Headed Items
CONFIRMATION AND RE-AFFIRMATION OF MINUTES
Minutes of Meeting 22nd September 2014
(circulated herewith)
REPORTS OF AREA COMMITTEES
a) Clondalkin Area Committee - 17th September 2014
Dealing with Public Realm, Water & Drainage, Housing, Community (1 report - Community Grants), Planning, Transportation, Economic Development, Libraries & Arts (1 report - Arts Grants), Corporate Support, Performance & Change Management
(circulated herewith)
b) Lucan Area Committee - 23rd September 2014
Dealing with Public Realm, Water & Drainage, Housing, Community, Planning, Transportation, Economic Development, Libraries & Arts, Corporate Support, Performance & Change Management
(no report)
STANDING COMMITTEES - ORGANISATION, PROCEDURE & FINANCE COMMITTEE
(no reports)
STRATEGIC POLICY COMMITTEES
(no reports)
REPORTS REQUESTED BY AREA COMMITTEES
(no reports)
Questions
To ask that the Chief Executive provide a report on Mobility and Housing adaptation grants - to include applications received, completed works and finance available for those applicants that have received approval?
Can the Chief Executive update members regarding vacant units - in particular those units managed by St John Gods within the Respond development - Springfield?
To ask the Chief Executive for a time frame of response and action - if deemed appropriate - for members representations regarding derelict/vacant sites?
To ask that the Chief Executive provide a report on the total amount of Apartments developed within the county over the past decade and to include those that remain unfinished/unoccupied?
Would the Chief Executive please indicate if it is possible to add an additional Category on MembersNet regarding Window and Door replacement instead of the universal Maintenance Requests?
The grass cutting programme in place this Summer has been a dramatic improvement from previous summers and the management are to be commended for that. While the frequency of grass cutting has much improved the grass is still not being cut very short. To ask the Chief Executive, is there a reason for this?
I understand we only have a short time left in the grass cutting season for this year but would it be possible that next year the grass be cut tighter?
To ask the Chief Executive to report on the estimated cost of reinstating funding for traffic calming measures for three roads and three estates in each electoral area in this year's budget; and if he will make a statement on the matter?
To ask the Chief Executive if any response has been forthcoming as of yet from the Minister for the Environment regarding the request by the Council to amalgamate the Clonburris SDZ and LAP lands into one larger SDZ; and if he will make a statement on the matter?
To ask the Chief Executive to outline the provisional dates for public display and consultation periods for the upcoming Development Plan process; and if he will make a statement on the matter?
To ask the Chief Executive to present a report on the operation, since its reintroduction, of the weekend village cleansing service?
To ask the Chief Executive if the 'Beautiful South Dublin' & Community Awards will be presented before the end of 2014; and if he would agree to include an award (including monetary prize) for the Tidy Tows group who receives the highest score in the County given the cessation of the South Dublin county award and prize in the National Tidy Towns competition?
To ask the Chief Executive if there are any plans to establish the post of Cycling Officer and/or to establish a Cycling Forum in the County?
To ask the Chief Executive to install bins in parks where there are currently no bins; particularly in light of the decision of the Council to install signs at some of these parks urging dog-owners to dispose of dog litter in bins?
To ask the Chief Executive to provide a detailed update on the structures, supports and funding in place to support local Tidy Towns groups; and to outline what plans are in place to disperse unallocated Tidy Towns funding from the 2014 budget?
To ask the Chief Executive to give the charge levied to Industry and Agriculture per '000 litres of water used and per '000 of effluent dumped?
To ask the Chief Executive for the current average frequency of emptying of litter bins in public parks and highways in the County?
To ask the Chief Executive to detail the number (if any) of Quality Bus Corridors marked on roads within the county which are currently not in use?
To ask the Chief Executive for a report on the Policy in relation to the use of Council Public Parks by groups who come together in a voluntary way to support each other in outdoor health exercises such as walking and jogging and in particular to explain why such groups should be required (if they are) to indemnify the Council by taking out Insurance cover and to make a general statement on the use of our Parks, their facilities (e.g. outdoor gyms and skateboarding) by members of the Public?
To ask the Chief Executive for a report on the consultative PPN process and to include in the report details such as the number that attended the briefing, the issues raised at it, the number of queries that followed and the number of organisations that responded and that subsequently registered, and to comment on the process?
To ask the Chief Executive if it is aware of the concerns raised by members of the public into the “smart” water utility meters being fitted by Irish Water and what if any role does the Local Authority have in regulating the installation of Electromagnetic devices and to make a statement on the matter?
