County Council Meeting
Motions 12th October 2009
Ties with Local Authorities in the Developing World
The following motion was MOVED by Councillor N. Richmond WITHOUT DISCUSSION:
“That the Manager through Irish Aid or a recognised NGO ties Dún Laoghaire-Rathdown County Council with a Local Authority (or Local Authorities) in the developing world for the purposes of training, skills exchange and potential worker exchange programmes.”
The following report of the Manager, copy of which had been circulated to the Members, was NOTED:
“No efforts have been made to tie the Council with Local Authorities in the developing world. The Council is twinned with Anglesea in Wales and Brest in France and it has a friendship agreement with Izumo in Japan. Funds for twinning arrangements have been reduced this year and in the current climate there is unlikely to be any funding available for such a project. However, the decision to link with another local authority is ultimately one for the OP& P Committee.”
Full Planting & Pruning Schedule for the County
The following motion was MOVED by Councillor N. Richmond WITHOUT DISCUSSION:
“That the Manager provides a full planting and pruning schedule for the County?”
The following report of the Manager, copy of which had been circulated to the Members, was NOTED:
“This will be presented at the November Area Meetings.”
Questions 12th October 2009
Measures to Prevent Bonfires
Question: Councillor N. Richmond
“To ask the Manager what steps are being taken in advance of this year’s bonfire season to implement measures to prevent bonfires in the County?”
Reply:
“The Water and Waste Services and Environment and Culture Departments have established an inter-department working group along similar lines to that which operated successfully in 2008.
The focus of the working group is on awareness raising, intercepting waste streams destined for the Hallow’een bonfires and removing any waste deposited on open spaces.
A bulky household waste collection is being provided in a few selected areas in an effort to remove this waste stream from being supplied for burning in bonfires.
Advertising is being placed in local papers and magazines, giving information about the dangers of bonfires as well as help line numbers to which the public can report stockpiling of bonfire materials and bonfires.
Newsletters about the dangers associated with bonfires will also be circulated to schools, and local residents associations as well as estate management areas. Tyre companies in the County will be written to about the need to regularly remove waste tyres off-site and to store internally and securely pending removal by an authorized waste collector. A number of these companies will be subjected to a follow-up visit.
Litter Wardens/Enforcement staff will visit businesses in a number of locations including industrial estates throughout the County – to target externally stored waste that could end up in bonfires if not secured. The feasibility of deploying CCTV at a number of sites is being examined.”
EU Water Framework Directive
Question: Councillor N. Richmond
“To ask the Manager for a report into how the Council are implementing the EU Water Framework Directive?”
Reply:
“The EU Water Framework Directive 2000/60/EC is being implemented across Europe and commits all member states to preventing deterioration and achieving at least good ecological status in all rivers, lakes, estuaries, coastal and ground waters by 2015 (target). The island of Ireland has been divided into eight river basin districts and a River Basin Management Plan has been developed for each. The plan is the latest in a series of documents implementing the Directive.
The Draft River Basin Management Plan for the Eastern River Basin District was issued on 22nd December 2008 for a 6 month period of public consultation. The submissions received on the draft plan have been reviewed and incorporated into the final plan. This plan describes the actions that are proposed to ensure the necessary protection of our waters over the coming years. It sets out the pressures on the water bodies and the aims and objectives of improving the water quality and the ecology in the waters by means of a Programme of Measures. Public participation has been a major component of the work leading up to the development of the plan. Many public meetings have been held at various stages of the process and presentations have been made to Council, SPC’s and local Area committees.
The Competent Authority specified in Article 3 of the EU Water Framework Directive 2000/60/EC in relation to the Eastern River Basin District is the “twelve constituent relevant Local Authorities acting jointly “with Dublin City Council as Coordinating Authority for the purposes of the Establishment of Environmental Objectives and Programmes of Measures and the Making of the Eastern River Basin Management Plan.
A motion is being proposed at this meeting to adopt the plan and Programme of Measures for the Eastern Region Basin District.”
Mobile Phone Charges
Question: Councillor N. Richmond
“To ask the Manager how much was spent on mobile phone charges for Council officials, members and staff in the year 2008?”
Reply:
“The Council spent an overall figure of €164,971 on mobile phone charges for Council officials, members and staff in the year 2008.”
Group Schemes for Council Mobiles
Question: Councillor N. Richmond
“To ask the Manager what, if any, business group schemes for mobile phones are the Council contracted to?”
