SOUTH EAST AREA COMMITTEE MEETING – 11th JANUARY 2010

185. Minutes of Meeting held 14th December 2009

186. Questions to Dublin City Manager

187. Roads & Traffic Matters

i. Minutes of the Traffic Advisory Group held on 10 th December 2009

188. Planning Matters

i. Application Number: 4526/09Application Type: PermissionApplicant: The Sisters Of St. LouisLocation: St. Louis High School, And Charleville House, Charleville Road, And 1, Grosvenor Road, Rathmines, Dublin 6Proposal: Development comprising the redevelopment of lands at St. Louis High School and Charleville House, Charleville Road , and No. 1 Grosvenor Road, Rathmines, Dublin 6. The proposed development consists of the following: (a) Demolition of no. 1 Grosvenor Road and of Cuisle, a former chapel located adjacent to Charleville House. The existing copper spire from Cuisle( c. 15m high) is to be reused in the proposed public park. (b) Consrtruction of a new stand-alone 4-storey convent building incorporating 25no. one bedroom residential units, together with communal areas of c. 345m2 in total. These include a communal recreation room, a room for workship and storage area: (c) Relocation of the existing St. Louis Grotto to a new location in the private garden associated with the new convent building. (d) Construction of a new 2-storey Sports Hall in the north west corner of the site comprising a Department of Education specification 600m2 PE hall, changing facilities storage and two flexible use classroom areas; total is c. 1047m2 (e) Construction of 86 no. residential units in buildings of 4 storeys and 5 storeys in height (The 5th storey is set back in all cases). These buildings will contain 17 no. 1 bedroom apartments 48 no. two-bedroom apartments, 2no. three-bedroom apartments and 19 no. three bedroom duplexes. Of the 86 units, 6 will be reserved for the exclusive use of the Order of the Sisters of St. Louis. These units will be located in Block D which is the closet one to Charleville House: (f) Construction of 2 no. units on the ground floor level of the Block A. These will have a floor area of 105m2 and 160m2 respectively. One of these units is to be designated for community orientated users, and the other is to be a unit for cultural/recreational use. G) provision of a new basketball court (510m2) on site of a former tennis court to the rear of the St. Louis High school, including part refurbishment of the boundary fence in this location and part new 2.4m high boundary walls including retention of gate access on to the lane of Grosvenor Place together with a new decked recreational area with attractive landscaping and seating. (h) Creation of an area of public open space at the junction of Wynnefield Road and Charleville Road. This is to contain a children's play area, with equipment. (i) Private open space throughout the development is provided for all residential units in the form of private gardens, or balconies/terraces or roof terraces. (j) Provision of 83no. car parking spaces below a landscaped podium level and a further 18 no. surface car parking spaces to the front of Charleville House (15 spaces already exist in this area). (k) Vehicular access to the development is to be taken from Charleville Road via three access points. One is the existing entrance to Charleville House and will be used to access the convent buildings only, the second is the existing entrance to the school which will be used to access the new sports hall and the existing school buildings. The third is a new access formed onto Charleville Road opposite no. 15 Charleville Road. The new access will provide access to the below podium car parking level. All associated site development works, landscaping items the removal of sections of the existing stone wall along Cahrleville Road and the reduction in height of other sections of the wall

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together with all other boundary treatments are also included in this appliocation. A masterplan for the entire landholding accompanies the application. All proposed works are to take place on a site od c. 1.45 ha.

ii. Addition of St. Clare’s Convent, Harold’s Cross, Dublin 6 to the record of protected structures in accordance with Section 54 and 55 if the Planning and Development Act, 2000.

189. Development Matters

I. Derelict Sites Quarterly Report.

190. Culture, Recreation & Amenity Matters

i. Proposed Tree Felling January 2010

191. South East Area Matters

i. With reference to a proposal to initiate the procedure for the extinguishment of the Public Right of Way of laneway at Park Lane East, adjacent to 206 Pearse Street, Dublin 2.

ii. Area Managers Report

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Motions

. Motion from Councillor Mary Freehill Upper Fitzwilliam Street is empty of cars on Saturdays, in the interest of encouraging more people into the city, this committee proposes that on Upper Fitzwilliam Street disc parking runs from Monday to Friday.

. Motion from Councillor Edie Wynne That a disabled parking space be made available adjacent to the entrance St Louis primary Louis on Leinster Road and at Williams Park because, of the 660 pupils attending the school, a number have disabilities and at the moment often have too long a walk to get into school; there is no parking available in the school grounds.

. Motion from Councillor Edie Wynne That a pedestrian crossing be installed on Terenure Road East, a recommendation that was made by a coroner’s jury following an inquest into a road death.

. Motion from Councillor Mary Freehill Would the Manager please report to the January meeting on the progress on my motion asking for a conservation order to commence on Boundary Walls at Charleville Rd/St Louis Convent and Bessborough Parade/Church car park.

. Motion from Councillor Jim O’Callaghan This Committee calls upon the city manager to detail the number of prosecutions for graffiti in the area of this committee in the preceding year (2009) and the outcome of those prosecutions.

. Motion from Councillor Jim O’Callaghan This Committee calls upon the city manager to assess whether speed ramps can be introduced onto Sandymount Avenue, Dublin 4 because of the speed of traffic, the narrowness of the footpaths and the prevalence of children using the footpaths.

. Motion from Councillor Jim O’Callaghan This Committee calls upon the city manager to implement 24 hour restricted parking on St. Kevins Road, Dublin 8 which is the only road in the area not to have such a restriction and which consequently is generally unavailable for parking by residents.

. Motion from Councillor Jim O’Callaghan This Committee calls upon the city manager to introduce facilities along the northern bank of the Grand canal for the removal and disposal of dog droppings.

. Motion from Councillor Eoghan MurphyThis Committee calls for a step or break to be added in the wall opposite Star of the Sea B.N.S on the Strand Road to allow teachers and children to access the adjacent green area with ease. This committee further calls for the introduction of pedestrian lights at this point to facilitate safe crossing of the road during school hours.

. Motion from Councillor Eoghan MurphyThis Committee calls on the Manager to ensure that the art classes currently held upstairs in Rathmines library are resumed upon the library’s reopening.

. Motion from Councillor Eoghan MurphyThis Committee calls on the Manager to examine the road junction where Marlborough Road, Merton Drive and Sandford Close meet Sandford Road. This is a busy junction with much confusion at peak times.

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. Motion from Councillor Eoghan MurphyThis Committee requests that a meeting be arranged with representatives of the Ranelagh traders, Councillors and City officials to explore how the Council can support the efforts already being made by the Traders to improve the village and its environs.

. Motion from Councillor Eoghan MurphyThis Committee agrees to consider the continuation of an arts grant to the theatre company THISISPOPBABY; the company recently won the Arts Category of the David Manley Emerging Entrepreneurship Awards.

. Motion from Councillor Dermot Lacey This Committee requests a costing for a drainage system to be installed at the small (middle) football pitch in Herbert Park.

. Motion from Councillor Dermot Lacey The Committee while congratulating the staff of the City Council for organizing the various Christmas tree lighting ceremonies (in the South East Area) agrees to discuss how these could be improved in future years.

. Motion from Councillor Edie Wynne To request that a safety audit be done on the centre road markings on Bushy Park Road and also adjacent to the Orwell Road/Zion Rd junction as the centre road markings push traffic to the sides adjacent to three schools where many pupils cycle to school.

. Motion from Councillor Mannix Flynn This committee calls on the City Manager to publish a full list of ‘rights of way’ in the South East Area and also to publish a full list of those ‘right of ways’ that have been extinguished in the last 5 years.

. Motion from Councillor Mannix Flynn Call on the City Manager to publish all details of past use of area committee discretionary funds for the past 3 years. Also to publish all grants given to community initiatives and programmes in the South East Area. That to include all monies garnished from infrastructural building projects and community gain schemes.

. Motion from Councillor Mannix Flynn In light of the recent media coverage relating to housing and allocations this committee calls on the city manager to publish all relevant material in relation to the internal investigations conducted by Dublin City Council to the South East Area Committee Councillors.

. Motion from Councillor Catherine NooneThat the Manager addresses and resolves the ongoing problem of dog dirt along the footpaths in the Ringsend area, paying particular attention to Thorncastle Street.

. Motion from Councillor Catherine Noone

To ask the Manager Manager to fix the large pothole at the corner of Pearse St and Tara St outside the old Fireworks Nightclub.

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SOUTH EAST AREA COMMITTEECOISTE CHEANTAR AN OIRDHEISCIRT

MINUTES OF MEETING HELD ON14th DECEMBER 2009

ORDUITHE A DEINEADH AN COISTE14th NOLLAIG 2009

Councillor Oisin Quinn chaired the meeting from item 146 to 149. Councillor Edie Wynne replaced Cllr Quinn in the chair at item 150 to 185.

146. Presentation on DART Underground ProjectOrder: Noted. Copy of presentation to be circulated to all Councillors.

147. Minutes of Meeting held 9th November 2009 Order: Agreed.

148. Questions to Dublin City Manager Order: Noted.

149. Planning Matters

i Application Number: 4269/09Application Type: PermissionApplicant: The Board of Trinity College DublinLocation: Site Between, 183, Pearse Street, & Pearse Street Railway Bridge, & Re-development Of Luce Hall, Trinity College, Dublin 2Proposal: PROTECTED STRUCTURE-Permission for the re-development of Luce Hall and its extension onto Pearse Street to provide for circa 4400sqm of student facilities. The development will comprise: The erection of a four storey over basement redbrick frontage to Pearse Street with a set-back terrace at third floor level containing Society Rooms, Library and Student Bar. The reconfiguration of Luce Hall (1979) to include a new mezzanine floor and to provide student union and outreach facilities with a new atrium. A glazed roof light to 21m high, entrance canopy and new glazing and signage to Luce Hall. The removal of the existing wall and railings along Pearse Street. All on a circa 0.195ha site adjacent to 183 Pearse Street (protected structure, Item 6649) and the Pearse Street railway bridge, Pearse Street, Dublin 2.Order: Recommend refusal.

ii Georges Quay Draft Plan Order: Defer to February 2010 meeting.

150. Roads & Traffic Matters

i. Minutes of the Traffic Advisory Group held on 19th November 2009

Order: Noted.

151. Culture, Recreation & Amenity Matters

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ii. Proposed introduction of pay and display parking in car parks at Sandymount Strand

Order: Report agreed. Further report required.

iii. Telescopes on Sandymount PromenadeOrder: Report agreed. Councillor Flynn requested that his objection to this proposal be noted.

152. South East Area Matters

i. Area Managers ReportOrder: Noted. Report on Rathmines Square taken in conjunction with Item 163.

ii Naming of new development at Lower Rathmines Road, “Pavilion View / Radharc an Phillliuin” Order: Agreed.

iv. With reference to a proposal to initiate the procedure for the extinguishment of the Public Right of Way at Glendenning Lane, Dublin 2.

