the City Council for its consideration. A decision to Twin or to make a similar link, such as a Friendship Agreement, is a reserved function i.e. a decision which must under the relevant piece of legislation (in this case the Local Government Act 2001) be made by the Elected Council.

An update to the Protocol and Selection Committee was made in this regard on Thursday the 3rd December 2009 and the request from Addis Ababa to twin with Dublin was included in that update. The decision of the Protocol and Selection Committee was to note the requests and to thank all of the cities which had made such requests but to inform them that Dublin City Council is concentrating at present on strengthening our existing Twinning Agreements and developing a number of recently approved Friendship Agreements.

That decision, not to formally twin with or to sign a Friendship Agreement, however, would not preclude Dublin City Council from co-operating with any city on any specific area or areas of mutual interest, which would be a separate issue. The important thing is to ensure that any co-operation is based on practical actions that benefit one or both parties. Part of the mandate of International Relations & Research which is reflected in the International Policy approved by Council is to develop links that support the development of cities in the developing world. The challenge of doing this in a practical way, given cost and distance factors is one currently being explored by International Relations & Research. Discussions have taken place with Ireland Aid and they have advised on possible “best fits” if a single bi-lateral city to city link is the option eventually chosen. To date when opportunity has presented International Relations has facilitated specific and limited project


engagement with developing countries and cities. This has involved the delivery of books from our Library system to Kenya and the provision of engineers to support a project in Guinea-Bissau. The opportunity to support such engagement with Addis Abba around a single project remains open and the challenge is to identify a project that they wish to develop and that we as a city can provide resource to support.

It continues to be our objective to develop a programme whereby Dublin can co-operate with and support cities in the developing world. It would be inappropriate to formalise twinning with such cities prior to proving that there are practical and meaningful ways in which we can co-operate.

Q33. COUNCILLOR CATHERINE NOONE To ask the Manager to repair the large puddles on the cycle lane on the

Grand Canal, between Lesson Street and Ranelagh Road which fill up with even moderate rain and are very hazardous.

CITY MANAGER’S REPLY: Arrangements will be made to inspect this area after significant rainfall and the report will be provided to the Councillor. It is anticipated that this will be available within the next 4-6 weeks.

Q34. COUNCILLOR CRĺONA Nĺ DHÁLAIGH To ask City Manager how many glaziers are employed by DCC? How many

of our housing units are waiting for repairs by a glazier and is he aware that in, (details supplied), there are at least 20 housing units waiting for a glazier.

CITY MANAGER’S REPLY: The Housing Maintenance Section does not have a figure for “glazing specific” repair requests in the City. The Maintenance Depot that is responsible for the upkeep of the (details supplied) complex has been without the services of a Glazier. However a reorganisation of staff is being put in place that will ensure that a Glazier will be assigned to carry out the outstanding glazing works in that complex.

Q35. COUNCILLOR JIM O’CALLAGHAN To ask the City Manager whether the Meadow Bank Estate, Bushy Park

Road, Dublin 6, can be given a replacement entrance sign with a bilingual inscription that would contain both the English and Irish titles, the latter which is Bruach Na Cluana.

CITY MANAGER’S REPLY: Roads Maintenance will arrange to have a sign in place at the entrance to Meadowbank. This may take up to 16 weeks depending on the manufacturer.

Q36. COUNCILLOR JIM O’CALLAGHAN To enquire from the City Manager whether priority for accommodation can be

given to the person, (details supplied), on the grounds which are also detailed.


CITY MANAGER’S REPLY: Medical documentation has not been received for this applicant, (details supplied). Detailed medical documentation, when submitted, will be forwarded to the City Council’s Chief Medical Officer for review and recommendation. The applicant will be notified of the outcome in due course.

Q37. COUNCILLOR JIM O’CALLAGHAN To ask the City Manager to provide details of the total spend by the Council in

of the last three financial years on placing its public notices in daily and/or Sunday newspapers.


The total spent on placing statutory notices in the newspapers is as follows:

2006

€914,493.94

2007

€898,782.11

2008

€741,153.80

2009 YTD

€303,717.53

There is an additional charge of €100.00 per advertisement for production. The total spent in 2008/09 on production was €26,140.00 plus €5,568.00 VAT. This item appears as a separate charge from 2008 when the contract for advertising changed. The cost is included in the figures for 2006 and 2007.

Q38. COUNCILLOR JIM O’CALLAGHAN To ask the City Manager whether the leaves on Woodstock Court and

Woodstock Gardens, Ranelagh, Dublin 6 can be swept away since a number of elderly residents of Woodstock Court are exposed to a risk of a slip and fall.

CITY MANAGER’S REPLY: The Caretaker responsible for the complex has confirmed that the leaves are swept away on a daily basis. However because of the number of trees in the area, this is an ongoing problem. The leaves will continue to be swept, bagged and removed on a daily basis.

Q39. COUNCILLOR OISIN QUINN Can the Manager confirm when the Pay & Display scheme for Rathmines

Road Upper will be installed?

CITY MANAGER’S REPLY: It is anticipated that the Pay and Display scheme will be operational by April/May 2010.


Q40. COUNCILLOR OISIN QUINN Can the Manager indicate whether, (details supplied), is in public

ownership/charge of the City Council?

CITY MANAGER’S REPLY: The records in the Property Register have been inspected and there is no evidence that Dublin City Council has any ownership of this wall or grass verge.

Q41. COUNCILLOR OISIN QUINN Can the Manager arrange for the Disabled Parking space outside the

entrance to Brookfield Court, Richmond Avenue South to be moved at least one car space back from the entrance and for the Double Yellow Lines to be re-instated as the current position is causing an obstruction to drivers and has caused several collisions on Richmond Avenue South (this request has been made for many months)?

CITY MANAGER’S REPLY: The Traffic Engineer has given an instruction that this disabled parking space be moved one space back away from the entrance to Brookfield Court and the double yellow lines will be reinstated. The Councillor will be advised when this is actually done but it will be treated urgently.

Q42. COUNCILLOR OISIN QUINN Can the Manager arrange for the residents, (details supplied), to be issued

with parking permits for, (details supplied). This request was made many weeks ago but there has been no reply?

CITY MANAGER’S REPLY: The current parking Bye-Laws, Parking Control (Amendment) Bye Laws 2008, regulate the issue of residents’ parking permits within Dublin City Council. The Bye-Laws define a resident as a “person who satisfies the Council that his/her normal dwelling place is at a building situated on a public road in a residential parking permit zone”. As, (details supplied), is a private off-street development, not taken in charge by the Council, it is not possible to consider their application for parking permits on (details supplied). The Bye Laws are being reviewed at the moment but there is no proposal to change this restriction.

Q43. COUNCILLOR PAT CRIMMINS Can the Manager ask the Drainage Department to investigate a drainage

problem in a cul de sac in Briarfield Grove, Kilbarrack outside house No.’s 24, 26 and 28?

CITY MANAGER’S REPLY: The gullies in the cul-de-sac were pressure cleaned in the past week. One gully connection needs to be camera surveyed to check for obstructions and this will be done within the next two weeks.


Q44. COUNCILLOR PAT CRIMMINS Can the Manager ask the Traffic Department to put a white stop line in place

at the entrance/exit at Rosemount Avenue which leads on to Harmonstown Road like the ones at Gracefield Avenue and Brookwood Crescent?

CITY MANAGER’S REPLY: Following a recent site visit it was recommended on the 19/11/2009 to provide a stop sign with 10 meters solid central white line on Rosemount Avenue at the junction with Brookwood Rise.

Q45. COUNCILLOR PAT CRIMMINS Can the Manager request that the Paving Department fix a trip hazard at the

corner of No. 12 St. Assam’s Drive and No. 31 St. Assam’s Park as these are both health and safety hazards?

CITY MANAGER’S REPLY: The Parks and Landscape Services Division has inspected the footpath outside No. 12 St. Assam’s Drive and No. 31 St. Assam’s Drive, Dublin 5. The requested repairs are being arranged in both cases and will be carried out on confirmation of the availability of the required resources.

Q46. COUNCILLOR PAT CRIMMINS Can the Manager request that the Paving Department fix a trip hazard at No.

20 Foxfield Road as this is a health and safety hazard?

CITY MANAGER’S REPLY: Road Maintenance services has investigated this location. A temporary utility opening reinstatement is present at this location. Road Maintenance will liaise with the service provider to ensure that a repair is carried out at this location.

Q47. COUNCILLOR EDIE WYNNE To ask the Manager to ensure that a balance between retail and hospitality

(restaurants and cafes) is achieved in planning decisions concerning the Ranelagh Village area.

CITY MANAGER’S REPLY: The zoning for Ranelagh Village Area is Z4 ”to provide for and improve mixed services facilities”. Restaurants, cafes and retail are all permissible uses in this zone. Policy S6 of the Dublin City Development Plan 2005 – 2011 states “It is the policy of Dublin City Council to seek to achieve a better balance between fast food restaurants and other types of retail outlets in district centres and retail neighbourhood centres”. Ch.15.29.0 Restaurants, Takeaways and Amusements Centres states that ”The provision of such facilities will be controlled having regard to the following, where appropriate:

• The effects of noise, general disturbance, hours of operation, litter and fumes on the amenities of nearby residents.

• The need to safeguard the vitality and viability of shops and to maintain a suitable mix of retail uses.

• The number / frequency of such uses in the area”.


Each application in Ranelagh Village Area is assessed on its own merits having regard to these policies and zoning requirements.

Q48. COUNCILLOR NIAL RING To ask the City Manager to answer the second part of the question I

submitted to the Central Area Committee Meeting of 24th November i.e. if the proposal for the BerkeleyRoad/StreetQBC is voted against at the full City Council has the City Manager power to override the decision and agree to the implementation of the QBC against the express wishes of the residents and the vote of the full City Council.

CITY MANAGER’S REPLY: The procedure to be followed is in line with Part 8 of the Planning and Development Regulations and is as follows:

1. The Manager’s Report will be presented to the Area Committee for noting, and to the City Council for decision.

2. The Council can then accept the scheme as proposed, accept the scheme with modifications, or vote not to accept the scheme.

3. The City Manager does not have the power to override the Council’s decision.

Q49. COUNCILLOR NIAL RING To ask the City Manager if the Docklands Housing Trust has requested

Dublin City Council to draw down the money for the twenty one social units at Castleforbes and if a reply to his letter to the Trust on 30th September has been received. Can the City Manager outline the procedure/process whereby Dublin City Council can take over these contracts or have the funding allocated by the Department of the Environment, Heritage and Local Government withdrawn from the Docklands Housing Trust and reallocated to Dublin City Council, and if such procedure/process is unprecedented, to examine and report how it can be initiated.

CITY MANAGER’S REPLY: The Docklands Housing Trust has not requested Dublin City Council to draw down the money for the twenty one units at Castleforbes. No letter to date has been received from the Docklands Housing Trust in reply to the letter of the 30th September. The developer for this scheme has gone into receivership and for Dublin City Council to try and take over contracts or to seek to switch funding for this scheme would only complicate matters further.

Q50. COUNCILLOR NIAL RING To ask the City Manager to confirm that a figure of 29.01% alluded to by me

in a question to the Central Area Committee Meeting of 10th November is the correct percentage collection rate for Domestic Refuse (as at 30th September 2009 and as per the Monthly Financial Statements issued to the meeting) and that current compliance is at 90% approx. and to detail the outstanding debtor amount by period outstanding i.e. aged debtors listing.

