Agenda - April 2025 County Council Meeting

Back to Meetings
Date:
14/04/2025 15:30
Location:
Council Chamber
Standing Orders:

Headed Items

H-I (1)
Submitted by:
Corporate Performance and Change Management Directorate
Responsibility:
Director of Corporate Performance & Change Management

CONFIRMATION AND REAFFIRMATION OF MINUTES - FOR APPROVAL

March 2025 Council Minutes - 10th March 2025

H-I (2)
Submitted by:
Corporate Performance and Change Management Directorate
Responsibility:
Director of Corporate Performance & Change Management

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 T. COSTELLO

H-I (3)
Submitted by:
Corporate Performance and Change Management Directorate
Responsibility:
Director of Corporate Performance & Change Management

REPORTS OF AREA COMMITTEES - FOR NOTING

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

b) Clondalkin Area Committee

Dealing with Public Realm, Water & Drainage, Housing, Community, Planning, Economic Development, Libraries & Arts, Corporate Support, Performance & Change Management

c) Tallaght Area Committee

Dealing with Public Realm, Water & Drainage, Housing, Community, Planning, Economic Development, Libraries & Arts, Corporate Support, Performance & Change Management

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

H-I (4)
Submitted by:
Corporate Performance and Change Management Directorate
Responsibility:
Director of Corporate Performance & Change Management

STANDING COMMITTEES ORGANISATION, PROCEDURE & FINANCE - FOR APPROVAL

(a) Calendar of Meeting Dates

(b) Report on Conferences & Training

H-I (5)
Submitted by:
Corporate Performance and Change Management Directorate
Responsibility:

STRATEGIC POLICY COMMITTEES - FOR NOTING

(No Reports)

H-I (6)
Submitted by:
Corporate Performance and Change Management Directorate
Responsibility:
Director of Corporate Performance & Change Management

REPORTS REQUESTED BY AREA COMMITTEES - FOR NOTING

(No Reports)

Questions

Qu (1)
Submitted by:
Councillor L. de Courcy
Responsibility:
Director of Corporate Performance & Change Management

To ask the Chief Executive would he consider creating a dedicated webpage where residents can easily report faulty streetlights, potholes, or road and footpath issues?

Qu (2)
Submitted by:
Councillor L. Dunne
Responsibility:
Director of Housing, Social & Community Development

To ask the Chief Executive for a report on how many properties in South Dublin are currently managed by the Council or Approved Housing Bodies (AHBs) under the 25-year Enhanced Lease? Report to include how many are expected to be added under this lease in 2025.

Qu (3)
Submitted by:
Councillor H. Farrell
Responsibility:
Director of Environment, Water & Climate Change

To ask the Chief Executive for an update on the number of properties in South Dublin that have been derelict for over 5 years.

Qu (4)
Submitted by:
Councillor H. Farrell
Responsibility:
Director of Environment, Water & Climate Change

To ask the Chief Executive what percentage of trees planted by South Dublin County Council during 2024 were native species?

Qu (5)
Submitted by:
Councillor N. Fennell
Responsibility:
Director of Environment, Water & Climate Change

To ask the Chief Executive to detail the total number of fines issued by the litter warden in the county, in the previous 3 years, by LEA.

Qu (6)
Submitted by:
Councillor N. Fennell
Responsibility:
Director of Environment, Water & Climate Change

To ask the Chief Executive for an update on the county's Pavilions Programmes regarding the installation of dressing rooms in public parks.

Qu (7)
Submitted by:
Councillor M. Johansson
Responsibility:
Director of Environment, Water & Climate Change

To ask the Chief Executive for a report on actions N14 (Implement a countywide reduction of the usage of chemicals, such as glyphosate, across all council departments) and N15 (Develop a Strategy for the phase out of harmful products such as glyphosate and acrylic paint) of the South Dublin County Council Climate Action Plan?

Qu (8)
Submitted by:
Councillor M. Johansson
Responsibility:
Director of Environment, Water & Climate Change

To ask the Chief Executive for a breakdown of the number of grass cutting staff per depot in the county?

