COMHAIRLE CONTAE ÁTHA CLIATH THEAS
SOUTH DUBLIN COUNTY COUNCIL

south dublin county council crest

MEETING OF RATHFARNHAM AREA COMMITTEE

Tuesday, December 14, 2010

HEADED ITEM NO. 3

PART 8 REPORT - CONSTRUCTION OF HOUSE IN BAY 6 CHERRYFIELD

An Advertisement was published in the National & Local newspapers on the 29th September 2010 that the Council intend to construct under Part 8 of the Local Government (Planning & Development) Regulations 2001-2007  an extension to Day-house at 6 Cherryfield Way,  Firhouse Road, Dublin 16 to provide living and sleeping accommodation for the residents currently residing there. Closing date for receipt of submissions was 11th November, 2010.

The works to include; Construction of a 2 storey and small single storey extension to the existing day-house, and all necessary associated ancillary works on the site.

The proposed additional accommodation includes; 5no bedrooms, bathroom and additional living space – total additional floor area 150sq.m.

The  family had applied to South Dublin County Council for a specially adapted mobile home to accommodate their family on medical grounds and were granted medical priority  by the Dublin Medical Officer. An application was made to the Department of the Environment, Heritage and Local Government this regard and was granted. However, it was not possible to source a mobile home/chalet large enough that could be accommodated within the existing bay safely.

As there was no suitable accommodation within the Council’s housing stock, (a five bedroom house is required),  a feasibility study was carried out in respect of extending the existing day house to accommodate the family and plans in this respect were submitted to the DOEHLG for approval and by letter dated 26th January 2010. The DOEHLG approved same provided the all in costs does not exceed €230,000.

 The family have been advised that they will be required to sign a new tenancy agreement prior to the occupation of the newly constructed extension and that it will contain a clause that will prohibit the keeping of caravans within the curtilage of the dwelling.

 One objection was received from Lansdowne Park & District Residents’ Association on the following grounds:-

Designation of site:

Cherryfield Residential Caravan park is designated a permanent residential caravan park for accommodation  members of the Travelling Community. 

There would be no increase in density in respect of the redevelopment of this bay as it is intended that the family occupying the existing bay will occupy the newly constructed extension.

 Zoning:

The area is zoned 'G' High Amenity - Under the County Development Plan Traveller Accommodation is a permitted land-use zoning.

Management & Maintenance of Development & Surrounding lands.

While it is acknowledged that problems in relation to anti social behaviour and dumping in and around the location has been an issue, the Housing and Environmental Services Departments of the Council have prepared proposals to deal with illegal dumping in the area. Extra CCTV cameras with increased specification have recently been installed in an effort to identify the perpetrators of such actions and to use any and all enforcement proceedings in dealing with those identified.

The Traveller Accommodation Unit are also working with Tallaght Traveller CDP to establish a strategy to combat such behaviour and it is hoped to use the services of the Active Citizen and Estate Management proposals under the Traveller Interagency Strategy to build pro-social behaviour within the Community at Cherryfield RCP.