CITY MANAGER’S REPLY: As of 31st December 2008, the compliance rate for payment of domestic waste charges was independently audited and was found to be at 90 %.


These findings referred to the charges raised and receipts recorded for the calendar year 1st January 2008 to 31st December 2008. The percentage for the year 2009 is not yet available. There are historic arrears being carried forward dating from the introduction of the charge in 2001. These are recorded on the Waste Charge Billing system at €26 million, and this sum has decreased since the commencement of debt collection activity by the Revenue Section.

Q51. COUNCILLOR NIAL RING To ask the City Manager to detail the procedures/process involved in Iarnród

Eireann obtaining planning permission for the proposed Dart Underground project and to give brief details of consultation to date.

CITY MANAGER’S REPLY: The Dart Underground project is subject to a Rail Order Application which will be made to and determined by An Bord Pleanála under the Strategic Infrastructure Act 2006. The application for the order has not yet been made. Dublin City Council will submit a report to An Bord Pleanála on the application when it is lodged, and will be represented at the public enquiry. Iarnród Éireann and their consultants have had regular meetings with the Transport 21 office of Dublin City Council and individual departments within the City Council regarding the route, stations design and construction, traffic management plans and interface with Luas and Metro proposals

• The Transport 21 Implementation Group, which is the current strategic steering group for the T21 schemes in Dublin, meets monthly and this is chaired by the City Manager. The CEO of Irish Rail attends these meetings. The T21 IWG has been in existence for over 2 years.

• The T21 Joint Communications Sub-Group and the T21 Contingency Planning Sub-Group, both currently chaired by Dublin City Council Representatives, separately meet monthly. Again a representative of Irish Rail attends these meetings.

• Dublin City Council’s internal T21 Co-Ordination Group, drawn from all of the City Council’s Departments and Divisions, meet monthly and have a representative from Irish Rail’s DART Underground Project Office give the group regular updates and presentations on the scheme’s development and progress.

• Parallel to all of the above there are direct meetings between Irish Rail’s DART Underground Project Team members and Dublin City Council’s technical and communications Departments’ and Divisions’ staff members on a weekly/fortnightly basis.

• The Dublin City Council T21 Project Team has been established to facilitate these liaisons and for co-ordination between all of the major stakeholders in the City involved with the T21 Programme.

Q52. COUNCILLOR RUAIRI MCGINLEY To ask the Manager to indicate the level of cost saving arising from 1 day

work stoppage on Nov 24th.


CITY MANAGER’S REPLY: The level of payroll cost savings due to the strike on 24th November is €744,000.

Q53. COUNCILLOR KEVIN HUMPHREYS To ask the Manager the following in relation to our housing stock:

1. Total number of units broken down into the following, No. of houses, no. of flats, no. of older persons units which, are to be further broken down into no. of one bedroom units, no. of maisonettes, 2. Total no. of empty units broken down into no. of houses empty, No. of flats, no. of older persons units, 3. Specify no. of empty units waiting refurbishment broken down into houses, flats and Senior Citizens flats, 4. Empty units waiting to be allocated with no maintenance issues, 5. No. of units empty due to outstanding court cases over succession rights.

CITY MANAGER’S REPLY: A reply will be sent directly to Councillor Humphreys within two weeks.

Q54. COUNCILLOR SEAN KENNY To ask the Manager to say in relation to the provision of 75 social housing

units at, (details supplied): • What agency will be responsible for the allocation and management of

these units, • When will Dublin City Council submit a list of housing and transfer list

applicants for consideration for selection by the agency, • When it is expected that the hand over of these units by the developer will

commence, • When is it expected that tenants will be able to take up residence in these

units.

CITY MANAGER’S REPLY: The Department of the Environment, Heritage and Local Government granted funding for 75 units in, (details supplied), to Clúid, Sonas and Hail under the Capital Loan and Subsidy Scheme. Forty five of the units will be owned by Clúid, fifteen will be owned by Hail and fifteen will be owned by Sonas. As with all voluntary housing schemes the nominations will be provided by the Housing Allocations Section and will be agreed with the three voluntary housing associations. The three voluntary housing associations have been in contact with the Housing Allocations Section and the allocation process has commenced. There are snagging issues to be addressed by the developer and until these have been completed the units will not be acquired by the three voluntary housing associations. It is expected that the tenants will be able to move into the units in the first quarter of 2010.

Q55. COUNCILLOR SEAN KENNY To ask the Manager to prune the branches of the two trees on the public open

(now taken in charge) beside dwelling at, (details supplied). The resident of dwelling in question is concerned that the branches pose a danger to her home which she states is “pelted by cones” from the trees during high winds.


CITY MANAGER’S REPLY: The Parks and Landscape Services Division has inspected the trees and contact was made with the resident at, (details supplied). These trees are semi mature Holm Oak and mature Pines. The trees are in good condition and do not require any remedial pruning work at present. They shall be closely monitored on an ongoing basis by this Division.

Q56. COUNCILLOR CRĺONA Nĺ DHÁLAIGH To ask the City Manager to respond to the attached request, (details

supplied), and if something could be done as soon as possible as this couple are at the end of their tether and had hoped to be in their new house by Christmas 2009. CITY MANAGER’S REPLY: Dublin City Council operates the Local Authority Annuity/Shared Ownership Scheme. Applicants that apply for a Local Authority Loan complete an application form and agree to the terms and conditions to be considered for assessment for a loan from the Local Authority. In conjunction with new guidelines and procedures introduced in April 2009, an applicant must submit two letters of insufficient loan offer. I note from the applicant’s correspondence that AIB have confirmed they are not willing to advance a mortgage to her at this time because she does not meet their lending criteria. I suggest the applicant request AIB confirm this in writing and this letter of refusal can be submitted along with her application form. Alternatively, the applicant could use the on-line facilities that are now on offer from a number of the banks and building societies to request the letters of insufficient loan offer. A copy of these calculations, provided they are stamped by the relevant bank or building society, can be submitted along with the application form. When issuing loan approval to an applicant, Dublin City Council take into account an applicants ability to repay a loan based on the Net Disposable Income of the applicant and must consider other expenses such as loans, cost of living expenses etc. Dublin City Council cannot advance a mortgage to an applicant where the mortgage repayment would impact on the applicant’s take home pay and cause undue hardship to the mortgagee to make repayments on other day to day expenses. Dublin City Council provides a mortgage advice service to customers who wish to discuss their financial circumstances prior to making an application for a House Purchase Loan. This service is located in Housing Loan Unit, Block 1, Floor 1, Civic Offices, Christchurch Entrance Tel: 2225126/ or E-mail [email protected]. Dublin City Council has made contact with the applicant and a meeting has been arranged to discuss her options in relation to home ownership.


Q57. COUNCILLOR MARIE METCALFE To ask the City Manager, in light of the Manager’s Report 13/11/2009, does

the pool at Markievicz have the range of facilities as outlined in section B of the report ,and if, not what are the plans to provide them. CITY MANAGER’S REPLY: The Markievicz Leisure Centre has a 6 lane 25 metre swimming pool, a fully equipped gymnasium, a sauna and a large aerobics studio. There is no proposal to provide any additional facilities at this centre.

Q58. COUNCILLOR MARIE METCALFE To ask the City Manager how many play facilities in the Dublin Central Area

are in need of repairs; the estimated cost of the repairs; the timescale involved.

CITY MANAGER’S REPLY: All play facilities under the control of the Parks Division are monitored on a regular basis as part of the ongoing management programme for the area and repair works are undertaken when considered necessary. Currently there are three play areas where upgrading work is required as follows: 1. St. Michans Park – for which funding has been approved and the relevant

orders issued to the value of €2916.95. Work is due to start over the coming weeks weather permitting.

2. Mountjoy Square Park – for which funding has been approved and the relevant orders issued to the value of €11,976.52. Work is due to start over the coming weeks weather permitting.

3. Sheriff Street Park – Value of the works €16,195.03 Status: Awaiting approval for funding.

In relation to the Housing Maintenance Division playgrounds, routine repairs are carried out as requested. Major repairs to items of equipment are dependent on the availability of funding.

Q59. COUNCILLOR MARIE METCALFE To ask the City Manager in the event of the 3 swimming pools being closed,

what are the plans for each building? CITY MANAGER’S REPLY: There is no proposal to use the buildings for alternative uses. The issues in relation to the age of the pools and ongoing maintenance and repairs relates to the pools, the pool plant and the actual buildings. Any other use of the buildings would require considerable refurbishment and there is no provision for such works.

Q60. COUNCILLOR MARIE METCALFE To ask the City Manager to provide a list of maintenance repairs outstanding

in the Dublin Central Area.

CITY MANAGER’S REPLY: Maintenance repair requests are recorded under the in-house Anite System. Requests are recorded by address, on a daily basis. On receipt of a repair


request the depot dispatches the necessary craftsman needed to carry out repairs. The request is taken off the system only when all the necessary work has been completed. Some maintenance repair requests may necessitate the skills of a number of craftsmen. Though work is in progress the request remains on the system until all such work has been carried out. In some cases delays do occur, for valid reasons. As information contained in a repair request may give personal information in respect of that tenant and his/her family, it would not be possible to list outstanding maintenance repair requests without the consent of each individual tenant. If there is a specific address that the Councillor wishes to identify, any outstanding repairs will be investigated.

Q61. COUNCILLOR RAY MCADAM To ask the City Manager how many Council tenants, (details supplied), have

been warned or evicted in relation to anti - social behaviour since 2000. Can the Manager provide the information in a tabular form outlining those warned and evicted per year?

CITY MANAGER’S REPLY: The Area Housing Manager has contacted the Councillor and explained that this information, spanning over 9 years, will take some time to produce. When completed a report will issue directly to the Councillor.

Q62. COUNCILLOR RAY MCADAM To ask the City Manager to reply to, (details supplied). CITY MANAGER’S REPLY: A report has been provided to the Councillor. Q63. COUNCILLOR RAY MCADAM To ask the City Manager what money can he provide for, (details supplied).

CITY MANAGER’S REPLY: A report has been provided to the Councillor.

Q64. COUNCILLOR RAY MCADAM To ask the City Manager why Dublin City Council has not provided any

funding to Threshold in 2009. Does he not accept that the City Council's funding support to Threshold is essential to that body's ability to maintain their level of advice and advocacy services? Will he re-consider his decision so that those people with housing problems or are at risk of homeless are able to receive the necessary support and aid they require?

CITY MANAGER’S REPLY: Funding of Homeless Services, which has a residential aspect to it, is 90% recoupable from the Department of the Environment. The provision of an Advice Service does not qualify for recoupment from the Department of the Environment. The funding of Threshold in the past for this service has been discretionary. This year, in order to ensure optimum delivery of services generally, discretionary spending has been substantially reduced and a contribution of €15,000 is being made to Threshold.


Q65. COUNCILLOR KEVIN HUMPHREYS To ask the Manager has the Council installed water meters in every school

across the city in advance of the introduction of metered water charges on 1st January 2010? Has the Council decided what rate schools will be charged per cubic metre of water? Will this be charge include waste water? When does the Council intend to send out the first bills to schools?

CITY MANAGER’S REPLY: Of the 307 schools identified within the city, 299 have had meters fitted with the 8 remaining requiring further examination. Schools will be required to pay the same consolidated charge as all other non-domestic customers. This charge amounts to €1.64 per 1000 litres for the year 2009 and includes the cost of the provision of both water supply and wastewater services. The charge for 2010 is being considered as part of the process of preparing budgets for next year. At present, schools are billed on a twice-yearly basis but it is the intention to issue bills quarterly in future. This change should result in the first quarter bills for 2010 being issued in April/May.