Qu (9)
Submitted by:
Councillor M. Johansson
Responsibility:
Director of Housing, Social & Community Development

To ask the Chief Executive to provide a report of the number of four bed units due to be delivered across the whole county in 2025/26 and if any of those are expected to be bungalows?

Qu (10)
Submitted by:
Councillor R. Mannion
Responsibility:
Director of Land Use, Planning & Transportation

To ask the Chief Executive for a report on the efficacy and use of cycle infrastructure within the county? Report to include what measures will be taken to address any issues that arise.

Qu (11)
Submitted by:
Councillor R. Mannion
Responsibility:
Director of Housing, Social & Community Development

To ask the Chief Executive how many complaints were received in relation to anti-social behaviour in council-owned properties, and subsequently how many tenancies were terminated/tenants were evicted in the past 3 years?

Qu (12)
Submitted by:
Councillor R. Mannion
Responsibility:
Director of Land Use, Planning & Transportation

To ask the Chief Executive to provide clear guidance on the taking-in-charge process for estates/developments not yet maintained by the council that are outside of developer guarantee requirements (i.e. not new-build/recently completed) please

Qu (13)
Submitted by:
Councillor D. McManus
Responsibility:
Director of Housing, Social & Community Development

To ask the Chief Executive for an update on the 620 homes at the Foothills Killinarden Development.

Qu (14)
Submitted by:
Councillor D. McManus
Responsibility:
Director of Housing, Social & Community Development

To ask the Chief Executive for an update on the 133 cost-rental apartments at Belgard Square North.

Qu (15)
Submitted by:
Councillor E. Ó Broin
Responsibility:
Director of Housing, Social & Community Development

To ask the Chief Executive to describe South Dublin County Council Housing and Disability Group, e.g, its membership, its role and if it feeds into any SPC?

Qu (16)
Submitted by:
Councillor E. Ó Broin
Responsibility:
Director of Environment, Water & Climate Change

To ask the Chief Executive if South Dublin County Council have a role with regard to regulating that substandard solid fuels e.g. smoky fuels and wet firewood, are not sold in commercial outlets?

Qu (17)
Submitted by:
Councillor E. Ó Broin
Responsibility:
Director of Environment, Water & Climate Change

To ask the Chief Executive what his view is of an idea to create one lane 100m sprint tracks in public parks, for training purposes? See attached photo montage.

Qu (18)
Submitted by:
Councillor E. Ó Broin
Responsibility:
Director of Environment, Water & Climate Change

To ask the Chief Executive if there are any plans to install either Padel or Pickleball courts indoor or outdoor across the county?

Qu (19)
Submitted by:
Councillor E. Ó Broin
Responsibility:
Director of Housing, Social & Community Development

To ask the Chief Executive if inspections are carried out on heat pump systems that have been installed in homes the Council is about to purchase or are being handed over from Developer?

Qu (20)
Submitted by:
Councillor J. Sinnott
Responsibility:
Director of Land Use, Planning & Transportation

To ask the Chief Executive how many planning applications for retention/retrospective planning applications were approved in 2024?

Qu (21)
Submitted by:
Councillor J. Sinnott
Responsibility:
Director of Land Use, Planning & Transportation

To ask the Chief Executive to outline the amount owed to South Dublin County Council in terms of uncollected development levies for 2024.

Qu (22)
Submitted by:
Councillor J. Sinnott
Responsibility:
Director of Land Use, Planning & Transportation

To ask the Chief Executive if South Dublin County Council include specific criteria for the taking in charge process when granting a developer approval for large scale planning/multi unit applications?

Qu (23)
Submitted by:
Councillor J. Sinnott
Responsibility:
Director of Housing, Social & Community Development

To ask the Chief Executive to outline what steps are taken by South Dublin County Council to ensure appropriate governance and oversight is undertaken in Community Centres across the county?

Qu (24)
Submitted by:
Councillor J. Sinnott
Responsibility:
Director of Land Use, Planning & Transportation

To ask the Chief Executive if developers are required to indicate to the Council during the planning process that a proposal for a development (non apartment) will have a private management structure in place?

Qu (25)
Submitted by:
Councillor J. Spear
Responsibility:
Director of Housing, Social & Community Development

To ask the Chief Executive to please report how many people were offered council housing while on HAP in the past five years?