Reply:
“The Department of Finance has established the first ever national framework for the supply of mobile voice and data services plus associated products and associated services.
On the 25th June, 2009 DLRCC sought quotations under this framework from the two qualified vendors, Vodafone and O2 Ireland.
Following an examination of DLRCC’s levels of mobile phone usage and following consultation with the Department of Finance, DLRCC decided to split it’s tender into high and low end users and sought quotations for same.
Vodafone offered the best tariff rate for the high end mobile users and O2 Ireland offered the best tariff rate for the low end users. This contract has been accepted for a duration of 18 months.”
Non-Principle Private Residents Payments
Question: Councillor N. Richmond
“To ask the Manager how many payments have been received in lieu of the introduction of the Local Government (Charges) Act 2009 which introduced a €200 annual charge for the owners of non-principal private residences?”
Reply:
“The Local Government (Charges) Act 2009 has introduced a €200 annual charge for the owners of non – principal private residences. The charge applies to owners of second homes e.g., private rental property, holiday homes and vacant residential property, unless newly built but unsold and forms part of the trading stock of a business.
Payment of the charge was due by the 30th of September with a late payment fee of €20 per month applying from the 1st of November with the month of October constituting a grace period prior to the imposition of the late payment fee.
Section 10 of the Act provides for the delegation of certain functions by Local Authorities to the Local Government Computer Services Board and in that regard the Board has developed, on behalf of all Local Authorities, a single payments database to which all payments are directed, and where all payments are recorded, in respect of the charge.
The Board has confirmed to the Council that, in respect of this authority, total payments received pertaining to the charge to the 1st of October, the latest date for which payment details are available, amounted to € 1,076,400 representing payments in respect of 5382 properties.
The income from this charge will remain with Local Authorities for the current year and is in compensation for a reduction in the Local Government Grant. It is not clear what will happen in future years.”
Dundrum Planning, Transportation and Waste & Water Services Meeting
Questions 28th September 2009
Legal Status of Temporary Roads Depot in Marley Park
Question: Councillor N. Richmond
“To ask the Manager the legal status according to zoning of the temporary roads depot located within Marlay Park off College Road?”
Reply:
“The temporary roads depot in Marlay Park off College Road replaced a temporary halting site at the same location. It is exempt from planning as it is below the financial threshold for part 8”.
Traffic Measures for Safe Exit from College Park and Delbrook Estate
Question: Councillor N. Richmond
“To ask the Manager, what measures apart from the installation of a digital speed display can be taken in order to allow traffic exit safely from both College Park and Delbrook Estates?”
Reply:
“The Traffic Section propose to undertake a speed and volume count shortly on the Section of the Ballinteer Road between the roundabout at Ballinteer Avenue and the roundabout at Brehonfield Road to determine the extent of traffic issues on this section of roadway.
Apart from digital speed display, repeater speed limit signage and greater Gardaí enforcement of the existing speed limit, which should aid vehicles exiting from Colege Park and Delbrook Estates”.
Results of Traffic Review on Glencairn Rise
Question: Councillor N. Richmond
“To ask the Manager for the results of the traffic section’s review of the need to install an additional speed ramp just before the bend on Glencairn Rise leading down from Glencairn Copse, The Gallops in the interest of safety?”
Reply:
“The Traffic Section have not undertaken any review, to date, of the need for the installation of additional speed ramps in The Gallops Estate, Leopardstown.
However, it should be noted that speeding is a Garda Enforcement matter”.
Completion of Road Maintenance Works at Pine Valley
Question: Councillor N. Richmond
“To ask the Manager to instruct the roads maintenance section to complete the resurfacing works on the road and footpath outside (address supplied)?”
Reply:
“There are old trenches in the road and footpath at this address which were never properly reinstated. This will be done next week”.
Replacing of Screen Planting Trees to the rear of College Park
Question: Councillor N. Richmond
“To ask the Manager to replace the screen planting trees uprooted by M50 concessions to the rear of College Park along the M50 slip road leading to the Sandyford Business Park with trees of a similar age, number and species as soon as possible once the appropriate works have been carried out?”
Reply:
“The motorway upgrade tender documents for the M50 PPP contract requires the contractor, in this area, behind College Park, to “Protect and retain where feasible existing planting inside CPO boundary. Reinstate with general or screening low-canopy woodland where disturbed or removed”.
The EIS for the M50 upgrade project required that a 4m Environmental noise barrier be provided in this area along the back of the footpath on the Green Route behind College Park.The motorway contractor will be constructing a 4m high timber noise barrier (with steel posts) in this area as per the EIS requirements.
