Headed Items
CONFIRMATION AND RE-AFFIRMATION OF MINUTES
Minutes of Meeting of South Dublin County Council, 12th July 2010
REPORTS OF AREA COMMITTEES
(no reports)
STANDING COMMITTEES - ORGANISATION, PROCEDURE AND FINANCE COMMITTEE
(no reports)
STRATEGIC POLICY COMMITTEES
(no reports)
REPORTS REQUESTED BY AREA COMMITTEES
(no reports)
Questions
To ask the Manager to detail the number of staff currently employed at each parks depot, to advise on how this compares with 2009 & 2008 and to list the parks and areas covered by each depot?
To ask the Manager, in view of the recent negative results in the IBAL (Irish Business Against Litter) survey for many parts of South County Dublin in particular Tallaght's poor performance could the Manager give a report outlining how this Council proposes to actively address and improve this poor performance?
To ask the Manager to state the number and location of any litter bins that have actually been erected in 2010, to date, and without reference to any 'wish list'?
To ask the Manager to state the estimated average annual usage of water per domestic household in South Dublin County?
To ask the Manager to state the frequency with which the list of litter offenders are published under the 'Name & Shame' policy, the media used for this purpose, and can he provide a copy of the two most recent lists?
To ask the Manager to inform why the Street/Road Sweeping Schedule has been removed from the Council website, and if same will be restored immediately?
To ask the Manager for an update on the number of housing transfers completed to date this year and how many of these involved two tenants agreeing between themselves to transfer?
To ask the Manager for an update on the Liffey Valley Special Amenity Area Management Committee and if there are plans for this committee to meet?
To ask the Manager to provide a report indicating his findings in relation to the investigations in to the issue of fungal spores and condensation in Council Houses, indicating what tests were carried out, how many houses were inspected, were weight tests carried out on pumped insulation in walls and what measures need to be taken to improve the current situation outside of the general advice regarding opening windows etc.?
To ask the Manager how many window replacements have been carried out in Council Houses to date this year, how much of the allocated budget has been spent, how many more houses are due to be completed this year and finally how many grade 5's are currently on the list and how much would it potentially cost to complete all grade 5's that will not be reached this year?
To ask the Manager to arrange for the immediate grading of all windows in houses awaiting grading as some tenants are waiting to have their windows graded since last March and are being put at a continuous disadvantage to others as the scheme depends on how long you are on the list after grading is carried out?
To ask the Manager what the average presentation rate for the new brown bin is at present, what the target was for this point in the delivery of the service, what the long term targets are for same and what impact will this have on the grey bin presentation rates if achieved?
To ask the Manager how many customers have moved to a private operator for their bin service since the introduction of the increace in the bin charges and the lack of a complete service in the Month of August and what percentage is this of the overall customer base?
To ask the Manager, in line my previous motions on this matter, to make available to the elected members details of the Department of Education and Skill's GIS data for the South Dublin County area provided to this council as confirmed by the department in their submission dated 30th June 2010 on the proposed amendments to draft county development plan (submission ref. Amend0019)?
To ask the Manager if he will make a commitment to SDCC customers that all bin collections scheduled to fall on the next Bank Holiday Monday i.e. October 25 are collected in full so as to prevent a repeat of the serious problem encountered in August where some residents were left waiting for four or more weeks for a bin collection, and if necessary to commit to hiring private operators to provide the service if staff unions fail to agree to a collection on this date?
To ask the Manager to detail the number of previous SDCC bin collection customers who have transferred to private bin collection operators (based on notifications received by the council) in each electoral area in each of 2009, 2010 to date and also specifically in July & August 2010 and in the case of each figure to also state as a percentage of the overall SDCC customer base at that time?
To ask the manager to detail the number the whole-time staff required to operate the current bin collection service, the number of dedicated whole-time staff currently employed on the bin collection service and the number of WTE working days lost to other work programmes under the management of the Environmental Services Department (e.g. litter-cleansing, cemetery maintenance, etc.) during 2010 as a result of staff from those programme areas being temporarily reassigned to ensure a full staffing compliment on all bin collection routes?