Q66. COUNCILLOR DERMOT LACEY To ask the Manager if he will provide costings and to consider funding or part

funding for upgrading the old tennis courts at Donaghmede Park to an all weather pitch suitable for community use.

CITY MANAGER’S REPLY: The cost of modification of the existing whinstone dust surface football training area and tarmacadam tennis courts at Donaghmede Park, which is similar in area to the project that took place at Ellenfield Park, would cost €440,000.00. This level of resources is not currently available to the Parks & Landscape Services Division and is unlikely to be included in the estimates for this Division for 2010. Such projects carried out in recent years were significantly part-funded through the Sports Capital Grant scheme of the Department of Arts, Sports and Tourism. Further consideration to this request can be given should invitation be made by that Department for Sports Capital Grant project applications. The existing facility, while not being a synthetic grass surface, is suitable for training purposes and is currently available for such use.

Q67. COUNCILLOR DERMOT LACEY To ask the City Manager if he will set up a safer community forum for

Donaghmede similar to the fora already in place in Edenmore and Clongriffin.

CITY MANAGER’S REPLY: The current Fora are still in the pilot phase and as such there is no proposal to establish any further forum in the short-term. The Local Joint Policing Committee would make the final decision relating to the location and timing of the roll out of further Pilot Fora. Consideration could certainly be given to the above later in 2010.

Q68. COUNCILLOR VINCENT JACKSON Can the Manager please indicate the corresponding benefit for allowing

allocations within the City Administrative area of residents who live in the


adjoining councils when the resulting vacancies don’t return to the residents from the city awaiting housing?

CITY MANAGER’S REPLY: In general, tenants of other Local Authorities are not eligible for Dublin City Council’s Housing or Transfer lists.

Following the hand-over of tenancies in the late 1990s to the 3 new Local Authorities (South Dublin, Dun Laoghaire-Rathdown and Fingal) the City Council gave a commitment to those holding those tenancies that they would be eligible for consideration on its Transfer List while they remained as tenants of the new Local Authorities. Whilst the number of County Council tenants currently on the City Council Transfer List has reduced over the years there are still a small number of live applications from such tenants to whom the City Council continues and will continue to honour a commitment long-since given.

It is worth noting that for the first 5 years after the hand-over, the City Council was permitted to make a number of nominations from its own housing lists to those Authorities for housing. Despite this agreement having long-since expired the City Council will consider these applicants who were previous tenants of Dublin City Council if deemed merited.

It is also worth noting that some of those applicants, as tenants of 3-bed houses, may never be made an offer as their points would reflect that they are in relatively low need of alternative accommodation. Applicants under this agreement are considered in accordance with the Scheme of Priorities, the same as all other applicants.

Q69. COUNCILLOR VINCENT JACKSON Can the Manager please explain at what stage it is unacceptable for young

men and women to share a bedroom in serious overcrowding conditions in flats/houses etc. I am constantly being told a woman with three children hasn’t enough points for a transfer however 12 and 15 year old opposite sex sleeping in the same room is. I feel it is totally unacceptable and merits priority for rehousing, perhaps the Manager can elaborate.

CITY MANAGER’S REPLY: There is no provision in the Scheme of Letting Priorities for the award of a priority on the basis of bedroom requirement/shortage. The Scheme of Letting Priorities provides for the award of 16 points for each bedroom an applicant is short of their requirement. The award of points in this regard is applied to an application when a child reaches 9 years of age. Two children of the same gender sharing a bedroom regardless of age do not receive bedroom shortage points.

Q70. COUNCILLOR VINCENT JACKSON To ask the Manager that Dublin City Council please indicate the following:

o Number of Litter wardens available in the City, o Number available/allocated in each of the 5 areas, o Number available in communities like Drimnagh & Ballyfermot on any

given week, o Number of prosecutions,


o Levels of fines collected in 2008, o Scope for improving the effectiveness of litter wardens. CITY MANAGER’S REPLY: • At present 25 Litter Wardens are employed in Dublin City Council. • 1 Litter Warden is assigned on a full time basis to deal with abandoned

Vehicles • Central Area – 7 Litter Wardens available

North Central Area - 2 Litter Wardens plus 1 half North West Areas - 4 Litter Wardens plus 1 half South East Area – 6 Litter Wardens plus 1 half

South Central – 3 Litter Wardens plus 1 half • 1 Litter Warden is available in the Drimnagh/Ballyfermot area from 6.00

am to 2.00 pm and a Litter Warden is available on a part-time basis from1.00 pm to 9.30 pm.

• 19 prosecutions were taken in 2008. • 913 litter fines were issued in the South Central area in 2008. • At present the duties of Litter Wardens are:

(i) Enforcement and prevention of all aspects of the Litter Pollution Acts and Regulations

(ii) Assistance in the implementation of the Litter Management

Plan

(iii) Enforcement of all aspects of the Waste Management Acts and Regulations

(iv) Assistance, as required, in the implementation of the Waste

Management Plan for the Dublin Region

(v) Enforcement of Dublin City Council’s Commercial and Household Waste Bye-Laws

(vi) Assistance, as required, in the implementation of the Waste

Enforcement Plan

(vii) Assistance, as required, in the enforcement of any other existing or new legislation, bye-laws or directives relative to the achievement of the environmental objectives of Dublin City Council

(viii) Issuing of fines, including hand delivering on-the-spot fines to persons in a public place as required in the enforcement of the foregoing legislation

(viii) Reporting regularly to the Litter Office and/or any alternative

offices/sub offices/depots as may be designated (ix) Preparation of reports and presentation of evidence in Court (x) Collection and examination of illegally dumped material with a

view to obtaining evidence of the identity of the former holder


(xi) Carrying out of litter surveys for the Litter Monitoring Body (xii) Undertaking any training course organised by Dublin City

Council which Litter Wardens are designated to attend

(xiii) Wearing of appropriate Dublin City Council Litter Warden’s uniform including wearing and use of appropriate safety equipment

(xiv) Assistance, as required, for the Anti Litter Officer,

Environmental Liaison Officer and Public Domain Officer in the exercise of their duties

(xv) Use of existing technologies and co-operation with the

introduction of any new technologies that may be required to improve service delivery

(xvi) Such other duties as may be assigned from time to time

In accordance with the on-going implementation of the Litter Management Plan, this office has identified “front gardens” as litter blackspots and has detailed all Litter Wardens to pay particular attention to the outside of residences to ensure that bulky /household waste is not stored in front gardens for a period longer than 7 days. Where this is happening, the Litter Warden will issue a warning notice and if the warning notice is not complied with a litter fine will issue. It is intended that Litter Wardens will concentrate on “front gardens” until the end of March 2010 at which time this office will identify other litter blackspots for Litter Wardens to concentrate on for the next quarter and so on. Q71. COUNCILLOR VINCENT JACKSON Can the Manager please indicate the level of payment for waste management

services in percentage & numerical terms within the City to include: • Number of dwellings which could be billed • Number of waivers full / partial • Number of householders paying • Numbers levied but paying nothing • Numbers of staff deployed in waste management services • Numbers who have started paying in the past year • What supports are available to people who want to start paying something

off arrears.

CITY MANAGER’S REPLY: There are approximately 122,000 customer accounts recorded on the Waste Charges Billing System. Of these:

• 75,000 customers pay their Waste Charge demands on a regular basis.

• 36,000 customers have full or partial waivers • Approximately 11,000 customers are in arrears. Some of these

customers make arrangements to pay off arrears and keep to the arrangements. Some who make arrangements fail to keep to the agreed arrangements. The figures for those who start paying, those


who fail to keep to arrangements, and those that are removed from the service at any given time are not available.

A further 40,000 customers on bag collection routes and in multi-occupancy

dwellings buy pre-paid labels to avail of our Waste Collection service. These households are deemed to have paid the charge in full.

If a customer experiences difficulty in paying the Waste Charge we offer an

instalment facility whereby arrears can be paid off over an agreed time period. There are circa 770 staff employed in Waste Management Services including bin collection, road sweeping, revenue collection, enforcement, civic amenities, waste collection permits, administration etc.

Q72. COUNCILLOR CIERAN PERRY The Department of the Environment Planning Guidelines consider it

necessary for Local Authorities to assess how many residential units can be accommodated in any given area before deciding what zoned land would be needed to cater for the number of housing units required. It would therefore help City Councillors in their consideration of the Draft Development Plan if the Manager could inform us of the density figures that form the basis of the Draft Plan. Could the Manager provide the Councillors with the figures for the low, medium and high density categories and the range of densities (net units per hectare) that management considered suitable for the different areas (inner city / suburban) and different zoning designations in the city when drawing up the Draft Development Plan 2011-2017.

CITY MANAGER’S REPLY: It was agreed by the City Council at the initial stages of the Development Plan Review that all matters relating to the making of the next City Development Plan would be dealt with by special convened meetings of the City Council.

Q73. COUNCILLOR CIERAN PERRY Can the Manager inform this council if Dublin City Council have any plans to

access European funding through the 'Jessica' programme or similar programmes, and if so, where are they funds earmarked for?

CITY MANAGER’S REPLY: JESSICA stands for “Joint European Support for Sustainable Investment in City”. This initiative is being developed by the European Commission and the European Investment Bank (EIB), in collaboration with the Council of Europe Development Bank (CEB).

Under new procedures, Member States are being given the option of using some of their EU grant funding, their so-called Structural Funds, to make repayable investments in projects forming part of an integrated plan for sustainable urban development. These investments, which may take the form of equity, loans and/or guarantees, are delivered to projects via Urban Development Funds and, if required, Holding Funds.

The JESSICA Programme does not yet apply to Ireland. The situation at the moment is that a feasibility study needs to be done between Ireland and the EIB to find out whether an Urban Development Fund can be set up, however


it is not expected that the findings of this feasibility study would be in our favour.

Q74. COUNCILLOR CIERAN PERRY Can the Manager give me an update on the question (Q90) I asked at the

July City Council meeting regarding the total cost to date of engaging Legal & Trade Collection (Ireland), Intrum Justitia and Bill Holohan & Associates Solicitors in works for Dublin City Council in relation to the non-payment of the Bin Charges and to give a breakdown of these costs.

CITY MANAGER’S REPLY: Legal & Trade Collections Ltd, Intrum Justitia Ltd and Bill Holohan & Associates are one business entity trading as Intrum Justitia Ireland Ltd.

Payments totalling €438,296.00 have been made to Intrum Justitia Ltd. from 2003 to date. It is not appropriate to give a breakdown of this figure as it is considered to be commercially sensitive. The payment made covers all handling charges, postage, telephony, commission, VAT etc. Collection rates for recent years have greatly improved. As the amount collected has exceeded the charges raised, there has been a resultant reduction in the overall historic arrears figure.

Q75. COUNCILLOR HENRY UPTON To ask the City Manager if the paths on, (details supplied), can be repaved

as they are in a very poor condition at present; if bollards will be placed on the path to ensure that cars can not park on the path as this causes significant disruption for pedestrians CITY MANAGER’S REPLY: Roads Maintenance carried out remedial works to the footpath and tar margins from Nos. 1 – 37, (details supplied), Avenue as part of our 2009 Works Programme. There is no funding available at present to carry out further footpath replacement on, (details supplied), Avenue or at the junction of, (details supplied), Avenue and, (details supplied), Park. Roads Maintenance will consider further footpath works on, (details supplied), Avenue for the 2010 Works Programme subject to funding being available. Roads Maintenance carried out an inspection of the footpaths at, (details supplied), Avenue outside, (details supplied), Park and the footpaths at this location are in good condition. However there is a Waterworks opening outside No 2A, (details supplied), Avenue that has not yet been returned to Roads Maintenance for permanent reinstatement. This opening will be permanently reinstated as soon as possible. Bollards cannot be installed on, (details supplied), Avenue as they would prevent residents accessing their driveways.