To ask the Chief Executive if he is aware of concerns raised by members of the public about the apparent dangers to the private water supply of homes in this County due to possible “tampering” by third parties through the water meter system currently being fitted and to state what role, if any does the Local Authority have in this and to make a statement on the matter?
To ask the Chief Executive if he would provide funding for a comprehensive Roads Maintenance Plan for this County which would
a) Eliminate impediments to traffic and danger to pedestrians arising from Overhanging Tree Limbs, brambles and other vegetation encroaching onto our roads and,
b) Audit and achieve proper routine and scheduled maintenance of all roadside drainage systems/water tables annually?
To ask the Chief Executive if he would detail the procedures to be used by members of the public who wish to report blocked drains/sewerage problems and would he also confirm what agency now carries out such work?
To ask the Chief Executive to detail the plans being made by the Council to protect open spaces throughout the county which will be at risk during the annual Halloween period and if he will also confirm what resources will be available to deal effectively with calls from the public concerned about bonfire material being stored in advance of Halloween night?
To ask the Chief Executive if he would confirm that everything possible is being done to ensure the safety of members of the public visiting cemeteries throughout our County and if he will also detail contacts the Council regularly has with the Gardaí in respect of this issue?
To ask the Chief Executive if he has had any contact from the Carers Association who are concerned that Local Councils would provide resources, services and supports for Family Carers who provide tremendous services in our Communities and will he also note the view of the Carers Association that all Local Authority policies and programs are Carer Proofed to consider their potential impact on family carers?
To ask the Chief Executive what is the duty of care owed by SDCC to it’s customers? What instructions do staff receive regarding answering queries and emails raised by the public? How often do emails/phonecalls go unanswered? Are there plans to improve customer relations?
To ask the Chief Executive how many requests have SDCC received in the past three years for Neighbourhood Watch signs, broken down by electoral area. How long is the average wait time for the erection of Neighbourhood Watch signs from initial application to actual installation? How many estates are currently waiting on the erection of Neighbourhood Watch signs, countywide?
To ask the Chief Executive what is the position with community groups formed after the deadline for PPN membership? How do they get involved going forward?
To ask the Chief Executive how many children have been injured in road traffic accidents within the county within the past five years. How many of those accidents were in housing estates? What is the speed limit in housing estates across the county and what constitutes a housing estate. What is the scope for reducing the speed limit within housing estates?
To ask the Chief Executive to examine ways to improve the Public Consultation Process including better use of social media and examine ways to simplify the Public Consultation Process and to ensure better connections with local community organisations/groups?
To ask the Chief Executive to request that Irish Water provide risk assessments and method statements for the installation of water meters to ensure that the risk of damage to private property is minimised due to water meter installation within South Dublin County Council area?
To ask the Chief Executive to liaise with Irish Water in relation to improving methods of communications with the general public and giving sufficient advanced notice of planned maintenance work and including regular updates?
To ask the Chief Executive to request that Irish Water send out prior notice to residents when carrying out repair/remedial works in South Dublin County Council as there have been reports of residents having no knowledge of these additional works taking place outside their property?
To ask the Chief Executive to present a report of how many Houses are currently Boarded up and what is the time for the current turn around when a house is Handed back to the council?
To ask the Chief Executive for a report on the Pure project (protecting upland and rural environment) and will this project continue?
To ask the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government if he plans to ring fence funding to support the NCCWN to deliver the only programme specifically targeted at women from disadvantaged communities. If this is not his plan can he explain how he intends providing support for this most marginalised group who are not named under the SICAP programme?
(NCCWN National Collective of Community based women's networks)
(SICAP Social Inclusion and Community Activation Programme)
To ask the Chief Executive, how many homeless people are accomodated in Hotels in the south Dublin County council area? Will hotel accommodation be used in the future as Homeless accommodation?
To ask the Chief Executive what is being done in regards to the 200 plus waiting list for a disability grant?
To ask the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government how he plans to engage with the NCCWN to resolve the difficulty that has arisen because that organisation created a national structure to meet the requirement of the Community Development programme which now precludes them from securing funding post 2014 under the new SICAP. The Minister will be aware that NCCWN engaged with 35,580 marginalised women across 17 communities throughout Ireland in 2013 alone.
(NCCWN National Collective of Community based women's networks)
(SICAP ‘Social Inclusion and Community Activation Programme)
Growing older doesn’t have to mean slowing down and opportunities for older people in South Dublin should be made available as much as possible. Dublin City Council operate a Passport for Leisure. Has South Dublin County Council organised any similar schemes? If not, would it be possible to extend the Passport for Leisure into South Dublin County?
