Headed Items
CONFIRMATION AND REAFFIRMATION OF MINUTES
(a) - July Council Meeting Minutes - July 13th 2020
(b) - July Special Council Meeting Minutes - July 14th 2020
(c) - Budget 2020 Meeting Minutes - 14th November 2019
FILLING OF CASUAL VACANCY ON SOUTH DUBLIN COUNTY COUNCIL IN ACCORDANCE WITH S.19 OF LOCAL GOVERNMENT ACT 2001 FOLLOWING THE ELECTION TO SEANAD EIREANN OF COUNCILLOR M. SEERY KEARNEY
FILLING OF CASUAL VACANCY ON SOUTH DUBLIN COUNTY COUNCIL IN ACCORDANCE WITH S.19 OF LOCAL GOVERNMENT ACT 2001 FOLLOWING THE RESIGNATION OF COUNCILLOR W. PRIESTLEY
STRATEGIC POLICY COMMITTEES - CHAIR VACANCY
Chair Vacancy on Land Use, Planning & Transportation SPC (Councillor W. Priestley)
REPORTS OF AREA COMMITTEES
(No Reports)
STANDING COMMITTEES ORGANISATION, PROCEDURE & FINANCE
(No Reports)
STRATEGIC POLICY COMMITTEES
(No Reports)
REPORTS REQUESTED BY AREA COMMITTEES
(No Reports)
REPORT FROM JOINT POLICING COMMITTEE
Questions
To ask the Chief Executive to publish a list of all bike parking stands in the county and make this information available to the public.
To ask the Chief Executive as to whether SDCC has joined Dublin City Council in a review of into the operations of Ashton Dog Pound, which is also currently under Garda investigation for the alleged improper use of veterinary drugs at the facility and would he care to make a statement on the matter. The contract between SDCC and this facility expires at the end of the year. Can the Chief Executive advise what is the contingency plan if the facility is found not to be to standard. Can the Chief Executive please advise whether animals are being brought to this facility while Gardaí investigate and what actions have been taken if any to satisfy SDCC that animal welfare is guaranteed.
To ask the Chief Executive whether pocket forests of native broadleaf trees are being considered for the county and if so to ask for more information on this plan and to ask that engagement with communities be sought to seek collaboration with SDCC on a very worthwhile and rewarding project.
To ask the Chief Executive what supports are available at Council level to support and assist older people who have lost their jobs, particularly those who were self employed, to return to work. There is a perceived bias in employment terms against those in their fifties or older who find themselves having to start again despite having worked hard all their lives.
To ask the Chief Executive if there are plans to consider planting tracts of open grassland with a series of pocket sized forests, consisting exclusively of a wide range of native shrubs and trees, so as to provide contiguous forest stepping stones for wild life, in effect, a nature corridor superimposed upon and enhancing the existing green infrastructure.
To ask the Chief Executive for details on how the Council proposed to deal with bonfires across the county this year, what plans have been made and what contacts have been made with Garda to co-ordinate services
To ask the Chief Executive to confirm if the Council has ceased using glyphosate based products to remove weeds. Furthermore to ask what is being used as a replacement and has this had any impact on Council work practices of the removal of weeds.
To ask the Chief Executive since the last review of countrywide speed limits in built up area's and the introduction of "Slow Zone" "Children at Play" Signs in 2017, how many requests have been received for additional Children at Play & Slow Down signs where residents feel due to speeding in estates or areas where signage is absent that more signage is necessary. Furthermore can I get clarification on how a decision to refuse a request for signage is reached.
Could the Chief Executive to give a report clarifying the procedures that potential tenants of Approved Housing Bodies have to follow to secure Rent Allowance and the procedure for existing tenants of AHBs that require an increased Rent Allowance if their income circumstances change, due to conflicting information and advice, given to tenants and potential tenants from the DEASP and SDCC Housing officers.
Could the Chief Executive to make a report regarding the situation where tenants of Approved Housing Bodies are complaining that they are being ignored when they inform the AHB about serious Anti Social behaviour in their apartment complex and believe that they have no recourse for a response to the complaints. Is there a mechanism available to these tenants to take their complaints directly to SDCC Anti Social officers if they continue to be ignored by the AHB?
How much money is paid by South Dublin County Council to privately operated dog shelters? and how frequently are inspections carried out?
