COMHAIRLE CONTAE ÁTHA CLIATH THEAS
SOUTH DUBLIN COUNTY COUNCIL
MEETING OF TALLAGHT AREA COMMITTEE
Monday, May 25, 2020
HEADED ITEM NO. 1
HEADED ITEM: H. Administration
Minutes from Tallaght Area Committee Meeting 24th Ferbruary 2020.
REPLY:
COMHAIRLE CONTAE ÁTHA CLIATH THEAS SOUTH DUBLIN COUNTY COUNCIL
Minutes of South Dublin County Council 24th February 2020 Tallaght Area Committee Meeting held on Monday 24th February 2020.
PRESENT
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Costello, T |
Mahon, M |
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Duff, M |
O’Connor, C |
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Dunne, L |
Richardson, D |
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Fay, S |
Sinclair, L |
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Holohan, P |
|
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King, C |
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OFFICIALS PRESENT
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A/ Senior Executive Officer |
B. Hora |
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County Librarian |
B. Fennell |
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Senior Engineer |
T. O’Grady |
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Senior Parks Superintendent |
S. Furlong |
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Senior Executive Parks Superintendent |
M. Ní Dhomhnaill |
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Administrative Officer |
B. Shannon |
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Senior Staff Officer |
J. Sweeney |
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Staff Officer |
B. Carroll |
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Clerical Officer |
R. Maxwell, S. Hope |
Councillor Charlie O’Connor presided.
A minute’s silence was observed to mark the recent passing of Cllr. Parappaden’s mother.
T/62/20 H1/0220 Item ID:65243
Minutes of Tallaght Area Committee Meeting held on 27th January 2020 which had been circulated, were submitted and APPROVED as a true record and signed.
It was proposed by Councillor C. O’Connor, seconded by Councillor M. Duff and RESOLVED:
"That the recommendations contained in the Minutes of the Tallaght Area Committee Meeting held on 27th January 2020 be ADOPTED and APPROVED."
QUESTIONS
It was proposed by Councillor C. O’Connor, seconded by Councillor M. Duff and RESOLVED: “That pursuant to Standing Order No. 13, Question Nos 1 to 22 be ADOPTED and APPROVED.”
Libraries & Arts
T/63/20 Q1/0220 Item ID:65297
Proposed by Councillor C. O’Connor
" To ask the Chief Executive to confirm plans for the 2020 Red Line Book Festival."
REPLY:
"South Dublin Libraries are delighted to announce that the 9th edition of the Red Line Book Festival will run from the 12th to the 18th of October 2020. We are currently inviting submissions from writers and poets to submit ideas for events to be taken under consideration for our 2020 programme. The deadline for receipt of submissions is 12 noon on 30th March 2020. These events will complement our curated programme which will feature exciting new and emerging authors and established household names. We aim yet again to bring a wealth of the very best of international and national literary talent to South Dublin. The festival will include an exciting programme for schools as well as an offering of high-quality theatre for all the family to enjoy. There will be something for everyone in our diverse and cutting-edge festival programme.”
T/64/20 H2/0220 Item ID:65242
Application for Arts Grants (No Business)
T/65/20 H3/0220 Item ID:65257
Library News and events
H-I (3)
The report, which was presented by B. Fennell, County Librarian, was NOTED.
T/66/20 H4/0220 Item ID:65263
New works (No business)
T/67/20 C1/0220 Item ID:65249
Correspondence (No business)
Economic Development
T/68/20 Q2/0220 Item ID:65298
| Proposed by Councillor C. O’Connor "To ask the Chief Executive to detail contacts he has had with stakeholders in Cookstown Industrial Estate, Tallaght, in respect of the various issues raised in the matter at previous meetings and will he make a statement." |
REPLY:
As detailed in previous replies there have been ongoing contacts with business owners in Cookstown. A number of projects in the area have been funded under the Business Support Fund.
The Council Budget has provided for the continuation of the Business Support Funds in 2020 and there have, and continue to be contacts on an ongoing basis with the stakeholders in Cookstown Industrial Estate and a direct marketing campaign is planned for this month (February) for the estate to encourage engagement with business owners under BSF.
The BSF also includes Microenterprise/Start-up Support which encourages new micro enterprise owners who upgrade an existing vacant premises to avail of a graduated “rates holiday” for up to two years.
We are dealing presently with an enquiry from the Cookstown Management Company for improvements works to Cookstown Enterprise Centre (which comprise up to 30 individual units). A full detailed proposal on planned works is currently being prepared by the Management Company.
