Headed Items
CONFIRMATION AND RE-AFFIRMATION OF MINUTES
Minutes of Meeting of South Dublin County Council, 9th July 2012
(circulated herewith)
REPORTS OF AREA COMMITTEES
(H2 no reports)
STANDING COMMITTEES - ORGANISATION, PROCEDURE AND FINANCE COMMITTEE
(H3 no reports)
STRATEGIC POLICY COMMITTEES
Environment SPC
(i) Report from Sept 2012 Env SPC
(ii) Mins of May 2012 SPC
(circulated herewith)
REPORTS REQUESTED BY AREA COMMITTEES
(H5 no reports)
Questions
To ask the Manager can the Council take measures to improve the durability of current and future Speed Ramps?
To ask the Manager to indicate the number of bedsits within the Council's current housing stock?
To ask the Manager to provide a copy of terms agreed with the owners of the Fun Fair that takes place in Tymon Park annually?
To ask the Manager if she will detail the powers of the County Dog Wardens, under The Control of Dogs Regulations, in particular to the requirement for owners of certain breeds of dogs that must be muzzled when in a public place and will she detail what penalties, if any, apply when owners fail to observe that requirement and how those penalties can be applied?
To ask that the Manager outlines how much this Council will get from central government this year and how much SDCC received last year?
To ask the Manager to report on progress, if any, in relation to implementing the Development Plan objective of facilitating the establishment of a visitor centre/tourism amenity on the Dodder?
To ask the Manager to outline current practice in relation to preventing dog litter in public parks and streets, with particular reference to signage, the provision of dedicated bins and enforcement, and given that the stencil signs in some areas are virtually obliterated?
To ask the Manager to report on current policy and practice in relation to facilitating fishing at the Dodder and other rivers within the County?
To ask the Manager to report on the role of Park Rangers ie their powers and responsibilities, and to also list the parks in which they operate?
To ask the Manager if there is any provision whereby a residential development controlled by a management company may be taken in charge by the Council, following a request by residents and/or the management company?
To ask the Manager for an update on efforts to secure funding for the extension of ‘green routes’ throughout the county, including through our parks?
To ask the Manager to outline the options available to tenants in the shared-ownership scheme who are experiencing difficulties in keeping up their payments to return to the council’s housing list?
To ask the Manager to outline the proposed new arrangements to be introduced for maintenance of the N4 and other NRA roads in the county; and to further outline the arrangements that will be in place to facilitate elected members’ representation and to ensure accountability?
To ask the Manager to review the requirement that community groups receiving council grants have to hold a bank account so that groups with a credit union account, who wish to support their local credit union, can receive payment for lodgement in their credit union account?
To ask the Manager to ensure that when grass verges are being cut by council staff that the areas around lighting columns and signs are also strimmed at the same time and not ignored while being left to be sprayed at a later date?
To ask the Manager, when considering future applications to the National Transport Authority, to prioritise measures to improve pedestrian and cycle safety along key routes to schools; and not to progress any further proposals for the opening-up of existing estate railings except where originally requested by local residents?
To ask the Manager to investigate the possibility of this Council working with the 'One Million Trees in One Day' group, "a charity, not-for-profit, cross-border, community and environmental initiative" which is seeking to plant a million young native trees at different sites across the island of Ireland on a single day in the coming months, and to make a statement on the initiative?
To ask the Manager to report on the processing of Higher Education Grants by this Council in light of the changes introduced by the Student Support Act 2011, including in the report details on the numbers of applications being renewed for the upcoming academic year, comparisons with relevant previous data and changes in staffing and other resources; and to make a statement on the matter?
To ask the Manager for a breakdown of statistics for those on the Housing List and associated lists in South Dublin, and for the numbers who have been housed in the County, year-on-year for the past 10 years, and to make a statement on how changes in housing policy are expected to meet future demand for Council housing in the coming years?
To ask the Manager for a report on the budget allocation for Grass Cutting in open spaces, grass verges on roadways and medians per electoral area for 2012 and how this relates to the service provided in previous years and what reduction, if any has taken place/is planned from that agreed by the members when approving the 2012 Budget?
To ask the Manager for a report on the budget allocation for Road Sweeping per electoral area for 2012 and how this relates to the service provided in previous years and what reduction, if any has taken place / is planned from that agreed by the members when approving the 2012 Budget?
To ask the Manager for a report on the budget allocation for Maintenance of our parks including playing pitches per electoral area for 2012 and how this relates to the service provided in previous years and what reduction, if any has taken place / is planned from that agreed by the members when approving the 2012 Budget?
To ask the Manager for a report on the budget allocation for Graffiti Removal per electoral area for 2012 and how this relates to the service provided in previous years and what reduction, if any has taken place / is planned from that agreed by the members when approving the 2012 Budget?
To ask the Manager for a report on the budget allocation for Litter Collection (control of litter) per electoral area for 2012 and how this relates to the service provided in previous years and what reduction, if any has taken place / is planned from that agreed by the members when approving the 2012 Budget?