Headed Items
DECLARATION OF ROADS TO BE PUBLIC ROADS
1) Aras na Cluaine (footpaths) Clondalkin
2) Eaton, Rathcoole
3) Adamstown Square
4) Sentinel Adamstown
(all circulated herewith)
DISPOSAL OF PROPERTIES /SITES
H7b) Proposed disposal of plot of land adjacent to dwelling at ‘Suncroft’, Ballymount Road
H7c) Proposed disposal of plot of land to rear of 14 Rushbrook Crescent, Templeogue, Dublin 6W to Tom and Kathy McCarthy
H7d) Proposed disposal of land to Simon Kelly, Patrick Kelly and Simon Arnold c/o Kieran Wallace, Receiver, KPMG, 1 Stokes Place, St. Stephen’s Green, Dublin 2 receivers for Maldron Hotel Citywest/Kingswood Country House, Naas Road.
H7e) Disposal of Fee Simple Interest in lands referred to as Sites D & E Rowlagh Village, Clondalkin, Dublin 22 to Brendan Farrelly
H7a) Proposed Disposal of Affordable Dwellings
(no report)
H7f) Acquisition by purchase of Fee Simple of 155 St Maelruans Park
Correspondence
Ministerial
Correspondence in relation to Housing Matters
Letter, dated 22/09/14, from the Courts Service in response to SDCC's motions passed in relation to the proposed closure of Tallaght Courthouse (M17, M20/0714) and informing this Council that the Courts Service have decided not to proceed with the proposed reorganisation at this time.
Letter, dated 30/09/14, from the Meath Foundation at Tallaght Hospital, informing the Council that they no longer require an elected Member on the Board of the Meath Foundation (Cllr M. Genockey was appointed to the Board at the July meeting of the Council (H3c)/0714))
Motions
Mayor's Business
Recognising the Irish Government as a co-guarantor of the Good Friday and subsequent agreements, this motion calls on the Taoiseach to engage directly, as a matter of urgency, with British Prime Minister David Cameron in relation to the political impasse in the North which has resulted from the failure of unionist leaders to honour agreements reached.
Mayor's Business
Having previously hosted rugby in Tallaght Stadium and on foot of the success of the Irish Women's rugby squad, this council not only congratulates our women on their wonderful achievements, but also calls on the Chief Executive to extend an invitation to the IRFU to host upcoming international women's rugby games in Tallaght Stadium.
That this Council support the Motion calling for the removal of fluoride in the public water supply. It is accepted that in the case of Ryan –v- The Attorney General in 1965 that the use of fluoride in public water supply was seen to serve the common good. However almost 50 years later and given the scientific evidence against the benefits of fluoride in water it is unconceivable that this practice be continued.
Ireland is the only Country in Europe and one of two in the world to permit the use of fluoride in the public water supply.
Furthermore given the views of experts as to the side effects of fluoride in our public water supply that could be damaging to the “green image” Ireland portrays abroad.
I would also ask that in supporting this Motion that the saving of €4,000,000 by not imposing fluoride in the public water supply be used as part of a public awareness campaign around dental hygiene. I would contend that in the 50 years since the Ryan case that the common good has now shifted away from the use of fluoride in water and now the common good is best served by removing fluoride from the public water supply.
That this Council calls on the Chief Executive to prepare proposals, to be funded out of the capital budget and to be included in the next Rolling Capital Programme, for a modest and affordable construction programme to provide new pavilions in a small number of key parks throughout the County, for the purposes of replacing temporary containers in these parks and providing purpose-built changing facilities and meeting rooms for use by smaller sports clubs.
That this Council writes to the Minister for the Environment asking him to review the Litter Pollution Act with a view to significantly increasing on-the-spot fines on a rising scale for a range of offences with a corresponding increase in fines administered in court by a judge; and furthermore, in line with the existing provisions of the Litter Pollution Act, immediately carries out a review of its own litter management plan, in consultation with councillors, to see what amendments can be made through enforcement, education and creativity within the existing legislation to reduce the scourge of littering and illegal dumping in the county.
As part of Health and Well Being Week 2014 this Council calls on the relevant Department (Community Services) to initiate an open forum, in Tallaght, on the Direct Provision Programme and invite occupants from Direct Provision Centres in the county and beyond to speak on their experience of said programme. Invitations should be extended in advance of the scheduled event in Tallaght Stadium on September 29th
That South Dublin County Council does not support the development of a national waste incinerator in the Dublin Docklands and Poolbeg peninsula.
In order to help clear the large back log of tree pruning and tree removal in our residential areas, I propose that this Council request that the Chief Executive employ outside contractors on an economic basis to supplement the excellent work being done by the County Council staff in trying to keep this problem at bay, so long as it does not have adverse effects on the employment situation within the council
That this council passes a motion voicing our opposition to the Student Services charge, which is effectively a tax on apprenticeship and is contributing to the further marginalisation of our young people, especially those from low income families and is creating a further barrier to them improving their employment prospects.