Order: Agreed to initiate procedure.

v. With reference to a proposal to initiate the procedure for the extinguishment of the Public Right of Way at Adair Lane, Dublin 2.

Order: Agreed to initiate procedure following a vote. Cllrs Lacey, Freehill & Wynne voted for the proposal. Cllrs O’Callaghan, Flynn & Murphy voted against the proposal. As chair Cllr Wynne had the casting vote and voted to initiate procedure.

Motions

The following Emergency Motion was proposed by Cllr. Edie Wynne and Cllr. Eoghan Murphy, and agreed by the Committee.

“To ask the Manager to intervene to halt the construction of the Poolbeg Incinerator immediately as the pre-construction planning conditions have not been fully complied with.“

153. Motion from Councillor Dermot LaceyTo ask the Manager if she could clarify the following matters relating to the “Boulevard” leading to Herbert Park and in front of the Herbert Park Hotel:

Who owns the piece of property?

What action has been taken to protect in full the Right of Way clearly in existence since the completion of the construction and stemming from the Right of Way that existed since the previous walkway along the Johnston, Mooney and O’Brien bakery leading into the Park and towards Donnybrook?

What planning permission exists for use of this space for car parking?

What steps the Council is taking and will take to vindicate this area as a Pedestrian route only.Order: Report to Councillor. Cllr Noone declared an interest in this as Solicitor for the owner of the hotel.

154. Motion from Councillor Dermot Lacey This Committee requests that the Manager would extend the permit parking scheme in Estate Avenue, Merrion Road as requested in the attachment submitted with this motion.Order: Report to Councillor.

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155. Motion from Councillor Dermot Lacey This Committee requests a report from the Manager on what snagging issues remain to be dealt with arising from the Precinct Improvement Scheme for Beech Hill Villas and in particular when is the excessive seepage from the concourse onto the main road going to be tackled and resolved.Order: Report to Councillor.

156. Motion from Councillor Dermot Lacey To ask the Manager if she will arrange for the presentation by the Architect (Mr. John O’Neill) that was previously approved by the South East Area Committee in relation to Sandymount Strand to be made to the Committee.Order: Report to Councillor.

157. Motion from Councillor Dermot Lacey Recognizing the huge need for additional Social/Affordable housing this Committee requests the Manager to conduct an audit of lands in either public or semi-public ownership that may be suitable for either direct delivery or voluntary sector delivery of same within the Dublin South East area.Order: Report to Councillor.

158. Motion from Councillor Dermot Lacey This Committee agrees to consider the creation of a suitable local memorial to mark the holding of the office of Taoiseach by local TD the late John A Costello.Order: Report to Councillor.

159 Motion from Councillor Kevin Humphreys That the Manager arrange for the trees in front of 35 to 46 City Quay be pruned and where necessary removed.Order: Report to Councillor. Moved by Cllr Lacey.

160. Motion from Councillor Kevin Humphreys That the Manager arrange for no dumping signage be erected at the end of the ramps in City Quay as there is a on going problem with illegal dumping in this area.Order: Report to Councillor. Moved by Cllr Lacey.

161. Motion from Councillor Kevin Humphreys That the Manager give a full report in relation to the Portobello Harbour Review and when will the large sign be removed.Order: Report to Councillor. Moved by Cllr Lacey.

162. Motion from Councillor Mary Freehill That a residential disc parking scheme be prepared for Drummond Place, Dublin 6.Order: Report to Councillor.

163. Motion from Councillor Mary Freehill In order to help the process of developing a Management Company for the Rathmines Leisure Centre, that a committee comprising Officials and local Councillor be formed immediatelyOrder: Report to Councillor. Taken in conjunction with Rathmines Square on the Area Managers report.

164. Motion from Councillor Oisin Quinn This Committee calls on the Manager to agree to install a zebra crossing at the entrance to Alexandra College on Richmond Avenue South opposite the barrier that has been installed. There are a significant number of school children that cross the road at this point. This crossing would also improve safety for people using the Milltown Luas station and help encourage all pedestrians to cross at this point which assist motorists.Order: Report to Councillor. Moved by Cllr Wynne.

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165. Motion from Councillor Jim O’Callaghan This Committee calls upon the City Manager to fill in the potholes and resurface Belgrave Road (that part going around the church, and Orchard Road (up by Palmerston Road).Order: Report to Councillor.

166. Motion from Councillor Jim O’Callaghan That in light of the introduction of disc parking along Fitzgerald Street, that steps are taken by the Council to ensure that the residents of Drummond Place, Dublin 6 have available parking adjacent to their houses. Order: Report to Councillor.

167. Motion from Councillor Jim O’Callaghan That this Committee calls upon the City Manager to enquire why what appears to be an unauthorised development i.e. a goods lift at the back of Superquinn, 32-38 Ranelagh, is being permitted to remain; and whether any steps are being taken to enforce the planning laws.Order: Report to Councillor.

168. Motion from Councillor Catherine Noone To ask the Manager to give an update on progress with regard to the setting up of a Boxing Club in the Whitefriar / Inner city area.Order: Report to Councillor.

169. Motion from Councillor Jim O’Callaghan That this Committee seeks information from the City Manager as to whether or not particular planning laws and/or licences are required for shops which are set up to sell herbal drugs and if so, what are the planning requirements?Order: Report to Councillor.

170. Motion from Councillor Maria ParodiTo ask the Manager for a full report on George's Quay Area Plan.Order: Report to Councillor.

171. Motion from Councillor Maria ParodiTo ask the Manager the level of professional and/or consultancy fees incurred to date in respect of the proposed incinerator at Poolbeg and the companies and/or individuals who have been paid these sums.Order: Report to Councillor. Moved by Cllr. Lacey

172. Motion from Councillor Maria ParodiTo ask the Manager if every effort can be made to ensure that the trees at the back of the houses along Ringsend Park and along the drain are pruned annually.  Order: Report to Councillor. Moved by Cllr. Lacey

173. Motion from Councillor Maria ParodiTo ask the manager for a full report on what repairs have been carried out in Glovers Court in relation to the query I raised at the October area committee meeting.  Order: Report to Councillor. Moved by Cllr. Lacey

174. Motion from Councillor Eoghan MurphyThis Committee requests that at least one additional bin collection day be provided, for all forms of waste, to households in the area over the Christmas period. Order: Report to Councillor.

175. Motion from Councillor Eoghan MurphyThis Committee commends the Waste Management Division for its efforts and efficiency in clearing leaves from roads and footpaths over the Autumn period.

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Order: Agreed.

176. Motion from Councillor Eoghan MurphyThis Committee calls on the Manager to secure funding and install pedestrian lights across the top of Chelmsford Road (Ranelagh Road end) immediately given the recent accident at this junction and the fact that lights have already been recommended for this location.Order: Report to Councillor.

177. Motion from Councillor Eoghan MurphyThis Committee requests that the disabled parking space outside 25 Beechwood Avenue Lower be removed. As the Council is aware, the person for whom the space was provided passed away more than 18 months ago. Order: Report to Councillor.

178. Motion from Councillor Eoghan MurphyThis Committee requests that the Manager investigate the cause of and resolve the constant pooling of water at the corner of Nutley Lane and the Stillorgan Road. Order: Report to Councillor.

179. Motion from Councillor Catherine NooneTo ask the Manager to have gullies on Pearse Grove, but particularly the gully outside No. 7, cleared as there is a serious risk of flooding.Order: Report to Councillor.

180. Motion from Councillor Catherine NooneTo ask the Manager to repair the section of footpath on Claremont Road from the YMCA grounds to Sandymount Green which are buckled and uneven. Order: Report to Councillor.

181. Motion from Councillor Catherine NooneTo ask the Manager to reduce the speed limit on Claremont Road.  Some residents believe the limit needs to be reduced due to the fact that the road is narrow and winding for two way traffic.Order: Report to Councillor.

182. Councillor Mary Freehill Would the Manager please inform us on what progress is being made to put "pedestrian" signage on the Tow Path along the Grand Canal, especially at Portobello because of the number of cyclists is a danger to pedestrians. If there is a difficulty in getting this done then I request a meeting with Waterways Ireland.Order: Report to Councillor.

183. Councillor Mannix FlynnCan this committee call on the City Manager to call on the Garda Siochana to target those individuals who are causing malicious damage to property by spray painting and ‘tagging’ entire buildings. These acts are not creative nor should they fall under a heading of ‘anti-social’, they are causing hundreds of thousands of euros of criminal damage and it is now time to address this organised criminal activity seriously.Order: Refer to next meeting of the South East Area Joint Policing Committee.

184. Councillor Mannix FlynnThat this committee calls on the City Manager to ensure that the cultural activites at Temple Bar as well as the Cultural facilities are made available to the entire community and community groups under the remit of DCC. And to ensure that all area committee meetings are given reports on Temple Bar Cultural Trusts activities.Order: Report to Councillor.

185. Councillor Mannix Flynn

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Call on the City Manager to issue alert warnings to residents of Dublin City in relation to the upsurge in burglaries and thefts from homes. In some instances thieves have gained entry to homes posing as Dublin City Council workers. Dublin City Council needs a crime awareness campaign.Order: Report to Councillor.

Councillor Oisin Quinn

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ChairpersonDated 14th December 2009

Attendance

MembersCouncillor O. Quinn (in the chair)Councillors: D. Lacey, E. Wynne, M. Freehill, E. Murphy, C. Noone, M. Flynn, J. O’Callaghan, K. Humphreys, M. Parodi

OfficialsE. Brady, Area Manager, South East Area.F. Lambe, Assistant Area Manager, South East AreaS. Moran. Assistant Area Manager, South East AreaE. Martin, Area Housing Manager, South East ManagerG. Geoghegan, Area Housing Manager, South East Area B. Neil, Senior Community Officer, South East AreaJ. O’Hara, Deputy Planning Officer, Planning Department F. Fahey, Executive Planner, Planning Department S. Reddington, Senior Engineer, Roads & Traffic DepartmentM. Noonan, Senior Executive Parks SuperintendentN. McDonnell, Senior Planner, Planning DepartmentP. McCann, Administrative Officer, South East AreaM. Ginnetty, Assistant Staff Officer, South East AreaM. Moriarty, Senior Staff Officer, South East AreaJ. Nugent, A/Staff Officer, South East Area

Non members Tom Rowley, Communications Manager, DART Underground Peter Muldoone, Project Manager DART Underground

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QUESTIONS TO DUBLIN CITY MANAGERSOUTH EAST AREA COMMITTEE MEETING, 14th DECEMBER 2009

Q1. Councillor Edie WynneTo ask the manager that steps be taken to make ‘constructive’ use of the green area between Rugby Villas and Swan Grove because, currently, it is often used for burning rubbish and is generally unkept and brings the appearance of the area down. 

Reply The future use and design of this area will be reviewed and a further report will be issued to Councillors in due course.

Q2. Councillor Edie WynneTo ask the Manager if a Yield sign be painted on the road, in the direction coming from Donnybrook village at the junction of Donnybrook Church, to make this sign more visible.