To ask the Chief Executive to provide an update on Ashton Dog Pound in light of the review being held by Dublin City Council, and what action the council will take as a result?
To ask the Chief Executive to issue a statement on how often is the mutual transfer lists updated and how accurate is the information that is supplied as this. This is one of the only ways people can see who is interested in a mutual swap.
To ask the Chief executive to produce a report detailing how many RAS tenants are in the County, how may are on RAS transfer lists, average time before transfer is realised and to make a statement on this matter?
To ask the Chief Executive to please provide a list of the name of companies in the county that currently have a rateable value of above €100,000? Could company names be divided into categories as below but updated for 2020? €100,000 -€500,000. (129 accounts in 2019) €500,001 -€1 million ( 11 accounts in 2019) > €1 million ( 11 accounts in 2019)
To ask the Chief Executive to outline the criteria used to identify the projects for whcih NTA cycling funding from the July Stimulus Package was sought, and as to why South Dublin County Council received the lowest allocation of the four Dublin councils and if he will make a statement on the matter.
To ask the Chief Executive about the current waiting times and size of waiting list for housing adaptation requests, and how the national funding made available to this scheme will reduce those waiting times, and if he will make a statement on the matter.
To ask the Chief Executive whether or not there has been a reduced frequency of grass cutting in the county, by how much it has been reduced, and whether there are plans to return to a similar frequency as previous years and if he will make a statement on the matter.
To ask the Chief Executive for an updated implementation plan, with expected completion dates for the next three years by electoral area, for the Tree Maintenance Programme, mindful of the impact of COVID-19 and the need to keep tree maintenance crews safe.
To ask the Chief Executive to provide the number of times an authorised person employed by South Dublin County Council has requested proof of compliance with the 2018 Waste Management Bye-laws, in the form of documentary evidence, the number of fixed penalty notices issued, the number of prosecutions initiated and the number of successful convictions. Please provide the information in tabular form, by year and by electoral area.
To ask the Chief Executive to confirm various Grants received from Government in the past two months in relation to housing upgrades/adaptations and footpaths/roads. Will he detail proposals for works in that regard and make a statement?
To ask the Chief Executive to present an updated report on the Traveller Accommodation Programme and will he make a statement?
To ask the Chief Executive to detail actions being taken to facilitate the reopening of Community Centres in these difficult times and in reporting will he also say if any consideration has been given to suggestions that Community Centres should get a once off annual grant to cover their costings and will he make a statement?
To ask the Chief Executive if he has maintained contact with Government and its agencies in respect of the job creation needs of our County which are of particular importance in these times and will he make a statement?
To ask the Chief Executive how many Litter Fines have been issued in the County so far this year; will he give details in respect of each Electoral Area and give an overview of actions being taken and planned to deal with the issue?
To ask the Chief Executive for a detailed report on the solar bins which were piloted in the county sometime ago.
To ask the Chief Executive to provide a detailed report on the permeability (pedestrian and cycle )projects for each area which have been approved by the NTA and other such funding organisations. To include in the report projects that will commence this year, and to include the two projects in Lucan/Adamstown(Embankment and Paddocks-Hillcrest)
To ask the Chief Executive if the Council has plans to looks at communication boards for children with speech, language and communication needs in all the playgrounds and playspaces throughout the county and how this could be funded? '
At South Dublin County Council we are committed to equality, inclusion and providing services that are accessible to the whole community' (https://www.sdcc.ie/en/services/our-council/policies-and-plans/disability-access/). 'Communication accessibility' is generally overlooked in public policy. SDCoCo is home to 4 Specialist Disability Services and over 65 schools/preschools providing education to children who have communication difficulties linked to Specific Language Disorder, Intellectual Disability or Autism. Public parks & playgrounds are a lifeline to these children and their families, never more so than during the current COVID 19 pandemic. The Speech & Language Therapy Dept at Cheeverstown would like to SDCoCo to consider the installation of communication boards in all public playgrounds, as has been recently done by Wexford CoCo (template has been shared with the SLT Dept). True inclusion is not something that most of these families experience - it would be wonderful for them to see that their children are recognised as citizens of this county
To ask the Chief Executive for a report into projected estimated populations by electoral area over the next 5 years and how many homes are estimated to be built over next 5 years and how many villages will be designated as towns due to such growth?