Qu (26)
Submitted by:
Councillor J. Spear
Responsibility:
Director of Housing, Social & Community Development

To ask the Chief Executive to please report on what is the average waiting time for people on the medical priority list (with and without HAP)?

Qu (27)
Submitted by:
Councillor F. Timmons
Responsibility:
Director of Environment, Water & Climate Change

To ask the Chief Executive if there are plans to appoint a dedicated Tidy Towns Liaison Person in recognition of the invaluable contribution of Tidy Towns groups to our County

Qu (28)
Submitted by:
Councillor F. Timmons
Responsibility:
Director of Environment, Water & Climate Change

To ask the Chief Executive of South Dublin County Council has he employed a sufficient number of dog wardens to monitor and impose the relevant laws, bye-laws and recommendations in the SDCC region. If not when will this situation be remedied?

Qu (29)
Submitted by:
Councillor F. Timmons
Responsibility:
Director of Environment, Water & Climate Change

To ask the Chief Executive what effective remedies has South Dublin County Council done to find, shut down, and counteract illegal puppy farms in the SDCC area in the past two years? What were the outcomes of these efforts?

Qu (30)
Submitted by:
Councillor F. Timmons
Responsibility:
Director of Environment, Water & Climate Change

To ask the Chief Executive to issue a report on Japanese Knotweed that answers what the current position is with Japanese Knotweed in the South Dublin County Council area - how prevalent is it, what treatment is the Council using to eradicate it, and who is responsible for it?

Qu (31)
Submitted by:
Councillor F. Timmons
Responsibility:
Director of Housing, Social & Community Development

To ask the Chief Executive for a report on HAP to explain any effects in access to long-term council housing, including how many people in receipt of HAP were offered council housing in the past two years.

Qu (32)
Submitted by:
Councillor F. Timmons
Responsibility:
Director of Housing, Social & Community Development

To ask the Chief Executive for a report on the average waiting time for people on the medical priority list in receipt of HAP.

Qu (33)
Submitted by:
Councillor Joanna Tuffy
Responsibility:
Director of Land Use, Planning & Transportation

To ask the Chief Executive for an update on this 'Overarching Objective' in the County Development Plan "To collaboratively investigate with Kildare County Council the benefits of providing a greenbelt or green space between the growing settlements within South Dublin County and Kildare County Councils within the lifetime of the Development Plan (page 176 Chapter 4 'Green Infrastructure')

Qu (34)
Submitted by:
Councillor Joanna Tuffy
Responsibility:
Director of Environment, Water & Climate Change

To ask the Chief Executive to report on any funding it has applied for since January 2023 to the European Union under its programmes aimed at the Environment and Climate Change. Report to include any plans the Environment, Water and Climate Change department of the Council has to explore applying for funding or resources under current programmes e.g LIFE Programme.

Qu (35)
Submitted by:
Councillor Joanna Tuffy
Responsibility:
Director of Land Use, Planning & Transportation

To ask the Chief Executive to report on any funding it has applied for since January 2023 to the European Union under its programmes aimed at sustainable transport. Report to include any plans the LUPT department of the Council has to explore applying for funding or resources under current programmes e.g Civitas Programme.

Qu (36)
Submitted by:
Councillor N. Whelan
Responsibility:
Director of Housing, Social & Community Development

To ask the Chief Executive if funding for the Rightsizing scheme has been released for 2025 by Central Government?

Qu (37)
Submitted by:
Councillor N. Whelan
Responsibility:
Director of Housing, Social & Community Development

To ask the Chief Executive if there are currently any potential tenant in situ purchases being delayed as a result of guidance not being issued on the new revised scheme from the Minister for Housing?

Headed Items

H-I (7)
Submitted by:
Corporate Performance and Change Management Directorate
Responsibility:
Director of Land Use, Planning & Transportation

DECLARATION OF ROADS TO BE MADE PUBLIC ROADS

H-I (8)
Submitted by:
Corporate Performance and Change Management Directorate
Responsibility:
Director of Economic, Enterprise & Tourism Development

PROPOSED DISPOSAL OF PROPERTIES/SITES - FOR APPROVAL

(a) Disposal of fee simple in 38 Rathlawns, Rathcoole, Co. Dublin.