Reply This matter has been referred to the Traffic Officer for attention.

Q3. Councillor Dermot LaceyTo ask the Manager if she will arrange for representations to be made to the owner of the overgrowing hedges at the junction of St. Alban’s Park and Strand Road, Sandymount to be severely cut back as they presently constitute a danger to pedestrians and people with buggies.

Reply The owner of this property has been contacted on numerous occasions in relation to this issue. The hedge has recently been trimmed and is not overhanging to the degree that it often does. The owner has informed Road Maintenance that he cannot cut back the hedge any further as there are birds nesting in it and he will destroy this habitat (and thus leave himself open to prosecution from the wildlife authority) if he does.

Q4. Councillor Edie WynneTo request the Manager to have the rubbish and dirt removed from the top of Mount Drummond Ave because, this problem having been addressed previously, it is now recurring.

Reply The South East Area Public Domain crew carried out a comprehensive clean up of the area outlined on Friday the 11th of December.

Q5. Councillor Oisin QuinnCan the Manager arrange for Sallymount Avenue, Chelmsford Road and Chelmsford Avenue to swept clear of leaves which are causing a blockage to drains and increasing the risk of flooding and for regular street cleaning to be carried out?

Reply Waste Management Services had the leaves removed from Sallymount Avenue, Chelmsford Road and Chelmsford Avenue on Tuesday 8th December 2009.

Q6. Councillor Jim O’Callaghan To ask the City Manager when the premises at 43 Woodstock Court, Ranelagh, Dublin 6 (which has been vacant for nearly 12 months) will be allocated to an applicant on the housing list.

Reply This unit of accommodation was not available for allocation until recently. I can confirm that an applicant has been selected for the premises 43 Woodstock Court, Ranelagh, Dublin 6 under the Financial Contribution Scheme for older person’s accommodation and the allocation will be completed in the coming weeks.

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 Q7. Councillor Edie Wynne To ask the Manager what steps are being taken by Dublin City Council to address the anti-social behaviour that is causing such upset in the Rugby Villas/Rugby Rd/Oxford Rd/Swan Grove area.

Reply A public meeting was held recently with elected representatives, local residents and Gardai. The issues raised, including issues concerning anti-social behaviour will be followed up and a progress report will be issued to Councillors in due course.

Q8. Councillor Edie Wynne To ask the Manager to have the tree on the footpath outside no 27 Wasdale Park pruned.

Reply This tree will be pruned during the dormant season as part of our tree pruning work.

Q9. Councillor Edie Wynne To ask the Manager why (details supplied) is having difficulty being housed even though this person appears to be of good character and have the requisite points

Reply I can confirm that the applicant (details supplied) is currently on the City Council’s Housing List with 90 points for Area M (City Quay, Irishtown, Mount Street, Pearse Street, Ringsend, Donnybrook) and with 85 points for Area H (Ballybough, East Wall, North Strand, Sherrif St., Phibsborough, Summerhill, Dorset St./Dominick St.) and Area L (Clanbrassil, York Street, Rialto, Coombe/Maryland James Street, Kilmainhaim, Ushers Quay, Charlemont and Dolphin’s Barn.

These points are reasonable and the applicant (details supplied) may be reached with an offer of accommodation in the foreseeable future. When an applicant is reached for an offer of accommodation the appropriate Estate Management checks are carried out.

Q10. Councillor Jim O’Callaghan To ask the City Manager to assess the level of dampness in the Dublin City Council house (the details of which are attached):

Reply The Area Maintenance Foreman will carry out an inspection of this dwelling, and any necessary works will be carried out.

Q11. Councillor Jim O’Callaghan To ask the City Manager whether the front pathway of the person whose details are attached can be levelled in light of the fact that the occupier recently got a new hip and the pathway is dangerously uneven.

Reply The Area Maintenance Officer has confirmed that this work has been completed.

 Q12. Councillor Jim O’Callaghan To ask the City Manager whether any steps can be taken to accommodate restaurants on the Lower Rathmines Road which have recently been served with notice by Dublin City Council that the A-boards or blackboards they use to advertise their premises will be removed and/or the restaurants penalised.

Reply Advertising boards on the public pavement are a hazard to the visually impaired and persons with mobility problems, as well as people with children in buggies and pedestrians in general, and it is the policy of Dublin City Council to remove these boards following the issuing of a notice to the owner.

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Council officers monitor signs and owners are asked to remove the signs and are issued with a Notice of Offence under Section 71 of the Roads Act 1993. Section 71 provides, inter alia that any person who, without lawful authority or the consent of a road authority erects, places or retains a sign on a public road, or erects, places or retains on a public road any caravan, vehicle or other structure or thing (whether on wheels or not) used for the purposes of advertising the sale of goods, the provision of services or other similar purpose, shall be guilty of an offence. If the Notice is ignored or where signs routinely appear after previous Notices, the sign is impounded. Council officers issue Section 71 Notices and remove signs on a regular basis, and this action has been effective in ensuring that Ad Boards do not proliferate and generally become a public nuisance.

A large number of premises in the Rathmines area have placed Advertising Boards on the public pavement outside their premises. On October 8 th Notices were issued to a total of 19 premises, some of which had up to 3 ad boards outside their premises, greatly reducing pedestrian clearance on the footpaths. The majority of these premises have been issued with Notices in the past

Q13. Councillor Mary Freehill Sometime ago I asked that the serious dips in the footpath betweenHarold's Cross Bridge and Armstrong St. be repaired. This morning ESB haverepaired the corner of Grove Rd and Harold's Cross Rd. The two serious dipsbetween AMPM shop and Armstrong St. are still there. Already a woman had abad fall on one of these dips.

Reply Previous correspondence mentioned the road surface of Harolds Cross Road and was referred back to the Councillor for clarification. Two temporary reinstatements are located in the footpath outside the ESB substation on Harolds Cross Road. One of these is surrounding a Water services valve and is adjacent to an Eircom manhole.

Information has been sought from both the Water Services Division in Dublin City Council and Eircom in relation to this matter and the Councillor will be contacted as soon as this further information is received.

Q14. Councillor Catherine NooneTo ask the Manager to install CCTV cameras on this street (details supplied) to assist in the investigation of incidents of crime occurring along this street.

Reply The installation of on street CCTV cameras is a matter for the Gardai.

Q15. Councillor Kevin Humphreys Ask the Manager to reinstate Double Yellow Lines at Tritonville Crescent.

Reply This has been referred to the Traffic Officer for attention.

Q16. Councillor Dermot Lacey To ask the Manager what progress is being made on the previous agreement to widen the road/narrow the footpath on Wilfield Road, Sandymount to ease the traffic/access/parking problems.

Reply Trial holes to investigate the amount of services in the footpath at this location were listed in the works programme 2009. No such works were carried out as no money was available for any work in programme 2009. It is my understanding that no decision was reached regarding the feasibility practically or financially of widening the road and this decision was to be made following results of the trial hole investigation.

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The works programme for 2010 has not been decided on as yet and will be subject to availability of funding. The works for Wilfield scheduled for 2009 will be considered ( trial holes) for inclusion in 2010 but at this stage there is no guarantee that this work will go ahead.

Q17. Councillor Dermot Lacey

To ask the Manager if she can report on the total Housing application and transfer list for Dublin South East or Area M – whichever is the most appropriate.

Reply Dublin South East contains Areas M, N and part of Area L. The table below sets out the number of applicants included on each category of Housing List within Area M (City Quay, Irishtown, Mount Street, Pearse Street, Ringsend, Donnybrook) and Area N (Ranelagh, Rathimines, Terenure, Harold’s Cross) and Area L (Clanbrassil, York Street, Rialto, Coombe/Maryland, James Street, Kilmainham, Ushers Quay, Charlemont, Dolphin’s Barn).

List List Category Housing Area

M N LHousing List Homeless 37 25 99

Points 705 1322 1121Medical 27 25 18Welfare 10 2 11Other 2 0 4Total per area 781 1374 1253Overall Housing Total 3408

Transfer List Points 558 205 964Medical 38 8 57Welfare 20 4 37Other 14 10 49Total per area 630 227 1107Overall Transfer Total 1964

Overall Total for Housing and Transfer per area

1411 1601 2360

Q18. Councillor Dermot Lacey That the Manager would give a report on the various issues raised at the recent residents meeting of the Swan Grove, Oxford and Rugby Roads and adjacent area.

Reply The issues raised at the recent public meeting are being addressed and a comprehensive report will be issued to Councillors shortly.

Q19. Councillor Kevin Humphreys. Ask the Manager to make repairs to the road between 18 & 14 Seafort Gardens so that rain water flows into the gully as currently localised ponding is happening.

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Reply The uneven channel along Seafort Gardens is caused by a Water Division opening from 2007, the surface of which is slightly undulating and causing some ponding along the kerbline. The road surface is in good condition however, and the situation does not appear to be dangerous to the public.

Due to the current financial constraints, coupled with the fact that the road surface is in good condition, Road Maintenance has no plans to re-profile the surface of Seafort Gardens at this time. This department will monitor the ponding on Seafort Gardens in times of heavy rain to ascertain the extent of the ponding problems and may consider remedial action if the problem appears to be severe.

Q20. Councillor Kevin Humphreys. Ask the Manager the following in relation to the Waste to Energy facility on Poolbeg Peninsula.

Has a foreshore licence been granted?

Has permission been given for the construction of a water pumping facility?

Is the land to house this facility presently owned by the City Council or the Developer?

Will new planning permission be necessary as a result of the EPA's request for the latest technology be incorporated into the plant?

Is there any necessity for further purchase of land to facilitate the development at this location?

Reply

1. An application for a Foreshore Licence has been lodged and its issue is awaited. 2. Yes.3. Yes.4. No new permission is required as the EPA has already issued a licence ensuring best

available techniques are incorporated in the proposed Waste to Energy Plant. 5. No.

Q21. Councillor Kevin HumphreysAsk the Manager why after over a year requesting for the man hole cover adjacent to (details supplied) has not been replaced as promised and the small area at the corner not cemented to the rear of this Unit.

Reply The Area Maintenance Officer has confirmed that he has made arrangements to inspect the manhole and area to the rear of this dwelling within the next week, and all necessary repairs will be carried out.

Q22. Councillor Kevin HumphreysAsk the Manager for a yellow box at the junction of Sandwich Street and Boyne Street to allow residents to access and exit their homes. This has been previously been requested. When will the Traffic Advisory Group consider this request.

Reply The matter concerned has been referred to the Traffic Advisory Group. The Councillor will be informed of the recommendations of the group when these are available.

Q23. Councillor Kevin HumphreysAsk the Manager for the bin storage areas be power hosed on a regular basis in the small block in St Andrew's Court

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Reply The Team Leader of our Caretaking Service has confirmed that this bin storage area is washed on a weekly basis. However further monitoring will be carried out to establish if additional cleaning is necessary.