The development of a new enterprise/innovation space with associated enterprise support services in the County which was endorsed by the members of the County Council in 2018 is now progressing through to planning and subject to same will progress to construction stage in early 2021. The 3,000sq. metre enterprise/innovation facility which will be located on the Tallaght Corridor, i.e., between the ITT (now TU Dublin, Tallaght Campus) and Tallaght University Hospital is adjacent to Cookstown neighbourhood and will be a significant addition to the area, in conjunction with other proposed significant developments along the Corridor.
The delivery of an Innovation Hub for Tallaght Town Centre is a key objective of the LAP and priority project for the Council, which will provide for a landmark building with a range of business accommodation types to suit different enterprises. In leading on the delivery of this project, the Council recognises the importance of supporting job creation and higher intensity employment opportunities in the Cookstown and Tallaght area. It is the policy of the Council to support and encourage the formation and continuation of small and medium enterprises and the proposed Innovation Hub has the potential to build on the existing strengths of the area, such as the Synergy Centre in TUD-Tallaght and Tallaght Hospital.
T/69/20 Q3/0220 Item ID:65316
Proposed by Councillor D. Richardson
| "Can the Chief Executive report on update on fourth stand at Tallaght Stadium and report on start date?" REPLY: The design team is continuing to work on the project to deliver the proposed North Stand, along with the remodelled Corporate areas of the Main Stand, at Tallaght Stadium. It is anticipated that the Part 8 Consultation Process will commence in Q2 2020. Subject to planning approval, construction of the North Stand could commence later in 2020 subject to completion of final design. |
T/70/20 H5/0220 Item ID:65260
New works (No business)
T/71/20 C2/0120 Item ID:65247
Correspondence (No business)
Performance & Change Management
T/72/20 H6/0220 Item ID:65264
New works (No business)
T/73/20 C3/0220 Item ID:65250
Correspondence (No business)
Corporate Support
T/74/20 Q4/0220 Item ID:65296
Proposed by Councillor C. O’Connor
| "To ask the Chief Executive to confirm the number of voters on the new Voting Register for Tallaght Central and Tallaght South." |
REPLY:
The number of voters on the live register which came into effect on the 15th of February is as follows: In the Tallaght Central Local Electoral Area there are 29,404 people registered to vote and in Tallaght South Local Electoral Area there are 22,631 people registered to vote.
T/75/20 Q5/0220 Item ID:65315
Proposed by Councillor D. Richardson
| "Can the Chief Executive report on parking at County Hall? Is there plans to make more parking spaces available for staff and residents that want to call to council, with building work to start soon at the Square parking will be scarce and could cause issues to parking at County Hall." REPLY: Parking is currently provided on a first come first served basis to staff and customers of SDCC. There are parking spaces reserved for elected members, visiting staff and a restricted number of other staff, such as for those who avail of car-pooling. There is an underground car park also available for the overflow of staff not accommodated on the ground level at County Hall. As well as the challenge in limited space and land available, there is the difficulty of preventing members of the public from using the car park as a park and ride facility with the proximity of the Luas. There are no plans to increase parking spaces in the immediate term, however if any member has a specific recommendation that would overcome these limitations, Corporate Services would be very eager to consider those. T/76/20 H7/0220 Item ID:65259 New works (No business) T/77/20 C4/0120 Item ID:65246 Correspondence (No business) |
Environment
T/78/20 Q6/0220 Item ID:65290
Proposed by Councillor T. Costello
| "To ask the Chief Executive how many reports of pest infestation have been reported by location in Tallaght Central over the past 12 months, what action is taken to deal with the issue and is there a follow up to ensure the issue is resolved?" |
REPLY:
There were a total figure of 232 rodent complaints made directly to Environmental Health for the Tallaght area in 2019 requesting pest control service.
It is not possible to easily separate out the stats for each Electoral area but from drilling into specific complaints, we believe that a figure of 150 complaints is fairly accurate for the Tallaght Central area.
It is also possible that some of this total could appear more than once, but this is normally rare over a 12-month period.
All complaints are referred immediately on the day into HSE Pest Control in Cherry Orchard Hospital Campus, Ballyfermot.
Complaints relating to inside domestic houses are of a higher risk and receive priority for treatment.
The normal procedure is that the Pest Controller will visit the property on an agreed day and approximate time with the complainant, for the initial treatment.
The problem is risk assessed and the appropriate level of treatment is commenced.
Treatment for rats by the HSE Pest Control Unit is by use of a rodenticide.
The Unit will generally revisit the property, two days after baiting has commenced to observe ANY activity.
If poison/bait has being taken, they will re-poison.
A third/fourth call will then be made and the complaint is deemed sorted and closed off, only when 2 consecutive no takes are witnessed.
There is no charge for this service.