To ask the Chief Executive to comment and report on The Minister for Agriculture and the Minister of State with responsibility for Forestry at the departments new scheme to fund the creation of new native woodland on public lands and how the council proposes to meet this need including preserving current Woodlands already in SDCC.
To ask the Chief Executive to issue a report into the Playspace programme and how many are planned for future and timeframes? Also, to look at a council scheme to upgrade as required and maintain the finished Playspaces. Also can areas apply to Council for a playspace and is there an email where people can contact re playspaces?
To ask the Chief Executive to issue a progress report into the Teenspace programme and how many are planned for future? How can communities suggest areas for Teenspaces and is there an email contact for suggestions?
To ask for an update on parklets and cycle lanes introduced during the summer
To ask how many applicants for housing, and how many on the homeless list, were accommodated in Council or HAP accommodation over the past 5 months approximately, while Covid restrictions in place, and how did this compare with previous months and years
In light of fact that Cork County Council recently took back its parking scheme to be run directly by the Council, can a report on the estimated difference in income and expenditure between having a private company operate the parking scheme and if it were to be directly run by the Council be presented to councillors accompany the Chief Executives report on the public consultation on the draft parking regulations?
Can the Chief Executive give an update on the pilot scheme for solar belly bins and what is the next step after the pilot scheme?
To ask the Chief Executive in light of evidence that transmission of Covid is less likely outdoors what is the situation regarding restaurants and cafes having table and seating outdoors, similarly casual traders selling food near or in parks, particularly during good weather.
Headed Items
DECLARATION OF ROADS TO BE MADE PUBLIC ROADS
(No Reports)
PROPOSED DISPOSAL OF PROPERTIES/SITES
(a) Disposal of fee simple in 24 St. Patrick’s Cottages, Rathfarnham, Dublin 14
(b) Disposal of fee simple in 130 Arthur Griffith Park, Lucan, Co. Dublin
(c) Disposal of fee simple in 84 Arthur Griffith Park, Lucan, Co. Dublin
(d) Proposed disposal of laneway between 47 & 49 Rowlagh Park, Clondalkin, D. 22
Disposal of fee simple in 24 St. Patrick’s Cottages, Rathfarnham, Dublin 14
Disposal of fee simple in 130 Arthur Griffith Park, Lucan, Co. Dublin
Disposal of fee simple in 84 Arthur Griffith Park, Lucan, Co. Dublin
Proposed disposal of laneway between 47 & 49 Rowlagh Park, Clondalkin, D. 22
MANAGERS REPORT
VENUE FOR MEETINGS GOING FORWARD
CONSIDERATION OF LOCAL PROPERTY TAX – LOCAL ADJUSTMENT FACTOR
TALLAGHT STADIUM PART 8
LUCAN ROAD PART 8
A) DRAFT AGE FRIENDLY COUNTY STRATEGY
B) AGE FRIENDLY HOUSING
DISTRICT CENTRE ENHANCEMENT PROGRAMME
PART 8 INNOVATION CENTRE
TALLAGHT DISTRICT HEATING UPDATE
CLIMATE ACTION PLAN PROGRESS REPORT
Correspondence
CORRESPONDENCE
Motions
That this Council supports the efforts of the Irish Association of Speech & Language Therapists (IASLT) to increase inclusivity in various facilities by piloting the use of communication boards in our playgrounds to assist children with communication disorders and to meet with the chair of IASLT to discuss ways that we can improve inclusivity for those with speech and language difficulties throughout the County.
That this Council calls for the introduction of electronic booking systems for community centres in the County.
That the members request the Chief Executive to design, install and organise for Plaques similar to the one in the photo to be placed in our parks in thanks to all our volunteers/hero’s that have helped out in so many ways during the challenging times of Covid19
That this Council ensures that all future contracts entered into with private contractors to carry out works on behalf of this local authority, will ensure that a clause will be included that states that glyphosate based products can no longer be used by them or the Local Authority, in relation to any work that is carried out on our behalf.
This Council agrees to install two self-cleaning outdoor public toilets on the high streets of each of the seven local electoral areas of the county and to liaise with the City of Paris if any advice on the matter needed.
This Council calls on the Chief Executive, in the event of there being financial restrictions as a result of the Covid-19 or for any other reason, that the funds for the Traveller Accommodation Programme 2019-2024 for this County be safeguarded and that the planned programme be fully implemented and that in any associated discussions he or the Director of Housing have with Government Departments that they convey the determination of the elected members that the said Traveller Accommodation Programme be fully funded and resourced.