Q24. Councillor Edie Wynne. To ask the Manager to facilitate the provision of housing  (details supplied)

Reply I can confirm that the applicant (details supplied) is currently on the City Council’s Older Persons Waiting List with 24 points for Area K (Crumlin, Kimmage, Drimnagh and Walkinstown), Area M (City Quay, Irishtown, Mount St., Pearse St., Ringsend, Donnybrook) and Area N (Ranelagh, Rathmines, Terenure and Harold’s Cross). Unfortunately, as there are currently a number of applicants with much higher points still awaiting an allocation, it will be some time before the applicant will be reached with an offer of accommodation.

Q25. Councillor Edie WynneTo ask the manager to address a proposed breach of planning that has been reported to this Councillor (details supplied).

Reply Planning permission was granted on 13 August 2007 for a change of use of existing ground floor office to a café Condition 2 of the permission stated:

“The proposed Cafe shall not be used for the purposes hereby permitted before 8.00a.m. Monday to Friday and 9.00a.m. Saturday to Sunday and after the hour of 5.00pm Monday to Sunday.”

A complaint was received on 3 December 2009 that the café operator was advertising a proposed extension of operating hours. A Warning Letter pursuant to Section 152 of the Planning and Development Act 2000 issued on 4 December 2009 in respect of this proposed breach of the permission. The four weeks allowed for response to the Letter has not yet elapsed.

Q26. Councillor Edie WynneTo request the Manager to make arrangements for black bins to be collected on Lr Beechwood Ave that are constantly left out on wrong days and sit on side of road until the correct collection date, especially close to the Ranelagh village side of Beechwood Ave.

Reply The Litter Wardens have inspected Lower Beechwood Avenue on numerous occasions. They have knocked on doors but have not been successful in speaking to the holders of the waste containers. An information leaflet has been prepared and the Litter Wardens dropped it in to all dwellings in the area. It informed them of the collection day for each bin and that bins must be removed from a public place no later than 8pm on the designated collection day. These bins should be placed on the footpath directly outside of the dwelling and not on the roadway.

Q27. Councillor Edie WynneTo request regular cleaning of Lr Beechwood Ave as some refuse has been observed there by resident for 3 weeks now.

Reply Waste Management Services will ensure that Lower Beechwood Avenue is cleaned every Thursday after the refuse collection has taken place there.

Q28. Councillor Edie WynneFollowing the introduction of disk parking on Fitzgerald St and the consequent implications for nearby residents to request the Manager to conduct a plebiscite for disk parking on

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Drummond Place and the wider area and also to request the removal of DYL outside No 16 Drummond Place.

Reply The introduction of disc parking at Dummond Place has been referred to the Traffic Advisory Group. The Councillor will be informed of the recommendations of the group when these are available

The double yellow lines at number 16 are on the corner with Fitzgerald St and form part of the approved disc parking scheme for Fitzgerald St.

Q29. Councillor Kevin HumphreysThat the Manager give a full update on the outstanding issues in relation on the development at the junction of Magennis Square and Pearse House.

ReplyThere are 2 issues outstanding in relation to the development at the junction of Magennis Square and Pearse House.

Replacement of the granite kerb stone and replacement of a sign.

Granite kerb stone.The contractor for the works is currently finishing laying new granite kerbing along the front (Pearse St. side) of the development. The whereabouts of the original 450mm granite is the subject of a dispute at present between Dublin City Council and the Contractor. As Dublin City Council does not have sufficient quantities of antique granite kerbs to supply the full length of the development, the contractor is to supply new granite kerbstones for this location.

Magennis Place footpaths:

The contractor for the works removed such original 150mm antique granite kerbstones as were in situ along Magennis Place and returned them to DCC Road Maintenances South Side Paving Depot. Since there were not sufficient amounts of original granite kerbstones to pave the entire length of Magennis Place, new granite kerbing was used instead. DCC Road Maintenance has retained the original kerbstones for remedial use throughout the city.

Road Surface:

Bord Gais laid a new gas main along Magennis Place to serve the new development. The original cobblestones were removed by BGE and returned to Road Maintenance for reinstatement. This will be carried out over the coming months.

SignThe Architects for the development have informed this office that the demolition firm can find o trace of stone sign which was made in 2001. They have stated that they will arrange for a new stone sign to match the lost one to be made and will erect the new sign in accordance with the granted planning permission Reg Ref 3293/06. They have confirmed that the 1875 sign has been retained over the listed Georgian buildings at 52-54 Pearse Street and that the stone sign to the side laneway will read as per the original signage.

Q30. Councillor Mary Freehil

Would the Manager please state when the road signage for Grove Road will be erected, (motion asking for this a few months ago) currently there is no sign either at Harold's Cross Bridge and the one at Portobello is unreadable.

Reply Motion 3 of July 09 asked for the sign at Grove Road to be repainted. Due to the unavailability of a painter it has not been possible to do this work to date. Arrangements are being made at

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present to have the work carried out as soon as possible. The areas at Portobello and Harold’s Cross will be inspected and if necessary new signs will be provided.

Q31. Councillor Oisin QuinnCan the Manager ask the waste management department to deal with the concerns raised by (details supplied)?

Reply The issue raised in this question has been investigated. The local Supervisor detailed a van driver to clear the leaves on Moyne Road. The man would have gathered a number of piles and then pushed the piles between the parked cars so that he could shovel them directly into the van. During this part of the operation he had to stop the van on the road but had to move ig a number of times to allow vehicles to pass. The man was not aware that he left any pile uncollected. This error is regretted. If an incident such as this occurs in the future residents should contact the relevant Waste Management Depot and arrangements will be made to rectify the situation.

Q32. Councillor Oisin QuinnCan the Manager arrange for Road Maintenance to take steps to alleviate the ponding of water that is occurring outside 44 Merton Road due to the fact that rainwater that accumulates here cannot flow to the drains either North or South of this area due to rises in the road surface. Even some temporary alleviation should be done pending a proper road resurfacing in this area. 

Reply The road surface outside No. 44 Merton Road was re-profiled to improve drainage to the gully to the north of the property in October 2009. In addition to this, this location has been put on the 2010 works program for a gully installation outside No. 44. This work will be carried out during 2010 subject to Road Maintenance budget and Works Program being approved.

Q33. Councillor Oisin QuinnCan the Manager address the issues relating to the blocking of the shore outside (details supplied)?

Reply The Drainage Department has been in contact with the resident at (details supplied) and the matter is also being examined by the Roads Department. A further report will issue to the Councillor when more information is available.

Q34. Councillor Mannix FlynnWill the City Manager erect safety barriers on the Gran Canal Dock, in recent times there have been two drownings in this area. Children are at risk of falling into the water as there is no safety barrier. Could this be done as a matter of urgency as it is a constant

Reply The Councillors request has been forwarded to the Dublin Docklands Development Authority who have responsibility for this area.

Q38. Councillor Mannix FlynnCall on the City Manager to give a complete update on the proposals by DART underground and Metro North and their impact on Dublin City and the residential areas with particular reference to the South East Area and the impact that that infastructure will have. Residents in Dublin are confused as to what actually is happening not just around them and above them but underneath them.

Reply A presentation will be made by the DART Underground Project team at the December meeting. A briefing in relation to Metro North can also be arranged.

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Q39. Councillor Mannix FlynnCould the City Manager set up a review body to consider revoking the ban on off-licence sales of alcohol after 10.30pm. This law is a draconian measure introduced in the height of the boom binge drinking. It is no longer necessary. It is my belief that this particular law which bans wine which is regarded as a food stuff could be unconstitutional.

Reply Trading hours for off licence sales of alcohol is set by the Department of Justice, Equality and Law Reform, under the Intoxicating Liquor Act 2008. Dublin City Council has no legal powers to change this regulation, although the City Council did recommend that such a regulation on the off licence trading hours be introduced.

Q40. Councillor Maria ParodiTo ask the Manager to respond to the issues outlined in details supplied.

Reply The Area Maintenance Officer has confirmed that repairs have been carried out to the front door of this dwelling. This door was installed by the tenant, and will not be replaced by Housing Maintenance.

Q41. Councillor Maria ParodiTo ask the Manager to respond to the issues outlined in details supplied.

Reply Waste Management Services had the square behind the houses at (details supplied) inspected on the 8th December 2009 and it was found to be litter free. We will monitor this location to ensure that it is kept as clean as possible.

Q42. Councillor Maria ParodiTo ask the Manager if the island on Irishtown Road (outside the Primary Health Centre) can be cleaned and the build up of dirt and debris can be removed.

Reply Waste Management Services had the island on Irishtown Road ( outside the Primary Health Centre) cleaned on the 7th December 2009. The area will also be monitored by the South East Area crew and cleaned where required.

Q43. Councillor Jim O’CallaghanTo ask the City Manager whether any steps can be taken to ensure that the left hand side of Highfield Road, Rathgar, which has been left with six major potholes on it (as a result of works recently carried out by a contractor) can be resurfaced properly before the contractor leaves.

Reply The Mainlaying Department are investigating the matter and a response will be available before the end of this week.

Q44. Councillor Eoghan MurphyCould the Manager investigate the possibility of providing a disabled parking space outside [details supplied - 3 Northbrook Villas, Northbrook Road. I understand the lady in number 3 is blind but owns a car that her carer uses to drive her].

Reply This matter will be referred to our Traffic Administration Section for consideration. A number of criteria have to be met before this application can be considered and put forward for consideration by The Traffic Advisory Group.

The Department will be in direct contact with the resident of No. 3 Northbrook Villas to discuss.

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The general criteria that need to be met are as follows:

Applicants need to hold a current Primary Medical Certifiate as issued by the Health Service Executive.

Applicants also need to hold a current Disabled Driver’s Permit (Blue Badge) as issued by the Irish Wheelchair Association or the Disabled Drivers Association of Ireland.

There should be no off-street parking at the address of the applicant.

The vehicle must be kept permanently at the address of the applicant.

Q45. Councillor Eoghan MurphyCould the Manager use her good offices to remedy the rates situation regarding the (details supplied).

Reply Circular WSP1/08 provides that fixed water charges will apply to schools for the period 2007 to 2009 inclusive where the following applies:

The arrangements will apply to recognised primary, non-fee-paying secondary, community, comprehensive and vocational schools having their own service connection (i.e. schools not part of a larger institution such as a hospital).

If the school satisfies these criteria Dublin City Council will apply the fixed charge when confirmation is submitted by the school from the Department of Education.

Q46. Councillor Eoghan MurphyCould the Manager explain what obligations companies contracted to carry out work on infrastructure in the city have to residents in areas where they are working (notification, hours of operation, presence on private property, placement of equipment on private property, compensation for damage to private property, procedures for claiming compensation

Reply This issue is covered by a wide range of legislation etc and depends on the type of work, the location and many other factors such as planning conditions, road works control directives etc. If the Councillor has an enquiry in relation to a specific project a more detailed reply will be arranged of he contacts the South East Area.

Q47. Councillor Eoghan MurphyCould the Manager have the road marking works completed in the Milltown, as per a previous question on the matter.

