COMHAIRLE CONTAE ÁTHA CLIATH THEAS
SOUTH DUBLIN COUNTY COUNCIL

MEETING OF LUCAN AREA COMMITTEE

Tuesday, October 22, 2013

MOTION NO. 7

MOTION: Councillor G. O'Connell

Cathaoirleach's Business

"That the situation along the area between the Covert and Kennelsfort Rd be examined and whatever action is required (perhaps in conjunction with the Garda to install CCTV) to bring it into and maintain it in a manner that reflects the fact that this is a residential area and a passage way for pedestrians.  It is used as a hangout for anti-social behavior including drinking parties and is perpetually strewn with empty beer cans, broken bottles, remnants of fires and general litter.  Despite the best efforts of dedicated workers from this Council the area is a focal point for graffiti and is anything but a pleasant place to have to pass through or to live beside.  Real fears are now being expressed concerning Halloween as the green at this location has been the focal point for huge bonfires in recent years and the residents complain that neither the Council or the Garda seem to do anything about it."

REPORT:

The passageway between The Covert and Kennelsfort Road is maintained by the Public Realm Section as part of regular works undertaken in the area.  This work includes the removal of litter and graffiti where necessary.  A recent inspection of the passageway showed it to be free of litter with one small piece of graffiti.  

There is a lane which runs off the passageway which serves the rear gardens and garages of houses on Kennelsfort Road Upper and Woodfarm Acres.  Vehicle access to the lane is blocked by 4 bollards.  The Public Realm Section has removed fly tipping from this area on 2 occasions in September and items removed included bags of rubbish, wood items, and carpets.  Despite these efforts the fly tipping continues to persist and items observed at the recent inspection included builders rubble, car seats, a mattress, cushions, bags of empty beer cans, garden prunings and miscellaneous wood items.

To resolve the problem, residents who witness fly tipping should be encouraged to report incidences to the Gardaí and the Council with any details available.  Should residents feel that the permanent closure of the passageway or lane will assist with the problems this should be pursued through the extinguishment of a right of way process as set out in Section 73 of the Roads Act, 1993.  In the meantime arrangements will be made to remove the fly tipping and graffiti.

Bonfire material that is discovered or reported to the Council in the run up to Halloween is removed from public lands where possible.  The Council has removed bonfire material from the open spaces at the Kennelsfort Road/R148 junction in previous years and will continue to do so in 2013, subject to the safety of staff members.  The Council liaises with the Gardaí at Ronanstown Garda Station and Ballyfermot Garda Station in relation to Halloween bonfires in the Palmerston area.  This area will be specifically raised with an Garda Síochána in the context of Halloween 2013 and in relation to general anti social activities.