Bollards are not usually recommended by the Traffic Department to prevent parking on the footpath, as it is illegal to park on the footpath. Bollards are provided in specific locations to prevent damage to footpaths from heavy loads due to parked vehicles. The Traffic Department will carry out an inspection of the area in question and a report will be forwarded to the Councillor within a month.


Q76. COUNCILLOR HENRY UPTON To ask the City Manager if the re-cycling bins in an area, (details supplied),

could be moved or if they could be redesigned to present a more positive vista as local residents believe that they are an eyesore; if he will ensure that any bottles/rubbish that are left beside the re-cycling bins can be removed to ensure that the car park is kept as clean as possible; and if he will devise a system to ensure that users of this service do not just dump recyclables at this location but place them in the correct bin

CITY MANAGER’S REPLY: The unmanned Bring Centre on, (details supplied*), which plays a valuable role in the recycling infrastructure in the City, is used extensively by the public and there are no plans to relocate/redesign the Bring Centre in the current economic climate. We will ensure, however, that the Bring Centre car park is inspected on a regular basis. In addition the Litter Warden for the area will monitor the Bring Centre with a view to prosecuting those people who dump recyclables at this location.

Q77. COUNCILLOR HENRY UPTON To ask City Manager if he will ensure that an area, (details supplied), is

cleaned up; the recent unsettled weather has left the green space and the surrounding roads in a very poor condition and needs to be addressed immediately.

CITY MANAGER’S REPLY: Waste Management Services had the surrounding roads at, (details supplied), cleaned on the 30th November and the 1st December 2009.

(Details supplied), green spaces are in good condition apart from minor bonfire damage, which will be rectified within the next few weeks.

Roads Maintenance carried out an inspection of the carriageway along (details supplied). The carriageway in this area is in good condition. No works are required on the carriageway at this location.

Q78. COUNCILLOR MARIA PARODI To ask the City Manager if all requisite planning authorisations, wayleaves

and consents are available for the full build and commissioning of the proposed incinerator at Poolbeg.


Statutory consents have been received in relation to Planning (An Bord Pleanála) and Environmental Protection (Environmental Protection Agency) to allow construction to go ahead. In addition, licences have been received from the Commissioner for Energy Regulation for construction of the plant and generation of power. An application for a Foreshore Licence has been submitted and is awaited. Q79. COUNCILLOR MARIA PARODI To ask the City Manager to provide a breakdown of all the data for 2009, of

the household waste tonnage collected by the local authority and its agents into the following categories as reported by the EPA: a. Mixed Residual Collection (black bins)


b. Separate kerbside collection of mixed dry recyclables (green bins) c. Separate kerbside collection of food and garden waste (brown bins) d. Household waste brought to bring banks e. Household waste brought to civic amenity sites f. Household waste delivered directly to landfill g. Estimate of home composting h. Estimate of uncollected household waste.

CITY MANAGER’S REPLY: In January 2010, the National Service Indicators for 2009 will be completed. These indicators comprise, inter alia, detailed information on waste collection in the City. I will arrange to provide the information requested above directly to the Councillor at that time.

Q80. COUNCILLOR MARIA PARODI To ask the City Manager if he will advise what feasibility studies have been

requested in respect of the proposed incinerator at Poolbeg; what these studies, if any, have concluded; if the studies will be made publicly available; and if any studies undertaken have had an impact on the proposed incinerator at Poolbeg.

CITY MANAGER’S REPLY: Dublin City Council on behalf of the four Dublin local authorities (Dublin City Council, Fingal County Council, South Dublin County Council and Dun Laoghaire Rathdown County Council) engaged consultants to prepare a new Dublin Regional Waste Strategy.

The Strategy Study was completed in December 1997. It was published and placed in Dublin Public Libraries. The Strategy was formulated having regard to evolving EU and National policy which led to the content of the Regional Waste Management Plans for the Dublin Region, including the most recent Plan for 2005 - 2010.

One element of the Study recommended a feasibility study on site selection process in advance of detailed planning of the proposed thermal treatment plant for the Dublin Region.

The Feasibility Study was reported in two separate parts as follows:

� Technical Report dated September 1999 � Report on Siting and Environmental Issues dated November 1999

The overall conclusions and recommendations of the September 1999 report were placed before the Elected Members at a presentation on September 14th 1999 in the Gresham Hotel and the result of the November 1999 report was presented to the Elected Members of the four Dublin Authorities on November 30th 1999 in the Gresham Hotel.

During 2001, 2002 and 2003, base data for the project was reviewed and verified. During this period a PPP Procurement Process was initiated. Department of Finance “Guidelines for the Provision of Infrastructure & Capital Investments through Public Private Partnerships” dated July 2006 (but which were available in draft form at an earlier date) were followed for the process. In line with the Guidelines, a Project Board, which included


representatives of the Department of the Environment Heritage & Local Government (DOEHLG) and the National Development Finance Agency (NDFA), was established.

This Board met on a number of occasions during the process and in September 2005 a letter from the DOEHLG indicated that following a review by the DOEHLG of the documents submitted by Dublin City Council, including the proposed Project Agreement, the Value for Money Report and the accompanying Schedules, and a financial review by the NDFA and the Process Auditor Review, the Department had no objection to Dublin City Council proceeding to enter into contractual arrangements for the development of the facility.

None of the above studies had a negative impact on the proposed Waste to Energy Project at Poolbeg.

Q81. COUNCILLOR MARIA PARODI To ask the City Manager if waste disposal companies are prohibited from

collecting waste from the Hanover Quay area during the day due to their close proximity to the city centre.

CITY MANAGER’S REPLY: Waste disposal companies are prohibited from collecting waste from the Hanover Quay area during the day as Hanover quay is within the Central Commercial District. They are not allowed collect waste within the Central Commercial District before 7pm on the designated collection day.

Q82. COUNCILLOR EOGHAN MURPHY To ask the Manager to provide a complete financial breakdown of the total

costs and total revenue associated with the provision of parking in Dublin City in 2006, 2007, 2008 and January to June 2009, including separately: costs and revenue from the parking control scheme; costs and revenue from the pay and display scheme (including cost of installation and maintenance of pay and display machines); costs and revenue from fines/clamping/car removal.

CITY MANAGER’S REPLY: The following is a breakdown of expenditure and income in respect of the enforcement of parking controls in the city and the provision and maintenance of pay & display parking schemes in the administrative area of the City Council for the period in question. Figures for the current year are only available January to July:

Parking Enforcement – Expenditure – 2006 €8.04m

2007 €8.86m 2008 €9.21m 2009 €6.19m (Jan. –July) Income – 2006 €4.58m 2007 €4.57m 2008 €4.69m 2009 €2.88m (Jan. – July)


Pay & Display Schemes – Expenditure – (including cost of installation and maintenance of P & D machines)

2006 €3.19m 2007 €4.39m 2008 €3.47m 2009 €2.67m (Jan-July) Income – 2006 €26.90m 2007 €29.20m 2008 €27.70m 2009 €14.92m (Jan – July) Q83. COUNCILLOR EOGHAN MURPHY To ask the Manager to provide the cost of installing and maintaining pay and

display machines and the numbers in operation in 2006, 2007, 2008 and from January to June 2009.

CITY MANAGER’S REPLY: The following schedules show the cost of the provision and maintenance of pay & display parking schemes and the number of deployed machines for the period in question. Figures for the current year are only available January to July.

Expenditure – 2006 €3.19m

2007 €4.39m 2008 €3.47m 2009 €2.67m (Jan-July) No. of machines deployed on-street:

2006 - 908 2007 - 943 2008 - 981 2009 -1,019 (July) Q84. COUNCILLOR EOGHAN MURPHY To ask the City Manager if he can provide data for the level of commercial

waste produced within the local authority area for 2008.

CITY MANAGER’S REPLY: For 2007, a total of 800,641 tonnes of commercial and industrial waste was produced in the Dublin region (this includes all public & private contractor returns by Annual Environmental Reports). Out of this figure, a total of 360,096 tonnes was produced in the Dublin City Council area. We do not have 2008 figures yet although the report is currently being produced and should be available before the year end. The information will be forwarded directly to the Councillor at that stage.


Q85. COUNCILLOR EOGHAN MURPHY To ask the Manager how many commercial entities have been taken to court

so far this year for non payment of 2009 rates, how many of these cases have been resolved through the courts, and what is the policy of Dublin City Council in terms of pursuing rate collection through legal means such as the courts for non-payment of rates in a given year.

CITY MANAGER’S REPLY: The rates office initiated legal proceedings in 1264 cases in respect of commercial rates in 2009. Of those 75% of cases will proceed for hearing in the district court in December 2009. Dublin City Council uses the courts as provided for in rating law to pursue outstanding rates. The commercial rates collection is just over 2% down on the same time last year. Despite the obvious effects of the economic downturn, ratepayers are making every effort to comply with their obligation to pay commercial rates to Dublin City Council.

Q86. COUNCILLOR ANDREW MONTAGUE Will the Manager check the stopcock outside, (details supplied). It no longer

cuts off the water supply to the house since recent works by Bord Gáis took place?

CITY MANAGER’S REPLY: The stopcock to the above house was inspected by the Water Division and found to be defective. It will be replaced week ending 4th Dec 2009.

Q87. COUNCILLOR ANDREW MONTAGUE The bike parking facilities at Connolly station are very poorly sign-posted and

difficult to find, so are not being used as much as they could be. Will the Manager work with Iarnród Eireann to improve the signage?

CITY MANAGER’S REPLY: We have written to Iarnród Eireann requesting them to examine the matter and a report will be issued to the Councillor when it is received.

Q88. COUNCILLOR GERRY BREEN Can the Manager please deal with the following query, (details supplied).


A report has been provided to the Councillor. Q89. COUNCILLOR GERRY BREEN Can the Manager please have the tree to the rear of, (details supplied),

removed.

CITY MANAGER’S REPLY: The Parks and Landscape Services Division has inspected the tree to the rear of, (details supplied). This tree is in satisfactory condition and it is considered that removal of this tree is not required.

Q90. COUNCILLOR GERRY BREEN Can the Manager please have the double yellow lines repainted at, (details

supplied).


CITY MANAGER’S REPLY: A traffic Inspector will investigate this location and appropriate remedial works will be carried out as required. This inspection will take place within the next two weeks.

Q91. COUNCILLOR GERRY BREEN Can the Manager please organise to have the hedge at, (details supplied),

cut back?

CITY MANAGER’S REPLY: A notice requesting the resident to cut back the hedge will be issued to, (details supplied), within the next week.

Q92. COUNCILLOR MARY FITZPATRICK Will the Manager please circulate a copy of the contract engaged in by Dublin

City Council with a private operator for the construction and operation of a Waste to Energy Facility in Poolbeg? Will the Manager please advise the total quantities of waste collected by DCC or on behalf of DCC for each of the past ten years. Will the Manager outline DCC’s projected waste volumes for the first ten years of operation identifying the source, type and volume of waste. Outline what penalties will apply if DCC does not meet the contract obligations in terms of waste volume or other criteria.

