COMHAIRLE CONTAE ÁTHA CLIATH THEAS
SOUTH DUBLIN COUNTY COUNCIL

MEETING OF TERENURE-RATHFARNHAM AREA COMMITTEE 2

Tuesday, March 13, 2007

HEADED ITEM 2(A)

Report of further consideration of Proposed re-development of maisonettes in Pearse Brothers Park/Palmer Park and proposed infill housing at Glendoher and Kingston Court.

The following report was presented to the last meeting of the Area Committee "

Pearse Brothers Park , which was constructed in 1957 consists of 19 tenanted units - 18 maisonettes and 1 house, Palmer Park was built in 1968 and contains 12 tenanted units - 4 maisonettes and 8 houses. Both of these estates are in need of significant upgrade works and are included in the planned extension of the Remedial Works Scheme. Pearse Brothers Park and Palmer Park were included in the Accelerated Gas Fired Central Heating Programme, and installations were completed throughout both estates in 2005. Pearse Brothers Park was electrically upgraded approximately 15 years ago, and is not included in the current Electrical Upgrade Programme. Palmer Park has also been included under the Electrical Upgrade Programme designed to ensure that all council dwellings achieve a common electrical standard. Pearse Brothers Park and Palmer Park are included in the second phase of the Mains Smoke Alarm programme, which is due to commence in early 2007. An External Painting Programme was completed at Pearse Brothers Park in 2004, under general maintenance works. 

 

The Council’s Architectural Services Department recommended that these estates be included in a refurbishment programme in the next two to three years, and a feasibility study and cost estimate will be undertaken in 2006/7. The initial steps in the preparation of this plan were programmed for the second half of 2006. The Council at its meeting held on 10^th July 2006 adopted the Ballyboden Area Plan. The preliminary stage, which is underway, involves land acquisition.Submissions under the Ballyboden Village Plan were received from residents of Pearse Brothers/Palmer Park indicating their preference to be rehoused locally when the existing units are refurbished, and the Council is agreeable to this proposal. Sites within the Council’s ownership at the entrance to Glendoher Estate; at Kingston ,Taylors Lane have been identified for the provision / procurement of the required accommodation. A further site at the rear of Pearse Brothers Park adjacent to school and at the eastern end of Pearse Brothers Park adjacent to the existing maisonettes was considered but was deemed unsuitable following examination and consultation with the residents of the maisonettes. 

A survey of the accommodation needs of the residents of both Pearse Brothers Park and Palmer Park has now been completed. Each resident was asked what were there preferences regarding their future accommodation. In addition any special needs or requirements of the residents, was established. The following is a summary of the findings of the survey: 

Number of residents wishing to remain in a redeveloped/refurbished unit of accommodation in their present location   =          5

Number of residents wishing to move to a newly developed unit in the area                             =          5 

Number of residents who were flexible                                                                              =          10 

Number of residents requesting a Transfer from the area                                                   =          2

A number of special requirements were identified and these will be taken into account in the design of future accommodation. It is intended to meet the options expressed by the residents as far as is practicable. As previously indicated the refurbishment of the maisonettes in Pearse Brothers Park and Palmer Park can only take place by re-housing the tenants, either on a temporary or permanent basis, in order for the works to proceed. The design of the individual replacement schemes will be the subject of the normal Part 8 public consultation process. It is anticipated that the statutory Part 8 process will begin towards the end of the first quarter of 2007.

The first phase of the project involves the provision of housing units on the sites at the entrance to Glendoher Estate and at Kingston , Taylors Lane. Draft Part 8 drawings are attached with this report.  

The Council is also committed to developing an estate-wide plan to address overall environmental issues (including parking) for the Pearse Brothers Park / Palmer Park area. A separate consultation process will take place on this stage of the plan which will be developed taking account of the submissions received in the Village Plan process."

The following motion in the name of Councillors C. Keane, S. Laing and E. Walsh

"That the Manager having regard to the particular historical, natural and cultural significance of the Kingston Court Green site and its close proximity to a protected structure - Newbrook House, and taking into consideration the many submissions for the public for a formal Public Garden; taking all this into consideration that the second block at the northern end of Taylor's Lane be deleted and relocate (move south) the gable building designed to commemorate architect Joseph Byrne who lived at Kingston and who designed the Carnegie Library, social housing and Iveagh Baths"

stands adjourned to this meeting of the Area Committee. An informal discussion on this matter took place prior to the last Area meeting on 6th March 2007. The formal approval of the Area Committee to the commencement of the statutory Part 8 process is recommended.