Reply A more detailed time frame for this implementation will be sought from the contractor and the Councillor will be notified when this information is available.

Q48. Councillor Eoghan MurphyCould the Manager explain why is being pursued for FOGs charges when it does not discharge grease, oils or fats. An initial license was purchased, but by mistake.

Reply The food service establishment in question serves dishes such as Full Irish Breakfast, Breakfast Roll, Omlettes, Sausage rolls, Vol au vonts, Quiches all of which are considered FOG generating dishes.

As such it falls within the requirements of DCC’s FOG programme and is required to apply for a trade effluent licence and comply with the conditions therein.

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Q49. Councillor Eoghan MurphyCould the Manager state the Council’s position with regard to a request from residents to have the recycling facilities on Terenure Road North removed.

Reply The unmanned Bring Centre on Terenure Road North which plays a valuable role in the recycling infrastructure in the City, is used extensively by the public and there are no plans to remove the Bring Centre at this time.

Q50. Councillor Jim O’Callaghan.That this Committee requests information from the City Manager as to whether or not the lead pipes running through the kitchen of the person whose details are attached can be replaced with any assistance from the Council on the basis upon which the Council are directing the person whose details are attached to replace the lead pipes.

Reply Following a complaint of poor mainswater pressure from the householder at (details supplied), a crew from Water Services carried out excavation work on the 17th Nov. 09 on the inlet water service pipe to the premises. The Crew noticed that the water service pipe was lead within the property and in accordance with normal procedure,  a notice informing the householder that the water service pipe within their property was still the original lead pipe was served on the day.

The notice advises the householder that lead is long past its useful life and may be leaking within the property and that if they wish to replace the lead piping within their property, Water Services will make the necessary connection to the watermain  in the public area free of charge provided  the work is carried out within 2 months of the date of the notice. The notice does not instruct the householder to replace the lead piping, that is a matter for the householder, it simply advises them that they still have the original lead piping. Leaking lead pipes will also give rise to greatly reduced pressure within the premises.

In circumstances where a water service pipe within private property is in fact leaking , whether it is lead or some other material, the householder is instructed by notice from Water Services to repair the water leak within their property as soon as possible. If the internal water service pipe is lead they are advised to replace it in its entirety for the reasons already mentioned.

In relation to (details supplied), the householder is now in the process of replacing the internal lead piping in its entirety and as outlined above Water Services will now carry out, in the public area, the necessary connection work  to the main free of charge.

Water Services do not assist householders in the direct replacement of water services pipes within their private property.

Q51. Councillor Mannix FlynnHas the Dublin City Manager signed a contract with JC Decaux in relation to the wayfinding system as described in the Dublin City Council Pre-draft Development Plan.

Reply The “outdoor advertising and public amenities” contract between Dublin City Council and JC Decaux provides for a civic information system, a bike scheme and a wayfinding scheme for the City.

Both the civic information system and the Bike Scheme are now in operation.

In relation to the Wayfinding Scheme the Planning Department in conjunction with the Roads and Traffic Department is currently finalising the design of a directional signage system for pedestrians for the Inner City, extending from the Royal Canal to the Grand Canal and from the Phoenix Park to the interface with Dublin Docklands.

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The primary role of this pedestrian directional system is to provide a simple navigational tool for people using the city i.e. a walking tool, and forms part of an overall objective to make Dublin a walking city. In this regard, it will contain all essential local information that will help and encourage people to move around and explore the city.

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OFFICE OF THEDIRECTOR OF TRAFFIC

OIFIG AN BHAINISTEOIR TRÁCHTA

The following items for the South East Area were considered by the Traffic Advisory Group at its meetings on the 10th December 2009

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Parking Prohibitions

1 Creighton Street, Dublin 2.Reps for Double Yellow Lines on Creighton Street at the entrance to Windmill Lane Ltd.warehouse.Business Do229516RecommendedEast side from a point opposite property No.4, 11m south of LS No.2, southwards for 13m approximately as far as the Pay and Display road markings opposite property No.2.

2 Wilfield Road, Dublin 4.Double Yellow Lines on Wilfield Road, Sandymount.Dublin City Council Do242640RecommendedNortheast side from a point opposite common boundary of property Nos. 34/36 southeast 20m to junction with Wilfield Park.

3 Richmond Avenue South, Dublin 6.Reps to rescind 1 Pay and Display Parking Bay and install Disabled Parking Bay on Richmond Avenue South at Brookfield Court.Public Rep Do242634RecommendedWest side from a point 11m north of junction with Brookfield extending north for 6m.

4 Richmond Avenue South, Dublin 6.Reps to rescind Disabled Parking Bay and install double yellow lines on Richmond Avenue South at Brookfield Court.Public Rep Do242634RecommendedWest side from a point 5m north of junction with Brookfield extending northwards for 6m.

5 Rathgar Villas/Rathgar Avenue, Dublin 6.Reps for Double Yellow Lines at the junction of Rathgar Villas and Rathgar Road.Resident Do236918RecommendedOn Rathgar Avenue for 5m either side of the junction with Rathgar Villas.

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6 Milltown Road, Dublin 6.Reps for Double Yellow Lines on Milltown Road at entrance to Grove House.Resident Do236470RecommendedFor 5m north on the northside of the entrance and for 4m south on the southside of the entrance.

7 Harold's Cross Cottages, Dublin 6.Reps for Permit Parking on Harold's Cross Cottages, outside house No.s 100-104.Resident Do218312RecommendedAccepted at survey (Dec 09), hours Mon-Fri 07.00-19.00. 5 on register, 4 votes returned, 3 for, 1 against.

8 Waterloo Lane, Dublin 4.Reps to rescind the Double Yellow Lines outside No. 51, Waterloo Lane.Resident Do229915RecommendedEast side from the boundary between Nos. 53/51 for 5m northwards.

9 Northbrook Avenue, Dublin 6.Reps for Double Yellow Lines between No. 75 and No. 76, Northbrook Avenue, Ranelagh.Resident Do231509RecommendedWest side for 3m alongside the grass verge between property Nos. 75 and 76.

10 Warner's Lane, Dublin 6.Reps for extension of Double Yellow Lines on the east side of Warner's Lane, to opposite the rear of No. 40B, Dartmouth Square.Resident Do230407RecommendedEast side from a point 12m south of LS No.4 extending south for 7m (across the entrance to the rear of No.3 Leeson St Upper).

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Pay & Display/Permit Parking has been recommended at the following locations subject to the agreement of residents:

1) Simmonscourt Terrace, Dublin 4:

On the west side, from the northern boundary of No. 1, south to a point 2m north of the southern boundary of No. 14.

Double yellow lines are recommended on the east side, from a point 2m north from a point opposite the northern boundary of No. 1, south to a point opposite the southern boundary of No. 14.

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Conservation Section, Planning DepartmentCivic Offices, Wood Quay, Dublin 8

An Rannóg Caomhantais, An Roinn Pleanála agus ForbarthaOifigí na Cathrach, An Ché Adhmaid, Baile Átha Cliath 8

T. 01 222 3926 F. 01 222 2271

January 5th 2010

To the Chairperson and Members of the South East Area Committee

Addition of St. Clare’s Convent, Harold’ Cross, Dublin 6 – Mortuary Chapel, Main Convent Building and Chapels of St. Clare’s Convent – to the Record of Protected Structures in accordance with Section 54 and 55 of the Planning and Development Act, 2000

PHOTO OF STRUCTURES

( see folders for photographs)

Procedure followed

In accordance with the procedures set out in Section 54 and 55 of the Planning and Development Act, 2000, Dublin City Council by public notice on 21/10/09 indicated its intention to add the above structures to the Record of Protected Structures (RPS). 5 no. submissions were received by the City Council and 1 no. late submission in response to the proposed addition.

Background to Structure

Site Location

(see folders site map 1)

2005 – 11 Development Plan Zoning:

Z15 To provide for institutional and community uses.

Z8 To protect the existing architectural and civic design character, to allow only for limited expansion consistent with the conservation objective. To allow primarily residential and compatible office and institutional uses.

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Planning History: None

Date of Site Inspection: 7th of July and 15th October 2008

Site Location:

The site in question is located on the eastern side of Harold’s Cross Road.

Historical background

The Sisters of Saint Clare arrived in Ireland in 1629. In 1750, the sisters of Saint Clare moved from their convent in north King Street to Dorset Street and remained there until 1803. They ran a boarding school for girls. In 1803 poverty forced the closure of the convent in Dorset Street. It was suggested at the time by the then archbishop of Dublin, Dr. Troy that they take over an orphanage for girls in Hendrick Street. A new premises was obtained, through benefactors for the nuns and orphans in numbers 19 and 20 Harold’s Cross Road. The sisters lived in the two houses from 1804 to 1816. An orphanage was built between 1804 and 1806. The convent and chapel were subsequently built between 1814 and 1816.

Summary Description of buildings:

1. The Mortuary Chapel

External

Roof: Pitched and slated. Rainwater Goods: Cast Iron. Walls: Snecked roughly dressed limestone. The side elevations are partly rendered and

painted. There is yellow brick around the openings. Windows: Mainly gothic openings except for the louvered roundel at the apex of the front

elevation. The fenestration is original. Most are diamond paned casement windows (where they open) topped with ornate stained glass fanlights. The gothic window above the altar is triple lancet with lead and stained glass.

Doors: the main gothic door contains polished timber double doors with four panels each. Above this is a timber tympanum, also with four panels.

Internal

Ceiling: plastered and painted with ornate and moulded cornices and rosettes. Walls: plastered and painted with a moulded picture rail beneath the windows. There are also

dressed and polished slate memorial plaques on the sidewalls. There are corbels supporting statues on either side of the small altar and a gothic hood moulding above it. The altar itself is small and relatively plain when compared with the ceiling and windows.

Windows: Described above. Doors: The door on the left side of the small altar leads to very plain room at the rear. Floor: black and white tiling in a chequerboard pattern.

2. Convent and Chapels

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The chapels are within the 1816 convent building and there is sleeping accommodation for the sisters above both. There are also utility areas and a large vaulted space beneath the chapels. This vaulted space is currently used as a canteen. Because of their situation within the convent building and the contemporary date of construction, the chapels should be considered part of the 1816 convent building

Exterior

Stacks and Belfries: Rendered. The stacks have clay pots. Roof: Pitched and slated. Rainwater Goods: Cast Iron. Walls: Rendered and painted. There is a rendered and painted plain cornice above the chapel

windows and between the ground floor and basement of the convent and chapel. Windows: Mainly rectangular openings except for those on the chapel. Much of the original

fenestration in the rectangular openings has been replaced though some original six-over-six pane sash windows remain at basement level. The chapel windows have Y-tracery, stained glass and hood mouldings. The smaller nuns chapel also has gothic windows but these are planer and do not contain tracery.