The provision of the 4m high Environmental noise barrier will help to mitigate for the loss of screening which the trees, which had to be removed, had provided, and the barrier will reduce noise levels to the houses in College Park. The bank where the trees had been planted slopes down steeply to the rear wall of the houses in College Park. Parks Department, in similar situations, have always advised that new planting be with young trees, as larger trees do not survive on steep slopes”.</AI39>
Plans for Tig Mo Croi House on Glenamuck Road
Question: Councillor N. Richmond
“To ask the Manager what are the Council’s plans for the Council owned house and site known as Tig mo Croi on the Glenamuck Road?”
Reply:
“The property was acquired by the Council to facilitate the construction of the Glenamuck Link Distributor Road and the provision of ”Suds” Pond for both road and part development drainage as included in the approved S49 Supplementary Development Scheme. In addition it can facilitate future provision of both an alternative access to the Wayside Celtic Lands as the existing access will be cut off by the proposed Road infrastructure and future access to LAP Plot No.27 within which a school site has been designated in the LAP. In the interim it is intended to demolish the buildings on safety grounds and a temporary accommodation for the Travelling community has been provided in a corner of the site”.
Motions 28th September 2009
Report on Taken in Charge of Druid’s Valley
It was proposed by Councillor N. Richmond and seconded by Councillor L. McCarthy
“That the Manager would provide a full report into the taking in charge process of Druid’s Valley development in Cabinteely.”
The following report was CONSIDERED:-
“Building Control has carried out a joint inspection with the developer on the roads and services in the recent weeks. The developers have been given a final list of works to be done in relation to the roads and services. The developer has a workforce on site and has confirmed that all works will be done in the coming weeks. The developer has completed outstanding works on the public lighting installation and he is meeting Parks Departments to agree a contribution towards the costs of outstanding works on public open space associated with this section of the development. A section of the local distributor road from the roundabout on Wyattville Link Road to Druid Avenue to provide access to the estate is included in the road network to be taken in charge. Building Control will complete the taking in charge documentation and bring a recommendation to the Council to take the roads, services and public open space in charge on the completion of outstanding works by the developer. Enforcement proceedings will continue to be pursued if the developer does not make satisfactory progress on the list of works to be done.”
Councillor L. McCarthy requested that the grass area be maintained.
The report was NOTED.
Pedestrian Access to LUAS Line B1
It was proposed by Councillor L. McCarty and seconded by Councillor Richmond
“That the Manager will make every effort to ensure pedestrian access to Luas Line B1 will be available to residents in Stepaside Park, Cruagh Manor and Wingfield regardless of planned development going ahead.”
The following report was CONSIDERED:
“The proposed access from these developments to provide a link to the Ballyogan Road and Luas Line B1 Stop “Leopardstown Valley” will be via the Clay Farm development (Planning Application D06A/0531). That development was given permission by the Council on 27th March 2007 and that Decision was appealed by third parties to An Bord Pleanala. An Bord Pleanala subsequently upheld the grant of permission in their decision Ref.PL06D.223029 on 2nd April 2008 and which included a condition that provided a link to Stepaside Park and hence to Cruagh Manor and Wingfield Estates. A Compliance Certificate for Planning Ref D06A/0531/C1 was issued by the Council on 08-Jun-2009but work has yet to commence on site and with the current uncertainty in the market, there is no certainty whether it will commence imminently within the life span of the permission (10 years). Hence, although the link is provided for in the various planning permissions its delivery is uncertain and there is no mechanism for the Council to provide it themselves other than by CPO etc and there are no allocated resources for such at this time. It is also unlikely that the link will be opened early in the eventual development of (Reg.Ref.D06A/0531) as this will impose health and safety risks on the developer concerning the public passing through a building site and without occupation of the development there will be no passive security available via the route- however all of this can be explored with the developer once construction commences”.
The Manager will investigate and write to Parks Department.
The Motion was AGREED.
Clearing of Rubble and Restoration of the Corner of Glenamuck Road
It was proposed by Councillor N. Richmond and seconded by Councillor L. McCarthy
“That the Manager would clear the rubble and restore the corner of Glenamuck Road and Enniskerry Road (R117) to its previous condition.”
The following report was CONSIDERED:
“The rubble will be removed in the next two weeks and the area will be left as we found it. It would appear that this ground belongs the HSE”.