(a) Disposal of fee simple in 38 Rathlawns, Rathcoole, Co. Dublin.

H-I (9)
Submitted by:
Corporate Performance and Change Management Directorate
Responsibility:
Chief Executive

CHIEF EXECUTIVE'S REPORT & CAPITAL PROJECTS PROGRESS REPORT - FOR NOTING

(a) Chief Executive's Report

(b) Statistics Report

(c) Finance Report

(d) Capital Project Progress Report - April 2025

H-I (10)
Submitted by:
Director of Land Use, Planning & Transportation
Responsibility:
Director of Land Use, Planning & Transportation

TALLAGHT TOWN CENTRE LOCAL AREA PLAN EXTENSION – FOR APPROVAL

H-I (11)
Submitted by:
Corporate Performance and Change Management Directorate
Responsibility:
Director of Finance

RAISING OF LOANS FOR PUBLICLY FUNDED HOUSING - FOR APPROVAL

H-I (12)
Submitted by:
Corporate Performance and Change Management Directorate
Responsibility:
Director of Corporate Performance & Change Management

ANNUAL REPORT 2024 - FOR APPROVAL

H-I (13)
Submitted by:
Corporate Performance and Change Management Directorate
Responsibility:
Director of Corporate Performance & Change Management

LOCAL COMMUNITY SAFETY PARTNERSHIP COUNCILLOR NOMINEES - FOR APPROVAL

H-I (14)
Submitted by:
Corporate Performance and Change Management Directorate
Responsibility:
Director of Finance

ANNUAL FINANCIAL STATEMENT - FOR NOTING & APPROVAL

(a) Unaudited 2024 Annual Financial Statement
(b) Approval of Transfers
(c) Over-Expenditure

H-I (15)
Submitted by:
Corporate Performance and Change Management Directorate
Responsibility:
Director of Environment, Water & Climate Change

CLIMATE ACTION PLAN ANNUAL REPORT AND CCAP 2025 IMPLEMENTATION PLAN - FOR NOTING

H-I (16)
Submitted by:
Director of Housing, Social & Community Development
Responsibility:
Director of Housing, Social & Community Development

COMMUNITY & SPORTS DEVELOPMENT GRANTS - FOR NOTING

Correspondence

Cor (1)
Submitted by:
Corporate Performance and Change Management Directorate
Responsibility:
Director of Corporate Performance & Change Management

REPLIES, ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS & CORRESPONDENCE

Replies

Acknowledgements

Correspondence

(a) Donegal County Council Motion regarding dog control.

(b) Sligo County Council Motion regarding school places for children with additional needs.

(c) Sligo County Council Motion regarding gender-based violence.

(d) Clare County Council Motion on Early Years education funding.

(e)(i) Message from Minister for Children, Equality and Disability.

(e)(ii) Action Plan and Quarterly Update from Minister for Children, Equality and Disability.

Motions

Mot (1)
Submitted by:
Councillor L. Dunne
Responsibility:
Director of Corporate Performance & Change Management

This Council resolves to adopt a rights-based Ethical Procurement Policy (EPP) that takes fully into account existing obligations and standards. The EPP will incorporate widely accepted and precisely formulated international standards and explain clearly how the policy will be implemented. The primary aim of the EPP is to ensure that human rights obligations are properly acknowledged, observed and respected at all stages of the procurement process.

Mot (2)
Submitted by:
Councillor D. Adelaide
Responsibility:
Director of Corporate Performance & Change Management

That this Council writes to the Taoiseach and the President of the INMO, endorsing the INMO nurses and Midwives who have voted overwhelmingly to take industrial action in response to unsafe staffing levels

Mot (3)
Submitted by:
Councillor L. de Courcy
Responsibility:
Director of Corporate Performance & Change Management

That this committee asks South Dublin County Council to change its policy when awarding building contracts to include investigations into past contract infringements, or actions beyond the scope of the contract, and weigh these up when awarding new contracts.