CITY MANAGER’S REPLY: The contract entered into between Dublin City Council (on behalf of the 4 Dublin Local Authorities) and Dublin Waste to Energy Ltd. is considered to be commercially sensitive and for that reason cannot be circulated.

Reliable and consistent data is only available since 2003. Pre 2003, the national and regional data collection systems were in their infancy and data is of poor quality.

Dublin Region Waste Quantities – Waste Under the Dublin Local Authorities control.

Reported Data 2003 2004 2005 2006 2007 2008 (tonnes) (tonnes) (tonnes) (tonnes) (tonnes) (tonnes) Household Waste (Black, green, brown bin collections) 459,579 445,683 488,489 464,121 470,221 475,037 Street Sweepings 30,235 30,298 26,419 36,616 35,580 35,136 Commercial Waste (estimate) 25,000 25,000 25,000 25,000 25,000 22,000 Total 514,814 500,981 539,908 525,737 530,801 532,173

Note: In 2008 private waste collectors collected 52,620 tonnes of the household waste. Waste Projections as detailed in the current Waste Plan have proved very reliable and were presented during the Bord Pleanála Oral Hearing for the Waste to Energy facility. New projections are being prepared to take account of the decrease in economic growth, predicted for the short-term, and the


increase in population growth. Commercial waste arisings are closely linked to economic growth but household waste growth is more closely aligned to population factors.

Summary of Projected Waste Arisings in Dublin for the Period 2003 – 2020 (tonnes)

Year Household Commercial/ Industrial Total Municipal &

Industrial

2003 459,282 659,755 1,119,037

2004 475,696 676,958 1,152,653

2005 492,187 701,328 1,193,515

2006 508,832 726,576 1,235,408

2007 523,016 744,014 1,267,029

2008 537,199 758,150 1,295,349

2009 551,383 771,797 1,323,180

2010 565,567 787,232 1,352,799

2011 574,932 797,467 1,372,399

2012 584,298 807,834 1,392,131

2013 593,663 818,335 1,411,998

2014 603,028 828,974 1,432,002

2015 612,394 839,750 1,452,144

2016 621,723 855,706 1,477,429

2017 629,171 871,964 1,501,135

2018 636,618 888,531 1,525,150

2019 644,066 905,414 1,549,479

2020 651,513 922,616 1,574,130 It is not anticipated that penalties will be incurred in the light of waste currently under the control of the 4 Dublin Authorities and of the projected waste arisings in future years.

Q93. COUNCILLOR MARY FITZPATRICK Will the Manager please provide a report on the following, (details supplied).

CITY MANAGER’S REPLY: a. The maintenance of speed ramps has only recently been handed over to

Road Maintenance from the Traffic Division. We are in the process of setting up a maintenance programme for same to prioritise these repairs.

b. The roundabout shall be repaired within 6-8 weeks. c. This has been referred to the Area Traffic Officer for inspection and

repair/maintenance as necessary subject to funding being available. d. This has also been referred to the Area Traffic Officer for inspection. e. Repairs to (details supplied) shall be carried out within a 6-8 week

period. f. This has previously been referred to the Traffic Advisory Group and a

report will be forwarded to a future Area Committee meeting.


Q94. COUNCILLOR MARY FITZPATRICK Can the Manager please provide details of the contract between DCC and the

Parking Enforcement Contractor specifically the resources i.e. number of clamping vehicles and clamps the contractor is obliged to provide for adequate enforcement of the area and explain how required resources were determined? CITY MANAGER’S REPLY: The current parking enforcement contract commenced on 1st October 2004 and will expire at the end of September 2011. The contract encompasses all public roads in the administrative area of Dublin City Council. The contract provides for a clamping and removal service Monday to Saturday from 07:00 hours to 24:00 hours and a reduced Sunday service, minimum 1/3rd of the normal service from 11:00 hours to 24:00 hours. The contractor is also obligated to provide a declamping service 24 hours per day, seven days per week. The core operating hours are Monday to Saturday 07:00 hours to 19:00 hours. The maximum service is deployed during these core operational hours and a reduced service, minimum 25% of the full service, operates between 19:00 hours and 24:00 hours, Monday to Saturday. During the core operating hours the contractor deploys a minimum of 8 clamping vans, with 2 trucks available to the service during the day. Vans normally carry some 15 clamps which are re-used during the shift while trucks carry approximately 8 clamps. Experience has determined the optimum number of clamps accompanying vehicles while on patrol. The level of service delivery was initially agreed at the time of award of the contract and is kept under review. However, any significant alteration to the service would be likely to have cost implications.

Q95. COUNCILLOR MICHAEL CONAGHAN To ask the City Manager to properly provide for the safety of schoolchildren at

school entrances/exits in heavily trafficked districts by the provision of the following: The design and implementation of School Safety Zones. These to include an ‘early warning’ element consisting of…(the ideas suggested in my prior correspondence) and secondly to include adjacent to school gates where the lollipop person operates an area of ‘no parking’, To further ask the Manager to ‘pilot’ this concept in the Ballyfermot and Chapelizod areas where unprecedented levels of through traffic and extremely poor traffic management is constantly putting children’s safety at risk.

CITY MANAGER’S REPLY: A roll out programme of installing “School Safety Zones” has already commenced at School Warden crossings points around the city. The School Safety Zone concept has already been piloted at a number of schools and consists of specific School Keep Clear markings, specific School Warden signage on both sides of the carriageway and a yellow box to provide for a safe crossing for the school warden and children crossing. These have been


provided initially at school warden crossing’s sites where there are ongoing problems with queuing traffic. As part of the programme parents are informed of the new measures to ensure that there is compliance. The St. Michael’s Girls National School, Dominican Convent site on Kylemore Road, Ballyfermot has the new “Zone” installed. Other measures are currently under investigation to ensure greater safety for the school warden and children crossing. St. Patrick’s National School in Chapelizod is under investigation at the moment.

Q96. COUNCILLOR MICHAEL CONAGHAN In the context of the redevelopment of the Lawns Park, to ask the City

Manager to provide for a comprehensive and inclusive approach to the presence of key heritage sites within the park. To this end to ask the Manager to provide the old maps of the area so as to precisely locate those heritage sites on todays parks landscape. This is necessary so as to avoid any incursion of new ‘works’ on to the heritage sites and to allow for the provision of features that acknowledge and evoke the origins of Ballyfermot at this location.

Secondly to ask the Manager to provide maps/diagrams etc. of the initial configuration of the Lawns Park so as to locate on todays landscape the location of the old farmhouses and other historically relevant data.


The Archaeology, Conservation & Heritage Section is currently liaising with other Departments within the City Council to provide the Councillor with the information requested.

It is hoped to have this information for the Councillor on or before the January Meeting of the City Council.

During the development of the Lawns Park every effort was made to preserve the historical areas of the park particularly in the vicinity of the old church and graveyard, which were left undisturbed.

Q97. COUNCILLOR MICHAEL CONAGHAN

To ask the City Manager to commence a more detailed consultation with a range of potential partners so as to establish a comprehensive list of ‘complementary and overlapping uses’ for Lansdowne River Valley Park; the proposed range of ‘uses’ to include a walking route, a cycle route, an outdoor educational/biodiversity route for local schools etc. The proposed structured consultation should commence immediately and include provision for the cleansing and upgrade of paths, the ongoing removal of litter and graffiti etc.

CITY MANAGER’S REPLY: I refer to a site meeting with local residents and public representatives on November 17th 2009 regarding the condition of Lansdowne Park and progress in connection with recommendations made in the report entitled Ecological Assessment of Lansdowne Valley Park (December 2007) by George F. Smith.


Parks and Landscape Services agree to carry out the following works: -

1. A programme of biodiversity enhancement will be adopted in the annual works programme including:

• Spraying of Japanese Knotweed and removal of dead canes, which

will be disposed of by burial in a pit on site.

The plant will be sprayed twice annually during the growing season for several years until the rhizomes have been killed and full eradication achieved.

• Retention of scrub areas, which will be enhanced with additional native planting. Brambles overhanging footpaths will be cut back. A mowed clearance of 1.5 metres in width will be maintained on each side of footpath except along the riverside edge.

• Increasing the area of grassland under a low intensity regime to

maximise diversity of wildflower and grasses. Mowing will be carried out twice annually - once in late September/early October after the main period of flowering and if necessary once in late winter / early spring prior to spring growth. It is the intention of Parks and Landscape Services Division that most of the grassland will be maintained as meadow. A network of mowed paths will be established through the meadow.

2. A new accessible ‘kissing gate’ will be installed at the Davitt Road

entrance in the first quarter of 2010. The double vehicular gate will also be replaced. This entrance area will be improved by regrading of the mounds of soil and planting with native wildflower seed and additional extra heavy standard native trees. Park signage will also be erected at this location. Information signage on biodiversity will be erected in the park in conjunction with the City Biodiversity Officer, subject to funding availability.

3. All dead and diseased trees will be removed and replaced with extra

heavy standard native tree species. A programme of supplementary tree planting will be undertaken during the winter months each year.

4. Sections of the footpath damaged by fire will be replaced with new

tarmacadam in the first quarter of 2010.

5. The park will be kept clean of litter and debris/glass on a weekly basis and as required.

6. Land damaged by ESB works will be reinstated during spring 2010. The Public Domain Officer has organised the removal of graffiti from this Park on several occasions. This was concentrated on a wall facing traffic and commuters on the Luas on the Naas Road and was of offensive / political nature. This graffiti has abated in recent months. Due to the very public nature of this part of the park any graffiti at this location will receive priority attention (subject of course to available resources).


Other walls or buildings within the park are less visible and would come within the remit of ongoing maintenance by Parks Division. The Roads and Traffic Department has made an application to the Department of Transport under the Smarter Travel Area Fund for a project in the Crumlin area, which includes walking and cycling routes in the Landsdowne River Valley Park. The competition is a two-stage process and at present initial applications are being assessed by the Department of Transport and a short list of applicants will be invited to submit detailed plans in the New Year. Subject to our application reaching stage two we will engage with local partners in a consultation process with a view to developing a strong second stage plan.

Q98. LORD MAYOR, COUNCILLOR EMER COSTELLO To ask the Manager to survey the residents of, (details supplied), for

residential parking CITY MANAGER’S REPLY: This request has been forwarded to the Traffic Advisory Group and a report will be presented to a future Area Committee Meeting.

Q99. LORD MAYOR, COUNCILLOR EMER COSTELLO To ask the Manager to have the ‘cul-de-sac’ sign on Newgrange Road at the

junction with Dowth Avenue repaired as it is falling down.

CITY MANAGER’S REPLY: This request has been referred to the Area Traffic Officer for investigation and replacement of sign as required.

Q100. LORD MAYOR, COUNCILLOR EMER COSTELLO To ask the Manager if he will have mature trees planted between Binns

Bridge and Cross Guns Bridge where there are large gaps with no trees; if he will have the graffiti removed from the sub-station at Binns Bridge; and if he will check that the CCTV is working in the area.

CITY MANAGER’S REPLY: We have written to Waterways Ireland requesting that they plant trees along this stretch of the Royal Canal. The graffiti will be removed from the sub-station at Binns Bridge and the condition of the CCTV in the area is being examined.

Q101. LORD MAYOR, COUNCILLOR EMER COSTELLO To ask the Manager to report progress on implementation of the provisions of

the motion, (details supplied), tabled by Cllr. Emer Costello in May 2009, as the anniversary year is drawing to a close.