The Motion was NOTED.
County Council Meeting
Questions 14th September 2009
Samuael Beckett Civic Centre
Question: Councillor N. Richmond
“To ask the Manager to report on the current status of the proposed Samuel Beckett Civic Centre in Ballyogan?”
Reply:
“A report on the progress of the proposed Samuel Beckett Civic Centre will be brought to the next Dundrum Area Committee Meeting.”
Dundrum Environment & Culture Economic Development & Community and Housing Area Committee meeting
Questions 7th September 2009
Pruning of Trees along Brehon Field Road
Councillor N. Richmond
“To ask the Manager to prune the trees along Brehon Field Road in particular those surrounding the 16 bus stop outside Kingston Estate on the Southern side as well as those coming from the rear of Ballintyre on the Northern side?”
Reply:
These areas have been listed for attention and works will be carried out over the coming weeks.
Commencement of Pruning
Councillor N. Richmond
“To ask the Manager to prune the trees outside (address supplied) and to indicate on what date these will be pruned?”
Reply:
The trees are semi-mature birch trees which do not require any pruning at this time.
Replacing of Trees on College Road
Councillor N. Richmond
“To ask the Manager to replace the approximately thirty or so dead trees on College Road opposite Marlay Park?”
Reply:
There are trees to be replaced on College Road which are listed for planting during the next planting programme. It isn’t intended to implement a planting programme in the Marlay area this year (Autumn/Winter 2009/2010) as there is a significant amount of pruning works to be implemented which are a priority at present and which we intend to focus on during the upcoming season. They will be listed for planting when resources permit.
Motions 7th September 2009
Replacing of Boulder with a Kiss Gate along Orby Drive
It was PROPOSED by Councillor Richmond and SECONDED by Councillor Joyce
“That the Manager would replace the existing boulder with a kiss gate on the fencing leading on to the path along Orby Drive across from Orby View, Leopardstown Valley”
The following report of the Manager was CONSIDERED
This gate will be listed for consideration in the 2010 Special Works Programme.
After a brief discussion during which L. Moore responded to Members queries, the report of the Manager was NOTED.
Installation of Kiss Gate to Replace Black Gate at Grange Road
It was PROPOSED by Councillor Richmond and SECONDED by Councillor Hand
“That the Manager would install a kiss gate to replace the out of date black gate that provides access from the Grange Road onto Pine Valley Park.”
The following report of the Manager was CONSIDERED
This is on our works programme and will be attended to within the next three months.
The Report of the Manager was NOTED.
County Council Meeting
Questions 6th July 2009
Flag of the European Union
Question: Councillor N. Richmond
“To ask the Manager why the flag of the European Union is not flown in this Council Chamber?”
Reply:
“It is the practice of the Council to display both the Irish and the County Council flags in the Council Chamber.”
Full List of New Housing Estates and Developments
Question: Councillor N Richmond
“To ask the Manager to provide a full list of new housing estates and developments waiting to be taken in charge by the Council and indicate when these new housing estates and developments can be expect to be taken in charge?”
Reply:
“Report on Taking in Charge of Estates
Quaterly Report – End of March ‘09
Estates to be Taken in Charge during the year 2009/Sep Council Meeting Agenda
| BC 1299 | CABINTEELY GREEN, CABINTEELY |
| BC 1412 | LEOPARDSTOWN RISE, SANDYFORD |
| BC 1296 | BRIGHTON PLACE, FOXROCK, |
| BC 1463 | GLENBRAE COURT AVENUE, SHANKHILL |
| BC 1361A | WILLOW COURT, LOUGHLINSTOWN |
| BC 1414 | GRANGEFIELD, RATHFARNHAM |
Estates where Taking in Charge recommendations are being finalised; 2009
| BC 1395 | CARRICKMINES WOODS, CARRICKMINES |
| BC 1480 | KELSTON STILLORGAN |
| BC 1420 | THE RAMPARTS, LOUGHLINSTOWN |
| BC 1493 | BELARMINE, STEPASIDE |
