Headed Items
CONFIRMATION AND REAFFIRMATION OF MINUTES
(a) - October Council Meeting Minutes - October 12th 2020
REPORTS OF AREA COMMITTEES
a) Rathfarnham/Templeogue/Firhouse/Bohernabreena Area Committee
Dealing with Public Realm, Water & Drainage, Housing, Community, Planning, Economic Development, Libraries & Arts, Corporate Support, Performance & Change Management
(No Reports)
b) Clondalkin Area Committee
Dealing with Public Realm, Water & Drainage, Housing, Community, Planning, Economic Development, Libraries & Arts, Corporate Support, Performance & Change Management
(No Reports)
c) Tallaght Area Committee
Dealing with Public Realm, Water & Drainage, Housing, Community, Planning, Economic Development, Libraries & Arts, Corporate Support, Performance & Change Management
1 Report
d) Lucan/Palmerstown/North Clondalkin Area Committee
Dealing with Public Realm, Water & Drainage, Housing, Community, Planning, Economic Development, Libraries & Arts, Corporate Support, Performance & Change Management
(No Reports)
STANDING COMMITTEES ORGANISATION, PROCEDURE & FINANCE
(No Reports)
STRATEGIC POLICY COMMITTEES
(No Reports)
REPORTS REQUESTED BY AREA COMMITTEES
(No Reports)
Questions
To ask the Chief Executive why there is a disparity between the treatment of online access to the details of the Council's Part 8 initiatives under the South Dublin County Council's website search and view function, when compared to the Planning Application documentation on proposals made by the public and private sector. To ask why there is a disparity between the amount of information provided for different Part 8 applications, see for example the difference between SD188/0001 and SD188/0002 and would the Chief Executive care to make a statement on the matter.
To ask the Chief Executive for information on what is envisaged and timelines in relation to the delivery of an ePlanning system in line with national timescales and provision of a new planning portal as per the SDCC Service Delivery Plan 2020. Is it the intention to enable the public and bodies to interact more easily and conveniently with planning, and also to greatly increase the speed and efficiency of the entire planning process and would the Chief Executive care to make a statement on the matter?
To ask the Chief Executive what strategy SDCC will put in place to help small businesses who are finding it difficult to pay commercial rates once the waiver period ends at the end of September.
Given the ongoing Garda investigation into alleged wrongdoings at the Ashton Dog Pound, can the Chief Executive please advise how this matter is being handled by SDCC? Are there any provisions contained within the existing contract that relates to improper practices and what would occur if something were to come to light or be referred to the Gardaí for further investigation? I understand the contract for dog pound services for SDCC will be up for tender again at the end of this year. It would appear that Ashton Dog Pound is the only provider to tender for this contract, which also includes the other Dublin Local Authorities. Does SDCC intend to continue to contract with Ashton Dog Pound given these circumstances? If the Garda investigation is still underway of if the case is taken further by the time the contract falls due for tender, can the Chief Executive advise as to what SDCC will do to ensure service is continued? Can the Chief Executive advise whether SDCC has been in contact with the other Dublin Local Authorities to discuss this concerning development? Is the Chief Executive aware that Dublin City Council is conducting its own investigation into the facility? Would the Chief Executive agree that it would be worthwhile to carry out a similar investigation by SDCC? Has the Chief Executive considered my suggestion to talk with the other Dublin Local Authorities and look to seek funding to set up a public dog pound for the Dublin area, one that aims to put animal welfare at the heart of all its work?
To ask the Chief Executive if there are guidelines in place that govern how tree maintenance works are carried out by crews (whether council or private contractors) dealing with trees that have power lines running through them? Currently, trees are been hollowed through the middle or at the side which then allow the tree to continue to grow around the cables. This results in the tree growing unchecked, leading to branches overhanging paths, blocking street lights and becoming dangerously top heavy and unevenly distributed. Trees can become diseased as a result of the breaks to allow cables pass through. They can also become wind-damaged as a result of the hollowing. We have all seen this year that with dangerously top-heavy trees, they are more likely to fall in the storms or in most severe of cases, will have to be cut down all together. Would the Chief Executive agree to look at ensuring crews carry out the most appropriate and necessary maintenance of these trees including that once they get to 'Wire Height' the whole tree should be evenly pruned where ever possible?