To ask the Manager to detail the number of dedicated whole-time staff employed on each of litter-cleansing and cemetery maintenance (under the management of the Environmental Services Department) and to advise on how these numbers compare with 2009 & 2008?
To ask the Manager to detail the number and type of previously-filled positions in each council department currently left unfilled due to the public service recruitment embargo and to also advise if this council has made any formal requests to government for exemptions from the embargo to fill any previously-filled or new positions?
To ask the Manager to make a report on the applications received to date for the Higher Educations Grants scheme, in particular making reference to the completeness of applications received to date, difficulties with procuring documentation and expected turnaround times, as well as comparing numbers and types of applications with previous years. The Manager is also asked to report on the EFT system employed for the first time in the 2009-10 academic year, and on any contact with local colleges regarding the provision of grant information on "Freshers' Days" and other events at the start of the college year as suggested by myself at a previous meeting?
To ask the Manager to make a report on the status of all sites included on the Derelict Sites Register within South Dublin, including details as to the ownership, the date entered, the role of the Council in each case and the Council's understanding as to future proposals for each site?
To ask the Manager to provide an updated report on the Council's Rolling Capital Programme, and to make a statement on the matter.
To ask the Manager if the promised review of the Council’s Five Year Playground Development Programme has begun, and if so will provide a report on progress?
To ask the Manager if he can clarify whether the re-cyclable plastic refuse bags being sold in many outlets are suitable for use in the SDCC Brown Bins, and if he can also advise if gradually filling the Brown Bin over a period of 4 weeks or more, before putting it out for collection is safe and compatible with the treatment process used in handling SDCC contents?
To ask the Manager if he will make an updated report on progress made towards providing households with Black/Brown collection on Bank Holidays, especially Mondays, and towards having Black/Bin collection rotas which provides a service which is relaible for all householders irrespective of the day of the week on which their Brown Black/Bins are collected?
To ask the Manager for an updated report on the number of Council housing units which have been allocated to applicants to date in 2010, and if he can make a statement on the implementation of the Council's new Housing Leasing Initiative and how many units are expected to be allocated to applicants in 2010?
To ask the Manager for a report on any initiatives the Council is exploring, with the Trades Unions, FAS and Government Departments, to provide work experience opportunities for unemployed young people in the County. and if he will make a statement on the matter?
To ask the Manager if he will advise the meeting of the new arrangements which have been implemented to accommodate the County Enterprise Board and if there have beren any new developments in the relationship between the Board and the Council?
What plans are currrently in operation to save the Council expending the wasteful amounts (€400,000 last year) deployed in the clean up after Hallowe'en and will the Council deploy extra staff to remove noxious items such as bedding, settees and motor vehicle tyres in advance of the event?
Would the Council consider in light of complaints regarding the 'kissing gates' at the Grand Canal cycleway which inhibit the cyclist's journey (who at the moment is required to dismount at several gates) that at peak times in the morning and evening, the large barriers are opened on weekdays to allow a free flow of cycling for those wishing to commute to and from work and that the barriers be closed again at night time by either Council staff or a security firm?
Madir leis an Tairiscint a ghlac an Chomhairle seo i mí na Feabhra seo caite chun tús a chur leis an Scéim Rothaíochta Bhaile Átha Cliath i limistéar an Chontae, an bhfuil aon dul chun cinn déanta go fóill chun téarmaí na Tairisceana seo a chur i bhfeidhm?
