COMHAIRLE CONTAE ÁTHA CLIATH THEAS
SOUTH DUBLIN COUNTY COUNCIL

MEETING OF RATHFARNHAM AREA COMMITTEE

Tuesday, April 13, 2010

MOTION NO. 17

MOTION: Councillor P. Cosgrave

Cathaoirleach's Business

"That the Manager give an update on the ongoing problems at the Cherryfield Halting site Firhouse Road to include. 

• Rubbish dumped at rear.
• Footpath at rear damaged by fire.
• Is the CCTV being monitored by the Council?
• Has anybody been fined for illegal dumping?"

REPORT:

• The Caretaker for Cherryfield Residential Caravan Park carries out a regular routine of cleaning within the site. The open space area around the Site is monitored by the Housing and Parks Departments in relation to dumping, and a number of clean ups have been carried out. A further proposed clean up is being discussed by the appropriate Departments in relation to the existing condition of the area.
• Any damage caused to the footpaths has been monitored by the Parks Department and previously repairs were carried out by the Environmental Services Department on a section of footpath to the rear of Cherryfield RCP where damage was caused by a leak in a drainage pipe from the Site.  No reports of fire damage have been received. 
• A CCTV camera is operational in the environs of the Residential Caravan Park and the open space to ensure that there is no illegal encroachment on to the open space. The camera is not monitored and is fixed so as to obtain a maximum view of the open space. There is no facility to view any video footage during night time or when lighting is poor. An additional camera is due to be installed in the coming week in order to cover the area at the rear of the site.
• During any of the clean ups carried out so far by the Council, no evidence has been found in the household refuse that would indicate the person or persons responsible for the dumping and therefore no notices have been served by the Anti Litter Wardens under the Litter Acts.

All of the residents of Cherryfield RCP have been advised as to their responsibilities for maintaining their own bays in good condition with regard to the proper disposal of refuse from their own bays, and to adhere to the conditions of their Licence Agreements. A number of meetings have taken place between the Traveller Accommodation Unit and residents, in conjunction with the Tallaght Traveller Support Group, in an effort to establish and Estate Management Group for the RCP. This Group is intended to give the residents an opportunity to engage with the Council in the management and maintenance of the RCP and thereby engender a working relationship with the staff of the Council.