Noting a recent reply by the Council to a request to cease using glyphosate weedkiller, to ask the Chief Executive whether there is a means by which residents can ask for their road not to be sprayed with glyphosate weedkiller, particularly where there are residents with underlying health issues?
To ask the Chief Executive who has responsibility for collecting the remains of deceased cats and dogs when they are found in public places. When they have been collected are they scanned so as to establish contact with owners, if they are not scanned can I ask why?
In light of the national plan to have one million electric vehicles on the road by 2030, to ask the Chief Executive if SDCC has applied for the Government's Electric Vehicle Public Charge Point Grant and to provide a report on the matter.
To ask the Chief Executive what schedule he proposes to repair open spaces damaged over the recent Bonfire season and will he make a statement on his plans.
To ask the Chief Executive what proposals are being considered to deal with serious Weather Events during the winter and will he make a statement?
To ask the Chief Executive to confirm numbers currently on the Housing List and will he give details in respect of each Electoral area.
To ask the Chief Executive if he has had any discussions with the Department of Housing, Planning and Local Government in respect of the announcement on Budget Day of increased funding for Housing and will he confirm that he has proposals ready to respond to such a situation and will he make a statement?
To ask the Chief Executive if he has been informed of any increased funding for Fire Services in the County and will he make a statement in the matter?
Can the Chief Executive give an update on new concepts in design and planning it is trying to promote in the concept with developers of large scale developments and has the concept of biophilic design been considered in terms of any pre planning and if he will make a statement on the matter
To ask the Chief Executive for an update on plans for window replacement in Council housing and is there a schedule for these, estate by estate and if he will make a statement on the matter?
To ask the Chief Executive for an update on "parklets" and any innovative things that have been developed in this space, and if he will make a statement on the matter
To ask the Chief Executive if he has considered the possibility of a community warden scheme for South Dublin County Council, similar to that developed by other local authorities, including Cork City Council, and is there any funding that could be sourced by the Council to fund community wardens, particularly in light of expansion of the public realm as one of the responses of the Council to Covid-19 and the need for more space for distancing and outdoor activity, and that community wardens could help promote social distancing and be visible ambassadors for the Council in the community, and if he will make a statement on the matter.
Headed Items
DECLARATION OF ROADS TO BE MADE PUBLIC ROADS
(No Reports)
PROPOSED DISPOSAL OF PROPERTIES/SITES
(No Reports)
MANAGERS REPORT
TAKING IN CHARGE OF OTTERBROOK HOUSING ESTATE
BIODIVERSITY ACTION PLAN FOR ADOPTION
PROPOSAL FOR HYBRID MEETINGS
SOUTH DUBLIN SCHOOL STREETS PROJECT
CYCLE SOUTH DUBLIN PROGRAMME
Correspondence
CORRESPONDENCE
(a) Correspondence dated 1st October from the Minister for Justice and Equality in response to Motion 9 (Parental Alienation) at the July Council meeting
(b) Correspondence dated 30th October from the Minister for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth in relation to the report of the Mother and Baby Homes Commission of Investigation
(c) Correspondence dated 1st October from the Polish Ambassador to Ireland in response to Motion 13 (LGBT Community in Poland) at the September Council meeting
(d) Correspondence dated 2nd October from Galway City Council in relation to a motion passed at their recent Council meeting calling for additional redundancy payment to be made to the Debenham employees.
(e) Correspondence dated 9th October from Wexford County Council in relation to a motion passed at their recent Council meeting calling for an amendment to the remit of Irish Water in regards to rural villages with a population of less than 3,000
Motions
To ask the Chief Executive to trial "no car days" in selected towns and villages around the County and to use the opportunity presented by these days to engage with community and business to advance changed mobility within these areas.