Doors: some have been replaced with modern flush or modern panelled double doors but there are timber battened doors on the rear elevation and at basement level and also partially glazed timber-panelled doors. There is a steel and glass porch at the main entrance to the convent, sheltering a flight of rendered and painted steps. The iron brackets, pillars and panels are decorated with floral motifs. It is glazed with decorative frosted glass, although many panes have been replaced. The main entrance has a plain glazed fanlight and a panelled door

Interior

First and second floors

Features of note in the upper floors rooms include window surrounds with their four panel shutters, plain run skirting and dados, internal panelled doors and fireplaces where they have been retained. The first floor is otherwise plainer than the ground floor. The floors are carpeted or covered in linoleum but there are wide timber floorboards beneath. Most of the fenestration have been replaced with casements but there are one or two sash windows on the half landings of stairs.

Ground floor:

Entrance hall & stair:

Ceiling: plain plastered and painted with a moulded cornice Walls: Plain plastered and painted. Doors: the entrance is described above. The internal doors have deep panelled architraves

and doors with six panels. The back door has a steel and glass panelled door. Windows: the window on the half landing is a six over six-sash window Floor: carpeted but with timber floorboards beneath. Stairs: appears to be original as there are mouldings on the side and pear shaped balusters

There is a plainer stairs to the north, which is characterised by its low balustrade. This stairs links all floors and is covered in linoleum. There are a number of rooms off the entrance hall in the main part of the convent, not including the long corridor

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Southeast room

Ceiling: plain plastered and painted Walls; plain plastered and painted, with a picture rail. The walls are papered below the picture

rail Windows; The moulded window surrounds are original with panelled shutters, but the

fenestration is modern uPVC Doors: the doors in this part of the complex have very deep, panelled surrounds with panelled

doors to match. Fireplace: original painted surround with tiled cast iron insert Floor: carpeted

South room

Ceiling: plain plastered and painted Walls; plain plastered and painted, with a picture rail. The walls are papered below the picture

rail. There is also a dado rail Windows; The moulded window surrounds are original with panelled shutters but the

fenestration is modern uPVC Doors: the doors in this part of the complex have very deep, panelled surrounds with panelled

doors to match. Fireplace: original painted surround with tiled cast iron insert Floor: carpeted

Southwest room

Ceiling: plain plastered and painted Walls; plain plastered and painted Windows; The moulded window surrounds are original with panelled shutters. But the

fenestration is modern uPVC. There is a decorative stained glass screen over the lower half. Doors: plain except for the stained glass and timber double doors leading into the corridor,

which are very ornate. Floor: linoleum

St Veronica’s Chapel

Ceiling: plain plastered painted.

Walls; plain plastered and painted with a moulded dado. There is fitted seating along the north and south walls which is panelled. Each individual seat has storage underneath. Both sets of seating are on a raised portion of the floor

Openings

Windows; The windows once contained single pane up and down timber sliding sash windows which have been replaced with uPVC casement windows but the surrounds are original. These consist of plain moulded surrounds with four-panel shutters.

Doors: There are three types of door in this room. Two have the deep panelled surrounds and six-panel doors that are to be found in other parts of the convent building. These lead into the chapels. The second type has a plainer and shallower moulded surround and doors with three panels. Each are partially glazed with lead and stained glass. The third type is probably later. It is a set of sliding doors used to divide the room into two separate spaces. The doors themselves are panelled so as to be in keeping with the room.

Other features of note: There is also some fitted furniture including a polished timber panelled cupboard, two timber pews on the north and south walls which have been fitted to the walls almost like wainscoting, there is also a polished timber reliquary with gothic tracery and a small marble altar at the other end of the room.

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CorridorCeiling: plain plastered and painted

Walls; plain plastered and painted. There is an interrupted dado

Openings

Doors: vary, but most of the surrounds are plan moulded surrounds with panelled and partially glazed doors.

Floor: linoleum

ChapelCeiling: vaulted, painted and decorated with moulded cornices and rosettes. The cornices are supported by corbels/brackets on the walls.

Walls; plain plastered and painted with moulded cornices. The cornices are supported by corbels/brackets on the walls.

Openings

Windows: double height clear storey gothic windows with Y-tracery in plain rendered surrounds. Some have lead and stain glass panels but the remainder are plain glazed. There is a large screen separating the chapel from the nun’s chapel in a gothic opening. It extends to the full height of the chapel and has gothic tracery with five lancets. Each lancet is panelled, with timber grilles in each panel except for one in the centre at the base. This is so the nuns can receive communion directly from the priest at the altar.

Doors: Those on either side of the altar and at the back of the chapel are gothic openings with panelled doors, except for those leading onto the balcony. The door into the nun’s chapel is situated in a small transept off the main chapel and has panelled doors in a moulded surround.

Other features of note include the altar and altar rails with their ornate gothic tracery, lecterns and other altar furniture, the panelled canopy mounted with decorative railings over the connecting transept. The balcony may be later as it cuts across the gothic window at the west end of the chapel. The balcony has gothic panelling and is supported on fluted columns with capitals that are similar to the brackets/corbels on the walls. The organ is modern.

Floor: mosaic tiling edged with marble along the aisles. The floor beneath the pews is parquet flooring arranged in a herringbone pattern. The altar is a raised dais. The flooring here is comprised of tiled mosaic squares edged with marble. The altar itself is on a second raised dais that is entirely marble and is partly carpeted.

Nuns’ Choir/ChapelCeiling: plain plastered, painted and decorated with a plain run cornice. There is an archway near the north end.

Beyond this, at the very north end, the ceiling is timber panelled but also has a plain run cornice at the edge

Walls; plain plastered and painted with a moulded dado. The archway has a plain run cornice and is supported by ornate corbels with polished stone columns and Corinthian capitals. There is fitted seating along the east and west walls which is panelled. The top of it has panelling decorated with quatrefoils

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Openings

Windows: The windows at the north end are plain gothic openings with plain plastered and painted surrounds with polished timber internal cills. The paint around the two NE windows is peeling off the walls indicating damp or water ingress in this part of the building. The remaining windows are single pane up and down timber sliding sash windows in rectangular openings with moulded timber surrounds and two panel shutters. The sashes have been replaced with plain modern fenestration. The window on the west side of the chapel is a casement window with a gothic panel that opens inward.

Doors: The door into the chapel and that into the convent are panelled doors set in moulded surrounds.

Floor: timber. There is a raised dais at the north end but this is also timber.

Other features of note:

The statues at the south end of the chapel are supported on carved timber brackets. The statue at the north end has an ornate surround with columns, corbels, Corinthian capitals and gothic tracery.

There is an upper floor to the Nuns’ Choir/Chapel for nuns who are too sick or infirm to go downstairs. It is a smaller plainer space accessed from the first floor of the convent. The windows and their surrounds on the west wall are like those on the floor below. The doors appear later. The most striking feature is the top of the screen with its gothic tracery (described above). This provides a view into the adjoining chapel.

BasementVarious utility areas, pantries, a linking corridor and the large vaulted space under the chapel, now used as a canteen, occupy the basement of the convent. Features of note include the vaulted space of the canteen, the tiled floor in the utility/laundry room, surviving sash windows and surrounds, particularly the six-over-six sash in one of the pantries. The panelled double doors in the same pantry link it to the room next to it and the internal timber battened doors along the basement corridor.

3. The 1950s Extension to the Convent BuildingThis is situated at the east end of the convent building. It is two-storey with a flat roof and later 6-over-6 and spoked sash and modern casement windows

Apart from the ornate grotto with its mosaic flooring and stained glass roof light where the extension meets the convent, there are no features of note.

4. Bethany (this was the old school building) External

Roof: Pitched and slated with modern slates.

There is a single stack in the roof of the southwest winning which is rendered and painted and has clay pots.

Rainwater Goods: Cast Iron.

Walls: rendered and painted. There is very plain cornicing at the wall head and between the ground and first floors.

Openings

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Windows: Unlike the convent building, many of the windows have been retained, particularly on the south and east elevations. Most are sash windows. Those on the west elevation have been replaced

Doors: most appear to be modern.

InteriorThe interior of the Bethany building has been reworked, internal partitions have been added but there are a few surviving features of note. Aside from the aforementioned sash windows, these include internal moulded window surrounds, panelled timber doors, the staircases with the notches along the balusters, and cast iron fireplaces or moulded timber fireplaces. Modern suspended ceilings have also been inserted, so in many cases, it was not possible to determine if there were surviving cornices.

5. San Damiano (former Girls Orphanage)Only the exterior of San Damiano was investigated, as access to the interior could not be gained. It is currently owned by the Franciscan order rather than the Sisters of St. Clare. It originally functioned as the orphanage building.

ExternalRoof: Pitched and slated with modern slates. The south end has a flat roof and is the only part with a stack (rendered)

Rainwater Goods: Cast Iron.

Walls: rendered and painted.

Windows: Many of the sash windows have been retained and are varied in style. There are 6-over-6, 8-over-8, 8-over-4 sash windows and a 6-over-6 Wyatt window with 2-over 2 pane side lights. Some of these have been replaced with modern casement windows, particularly on the west elevation but many of the original windows have been retained. Some of those on the north elevation have been blocked altogether. The sills have been painted in most cases.

Doors: the main entrance on the east elevation has an impressive flight of curving granite steps leading up to it and is bordered by relatively plain railings set in a granite plinth. The door itself is a glazed and panelled door in a moulded surround. The side entrance on the north elevation is also approached by a shorter and plainer set of granite steps bordered by the same railings. The door itself is plain but it has a fanlight similar to upper sash of a window. This is obscured by bars.

6. Site and BoundariesThe convent is set in large landscaped grounds, most of which lies to the east, northeast and south east of the convent buildings. There is an outbuilding at the east end of the grounds. The side and back walls appear to be composed of roughly coursed rubble and brick which is whitewashed on the interior. The front elevation is composed of pointed brick and has a large archway that has subsequently been partially blocked with modern block-work. The door occupies the rest of the archway. The building is lit by an arrow slit to the north of the door. It is roofed with corrugated iron supported on timber poles. There are various other block-work or prefabricated structures and glasshouses in the grounds but most are 20th century and of no architectural interest.

Assessment of Special Interest under the Planning and Development Act 2000

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Archaeological: There are a number of Archaeological Monuments situated near the convent. These include:Du018-048001 – mill; Du018-048002 - Mill; Du018-049 - House - 18th Century; Du018-043002 – Watercourse; Du018-043004 – Watercourse; Du018-050001 - Maypole 18th century; Du018-050002 - Water Mill - 18th century; Du018-050003 – Cross; Du018-050004 - Gallows 18th century.

Architectural & Artistic: Although most of the buildings are very plain externally, internally there are a number buildings and spaces that are of architectural and artistic interest .The mortuary chapel at the north end of the site is of particular interest both externally and internally. It is a fine example of 19 th century funerary architecture.

After the mortuary chapel, the convent and chapels are of the most interest architecturally. Since the convent occupies both the floors above and below the chapels, it was decided that the chapels should be considered as part of the main convent building.

The chapels in particular contain many features of architectural and artistic interest which range from decorative cornices, to stained glass, decoratively carved fitted pews and tiled or marble floors.