Q102. COUNCILLOR JOHN REDMOND To ask the City Manager if he will assist in the provision of a CCTV camera at

the junction of Wellmont Road and Cardiffsbridge Road as this area is a blackspot for anti-social behaviour.


CITY MANAGER’S REPLY: The Gardaí are currently commissioning a CCTV camera system in the general Finglas area. At present there are no plans to provide a camera at the location in question. The City Council is referring this matter to the Garda Authorities for consideration. A further report will be provided to the Councillor on receipt of a response.

Q103. COUNCILLOR JOHN REDMOND

To ask the City Manager to secure the vacant site on Tolka Valley Road as the gate has been broken down.


The railing will be repaired within the next two weeks.

Q104. COUNCILLOR JOHN REDMOND To ask the City Manager to remove the graffiti at Patrickswell Court.

CITY MANAGER’S REPLY: Graffiti was removed from Patrickswell Court on 24th November 2009. The area was checked again on Tuesday 1st December and it was graffiti free.

Q105. COUNCILLOR JOHN REDMOND Will the Manager explain the position in relation to charging a resident for maintaining Council land, (details supplied), as this is contrary to all logic; and will the Manager ensure that a reasonable agreement can be reached with residents regarding this land.

CITY MANAGER’S REPLY: Negotiations are ongoing with City Valuer and the residents with a view to reaching a reasonable agreement. A report will be prepared for the Council when agreement is reached between the parties.

Q106. COUNCILLOR JOHN LYONS

Will the Manager address the residents' concerns at (details supplied).

CITY MANAGER’S REPLY: We have met with representatives of the residents on 20th November last and are awaiting their consensus on their proposals for this and the other (main) green. We have no existing budget for improvements to any public open space within, (details supplied), estate. However, we have agreed to assist the residents in procurement and administration of works to improve the greens in the area, using their funds, to ensure value for money and compliance with health and safety. We also have reviewed possible works that can be carried out at this location, including changes to the entrance and to levels and drainage.

With regard to the lighting it is not policy of Dublin City Council to provide public lighting on green spaces.

The graffiti at, (details supplied), will be removed.



Will the Manager examine the feasibility of developing allotments at, (details supplied), given that this area has been vacant for a considerable amount of time and will most likely not be developed in the near future.

CITY MANAGER’S REPLY: The land at, (details supplied), is reserved for affordable housing. In the present climate it is unlikely there will be any developments on the land in the foreseeable future. The site is one of a number of proposed sites that the local Area Office has identified for temporary allotments.

It is proposed to examine this site early next year to see if the site is suitable and to ascertain the cost of developing allotments on the site.

A report will be brought to the Members in February. At present there is no funding identified for any allotment project nor have local residents been consulted.


Will the Manager identify a suitable location at, (details supplied), for the installation of recycling facilities.

CITY MANAGER’S REPLY: As the estate at, (details supplied), is not in charge, we are not in a position to install recycling facilities at the current time.

The residents can contact the management company to request that they provide such a service.

Please note the nearest bottle banks are located on Jamestown Road to the rear of FÁS.


Will the Manager supply the necessary details on the following for the North West Area: • The current numbers on the housing list (by category) for Finglas and

Ballymun. • The current number of vacant units for Finglas and Ballymun. • The average turnaround time for re-letting of vacant units in Finglas and

Ballymun.

CITY MANAGER’S REPLY: The table below sets out the number of applicants included on each category of Housing List within Area D (Ballymun and Poppintree) and Area E (Finglas, Cabra, Whitehall, Glasnevin). An applicant’s area preference corresponds with Housing Areas only and not specific locations within those areas.

List List

Category Housing Area D E

Housing List Homeless 30 63 Points 485 1807 Medical 4 34 Welfare 5 12


Other 11 37 Transfer List Points 619 905

Medical 26 44 Welfare 28 40 Other 22 39 Totals 1230 2981

• There are 28 vacant units in the Ballymun Area • There are 33 vacant houses in the Finglas Area

• The turnaround time for empty houses is dependent on the condition of the house and resources available to carry out the work required. The average turnaround time for houses is approximately 12-26 weeks.

Q110. COUNCILLOR ANDREW MONTAGUE

Will the Manager outline the development levies owing from a development, (details supplied), and the outcome of the recent court action that was taken. CITY MANAGER’S REPLY: The amount currently owing for development levies at, (details supplied), Development is €2,070,048.46

As the company is now in examinership the City Council is reviewing its approach to court proceedings.

Q111. COUNCILLOR ANDREW MONTAGUE

Will the Manager outline the precise service provided by the Dublin City Council Dog Warden; the hours this service is available; if an out-of-hours service would be considered and if he will respond to the attached correspondence.

CITY MANAGER’S REPLY: All Garda Stations in the Dublin Metropolitan Region are in possession of the out-of-hours emergency contact details for the Dog Wardens Service. This number is not available to the general public and for safety reasons the Dog Wardens will only respond out-of-hours to requests for assistance from the Gardaí There is no record of any emergency call from the Gardaí on the night in question.

Q112. COUNCILLOR DEIRDRE HENEY To ask the Manager in relation to dwellings, (details supplied), if they can be

inspected from an (1) regulations of rented dwellings point of view (2) derelict sites aspect (3) litter and litter prevention point of view (4) environmental health aspect (5) cleansing and disposal of domestic refuse aspect and say if these dwellings conform to standards/regulations; what enforcement action City Council can/will take to deal with the unkempt/untidy condition of same, including general dumping and illegal disposal of domestic refuse so that the nuisance to nearby residents can be eliminated from whom I have serious complaints regarding their overall condition, management, appearance, up-keep etc.


CITY MANAGER’S REPLY: 1.& 4. An environmental health officer will survey the street to ascertain the address of the properties. Properties that are found to be privately rented will be programmed for inspection under the Housing (Standards for Rented Houses) Regulations 2008. The area will also be inspected to ascertain if there is a statutory nuisance. The appropriate enforcement action will be taken following these inspections. 2. The Derelict Sites Section is arranging to have the above sites inspected within the next 2 weeks and will revert to Councillor Heney directly.

3. & 5. Section 6.4 of The Litter Pollution Acts 1997-2009 states:- Every occupier of land adjoining a public road in respect of which a built-up area speed limit or special speed limit has been established in the functional area of a local authority shall keep free from litter- any footway adjoining the land and forming or forming part of, a public road, and any area of land forming part of a public road between any such footway and the roadway.

This area has been inspected on a regular basis by the area Litter Warden and Waste Management Services. A number of fines have been issued and a number of major area based clean-ups have been carried out by the Rapid Response Crew, Public Domain Crew and Litter Wardens. The Litter Warden last inspected this area on the 2nd December and the area will continue to be monitored on a regular basis.

Q113. COUNCILLOR DEIRDRE HENEY To ask the Manager to refer to junction, (details supplied), and say:

(1) if he can provide a right turn filter and if not, say why not (2) if he cannot provide a continuing right turn filter can he say if it is possible

to provide a timed night time filter as local residents/motorists complain that it is practically impossible to take the right turn without putting your life in danger.


Q114. COUNCILLOR DEIRDRE HENEY To ask the Manager to refer to very large tree outside house, (details

supplied), and say: (1) if and when he can arrange to have the tree pruned as resident has been

requesting that it be pruned for many years now but to no avail (2) when is the last time the tree was pruned and why it is taking so long to have same pruned/lopped

CITY MANAGER’S REPLY: The roadside trees at, (details supplied), received general pruning operations in 2005. The roadside tree outside, (details supplied), has been inspected by staff of the Parks & Landscape Services Division. This tree which is not considered to be a large specimen is in reasonable condition and


is not considered to require general pruning operations at this time. Some minor pruning works will be carried out on this tree during the dormant season.

Q115. COUNCILLOR DEIRDRE HENEY To ask the Manager to refer to manhole cover at location, (details supplied),

and say as a gesture of goodwill, he will provide a new/replacement cover?

CITY MANAGER’S REPLY: The manhole in question is in the driveway of, (details supplied), and is not part of the public drainage infrastructure and consequently Dublin City Council are not in a position to replace it. However, a member of Drainage Division staff called to the householder on 1st December to discuss the matter. The householder has been given the contact details of the local Drainage depot, who can be contacted for assistance in the event of any drainage difficulty.

Q116. COUNCILLOR JOHN GALLAGHER To ask the City Manager if he will list the plans by which he intends for Dublin

to adapt to climate change and the increase risk of flooding; if a flood impact assessment has been carried across Dublin City and on the impact of rivers in particular; and if he will support more stringent planning laws with regards to flood defences such as storm drains with a required capacity that is significantly above that which is currently in place.

CITY MANAGER’S REPLY: Dublin City has invested heavily in Flood Risk reduction measures and a full presentation on a Strategic Overview of Flood Risk management for Dublin was given to the September 2009 meeting of the City Council. This is available to view on the Council web site. Through the EU INTERREG Flood Resilient Cities Project, Project 2030 and 2050, the flood adaptation required to adapt to climate change is being addressed. It is not possible to protect the City by storm drains alone. The use of Sustainable Urban Drainage Solutions (SUDS), which is the policy of the City Council, must be used to address the changing weather patterns.

Q117. COUNCILLOR JOHN GALLAGHER To ask the City Manager if he will arrange as a matter of urgency to have

double yellow lines installed at: (A) a roadway, (details supplied) , as parking on the road near the school entrance is creating serious and hazardous driving conditions for motorists and also presenting problems for the bin collection service getting access, (B) a location, (details supplied); local residents have informed me that parking at this spot can make the road impassable for other motorists and they want the double yellow lines to be placed only at this spot CITY MANAGER’S REPLY: The matters concerned have been referred to the Traffic Advisory Group. The Councillor will be informed of the recommendations of the group when these are available.


Q118. COUNCILLOR JOHN GALLAGHER To ask the City Manager if he will investigate the exposed wires at a location,

(details supplied), as local residents are worried they could be dangerous.

CITY MANAGER’S REPLY: There was one cable found sticking out of the wall of a new building on, (details supplied)*, near the junction with, (details supplied)*. This cable is only a telecommunications type cable and is not a danger to anybody.

Q119. COUNCILLOR JOHN GALLAGHER To ask the City Manager if he will give me an update on the reinstatement of

a bus stop, (details supplied), as local business owners have informed me the removal has damaged business and has caused difficulty for mass goers also CITY MANAGER’S REPLY: The bus stop located on the corner of, (details supplied), was removed in recent months by Dublin Bus due to some health and safety concerns. The Quality Bus Network Office is currently liaising with Mr Tim Sheehy, Regional Manager, Dublin Bus in relation to the Thomas Street QBN and also to address these concerns. Dublin Bus have advised that they are agreeable to re-installing a bus stop at this or an alternative location in close proximity where feasible, once these concerns have been addressed. The QBN office has agreed that the reinstatement of the bus stop should be prioritised.

Q120. COUNCILLOR LOUISE MINIHAN To ask the City Manager what the delay is in getting a response to, (details

supplied), regarding a bathroom extension, I sent the application in months ago and have yet received no reply.