| BC 1485 | THE VILLAGE ROAD, AIKENS VILLAGE, SANDYFORD |
| BC 1316 | STRADBROOK HALL, BLACKROCK |
| BC 1321 | Ballybride, Lordello Road |
Estates where required works are nearing completion-2010
| BC 1361 | DRUID VALLEY, CHERRYWOOD |
| BC 1409 | PAVILION GATE, CARRICKMINES |
| BC 1058 | CHURCHLANDS, SANDYFORD |
| BC 1473 | RIVERSFIELD/ ROCKFIELD, DUNDRUM |
| BC 1477 | CRUAGH MANOR, STEPASIDE |
Estates where final Taking in Charge works are being agreed with the Developers
| BC 1216 | BRENNANSTOWN VALE, FOXROCK |
| BC 1485A | AIKEN’S VILLAGE Ph1 Area 6 Grianan Fidh, SANDYFORD |
| BC 1485B | AIKEN’S VILLAGE Ph2 Area 1 Clon Brugh, SANDYFORD |
| BC 1485C | AIKEN’S VILLAGE Ph3 Area 4 Cluain Shee, SANDYFORD |
| BC 1488 | TICKNOCK HILL, SANDYFORD |
Estates where required Taking in Charge works are in progress
| BC 1518 | BRENNANSTOWN, CABINTEELY |
| BC 1545 | OLCOVAR, SHANKHILL |
| BC 1548 | THE RECTORY, STEPASIDE |
Estates where little progress has been made in completion of listed Taking in Charge works, Enforcement Proceedings initiated/to be initiated;
| BC 1475 | YELLOW NOOK, JOHNSTOWN ROAD, CABINTEELY |
| BC 0547 | OLD RATHMICHAEL, RATHMICHAEL |
| BC 0808 | FERNDALE RISE, RATHMICHAEL |
| BC 1636 | SWYNNERTON (BRIGHTON SQUARE), FOXROCK |
| BC 1507 | SIMONS RIDGE, SANDYFORD |
| BC 1326 | FERNDALE HILL, RATHMICHAEL |
| BC 1408 | STONEMASON’S GREEN, RATHFARNHAM |
| BC 1478 | KILGOBBIN WOOD, SANDYFORD |
| BC 1476 | CAIRNFORT, STEPASIDE |
| BC 1379 | STEPASIDE PARK, STEPASIDE |
Surveys completed and lists of Taking in Charge works sent to the Developer;
| BC 1566 | CAIRN BROOK, CARRICKMINES |
| BC 1564 | BEECHPARK DUPLEX PHASE, STILLORGAN |
| BC 1605 | CLAREMONT, CARRICKMINES |
| BC 1488 | TICKNOCK HILL, SANDYFORD |
| BC 1498 | SPORTS SCIENCE CENTRE (DISTRIBUTOR ROAD) |
| BC 1324 | PARKVIEW, STEPASIDE |
Estates where Taking in Charge surveys to be undertaken;
| BC 1508 | TULLYVALE (CONTINUATION OF DISTRIBUTOR ROAD) |
| BC 1683 | BANK OF SCOTLAND SITE, CHERRYWOOD |
| BC 1582 | PENRYN, CARRICKMINES |
| BC 1551 | WOODPARK, BALLINTEER |
| BC 1592 | ELMFIELD, SANDYFORD |
The list above is a comprehensive programme of all the old and newly completed estates it is proposed to take in charge over a period of time. The completion of remedial works in older estates is dependent on adequate funding being committed to the Taking in Charge programme.”
List of Works before New Estates can be Taken in Charge
Question: Councillor N Richmond
“To ask the Manager to provide a list of works still needed to be carried out before these Housing Estates and Developments can finally be taken in charge?”
Reply:
“Reply to Council question No. A24 gives details of the various stages of taking in charge of housing estates in the County. A list of outstanding works where applicable will be forwarded to the Councillor, when the Councillor supplies details of the relevant estates.”
Discussions with Dublin Bus
Question: Councillor N Richmond
“To ask the Manager what discussions he has had with Dublin Bus in relation to cuts in services implemented and cuts in services expected in the County?”
Reply:
“Discussions are commencing with Dublin Bus to address the implemented and anticipated cuts in bus services in the County. An update on these discussions will be brought to a future Council meeting.”
Twinning of Dún Laoghaire-Rathdown with a Local Authority in the Developing World
Question: Councillor N Richmond
“To ask the Manager if any efforts have been made to tie Dún Laoghaire-Rathdown County Council with any Local Authorities in the developing world?”
Reply:
“No efforts have been made to tie the Council with Local Authorities in the developing world. The Council is twinned with Anglesea in Wales and Brest in France and it has a friendship agreement with Izumo in Japan. Funds for twinning arrangements have been reduced this year and in the current climate there is unlikely to be any funding available for such a project. However, the decision to link with another local authority is ultimately one for the OP& P Committee.”