(Having regard to the Motion passed by the Council last February to commence the Dublin Bike Scheme in the area of the County , has there been any progress to date to implement the terms of this Motion? )
Headed Items
DECLARATION OF ROADS TO BE PUBLIC ROADS
(no report)
PROPOSED DISPOSAL OF PROPERTIES / SITES
(all circulated herewith)
b) Proposed Disposal of Fee Simple Interest
c) Proposed Transfer of Lands
a) Proposed Disposal of Affordable Dwellings
(no report)
d) Proposed Sale of Fee Simple Interest - Small Builders Scheme
e) Proposed disposal of area of land adjacent to 72/73 Castle Park, Tallaght, Dublin 24 to Philip Malone and Nicola Priestly – Variation to terms
f) Proposed disposal of land at junction of Killeen Road and Old Nangor Road to Colm O Cuilleanáin and Martin Ryan – variation of terms
g) Proposed disposal of strip of land adjacent 220 Moyville Estate, Rathfarnham, Dublin 16 to Donal & Bridget Spillane
PART 8 REPORT ON SALT BARN, SERVICE YARD AND FACILITY BUILDING, FONTHILL, OLD LUCAN ROAD
(circulated herewith)
PART 8 REPORT ON PUBLIC PARK AND PLAYGROUND WORKS AT MCUILLIM, FORTUNESTOWN, TALLAGHT
(circulated herewith)
PART 8 REPORT ON PUBLIC PARK AND PLAYGROUND WORKS AT MEILE AN RI AND TOR AN RI, BALGADDY, CLONDALKIN
(circulated herewith)
2010 ANNUAL AUDIT COMMITTEE REPORT
(circulated herewith)
POLLING SCHEME 2010
(circulated herewith)
WORLD DESIGN CAPITAL 2014
(circulated herewith)
REPORT OF DUBLIN CITY MANAGER TO DUBLIN CITY COUNCIL ON MONDAY 6TH SEPTEMBER 2010 ON BEHALF OF THE 4 DUBLIN LOCAL AUTHORITY MANAGERS (THE DUBLIN WASTE REGION)
(circulated herewith)
Correspondence
Ministerial
Correspondence, dated 23rd June 2010, from Minister for Lifelong Learning in response to motion regarding Jobstown Community College
Ministerial
Correspondence, dated 7th July 2010, from Minister for Environment, Heritage & Local Government in response to motion regarding Derelict Sites
Ministerial
Correspondence, dated 12th July 2010, from Minister for Education & Skills in response to motion regarding Special Needs Assistants at St Joseph's School, Balrothery
Ministerial
Correspondence, dated 13th July 2010, from Minister for Environment, Heritage & Local Government in response to motion regarding Local Government Fund
Ministerial
Correspondence, dated 30th July 2010, from Minister for Environment, Heritage & Local Government in response to motion regarding County Development Boards
Ministerial
Correspondence, dated 9th August 2010, from Minister for Health in response to motions regarding Head Shops
Ministerial
Correspondence, dated 16th August 2010, from Minister for Health in response to motion regarding Low Dose Naltrexone
Ministerial
Correspondence, dated 26th August 2010, from Department of Environment in response to motion regarding Liffey Valley National Park
Ministerial
Correspondence, dated 27th August 2010, from Minister for Health in response to motion regarding changes to Dental Treatment Services Scheme
Correspondence, dated 7th July 2010, from Waterford City Council regarding Gaza Freedom Flotilla
Correspondence, dated 8th July 2010, from Clonmel Borough Council calling for the Health Service Executive to be disbanded
Correspondence, dated 9th July 2010, from Galway County Council regarding Landlords in breach of registration and payment of NPPR Levy
Correspondence, dated 22nd July 2010, from Dublin Bus in response to motion regarding Lucan bus service
Correspondence, dated 22nd July 2010, from Dublin Bus in response to motion regarding Tallaght bus service
Correspondence, dated 28th July 2010, from Cork County Council regarding Magdalene Laundries
Letter, dated 23rd August 2010, from NRA regarding proposals for upgrading the N81
Motions
MAYOR'S BUSINESS
That the elected Members of South Dublin County Council urge the Minister for Health & Children, Ms Mary Harney, to abandon the plan to close the children's hospital in Tallaght.