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.
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.
That this Council asks that bicycle parking stands are installed at all playgrounds and playspaces across the county to encourage families to visit these amenities in ways other than by car. Such cycle parking facilities should be located close to and in sight of the playgrounds and should comprise of Sheffield Bike Stands.
This Council agrees to establish a "Coiste na Gaeilge"/Irish Language Committee comprised of elected members and representatives from the executive to oversee the promotion of the Irish Language within the County and to ensure that Council is an example of best practice in the use of Irish.
Motion Pedestrian Crossings push buttons This committee requests the CE to install Button free sensor systems on all pedestrian traffic lights. In light of the current environment we are living in and will be living in for sometime, any and all prevented measures implemented to assist with the battle against the virus will be welcomed by all in our county.
This Council calls on the Minister of Defence, the Chief of Staff & the Commander in Chief the President to promote and support the Irish Soldiers of A Company 35th Infantry Battalion and in recognition,and award 33 men 33 Distinguished Service Medals and 5 Military medals for gallantly recommended by the late Commandant Pat Quinlan. While serving in the Congo in 1961, under the UN flag, Commandant Quinlan and his battalion came under siege for 5 days while attempting to defend Jadotville and the peace in the small mining town. Segregated by a bridge they were cut off and 90 miles from HQ. The force in which Quinlan and his men fought against were led by Roger Faulques. Roger was hugely experienced in combat and his force heavily outnumbered and out gunned the 35th battalion. The Irish suffered no deaths and only a few wounded. Largely due to Commandant Pat Quinlan's insistence that the entire Company dig trenches. The men were then held in captivity afterwards for a month. Upon return home to Ireland they were not treated as heroes in fact many suffered shame. Internationally this feat has astounded Army's about how Quinlan returned them men who averaged age 18.5 home to their families alive. No doubt these men were nominated by Quinlan because they saved lives through brave and courageous actions - it would be just to honour his wishes of granting these decorations he listed and give closure to the 8 men still alive and the family's and memories of those who fought at Jadotville. In 2017, serving members were awarded Jadotville medals upon the then Taoiseach's recommendation. Although, this is a medal is to be cherished, it was not the MMG or distinguished service medal recommended by Pat Quinlan. At a time when our front-line services and forces are close to conscience. Recorrecting this history opens up and highlights a positive assurance towards these brave men and shows our current men and woman of service that we honour and respect them and we will always stand up for their good name and due merit if we feel it is at question with no time limit till closure is found. If passed, a letter from this Council will be drafted accordingly and dispatched forthwith to the above mentioned.
'Acknowledging the incredible work done in challenging circumstances by frontline drugs task forces both before and during the pandemic, that the Chief Executive write to Minister Frank Feighan asking him to ensure that funding on a sustainable, ongoing basis for frontline drugs task-forces is included in the upcoming budget.'
That this Council calls on the Chief Executive to publish an updated plan to deal with the Litter/Graffiti issue which is of great concern to communities throughout our County; does he have a view on the recent statements of IBAL in the matter; will he state the amount of fines for Litter/Graffiti abuses collected since January and will he make a statement?
This council notes the nuisance that arises to local residents from construction workers parking their vehicles on the streets of housing estates in the vicinity of construction sites.
This council further notes the farcical situation that regularly arises with residents contacting local representatives, local representatives contacting Gardaí and traffic wardens, and Gardaí and Traffic wardens using up valuable time and resources pursuing illegally parked vehicles of those working on construction sites.
As a measure of restoring the confidence of citizens of the county in the planning process and that SDCC works for them rather than developers, this council declares that a condition of planning permission of all construction sites greater in size than one dwelling in the county, have an employee parking plan in place for the duration of construction, which clearly delineates where legal parking will occur without causing an undue nuisance to local residents and wasting the valuable resources of the Gardaí Síochána and Traffic Wardens.
That the Council will require more cycle lanes in new developments to be segregated, and where investment is being made in existing public roads, that at suitable locations segregated cycle lanes will be planned.