To ask the Chief Executive to write to the relevant Minister and request that a procedure be put in place allowing for a postal vote in a General Election for qualifying citizens who are over 65 years of age and who apply for it.
In an effort to combat Youth Unemployment, following COVID-19, this Council call on Minister Heather Humphreys, TD, Minister for Social Protection, Community & Rural Development and the Islands, to remove the age barrier and twelve month "Live Register" requirement for access to Community Employment Programmes, to allow young people participate in meaningful employment within their Community, to access accredited training and educational opportunities, and to enhance their mainstream employment prospects
This Council agrees to call upon the government to introduce a service award/medal to be granted to all those front line workers who risked their personal safety in battling the Covid 19 pandemic and that such an award also be made to those in transport and logistics who have been deemed to have gone above and beyond their normal work commitments. also in recognition of their sacrifice, that a compensation package be put in place for the families of those workers that have died as a result of contracting the Covid 19 virus whilst engaged in this work
That this Council calls for the establishment of a dog pound/cat and dogs home that is within this Council's control.
What funding is available for this?
The Chief Executive to bring a report on the feasibility of achieving this
That the Chief Executive organises, at the appropriate time, a separate event similar to the Community Endeavour Awards to recognise the front line workers and especially and distinctly those ordinary people from our communities who stood up when it mattered during the Covid-19 crisis to assist vulnerable members in our County in various ways, with a nominations procedure being initiated in advance of such a gathering - subject to medical guidelines in place permitting such events; and if a statement can be made on same.
That this Council requests that the Chief Executive erects communications boards in public playgrounds and play spaces. An example of which was rolled out at Min Park by Wexford County Council (photo attached). This initiative is designed to help children with communication difficulties and sends out a clear message of inclusion from an early age.
That this Council shows solidarity with the LGBT Community in Poland and opposes the manner and way that Poland's government is treating its LGBT Community by Banning Gay Marriage , Creating LGBT Free zones , locking up LGBT activists etc , We are proud that in Ireland we have come such a long way and ee affirm that We are a country that promotes and advocate equality for everyone, We send solidarity to all our Polish LGBT Brothers and Sisters! We commit to write to the Polish Ambassador and our Minister for Foreign Affairs to express our Solidarity to the polish LGBT community.
That South Dublin County Council amends its policy on responses to queries by elected members to Housing List position requests. This change would follow the policies of other local authorities in Dublin by providing the list position and would provide clarity to applicants who are seeking housing support.
That this South Dublin County Council, recognising the contribution of CE Supervisors for their years of dedication to our communities and noting the findings of the Labour Court ruling, calls on the Government to engage, consult and honor the commitment of a fair gratuity scheme and resolve the pension entitlements for all the Supervisors and Assistant Supervisors who have put in the years of service and deserve their due recognition and will the Chief Executive bring this motion to the attention of Heather Humphreys TD, Minister for Social Protection and Community and Rural Development.
That this Council ( cognizant of the current Garda investigation) calls on the Chief Executive for a full detailed report on the contractual operation arrangement between SDCC and Ashton Pound, and following on from the detailed report that this urgent issue be listed as a headed item for the next full Council meeting
That this Council agree that income limits for access to social housing should be removed to allow for a greater social mix in public housing.
This Council reaffirms its commitment to becoming an Age Friendly County and commits to prioritising opportunities for older people to live healthy and active lives, as close to their communities as possible, supported and enabled by SDCC in its policies, actions and by the range of services and types of accommodation provided, and also commits to examine the development of further long term care facilities as they may be contrary to this aim.
Following reports of cruelty in Ashton Dog Pound, this Council calls for an immediate investigation of their activities and review of our relationship with them.
During the massive struggle that has been waged by ex- Debenhams workers across the companies 11 stores in Ireland the deficit of workers protection in liquidations has again been sharply exposed. This Council calls for the immediate implementation of the Duffy/Cahill Report, complied in 2016 in the aftermath of The Clerys dispute- as one way of strengthening workers rights and tackling the legal outs provided to major corporations who engage in tactical liquidations in order to avoid their obligations under hard won workers’ rights. If passed this Council communicates such in writing to Government, to all Local Authorities and to the ICTU offering its support for implementation.