To congratulate Parks Dept. on acquiring new fitness equipment at Corkagh Park and in view of huge numbers of park users is there any possibility of some of the pathways being repaired?
To ask the Manager if, in the event that the cut in the Council's LGF Fund allocation is implemented by Government, she can advise councillors if it is necessary to cut the level of services provided by this Council in 2012, and if so, what are her proposals?
Maidir leis an bhfáilte a cuireadh roimh an trealamh aclaíochta nua sna páireanna ar fud an chontae an bhféadfadh leis an gComhairle Contae tuilleadh trealamh súgartha bunúsacha do leanaí a sholáthar in aice nó i gcóngar na láithreacha atá an trealamh aclaíochta lonnaithe do dhaoine fásta agus do dhéagóirí?
With regard to the welcome given to the new exercise equipment in the parks around the county, would the County Council provide more basic play equipment for children beside or near the areas where the exercise equipment is located for adults and teenagers?
Ag féachaint ar an bhfreagra a tugadh do chomhaltaí na gComhairle seo i nDeireadh Fómhaír 2011:
1. an bhféadfadh leis an gComhairle torthaí na bpléití leis an Údarás um Bóithre Náisiúnta a fhoilsiú maidir leis an nDá Chéim chun rothaíocht a spreagadh sa Chontae?
2. Cad É toradh na hidirbheartaíochta leis an Údarás maidir leis an Scéim Rothair Bhaile Átha Cliath?
3. Cathain a bhfoilseofar Staidéar um Ghréasáin Rothaíochta an Chontae?
Having regard to an answer given to members of the Council in October 2011:
1.Would the Council publish the results of its discussions with the National Roads Authority regarding the Two Stages to promote cycling in the County?
2. What is the result of the negotiations with the Authority having regard to the Dublin Bike Scheme?
3. When will the County Cycling Network Study be published?
An bhféadfadh leis an gComhairle inneall séidte a Úsáíd chun cosáin na bpáirceanna a choimeád saor Ón bhféar atá tar Éis a bhainte; is minic a bhíonn na cosáin sleamhain i ndiaidh na bainte?
Would the Council use a blowing machine to keep the pathways in the parks free of grass after it has been cut; the pathways are often slippy after the cut?
Headed Items
DECLARATION OF ROADS TO BE PUBLIC ROADS
(H6 - no reports)
PROPOSED DISPOSAL OF PROPERTIES/SITES
(circulated herewith)
a) Proposed Disposal of Affordable Dwellings
(no report)
b) Proposed Disposal of Lands at Aungierstown, Ballybane, Clondalkin, Dublin 22
(circulated herewith)
PART 8 REPORT - PROPOSED SKATEPARK AT CLONDALKIN LEISURE CENTRE
(circulated herewith)
HALLOWEEN 2012
(circulated herewith)
UPDATE ON FLOOD ALLEVIATION WORKS
(circulated herewith)
DRAFT GUIDANCE ON PREPARATION AND ADOPTION OF DEVELOPMENT CONTRIBUTION SCHEMES - Final Date for Submissions Friday 14/9/2012
(circulated herewith)
DRAFT DEVELOPMENT CONTRIBUTIONS SCHEME
(circulated herewith)
COUNTY DEVELOPMENT PLAN 2010 - 2016: Two Year Report on progress in securing objectives in accordance with Section 15(2) of the Planning & Development Act 2000 as amended
(circulated herewith)
Correspondence
Ministerial
Letter, dated 11th July 2012, from Minister for Environment regarding SDCC's motion in relation to the establishment of Irish Water (M12/0212)
Ministerial
Letter, dated 25th July 2012, from Minister for Social Protection regarding SDCC's motion in relation to Rent Supplement and Parents with Partial Custody (M10/0712)
Ministerial
(i) Letter, dated 30th July 2012, from Department of Justice & Equality, regarding SDCC's motion in relation to Direct Provision Accomodation (M3/0712)
(ii) Letter, dated 23rd July 2012, from HSE acknowledging receipt of SDCC's letter regarding SDCC's motion in relation to Direct Provision Accomodation (M3/0712)
Letter, dated 10th July 2012, from Fingal County Council to the Minister for the Environment, regarding their motion passed in relation to Water Services Workers
Letter, by email dated 11th July 2012, from Irish Medical Organisation regarding their motion passed in relation to Smoking in Playgrounds
Letter, dated 9th July 2012, from Longford County Council regarding their motion passed in relation to Property Tax and Waste Disposal
Letter, dated 16th July 2012, from RPG office regarding SDCC's motion in relation to Regional Planning Guidelines / Liffey Valley Park (M6/0612)
Letter, dated 18th July 2012, from Monaghan Town Council regarding their motions passed in relation to (a) Part-time Firemen and Unemployment Benefits, & (b) Circuses which use wild animals
Letter (acknowledgement), dated 18th July 2012, from Environmental Protection Agency regarding SDCC's motion to revoke Greyhound Waste License (M1/0712)
Letters from Voluntary Housing Associations operating in the SDCC area, regarding SDCC's motion in relation to FIS (M7/0712):-
1) Letter, dated 20th July 2012, from NABCO
2) Letter, dated 23rd July 2012, from Circle Voluntary Housing Association
3) Letter, dated 25th July 2012, from Oaklee Housing Trust
4) Letter, dated 25th July 2012, from Respond! Housing Association
5) Letter, dated 26th July 2012, from Clanmil Ireland
6) Letter, dated 26th July 2012, from Clúid Housing
7) Letter, dated 7th August 2012, from Focus Ireland
8) Letter, dated 16th August 2012, from Sonas Housing Association Ltd.