That the Manager would present a detailed report for discussion on how this Council supports schools in the County, including schools that make a particular effort on environmental matters such as reducing, reusing and recycling. Would the Manager also report on how the Council can continue to support and encourage schools, including children, students, teachers and parents who participate in such school projects and lead by great example.
That this Council requests the Manager to present a detailed report for discussion on efforts to introduce appropriate work-placement/training programmes to gainfully engage unemployed persons in projects such as environmental improvement works as requested by this council in a motion adopted at the March council meeting.
This Council condemns the government for the drastic consequences which the cuts in local authority funding are having on the provision of services at council level. These cuts will impact most on the most disadvantaged areas and on the most vulnerable within them.
This government is responsible for the greatest economic and financial crises in the history of the state. The current economic crisis is the result of years of neo-liberal economic policies that have favoured the interests of big business and profit over the needs of people and the environment. The greed and corruption of the ruling elite now threaten our country with catastrophe and this Council records a vote of no confidence in the Fianna Fail/Green Party government.
That this Council asks that Councillors are informed about land purchases by South Dublin County Council every time such a land purchase is completed.
That the Manager outline what laws/bye-laws govern, and what licenses are required for, vendors who set up outside churches to sell newspapers on Sundays, and that the manager agrees that these are proving inadequate and are in need of review in order to regulate and licence such practices more appropriately and to open the matter up to public consultation
That this Council while acknowledging the hard work of the Parks and Environment maintenance staff calls on the Manager to once and for all address the ongoing problem of when residents associations or voluntary groups agree a pick up date for rubbish and green waste after an estate or park cleanup by them that this council collects within a set time frame 1-3 days of agreed date.
That this Council, in light of the ongoing suffering of the Palestinian people, recognises (1) that Veolia is a leading partner in the consortium contracted to build a light railway system linking Israel to illegal settlements in occupied East Jerusalem, (2) that the Irish government and the U.N does not recognise Israel’s annexation and occupation of East Jerusalem and have repeatedly stated their views that the Israeli settlements in East Jerusalem and the West Bank contravene international law and (3) that Veolia’s involvement in the project is in contravention of the UN’s stated demand that Israeli settlement activities and occupation should not be supported, and calls on the County Manager not to sign any new or renew any existing contracts with Veolia.
That this Council Condemns the Israeli attack on the Gaza Freedom Flotilla’s aid mission that resulted in deaths and injuries of those attempting to bring much needed aid to the besieged city of Gaza, which has been subject to an illegal Israeli blockade.
Commends those Irish citizens who participated in this humanitarian mission to bring 10,000 tones of aid to the people of Gaza.
Recognizing that this attack is an affront to international law and has endangered the lives of Irish citizens, calls on the Irish Government to expel the Israeli Ambassador, use it’s influence to discontinue the EU’s preferential trade agreement with Israel and Support and seek the backing of other countries for a new international aid mission to Gaza which will ensure that necessary vital supplies reach the suffering people of that besieged area.
That this Council asks the Minister of State for housing to meet a delegation of local Cllrs. and housing staff to request him to review the Housing (miscellaneous) Act 1997 to allow for realistic and effective methods of dealing with the escalating anti-social problem in local authority housing. The review to include effective measures to prohibit tenants engaging in said activities and to include measures to deal with same problem in privately owned houses in Council estates.
That this Council will arrange to provide additional bin collection services for those who normally have their collection on Monday and are inconvenienced by the six Monday bank holidays when it is currently proposed that no collection will take place on these days.
That the Manager will give a report on the progress of the Social Housing Leasing Scheme within the County.
That the Manager report on the Council’s policy on businesses and organisations breaking litter laws by erecting illegal signs on grass verges, poles etc around the county and detail how many fines have been issued and also what is the collection rate from same. It is a particular problem around Clondalkin Village.