The ground floor rooms in the remainder of the convent also contain many features of note including fireplaces, window surrounds, deep panelled door surrounds with panelled doors, altar furniture, cornices, dado rails, fitted timber pews and the staircases. The upper floors and basement are plainer but also contain features like cast iron or moulded timber fire surrounds, internal doors and their surrounds. Features of interest in the basement include the tiled floor in the utility room and the large vaulted space under the chapel.

Unlike the main convent building, San Damiano and Bethany retain many of their sash windows. Internally they are plainer than the convent as they originally functioned as a school and girls orphanage. They have also been considerably reworked so that there are few remaining architectural features of note. These include surviving original staircases, fireplaces, doors, and door and window surrounds.

Historic: The development of St. Clare’s, along with the building of Mount Argus, The Hospice and Mount Jerome represents the development of institutions in the area in the 19th century. It’s use as an orphanage would also be of genealogical and social interest.

Group: The buildings and grounds in the convent would be considered as being part of a group.

Setting: The convent is set in attractive landscaped grounds.

Submissions/Objections Received

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5 no. submissions were received.

Mary Casey, Knockmacree, Cloughjordan, Co. Tipperary.

Paula Coleman, 64 Cedermount Road, Mount Merrion, Dublin 14.

Maurice Curtis, 47 Leinster Park, Harold’s Cross, Dublin 6W.

Francis Madigan, Circular Road, Ennistymon, Co. Clare

Patricia Larkin, 64 Cedarmount Road, Mount Merrion, Co. Dublin.

James Slattery, Historic Buildings Consultant, 8, Vergemount, Clonskeagh, Dublin 6 (This submission was received outside of the statutory timeframe)

All submissions offer support and encouragement for the proposed additions to the Record of Protected Structures.

Two submissions referred to minor inaccuracies in the Report namely the following:

San Damiano building was not the old orphanage; it was the old Primary School. Further it was never owned by the Franciscan Order – the building is/was the property of St. Clare’s Sisters.

The building known as Bethany was not the old school building, it was the orphanage building.

Meeting of the Area Committee

The proposed additions were brought forward to the South East Area Committee on July 13 th 2009 where it was agreed by the elected members to initiate the process to add the structure to the RPS.

Recommendation to the City Council

In accordance with Section 55 of the Planning and Development Act 2000 it is recommended that Mortuary Chapel, Main Convent Building and attendant chapels of St. Clare’s Convent, Harold’s Cross, Dublin 6 be added to the Record of Protected Structures in the Dublin City Development Plan 2005-2011. The 20th Century additions to the convent are of no special interest and do not merit inclusion. The curtilage is outlined in black on the site map 2 (see folders) The buildings to be entered on the RPS are outlined in red and indicated by a red star.

The making of any addition to the Record of Protected Structures is a reserved function of the City Council.

The buildings proposed to be protected are outlined in red and indicated with red stars. They include the mortuary chapel and the main convent building and chapels of St. Clare’s convent. The curtilage of the site is outlined in black. (see folders site map 2)

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_____________________

Michael StubbsAssistant City Manager

Development Department,Derelict Sites Section,

Block 3, Floor 3,Civic Offices.

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04/01/2010

04/01/2010

To the Chairperson and Members of The South East Area Committee.

Derelict Sites Quarterly Report

I attach details of Derelict Sites in the South East Area, which are currently under review. Formal action is being taken in relation to the sites listed on Appendix 1 while the sites listed on Appendix 2 are currently under investigation with a view to formal action, if necessary.

Declan Wallace Executive Manager

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APPENDIX 1 DERELICT SITES QUARTERLY REPORTSOUTH EAST AREASITES WHERE FORMAL ACTION HAS BEEN TAKEN UNDER THE DERELICT SITES ACT 1990

Location Current Position

Adelaide Road, 7, Dublin 2. Levy demand for 2010 issued.

Clanbrassil Street Lower, 42a, Dublin 8. Section 8(2) Notice of Intention to make and entry on the Derelict Sites Register served on owner.

Exchange Street Lower, 11-12, D.8. Site no longer derelict, removed from Register.

Exchange Street Lower, 13/14, D.8. Levy demand for 2010 issued.

Longford Street Great, 17/18, D.8. Site entered on Derelict Sites Register. Levy demand for 2010 issued.

Sallymount Avenue, 12, Ranelagh, Since issuing Section 8(2), owner has carried out some works; Dublin 6. entry on Register deferred until next inspection in early February

Stamer Street, 3, Portobello, D.8. Owner has given an undertaking to complete the requested works - for re-inspection in early February.

Windsor Terrace, 12, Portobello, Dublin Matter rests with Valuation Tribunal.

Windsor Terrace, 13, Portobello, Dublin Matter rests with Valuation Tribunal.8.

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APPENDIX 2DERELICT SITES QUARTERLY REPORTSOUTH EAST AREASITES CURRENTLY UNDER INVESTIGATION WITH A VIEW TO FORMAL ACTION IF NECESSARY

Location Current positionBass Place, 10, Dublin 2. No further action required.

Bass Place, 11, Dublin 2. No further action required.

Bass Place, 2,3,4, Dublin 2. Owners requested to remove graffiti – for re-inspection in mid January.

Bass Place, 9, Dublin 2. Owners requested to remove graffiti – for re-inspection in mid January.

Beech Hill Crescent, 38, works ongoing at site - being kept under review.Donnybrook, D.4.

Brookvale Road,14, Donnybrook, D.4. Site not considered derelict. However, the owner has been requested to cutback the overgrowth.

Larch Grove, site at rear of 5 & 6 overgrowth cutback as requested - no further action requiredand at rear 78 Sandford Rd.,

Leeson Place, site at rear of 41 Site not considered derelict; action not warranted by Dangerous Leeson Street Lower, D.2. Buildings Section – no further action required.

Mountpleasant Square, 35, No further action required by Derelict Sites Section – matter rests Ranelagh, Dublin 6. (Protected with Conservation Section.

Pembroke Lane, 71, Ballsbridge, Site is not derelict. No further action required at present.D.4.

Rathmines Road Upper/Maxwell Some of requested works have been completed; site being kept Road, junction of, Dublin 6. under review.

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Richmond Street South, 34/35, D.2. Hoarding has been erected fronting this site - Hoarding Licences division of Roads and Traffic Dept. requested to investigate.

Richmond Street South, former Some works carried out at this site; owners requested to complete 8-10, Dublin 2. works; for re-inspection in February 2010.

Zion Road, rear of 13, Rathgar, D.6. works have been carried out as requested - no further action required.

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Parks & Landscape Services Division,Ground Floor, Block 4,

Civic Offices.

11th January 2010

To the Chairperson and Members ofThe South East Area Committee

Proposed Tree Felling January 2010

The Parks and Landscape Services Division propose to undertake the following tree felling works in early 2010 in South East Area.

The trees in question are considered to require urgent attention and therefore it is proposed that they are felled and the stumps ‘ground out’ as soon as is practicable in 2010.

Replacement planting will be undertaken, where possible, during the 2010/11 tree planting season.

Location Tree Species Number Comment

42 Palmerston Road (Belmont)

Tilia sps. 1 Evidence of Decay, dangerous tree

60 Lansdowne Road Sorbus sps. 1 Evidence of Fungal decay and leaning toward Roadway

Seaview Terrace off Ailsbury Road

Tilia sps. 1 Evidence of decay

Adjacent to No. 2 Greenfield Park

Acer sps. 1 Dead Tree

15 Temple Gardens ‘Elmhurst’

Tilia sps 1 Dangerous Tree

56 Leeson Park Acer sps. 1 Dying & Dangerous Tree

____________________________Michael Noonan,Senior Executive Park Superintendent

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South East AreaBlock 2, Floor 4,

Civic Offices.

To The Chairperson and Members of theSouth East Area Committee

11th January 2010

With reference to a proposal to initiate the procedure for the extinguishment of the Public Right of Way of laneway at Park Lane East, adjacent to 206 Pearse Street, Dublin 2

Proposal

An application has been received from Trinity College Buildings’ Office to extinguish the public right of way at Park Lane East, adjacent to 206 Pearse Street, Dublin 2. Building no. 206 Pearse Street is immediately to the east of the lane and Aras an Phiarsaigh is the building west of the lane, both buildings are owned by Trinity College.

This section of laneway is owned by Trinity College and is in the charge of Dublin City Council. The extent of the proposed extinguishment is shown on Drawing No. R.M. 25270 (see folders).

The applicant states that the lane is currently used for a variety of anti-social purposes.

Statutory Requirement

The statutory procedure requires that public notice of the proposal is placed in one or more newspapers circulating in the City and that a notice is placed at each end of the right of way for a period of not less than 14 days. Members of the public are given a month in which to view the plans of the proposed extinguishment and objections or representations in relation to the proposal can be made within 14 days of the end of that period. The extinguishment of a public right of way is a function reserved to the elected members of the City Council who shall consider any objections or representations made and not withdrawn.

The approval of the Committee, to initiate procedures under Section 73 of the Roads Act 1993 to extinguish the public right of way over the area indicated on Drawing No. R.M. 25270 (see folders), is requested.

Eileen BradyArea Manager

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South East Area OfficeBlock 2, Floor 4,Civic Offices.

To the Chairperson and Members ofThe South East Area Committee

11th January 2010

Area Manager’s Report

Precinct Improvements

George Reynolds House Precinct Improvement ProjectWork substantially completed. A number of snagging issues are being dealt with at present. The Housing Maintenance Paint Squad is due to commence work in the coming weeks, weather permitting.

Whelan / O'Rahilly House Precinct Improvement ProjectWorks progressing satisfactorily.

Ringsend Park Group The group are at present examining the possibility of allocating an area in Ringsend Park for the purpose of providing space for the provision of allotments. Our Parks Section have indicated that they will have a proposal for discussion for the next meeting of the working group scheduled to take place on the 20th January. The Councillors will be kept informed of progress on this project.

Dartmouth SquareThe situation is being kept under review.  The appointment of a liquidator to the company, Marble & Granite Tiles, by the High Court has been appealed to the Supreme Court and a date for hearing is awaited. In the meantime, the City Council is in discussion with the liquidator in relation to the future of the park and has applied for a caretakers agreement.

Rathmines Square The development is almost complete and is scheduled for handover to the City Council within the next few weeks with expected opening of the Leisure Centre in May.

Rathmines LibraryRathmines Library closed on 5th December 2009 and Phase 1 of the improvement works (the internal works) have commenced and will continue for approximately 5- 6 months. When these works are complete, Phase 2 (the external works) will commence and will continue for approximately 5 months. It is proposed to establish a temporary library facility at Parker Hill in Rathmines and the necessary works have commenced with the planned opening of the temporary library before the end of January.

Swan Grove / Rugby Villas AreaFollowing the public meeting held in November, a progress report on the issues raised is being finalised and will be forwarded to councillors shortly.