That this Council, noting the impact of staff cutbacks in recent years and continued pressure on Council services, calls on Government to remove the moratorium on recruitment in local authorities in order to allow for the recruitment of staff in key areas.
That South Dublin County Council support the Travelling community as being recognised as an Ethnic Minority. We ask the Government to act on this motion.
That this Council calls on the Minister for Social Protection calling on her to urgently rectify the legal loophole that allows for the reckless practice of informal insolvency by rogue employers leaving workers unable to access their statutory entitlements.
That the Chief Executive outline council policy in relation to signage / sign posts for local businesses and for categories of local businesses, e.g. food , restaurant, hotel, etc. does the council support proper sign posts for local businesses
That the Chief Executive present a report on public consultation mechanisms used by the Council and that the report explores the introduction of new methods of communication with a view to encouraging engagement and increasing public participation.
That this council welcomes the decision of the Courts Service to abandon plans for the closure of Tallaght Courthouse and now calls on the Courts Service to develop further services at Tallaght Courthouse including the provision of Family Law Cases.
That this Council calls on the Restaurant Association of Ireland to impose a boycott on all Israeli goods such as but not exclusively vegetables and herbs which are widely used in the Industry until at least such time that the Israeli imposed blockade on Gaza is lifted. We have all witnessed the horror of the Israeli war machine recently and the continued blockade on Gaza continues to have hugely negative impact on the quality of lives of Civilians there living in a virtual prison. This Council calls on this boycott to be introduced without delay.
That this council calls on the Chief Executive to set up a task force to examine how litter and illegal dumping can be tackled in the county. This task force could operate similarly to the existing local policing and public transport committees and could include residents, elected members, council staff and other stakeholders including members of the refuse industry, gardaí and local tidy towns groups.
That this Council calls on the Revenue Commissioners to commit to retaining the Public Office in High Street, Tallaght on a full time basis and to acknowledge that this office provides an excellent service to the citizens of South Dublin County and beyond. While acknowledging that Revenue Online Services provides a wide range of services, it does not meet the needs of citizens who need documents validated or forms, such as Social Housing Applications, which requires Revenue to stamp the application or assistance with a range of issues that need the services of a Revenue official.
The problem of graffiti has reached epidemic levels over the past year or two and just seems to be getting worse as each month passes. I propose that the following takes place:
1) Surveillance Cameras be used at Graffiti "black spots" with the consent of the local residents in an attempt to catch the perpetrators. This could be implement similar to the technique used to catch illegal dumping across the county.
2) An education programme be instigated across the county in our local primary and secondary schools explaining the cost of the damage being done. The surveillance steps being taken by the Council to address this issue should also be explained to the teachers and children.
That this Council establish a protocol for residents involvement in the Planning application process. Presently the only obligation is to meet with potential developers in the pre-planning stage. Residents and Communities have no recourse to any meeting to discuss their needs and suggestions.
This Council in welcoming the aspirations of Putting People First and the launch of the Public Participative Network (PPN) initiative, supports the work of the Executive to date in this regard and now propose that we build on the experience gained from both the (PPN) exercise and the Villages Initiative (of 2013) to further develop (and extend the concept), by strengthening the strategy so as to engage with and involve in a meaningful way, civil society in a form of Participative Budgeting in conjunction with the Public Consultation element required in determining the Local Property Tax for the 2016 period.
That this Council liaise with Dublin Bus to report on measures / plans are being made in relation to the provision of a bus route along the Outer Ring Road which would connect Lucan (village) to Tallaght (village) via Clondalkin (village) and vice versa, making full use of this infrastructure.
That the CEO seeks immediate suspension of installation of water meters within the County because the supply is unsafe due to Irish Water’s failure to supply tamper-proof meters to each household. Residents are being asked to pay for a food source which is open to contamination. You cannot buy a jar of pasta sauce without a tamper-proof lid on it so the residents of this County deserve the same, most basis safety standard in relation to their water supply.
Noting the recent case of a migrant woman who, pregnant as a result of rape and despite suicidal ideation, was denied an abortion - suffering horrific physical and mental suffering at the hands of the State - this Council calls on the Government to hold a referendum in the remainder of its term so the Eighth Amendment of the Constitution can be repealed.
That SDCC recognises that all people with a Disability have a right to full and meaningful participation and active inclusion in an accessible , safe and disability friendly environment. That SDCC will ensure that people with a disability will be a priority when planning and developing the new development plan,