That this Council expresses it's concern and agrees to write to the Minister for Health and Children Mary Harney T.D, calling on her to immediately publish the enquiry report/findings into the serious backlog in the reading of tens of thousands of x-rays and G.P referral letters in Tallaght Hospital.
That this Council affirms its support for the publicly provided and managed houshold waste management system operated by SDCC, acknowledges the importance of certain features of the system including the Council funded Waiver Scheme, the absence of a standing charge, and the 3 Bin system to promote waste reduction and re-cycling. We express our commitment to working with the Manager and staff in solving the problems experienced in recent months, including Bank Holiday Monday collections, and uncertainties and difficulties being experienced by many householders in using the Brown Bin as effectively and safely as possible, and requests the Manager to provide a report on the Bin collection system and its operation since the beginning of the roll out of the Brown Bins, and to confirm that the instructions for use of the Brown Bin have been fully assessed and are compliant with best practice and all regulations. We further request the Manager to consider an expanded programmme of providing information to householders on using the 3 Bin system correctly and with maximun cost effectiveness to them.
That this council calls for -
1 The reintroduction of the Saturday Collection of Bin for customers of this Council who have Black bin Collections on a Bank Holiday Monday.
2. the introduction of a new system to inform people of problems, collection date changes and increases in charges as the current methods are not working satisfactorily.
3. A rotation of the day that households have there bins collected, a 5 year rotating basis would ensure fairness for all households in relation to the impact of bank holidays.
That this Council requests the Manager review the current collection sequence for Black & Brown Bins in order to maximise the collection options for households and minimise the type of non -recyclable waste accumulating ( eg nappies).
That this Council requests the Manager to present a detailed report to form the basis for discussion with the elected member on proposals to improve the management of the public realm in our county, including the need for improved and more regular litter-cleansing and grass-cutting services and the need to pursue greater coordination and innovative working arrangements between council departments and noting the provision of funding in the adopted budget for 2010 for ‘public realm transformation’.
That the Manager outline the legal costs of the Council in 2008 and 2009 in total and by department as requested by me at a pre-budget meeting.
That South Dublin County Council enacts the Parks Bye-Laws so that the Gardai can enforce them.
That a report be brought to this committee re road margins and open spaces owned or maintained by this council where youths congregrate for drinking and drugging activities resulting in debris (needles and broken bottles)being discarded on these spaces to the danger of young children,my query is to ascertain whose responsibility is the removal of this detritus.
That this Council agrees to establish a joint working body between the Garda Síochána and the Council to protect public open spaces from public alcohol drinking (especially at night time) and its accompanying litter and public order instances.
That this Council agrees to introduce a Freefone 1800 Litter Line Number to facilitate the public in contacting the Council to report illegal dumping. This new initiative is in response to the growing environmental issues, including increased dumping and fly-tipping, and will encourage and facilitate more residents to support this Councils efforts to resolve this menace, including providing additional support to the work of our litter wardens throughout South Dublin. Further the public launching of this project will give new hope to the residents of this county for a cleaner environment to the future.
That South Dublin County Council supports the Citywide Drugs Crisis Campaign against cuts to Drugs Task Force funding, and calls for the government to allocate the money from the Criminal Assets Bureau to Regional & Local Drugs Task Forces to assist in the provision of services in their communities and to provide the neccessary funding for a Regional Criminal Assets Bureau office be located in South Dublin County to assist in combating those who are profiting from the Drugs Trade.
This joint motion is in the names of Councillor Mick Duff and Councillor Dermot Looney
That South Dublin County Council expresses its support for the campaign by the Neurological Alliance of Ireland (www.nai.ie) seeking a national programme for neurological care and calls on both the Minister for Health and the HSE to publish and implement proposals for investing in and improving services for people with neurological conditions.
That the Manager would provide the meeting with an updated report on the two projects, in Tallaght and Balgaddy, being undertaken as the Mayors Initiative.