CITY MANAGER’S REPLY: Bathroom extensions are only provided on medical grounds under our

Scheme for Persons with Disabilities. To date no application has been received at our offices in relation to any proposed works of this nature at this tenant's home. It is necessary for this tenant to apply under our Scheme for Persons with Disabilities for a bathroom extension. The application must be supported by a completed medical certificate and will be assessed in due course. It must be noted, however, that no further works will be carried out under this scheme until the extent of any future funding has been established in 2010. It is not possible to give any further information in this case until the application form has been received, assessed, approved and a medical priority awarded, if appropriate. Q121. COUNCILLOR LOUISE MINIHAN To ask the City Manager to arrange for a meeting with himself all the

Councillors in the Ballyfermot/Drimnagh Ward to discuss the funding issue of


the Base Centre in Ballyfermot and that it would be held within the next two weeks. CITY MANAGER’S REPLY: The Executive Manager would be happy to meet with the Councillors to discuss the funding issues regarding the Base.

Q122. COUNCILLOR LOUISE MINIHAN To ask the City Manager to arrange for the front door to be replaced, the

boiler to be checked, the leak in the ceiling to be fixed and for the broken pipe out the back to be fixed which keeps causing blockages at, (details supplied).

CITY MANAGER’S REPLY: The Area Maintenance Foreman called to this dwelling on a few occasions

but was unable to gain access. Contact details were left for the tenant. To date no contact has been made by the tenant. The Area Foreman will make arrangements to have the necessary repairs carried out, on contact from the tenant.

A member of our Heating Section will call to this dwelling in relation to the reported fault with the boiler. Q123. COUNCILLOR CLARE BYRNE To ask the City Manager how many Council household tenants are there

currently in Dublin City; how much money has been taken in rent for the period 2007-2008, and how much is in arrears?

CITY MANAGER’S REPLY: (i) There are 24,222 live accounts. (ii) 2007 €74,691,830 and 2008 €74,496,543 (iii) The rent arrears for live accounts at 22/11/09 is €21,878,840.26

Q124. COUNCILLOR CLARE BYRNE To ask the City Manager what is the current proposal for the newly developed

apartment complex on Thomas Davis Street; has the development levy been received by DCC; what are the future plans for these properties; will they be considered under the new scheme to offer affordable units to people on the housing list? CITY MANAGER’S REPLY: The development at Thomas Davis Street West has not been completed to date and cannot proceed to completion until the outstanding Development Levies are paid to the Planning Department. The levies have not been paid to date. When the development is practically completed the affordable apartments will be purchased by Dublin City Council and will be offered to applicants from the Affordable Housing panel.

Q125. COUNCILLOR CLARE BYRNE To ask the City Manager the plans to deal with the serious problem of rat

infestation in Oliver Bond House; if the sewers and drains will be overhauled to alleviate the problem for residents.


CITY MANAGER’S REPLY: The Area Maintenance Officer has confirmed that work is currently being carried out between No's 59 and 61 of this flat complex. The slabs have been lifted and areas of the underneath ground where the pipes are laid will be filled, as it is believed this is the entry point for the rats. This work is expected to be completed within the next week.

Q126. COUNCILLOR CLARE BYRNE To ask the City Manager how much money has been received by DCC for

planning application fees for the period 2007-2008m and 2008-sept 2009. CITY MANAGER’S REPLY: The money received by Dublin City Council for planning application fees is as follows:

2007 €3,713,575 2008 €3,906,698 Sept. 2009 €1,507,702

Q127. COUNCILLOR AODHÁN O RIORDÁIN To ask the City Manager to report on the proposed allotment scheme in St.

Anne's Park, Raheny. When will the allotments be ready for use by the public, how can people apply for one of the plots, and to give a description of the design and facilitates that will be available when the allotments are open for use.

CITY MANAGER’S REPLY: At present no allotments are available for use to the public in St. Anne’s Park. The proposed site is being currently cleared of debris and salvaged material accumulated over the years and the necessary infrastructure for the proposed allotment use is being put in place, water supply paths systems and soil assessment. It is expected, weather and ground conditions permitting, to have the pilot allotments available to the public in St Anne’s Park in Spring 2010. It is intended to provide 40 – 45 allotments of 80m2 at this location, subject to available resources. Sharing of plots will also be considered. As indicated in the original design and layout it is proposed to provide a central pathway with intersecting lateral paths dividing the area into square lots which are subdivided into the plots. It is also proposed to provide a lock up area for tools and a central pavilion to give the opportunity for those working the allotments the opportunity to gather and interact. It is also proposed to provide a central community garden with input from the Parks & Landscape Services staff. As the scheme progresses, it is proposed to provide polythene tunnels to allow for the propagation of seeds and early crops. In line with sustainability, car parking will not be provided. However, a set down area will be available to allow for the pickup and delivery of tools and produce.


This project was prepared before the present economic downturn and the necessary resources may not be immediately available to provide all facilities at once. However, the plots will be available for gardeners in Spring 2010 with the project being incrementally developed over time. Discussions have begun within Culture Recreation and Amenity Department, regarding a system of allocation. It is proposed that the method of selection/allocation of the available allotments will be presented early in 2010 to the North Central Area Committee. Those interested in the scheme can contact the undersigned and consideration of this interest will be given when the method of allocation has been decided.

Q128. COUNCILLOR MANNIX FLYNN Can the Dublin City Manager make representation to acquire the property of

Thomas Reads ‘The Cutlers’ Parliament Street, Dublin 2, the oldest shop in Dublin City today, with the view to handing it to Temple Bar Cultural Trust to enhance the Cultural Identity of Dublin City as an International Cultural Destination.

CITY MANAGER’S REPLY: The Development Department is aware of the rich historical aspects of this building. Unfortunately no money is available at present to purchase this premises. The building is a protected structure and Dublin City Council will depend on its legislative powers to ensure its unique history is respected into the future.

Q129. COUNCILLOR MANNIX FLYNN Can the Dublin City Manager remove the bus shelter at the top of Clanbrassil

Street outside Bu-Ali Indian Restaurant (28 Clanbrassil St, Lower). This bus shelter is a gathering point for Criminal and anti-social behaviour. It is continuously vandalised and it causing great inconvenience and needless anxiety to the nearby elderly residents and furthermore is causing visual obstruction and hindering the trade of the nearby restaurant Bu-Ali Tandoori.

CITY MANAGER’S REPLY: The South East Area has contacted Dublin Bus in relation to this issue and will contact the Councillor directly once a reply is received.

Q130. COUNCILLOR MANNIX FLYNN Can the City Manager as a matter of urgency and priority begin a

maintenance programme for the houses in Golden lane? Since the construction of those dwellings the windows are in state of delapidation and are causing the tenents untold grief and extra payments on their heating bills.

CITY MANAGER’S REPLY: There is no Planned Programme of Maintenance or Window Replacement for Golden Lane. However if an individual tenant wishes to report a maintenance request or repair, this will be investigated, and any required repair carried out.


Q131. COUNCILLOR MANNIX FLYNN Will the Dublin City Manager ensure that appropriate language and

descriptions are used when referring to communities that are in the Dublin City Council tenancy. Recently an article appeared in the ‘FirstPost’ Dublin City Council publication referring to the community at Fatima mansions in a derogatory manner. The language that was used was stigmatising and labelling and is a grossly unfair representation of that hard working community and its residents.

CITY MANAGER’S REPLY: Firstpost is a fortnightly staff newsletter which is circulated to all staff and elected members of Dublin City Council. The Councillor refers to a paragraph referring to the opening of the new F2 Neighbourhood centre at the site of the old Fatima Mansions. This paragraph was used to showcase the transformation of the area due to the five year programme of improvement works. No offence was intended to the community of Fatima or its residents. It is the aim of Communications Section to ensure that appropriate language is used in all articles in Firstpost.

Q132. COUNCILLOR PAUL MCAULIFFE Following a request by the Finglas division of the Irish Senior

Citizens Parliament, can the Manager investigate the possibility of, (details supplied)?


A report has issued to the Councillor. Q133. COUNCILLOR PAUL MCAULIFFE Following a request by, (details supplied 1), can the Manager consider,

(details supplied 2).

CITY MANAGER’S REPLY: There is no funding available at present to install railings at, (details supplied).

Q134. COUNCILLOR PAUL MCAULIFFE Following a request by, (details supplied 1), can the Manager ask BRL to

investigate the following, (details supplied 2)?

CITY MANAGER’S REPLY: The ESB box is ESB's property and they should be consulted. The Area Manager will write to the ESB with the request and will inform the Councillor when a reply is received.

Q135. COUNCILLOR PAUL MCAULIFFE Following a request by, (details supplied 1), can the Manager investigate

how pedestrians may be better accommodated at, (details supplied 2)?


CITY MANAGER’S REPLY: Previous counts taken at this junction show that pedestrian volumes were low and do not meet the warrant for the introduction of pedestrian lights. It was recommended that pedestrian refuges should be provided on the existing roundabout, subject to survey and technical considerations. This work was to be included in the 2009 Minor Works Programme. However due to budgetary constraints this has been put on hold pending funding.

Q136. COUNCILLOR JOAN COLLINS I have been contacted by a number of people from Wallace Road and their

concern over the speed that cars are going while they are shortcutting through the estate. They are requesting additional ramps to be placed at the Bunting Road junction opposite the shops, Harty Avenue and Wallace Road. Will the Manager investigate same with the view to providing these ramps?

They have also requested if trees could be planted on the road?

There is an additional problem of cars parking on the footpath on Cromwellsfort Road, obstructing the view of divers while attempting to exit Bigger Road (continuation of Wallace Road) Will the Manager advise if there is anything that can be done to resolve this issue?

CITY MANAGER’S REPLY: The request for additional speed ramps has been referred to the Traffic Advisory Group. The Councillor will be informed of the recommendations of the group when these are available. The reported problem of illegal parking on Cromwellsfort Road has been referred to the parking enforcement contractor Dublin Street Parking Services (DSPS) for inspection and enforcement action to be undertaken as necessary. The Traffic Department will also carry out an inspection of this area in relation to illegal parking and report directly to the Councillor. Planting of trees on this road is not possible due to the presence of overhead services and narrow footpaths.

Q137. COUNCILLOR JOAN COLLINS Is the Manager aware of this Act (extract supplied) and if so has the Manager

secured this funding to provide taxi rank space in Dublin City and will the Manager inform me of the specific spaces provided? If the funding has not been sourced, will the Manager immediately investigate accessing this funding? There is certainly potential to utilise present car park spaces for extra taxi ranks, this funding could offset loss of money from car parking fees. The city desperately needs more taxi ranks to cater for the huge numbers of extra licences been issued by the regulator and also 100's of taxi drivers are been prosecuted in courts for plying for hire while queuing to get onto ranks.

CITY MANAGER’S REPLY: The City Council is aware of this provision in the Taxi Regulation Act 2003.

The Executive Manager, Roads and Traffic Department wrote to the Commissioner for Taxi Regulation in December 2003, requesting that the Commission contribute to the cost of providing new taxi ranks in Dublin City.


The Commissioner replied that the Commission will consider this provision when guidelines are available for the provision of taxi ranks nationally.

The Commissioner has since engaged consultants to prepare these guidelines and following consultation with local authorities these guidelines are expected to be issued in 2010.

Q138. COUNCILLOR JOAN COLLINS

Will the Manager organise a waste collection for householders who did not receive a collection on Tuesday the 24th of November, due to the solid support from Council workers for the strike action, or inform householders as to what they should do with the extra 2 weeks waste that will build up before the next due collection? Has the Manager contacted the workers with any arrangements to deal with same? CITY MANAGER’S REPLY: Waste Management Services did not carry out any bin collections throughout the Dublin City Council area on Tuesday 24th November 2009 due to industrial action on that day. Our staff will collect any extra bags of waste which are presented for collection on Tuesday 8th December 2009, the next due collection date for these householders.