9) Letter, dated 22nd August 2012, from FOLD Housing Association Ltd.
(all circulated herewith)
Letter, dated 2nd August 2012, from Donegal County Council regarding their motion on Legalization of Abortion
Motions
MAYOR'S BUSINESS
That this Council supports the same rights and entitlements to civil marriage for all citizens of South Dublin regardless of race, religion or sexuality.
That this Council revokes Greyhound's waste licence, following on from a motion I put down at the last Council meeting.
That this Council calls on the Ministers for Environment & Health, as part of the process to establish Irish Water, to commission an independent review and Value for Money assessment of the continuing policy of fluoridation of Irish drinking water.
That this council would make available Tallaght Stadium to the IRFU as part of any Irish bid for the Rugby World Cup. The economic and tourist benefits of having the stadium included in the world’s third largest sporting will be significant and the Council should actively promote the inclusion of the Stadium as part of any Irish hosting of this event.
Go dtacaíonn an Chomhairle seo leis an mbeartas deireadh a chur leis an urraíocht ó thionscal na ndeochanna alcóil do chúrsaí spóirt, de réir a chéile, ag féachaint ar an díobháil a dhéantar dár sochaí agus dár dtimpeallacht de bharr mhí-úsáíd alcóil.
That this Council supports the gradual ending of sponsorship of sport from the alcohol drinks industry having regard to the damage that is done to our society and environment because of the abuse of alcohol.
That this Council believes that couples of the same sex should be able to avail of the same civil marriage rights and recognition as heterosexual couples. This Council will communicate this viewpoint to the Minister for Justice, Equality and Defence.
That this Council contact the operators of the Red Line Luas re. bullying and nuisance of passengers on a continuous basis by groups of youths who disturb and frighten other passengers particularly the elderly. I was verbally abused recently when I asked a group to stop shouting and moving around upsetting, in particular senior citizens. My journey was from Abbey St. and there was no security presence until Red Cow. I believe an on-board security is the only safeguard for the users of the Luas.
That this Council, being deeply concerned at the need for credible, transparent, accountable and proper funding for the services delivered by and through the Local Authority, requests the Manager to write to the Minister for the Environment and Local Government, copied to the Minister for Finance, asking that any consideration of a property tax and/or review of the household charge be done only in the context of the funding of Local Government and that it be introduced in a manner that takes account of (a) the ability to pay by householders, (b) includes a realistic subvention from central Government and (c) that it provides for the active participation of elected Councillors in determining both the need and the level of such charges within their circumscription.
That this Council expresses its dissatisfaction with the timing of the publication by the Minister for Environment, Community and Local Government of the Waste Policy document "A Resource Opportunity" in late July, a time when local authorities could not feasibly schedule meetings to consider the many important proposals in the policy document, notes that the Policy in one very important respect departs completely from the commitment in the Programme for Government to introduce a tendering system in each local authority area which would result in one Waste Management company getting the contract for all household waste collection in a defined area, and is concerned about the sustainability of a possible "free for all" situation with several company waste collection trucks coming into small areas on several days per week, nevertheless acknowledges that there are several positive aspects of the new policy, including a renewed commitment to include provision for financial support to help low income families to pay for waste collection, calls on the Manager to provide for this meeting a draft response document to the policy proposals, which councillors can consider for forwarding to the Minister, and finally that it is the view of this Council that Government should implement improved and strictly regulated systems for effective management for the recycling and disposal of household waste as soon as possible.
That this Council will include, by the end of the calendar year 2012 at the latest, an easily-accessible yearly breakdown of all Councillor expenses and remuneration on its website (correctly annotated to take account of different positions), beginning with the election of the current Council in 2009.
That this council discuss with the aid of a report the policy of SDCC towards the treatment and management of Ragworth.
That this Council corresponds with
That this council initiates a 'Make Local' campaign in conjunction with the South Dublin Chamber of Commerce / Clondalkin Chamber of Commerce. Similar to the 'Think Local' campaign launched some time ago
That that Council requests the Manager to present a detailed report, for discussion, on the funding options available to the Council to develop new community enterprise centre spaces, training space, ‘hot-desking’ facilities etc. (including though the leasing of currently vacant premises) in areas of the county currently not serviced and where there is a clear verifiable demand.
That a discussion take place on the proliferation of the noxious weed "RAGWORTH" on public spaces across the County, e.g. the N4 at Palmerston, the Coldcut, the N81, with a view to finding a way of dealing with it (it is illegal not to cut it) as it is a source of frustration and blight on the efforts of local communities to work towards the objectives of "Beautiful South Dublin".