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York Street The York Street Community Centre is currently open all day Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday and any opening requested outside of these regular hours can be facilitated by our staff. The community team are back calling to peoples doors and will support local people in arranging activities to take place in the Centre. Initially we will take the lead and organise some ’taster’ events to take place in the Centre during February.

The windows at the complex were cleaned as requested by the residents and this took place on 8 th December 2009.

Sandymount Village Design Statement (VDS)Soltys Brewster consulting was successful with their submission to the Heritage Council for the provision of services to assist and support the community in the preparation and delivery of a Village Design Statement for Sandymount. A meeting has been arranged for 06th January 2010.

Grand Canal WorksWaterways Ireland commenced a dredging operation late last year on a section of the Grand Canal from Grand Canal Street to beyond Baggot Street Bridge. These works are expected to be completed in the next few weeks. 

Rathgar Avenue TrafficA meeting has been arranged to discuss traffic and parking issues on Rathgar Avenue and the surrounding area. The meeting will be attended by representatives from the Rathgar Residents Association, local residents and others from the area. The meeting will take place on Thursday 14 th January at 2.30pm in the Rathgar Tennis and Bowling Club, Herzog Park, Rathgar.

Rathmines and Pembroke Drainage SchemeThe Rathmines and Pembroke (R&P) High-Level Catchment is located to the south of the River Liffey in the centre of Dublin. The catchment extends from Harold’s Cross, in the west, to Ballsbridge, in the east, and includes the districts of Rathmines, Ranelagh, Rathgar, Milltown and Donnybrook. The Catchment is bordered by the Grand Canal to the north and the River Dodder to the south. The catchment area is approximately 840 ha with a population of approximately 59,000.

Construction of the R&P High-Level combined sewerage system was completed in 1881. Over the passage of time and with increased development in the catchment, the original system has become hydraulically, environmentally and structurally deficient in certain areas. Due to the necessity of maintaining a functioning network, Dublin City Council commissioned Consultants HR Wallingford Ltd in 1999, to prepare a Drainage Area Plan (DAP) for the R&P Catchment.

The objective of the DAP was to identify and prioritise cost-effective solutions that addressed the hydraulic, environmental and structural deficiencies of the R&P High Level combined sewerage system.

The Department of the Environment, Heritage & Local Government (DEHLG) reviewed the DAP and gave approval to (i) examine the engineering solutions identified in the DAP, (ii) review the cost estimates, (iii) recommend the optimal solution and (iv) advise on phasing of the works. In so doing the DAP was to be brought to Preliminary Report status.

The scheme was listed as a Scheme to advance through Planning in the DEHLG Water Services Investment Programme for 2007-2009.

In April 2006, the DEHLG gave approval to funding of the first construction contract being an Advance Works Contract to rehabilitate the R&P No. 1 Trunk Sewer between Bath Avenue and Lansdowne Road. This work has now been completed.

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Local Authorities were requested by the DEHLG to prepare an updated Needs Assessment in their areas for the 2010-2012 Water Services Investment Programme in accordance with the guidelines and template set out in Circular L 6/09. The resulting Report was considered by the Environment & Engineering SPC in November 2009.

The Rathmines and Pembroke Sewerage Scheme – High Level Catchment Sewerage Works – is a high priority scheme in the 2010-2012 Needs Assessment.

The scheme was also included in the City Council Capital Programme 2010- 2012 adopted by the City Council subject to funding from DEHLG/ Available Development Levies.It is anticipated that a new DEHLG Investment Programme will be published in Quarter 1 2010 and a further report will issue after that date when the availability of Central Government funding is known.

Liffey Services TunnelThe construction of the Liffey Services Tunnel was completed in December 2008. The follow-on contract, the Liffey Services Installation Contract is now about to commence.

The contract for the Services Installation work was signed in December 2009 between Dublin City Council and J.Murphy & Sons Ltd. The contract is expected to last approximately 8 to 9 months and consists of the installation of various piped and cable services into the tunnel and shafts and the construction of those services from the shafts towards the adjacent public roadways for future connection. The contract also includes the construction of a permanent and buried shaft cover on both shafts and will conclude with the removal of the hoarding and reinstatement of the two sites at York Road and North Wall Quay.

It is anticipated that the contract “Spencer Dock Sewerage Scheme Contract 1” will be awarded soon. This contract is for the construction of twin sewer pipelines from the Spencer Dock site to the northern shaft of the Liffey Services Tunnel and then from the southern shaft of the Liffey Service Tunnel, along York Road and the grass area adjacent to the East Link Toll Road to the Main Lift Pumping Station at Poolbeg Quay. It is anticipated that the contractor will commence on site early in 2010, subject to funding.

Eileen BradyArea Manager

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QUESTIONS TO DUBLIN CITY MANAGERSOUTH EAST AREA COMMITTEE MEETING, 11th JANUARY 2010

Q1. Councillor Edie WynneTo ask the Manager to introduce a cycle lane on Rathgar Road in the city centre direction.

Q2. Councillor Edie WynneTo ask the Manager to organise the repair of the cycle lane through Rathmines Village.

Q3. Councillor Edie WynneTo ask the Manager to remove the clearway, which allows cars to park on the Rathmines Road on Saturdays and Sundays, so that cycle lanes can continue to be used during these times.

Q4. Councillor Edie WynneTo ask that the trees in Laurelton be pruned because they are becoming too big.

Q5. Councillor Edie WynneTo request that a safety audit be done on the centre road markings on Bushy Park Road and also adjacent to the Orwell Road/Zion Rd junction as the centre road markings push traffic to the sides adjacent to three schools where many pupils cycle to school.

Q6. Councillor Oisin QuinnCan the Manager indicate the result of the recent ballot on parking hours in Beechwood Park in Ranelagh and indicate when the change can be introduced.

Q7. Councillor Oisin QuinnCan the Manager arrange for parking enforcement to be carried out at (details supplied).

Q8. Councillor Oisin QuinnCan the Manager deal with the planning and related queries raised by (details supplied).

Q9. Councillor Jim O’Callaghan To ask the city manager to implement greater enforcement of the dog fouling byelaws against offending dog owners in the area of Moyne Road, Ormond Road, Annesley Park and Windsor Road, Dublin 6.

Q10. Councillor Jim O’Callaghan To ask the city manager to remove the extinguishment of right of way notice from Belgrave Avenue, Dublin 6 since the notice has served its function and is no longer necessary.

Q11. Councillor Jim O’Callaghan To ask the city manager to organise a meeting with some of the residents of Grosvenor Square, Dublin 6 concerning parking and other traffic issues that affect the square.

Q12. Councillor Jim O’Callaghan To ask the city manager when the commitment given previously to prune the trees on Carlisle Street, Dublin 8 will be carried out.

Q13. Councillor Eoghan Murphy Could the Manager confirm the number of parking spaces that will be lost as a result of the introduction of the new canal cycleway, where exactly these spaces will be lost and when work is expected to commence.

Q14. Councillor Eoghan Murphy To ask the Manager what is the current situation in relation to the disused filling station on the corner of Landsdowne Road and Northumberland Road, who owns this property and what steps can the Council take to see that it is cleaned up and kept in a suitable condition.

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Q15. Councillor Eoghan Murphy Can the Manager explain how certain companies (e.g. Medicall) have permission to park in public spaces in residential areas without having to pay for parking as other non-residents must. I refer to the situation off Northbrook Road/Northbrook Villas where a number of spaces are constantly occupied by such vehicles.

Q16. Councillor Eoghan Murphy To ask the Manager whether the planning department has re-examined the proposal for development at O’Shea’s pub in Clonskeagh in light of the recent serious flooding around the country and given the sites location along a flood plain.

Q17. Councillor Eoghan Murphy Could the Manager provide a response to the correspondence attached.

Q18. Councillor Eoghan Murphy Could the Manager examine the possibility of introducing a second lane at the bottom of Ashfield Rd, where it meets Ranelagh Road, to provide a separation of those vehicles turning left and those turning right on to Ranelagh Road.

Q19. Councillor Dermot Lacey To ask the Manager if she can report on the progress that ahs been made in developing a Community Noticeboard that could be made widely available as previously agreed by this Committee.

Q20. Councillor Dermot Lacey To ask the Manager if she could report on what input, if any, that the City Council has in relation to the Grand Canal Cleanup operations.

Q21. Councillor Dermot Lacey To ask the Manager if there have been any developments on the proposal to remove the ESB sub-station in Sandymount Green or to make it at least look more appealing.

Q22. Councillor Edie Wynne To ask the Manager to investigate the cause of flooding and to improve the drainage on Carlisle Ave.

Q23. Councillor Edie Wynne To ask the Manager to investigate the cause of flooding and to improve the drainage on Donnybrook Road.

Q24. Councillor Edie Wynne To ask the Manager to repair the footpath at the exit of Carlisle Ave on the left hand side in the direction of Marlborough Road.

Q25. Councillor Edie Wynne To ask the Manager to restore the bin that was removed from the junction of Greenmount Rd/Terenure Rd East as residents say they miss it.

Q26. Councillor Kevin Humphreys Ask the Manager to ensure that the open area opposite City Quay National School Gloucester Street is kept secure and safe and has the surface car park at this location got planning permission.

Q27. Councillor Mannix Flynn Call on this committee to support the initiative for casual trading ‘night markets’ to be established in Dublin City. This initiative will create employment and activities of a positive social nature and enhance the well being of the greater community of Dublin City. The ‘night

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market’ could be run in various areas once a week creating entrepreneurship and attract families and individuals.

Q28. Councillor Mannix Flynn Call on this committee to ascertain how many of Dublin City Councils dwellings in the South East Area housing and allocations sector were under investigation in the recent ‘internal investigations’ into misallocations of Dublin City Council Dwellings.

Q29. Councillor Mannix Flynn Call on this committee to initiate ‘late opening’ for St Stephens Green on a pilot scheme basis for the remaining months of the winter. This park is an ideal free leisure facility for those who wish to walk and enjoy nature in the City scape bearing in mind that this very park is under threat or redevelopment in relation to Metro North.

Q30. Councillor Mannix Flynn That this committee calls on the City Manager to explain how a series of installations, ie LCD screens sponsored by Vodafone were erected on buildings in the South East Area of Dublin and other locations in the City Centre in clear breach of the planning regulations and to ensure that the full latter of the law in relation to the breach of planning regulations is applied.Also to state clearly that no favours were done in relation to this matter.

Q31. Councillor Mannix Flynn Call on the City Manager to re-instate the right hand turn at Pearse street at the junction with Erne Street. This restriction has created undue loss of revenues and major inconvenience for businesses in the area in particular the Holiday Inn and access to its carpark.

Q32. Councillor Mannix Flynn That this committee calls on the city manager to stop any further works associated with the building of the waste energy facility at Poolbeg until such time as the Residents in that area and the people of Dublin City have had the opportunity to give informed consent to such a project in the interest of democracy.

Q33. Councillor Dermot Lacey To ask the Manager if he could respond to the very serious issues dealt with in the letter submitted with this question relating to flooding and drainage matters.

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