Q139. COUNCILLOR JOAN COLLINS Can the Manager give a report in relation to gates that have appeared in the

laneway backing the houses on Bunting Road?

CITY MANAGER’S REPLY: The public right of way was extinguished by the City Council on the section of laneway contained within the new gates following a request from local residents. As part of the extinguishment process the proposer of the request indicated that there would be gates erected following the extinguishment of the public right of way to prevent further anti-social behaviour and dumping.

Q140. COUNCILLOR BRID SMYTH Why is the Manager engaging consultancy services (we believe of a Sir

Kenneth Knight from Britain), to survey the operations of Dublin Fire Brigade and what are the total costs to the Council of this consultancy exercise? Given that the government has recently called for an end to the use of consultants by public services, does the the Manager consider this engagement appropriate and will the Manager consider an alternative less costly review of Dublin Fire Brigade?

CITY MANAGER’S REPLY: By agreement with the Dublin Local Authorities, the City Manager has requested the services of Sir Ken Knight, Chief Fire and Rescue Advisor, U.K. Government to provide a strategic overview of Dublin Fire Brigade with particular emphasis on areas such as resources, cost, manning levels, training etc. At this stage only the initial brief has been issued and no financial arrangements have been discussed. Mr. Knight commenced his career in the Fire Service in 1966 and has wide experience of all aspects of the Fire Service. At a senior level he has served as Assistant Chief in London, Chief Fire Officer of Dorset and West Midlands


Fire Service before returning to London in 2003 as London’s Fire Service Commissioner. In 2007 he was appointed as the first Chief Fire and Rescue Advisor to the U.K. Government. I am satisfied that the engagement of Mr. Knight is entirely appropriate and his review will provide guidelines as to the strategic direction which should be taken by Dublin Fire Brigade in line with developments internationally.

Q141. COUNCILLOR BRID SMYTH Can the Manager guarantee this Council that all efforts will be made to

ensure that the waterways around the city of Dublin are maintained and cleaned to enable rain and flood to flow as freely as possible? Can the Manager further ensure that all drains are maintained and kept free from blockage to secure homes, businesses and public buildings and keep them as safe as possible from the risk of flooding? Will the Manager provide a report to this Councillor of the Council resources in these areas?

CITY MANAGER’S REPLY: It is the policy of the City Council to maintain the waterways in the city of Dublin to reduce the risk of flooding. The Drainage Division has an ongoing schedule of foul and storm water sewer cleaning and river maintenance. Despite this, blockages will occur for various reasons and these are attended to promptly when reported. The resources deployed in the area of sewer and river maintenance are as follows: Supervision/ Investigation etc:

1 no. Senior Executive Engineer 2 no. Area Engineers (1 Southside, 1 Northside) 1 no. Assistant Engineer 2 no. Area Inspectors (1 Southside, 1 Northside) 1 no. Gully Cleaning Inspector 1 no. Assistant Inspector General Operatives: Sewer Cleaning 33 no. Operatives Gully Cleaning 13 no. Operatives River Cleaning 10 no. Operatives Plant: 6 no. Jet Vacs – Sewer Cleaning, attending to blockages etc. 4 no. Gully Cleaning Machines – Gully Cleaning 3 no. Minijets – Attending to blockages etc. 5 no. Pickup Trucks – Gully Cleaning 6 no. Route Cars – Investigation, Maintenance etc. In addition the Drainage Division provides an after hours on-call service for dealing with emergency callouts. The resources deployed for this service are - 1 on-call Inspector - 4 no. General Operatives - 1 no. Jet Vac, 1 no Route Van


Q142. COUNCILLOR BRID SMYTH The hoarding at the entrance of the old Lyons tea site was pulled down a

couple of weeks ago. Will the Manager ensure that the owners properly secure the site?

CITY MANAGER’S REPLY: The hoarding was originally positioned inside the building line and therefore the site owners did not require a hoarding permit from Dublin City Council. The site is privately owned and the matter of securing such a site rests with the owners. The Crumlin Area Office has informed the owners of this site that a section of the hoarding has been removed and has asked that it be replaced as a matter of urgency.

Q143. COUNCILLOR KEVIN HUMPHREYS To ask the Manager when is it proposed to start the flood defences along the

Liffey to protect City Quay, Westland Row and Pearse Street area on the southside and the Financial Services, Sheriff Street, Mayor Street and Castleforbes on the Northside.

CITY MANAGER’S REPLY: The detailed design and planning stages of the South Campshire Flood Protection Project are now underway and are being managed by Dublin City Council Environment and Engineering Department. The scope of the project has been increased to ensure that full protection is provided to the areas in question. Funding is being provided from the Office of Public Woks and Dublin City Council. Following detailed consultation with relevant experts it has been decided to obtain Planning Approval by preparing an Environmental Impact Statement and submitting this to An Bord Pleanála in accordance with Sect. 175 of the Planning and Development Act 2000. It is hoped to have the EIS submitted by the middle of 2010 and, if approval is forthcoming, inviting tenders later in 2010 with construction to take place in 2011.

In relation to the Northside, the Spencer Dock Sea Lock was completed in 2009 and is being tied into the required levels on North Wall Quay /Guild St. and the National Convention Centre early in 2010. This project is designed to protect the East Wall and Sheriff Street areas from coastal flooding. In relation to the IFSC and Mayor Street the risk levels are lower due to adjacent quay levels. However, it is proposed to erect additional defences at the quay wall opening opposite the Custom House in 2010 subject to available funding. The hazard of pluvial flooding will be addressed through the Flood Resilient Cities Project.

APPENDIX B: MINUTES OF CITY COUNCIL MEETING HELD ON 7th DECEMBER 2009 LOCAL FUND FINANCIAL STATEMENT

LOCAL GOVERNMENT ACT 2001

26th September to 30th October 2009

Balance Debit 93,067,187

Payments during period 131,136,734Receipts during period 142,028,761Difference Credit 10,892,027

Balance Debit 82,175,160

The above analysis sets out the movement between payments and receipts over the period 26th September to 30th October 2009. Total receipts amounted to €142.0m with payments of €131.1m, leaving a net Receipts difference of €10.9m. Analysis of Revenue Receipts & Payments October 2009

Receipts % This period 30/10/2009 31/10/2008 Payments % This period 30/10/2009 31/10/2008

,000 ,000 ,000 ,000 ,000 ,000

Rates 23.24% 18,386 280,016 263,866 Payroll 43.26% 41,249 407,466 401,216Other Housing Receipts 9.18% 7,258 74,315 82,844 Contractor Payments 5.37% 5,122 28,168 33,975Gov Grants Rev. 16.33% 12,918 74,644 73,435 Local Authorities 0.60% 576 20,046 28,850Water/Refuse 3.24% 2,561 28,733 28,839 Grants 4.51% 4,300 23,901 27,105Local Gov Fund 6.83% 5,405 62,318 100,838 Rent/Rates 1.54% 1,468 33,205 24,210Pension Levy 2.26% 1,790 12,809 0 Fees Payable 0.53% 508 9,591 10,049Traffic/Car Parks 3.80% 3,004 24,616 24,039 Overheads 3.28% 3,131 22,088 33,437Clamping 0.54% 429 4,067 3,984 Computer Purch/Maint 1.16% 1,104 11,255 10,681Local Authorities 12.85% 10,165 87,808 83,474 Contributions 7.65% 7,293 44,675 37,978Superannuation 1.70% 1,346 12,524 10,417 Utilities 2.17% 2,073 18,943 27,703Other Debtors 13.15% 10,398 49,373 37,347 Vehicle Equipment Hire 1.35% 1,284 12,531 17,010Planning Fees 0.30% 239 2,154 4,255 Equipment Vehicle/Materials2.39% 2,279 23,973 30,914City Estate Rental 0.32% 253 3,190 4,197 Waste Disposal 1.31% 1,253 10,153 21,296NPPR 4.54% 3,593 3,593 0 Stores 1.52% 1,447 11,836 16,499Administration 1.71% 1,354 12,022 15,724 Personal/Property Awards 4.24% 4,042 11,905 16,258Total Receipts 100.00% 79,099 732,183 733,260 Site Clearance 0.54% 516 9,803 12,372

Installations 0.95% 904 4,139 9,212Relocation of Utilities 0.24% 229 602 493

Insurance 0.05% 44 5,170 5,486Clamping 0.45% 429 7,849 7,990Administration 0.32% 303 4,459 6,191Other Creditors 16.44% 15,675 104,015 0Legal fees 0.12% 115 3,851 0Total Payments 100.00% 95,346 829,626 778,923

Revenue receipts for the period amounted to €79.0m .Government Grants Receipts of €12.9m include €7.4m re Homeless Policy Grants, HEGS €1.5m and VEC €3.1m. Receipts of NPPR monies in October Amounted to 3.6m.

Revenue Payments for the period were €95.3m.

Included in the Revenue Payments is €41.2m for Payroll .

43%

8%5%1%5%

3%

35%

Revenue Payments

Payroll

Contributions

Grants

Waste Disposal

Contractor PaymentsOverheads

23%

13%

16%9%

4%

3%

7%

25%

Revenue Receipts

Rates

Local Authorities

Gov Grants Rev.

Housing Rent

Traffic/Car Parks

Water / Refuse

Local Govt Fund

Other Receipts

APPENDIX B: MINUTES OF CITY COUNCIL MEETING HELD ON 7th DECEMBER 2009 Analysis of Capital Receipts & Payments October 2009

Receipts % This period 30/10/2009 31/10/2008 Payments % This period 30/10/2009 31/10/2008

,000 ,000 ,000 ,000 ,000 ,000

Mortgage Discharge 7.20% 4,530 13,837 14,564 Contractor Payments 51.91% 18,579 174,573 392,383Government Grants Cap.62.60% 39,396 256,819 335,177 Land/House Purchase 4.44% 1,589 53,405 163,821Other Public Bodies 1.38% 866 8,331 5,424 Consultancy 3.95% 1,415 22,918 26,035Planning Contributions 3.00% 1,890 14,073 28,852 Loan Charges/Redemptions39.70% 14,209 137,192 143,678Loans Received 12.04% 7,576 134,438 179,308Sale of Sites/Apartments13.78% 8,672 51,464 126,476Total Receipts 100.00% 62,930 478,963 689,800 Total Payments 100.00% 35,791 388,087 725,918

Capital Receipts for the period amounted to €62.9m. Government Grants of €39.4m relate to housing projects. Capital Payments amounted to €35.8m.Loan Redemptions of €14.2m relate to monies repaid to the HFA for Affordable Housing.

52%

4%

40%

4%

Capital Payments

Contractor Payments

Land/House Purchase

Loan Redemptions

Consultancy

MAJOR SOURCES OF INCOME (Jan-Oct 2009)

Housing Rents Domestic Refuse Metered Water

Debtor as @ 1/01/09: 13,939,639 32,249,422 20,206,535 Income Raised 62,428,516 10,821,565 17,614,767 Receipts 60,163,109 13,198,093 16,760,446 Bad Debts - - 1,821,214 Debtor as @ 28/08/2009 16,205,046 29,872,894 19,239,641 % Collection 78.78% 30.64% 46.56%

Kathy Quinn

Head of Finance

63%7%

12%

1%3%

14%

Capital Receipts

Government Grants Cap.Mortgage Discharge

HFA Loan

Other public Bodies

Planning ContributionsSales of Sites

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