Mot (4)
Submitted by:
Councillor W. Carey
Responsibility:
Director of Environment, Water & Climate Change

That this Council agrees that South Dublin County Council shall develop a policy for dealing with intrusive behaviour of foxes and other wildlife.

Mot (5)
Submitted by:
Councillor K. Keane
Responsibility:
Director of Housing, Social & Community Development

This Council agrees to implement a system of allocating units from the current housing stock to victims of domestic violence leaving short term refuges, ensuring they do not end up in emergency accommodation.

Mot (6)
Submitted by:
Councillor E. Ó Broin
Responsibility:
Director of Environment, Water & Climate Change

This Council agrees to create a programme for the installation of small playgrounds in housing estates that want them.

Mot (7)
Submitted by:
Councillor J. Spear
Responsibility:
Director of Housing, Social & Community Development

This Council agrees that those in rented accommodation can apply for Homeless Housing Assistance Payment immediately after a valid notice to quit is issued.

Mot (8)
Submitted by:
Councillor N. Fennell
Responsibility:
Director of Environment, Water & Climate Change

This Council agrees to have accessible, user-friendly exercise machines, not just calisthenics, in all our county parks, to ensure inclusive and diverse ways of exercise for all people within our county.

Mot (9)
Submitted by:
Councillor C. Brady
Responsibility:
Director of Environment, Water & Climate Change

That this council calls on the Chief Executive to accelerate the delivery of EV charging infrastructure for all new apartment developments across the county where residents have no access to direct frontage.

Mot (10)
Submitted by:
Councillor G. Moore
Responsibility:
Director of Corporate Performance & Change Management

That this Council agrees to promote and assist the HSE's advertisement campaigns around sexuality transmitted infections specifically promoting free home STI testing kits to help divert the weight off clinics and hospitals. "You, Me and HIV" and "Just Carry One" are examples of their on going efforts and initiatives 

Mot (11)
Submitted by:
Councillor L. O'Toole
Responsibility:
Director of Corporate Performance & Change Management

This Council calls on the Minister for Health to immediately establish a reimbursement system for all Hormone Replacement Therapy (HRT) costs incurred since January 2025. The Government must honour its commitment and ensure women receive the financial relief they were promised in the Budget 2024.

Mot (12)
Submitted by:
Councillor D. Donnelly
Responsibility:
Director of Corporate Performance & Change Management

That this Council writes to the Minister for Housing seeking to come up with a solution or grant to allow people to install a solid fuel stove, upgrade their fireplace to avail of a back boiler stove, or even an open fire. 

Mot (13)
Submitted by:
Councillor B. Lawlor
Responsibility:
Director of Environment, Water & Climate Change , Director of Finance, Director of Housing, Social & Community Development

That South Dublin County Council, in association with the Department of Housing and Local Government and Planning, put in place a system of covering insurance for Tidy Towns, Men's Sheds & community groups through our public bodies insurer IPB.

Mot (14)
Submitted by:
Councillor N. Whelan
Responsibility:
Director of Corporate Performance & Change Management

This Council calls on the Minister for Foreign Affairs and the Irish Government to plan and prepare for Irish unity by establishing an all-island Citizens' Assembly and a Joint Oireachtas Committee on Irish Unity, with a view to producing a plan toward unity and working to secure a date for the referendums provided for in the Good Friday Agreement.

Mot (15)
Submitted by:
Councillor H. Farrell
Responsibility:
Director of Economic, Enterprise & Tourism Development

This Council agrees to undertake a review of the preparedness of current South Dublin County Council plans and policies to potential market disruptions to businesses in the county. The review should identify existing support mechanisms available to businesses and determine any additional resources that may be required by SDCC to assist businesses during future periods of economic instability.

Mot (16)
Submitted by:
Councillor M. Johansson
Responsibility:
Director of Corporate Performance & Change Management

That the elected members of this council call on the Chief Executive to recognise all trade unions that staff choose to join, including in instances where staff have left one union and joined another while in the same job.

Mot (17)
Submitted by:
Councillor R. Mannion
Responsibility:
Director of Corporate Performance & Change Management

This Council calls on the Department of Housing to reverse any reductions in funding or targets for the Tenant-in-Situ scheme, as well as the introduction of restrictions that will force more people into homelessness.