T/79/20 Q7/0220 Item ID:65307
Proposed by Councillor M. Duff
| "Could the Chief Executive inform this Area Committee as to what progress if any, has been made to alleviate flooding in the Glenview Park area? This area suffered severe flooding in previous storms and following Storm Ciara, many back gardens ended up being flooded again." |
REPLY:
Irish Water was established under the Water Services Act 2013 to be the company responsible by statute for owning, operating and maintaining water and wastewater infrastructure and delivering water and wastewater services in Ireland, and to take on the functions and the powers conferred previously to Local Authorities.
This particular issue is a matter for Irish Water and this question has been referred onto them on your behalf for a more detailed reply
Under the Service Level Agreement SDCC are working on a solution to the Glenview foul drainage issue with Irish Water. Recent CCTV footage for the pipework has brought to light another possible solution to this problem.
Members are reminded that Irish Water have established a Local Representative Service Desk which is committed to giving speedy responses. This Service Desk can be contacted at Localrepsupport@water.ie or at 1890 178178
T/80/20 H8/0220 Item ID:65261
New works (No business)
T/81/20 H9/0220 Item ID:65273
Litter Management Action Plan 2019 Q4 Update
A discussion followed with contributions from Councillor L. Dunne, Councillor M. Duff & Councillor C. O’Connor. B. Shannon, Administrative Officer, responded to the Members’ queries.
The report was NOTED.
T/82/20 C5/0220 Item ID:65244
Correspondence (No business)
Water & Drainage
T/83/20 H10/0220 Item ID:65268
New works (No business)
T/84/20 C6/0220 Item ID:65254
Correspondence (No business)
Public Realm
T/85/20 Q8/0220 Item ID:65292
Proposed by Councillor T. Costello
| "To ask the Chief Executive given the increase in Anti-Social behaviour in and around the Sean Walsh Park, which includes locals wheelie bins being stolen and set on fire, muggings, loitering, is there a plan in place to increase lighting or CCTV in the area to help deter anti-social behaviour?" |
REPLY:
There are existing CCTV systems in place at the bridge from Sean Walsh Park into the Square and at the playground in the park. There are no plans at the present time to install any additional CCTV systems in Sean Walsh Park. CCTV in public places is subject to the General Data Protection Regulation and a Data Protection Impact Assessment in respect of installation of CCTV at the proposed location would have to be carried out in the first instance by the Council before the matter could be further considered.
There is substantial public lighting in place on the main roads around the park such as the N81, Old Bawn Road and Whitestown Way and many locations within the park benefit from this external lighting. In addition there is public lighting in place along the pathway from the roundabout at the entrance to Old Bawn Community College leading to the bridge into the Square. The corridor along the Whitestown Stream which runs from Whitestown Way to Old Bawn Road and ultimately to the discharge to the Dodder at Balrothery, interconnecting the lakes within the park, is considered to be ecologically sensitive and therefore not suitable for the installation of public lighting there.
Both these issues will be kept under review by the Council's Public Realm Section.
T/86/20 Q9/0220 Item ID:65293
Proposed by Councillor T. Costello
"To ask the Chief Executive can South Dublin County Council act quickly on these requests from residents. Residents in these estates are victims of vandalism, abuse, and theft on a daily basis as the numerous access points to the park enable a quick escape for those committing these crimes.
'In the small upper section of Sean Walsh park from Firhouse Rd West to Carraigmore View there are now 5 access points into the park. When the park boundaries was enclosed, a tall pedestrian locking gate was installed to facilitate school access only. It was open term time and locked after school daily. This operated to the satisfaction of school and community. The most recent elephant ear opening at Marlfield was installed with no community consultation. Since the elephant ear pedestrian gate opened, the tall locking gate is no longer locked, anti-social crime including assaults and burglary has steadily increased particularly in Heatherview and Carraigmore. It is now weekly. The community wish to revert to the past access model which securely closed the park to pedestrians after dark. This would require the removal of the 5th gateway, the elephant ear and reverting to term time, school hour access for the tall gateway.'
This reduction of entry would still allow 24 hr access through the 2 pedestrian & vehicular gates on Firhouse Rd West and Heatherview Lawn.”
REPLY:
The current layout of the park at the location in question is such that it provides permeability for pedestrian traffic travelling between the housing areas of Heatherview and Carrigmore, St Martin de Porres national school and Kiltipper Way.
The boundary between Sean Walsh Park and the housing areas of Carrigmore Road, Drive, Park and View consists of a low wall with a railing fixed on top. The boundary is approximately 1.5m high in total and due to the type of construction it can be easily crossed. There is approximately 300 linear metres of this wall and fence stretching from St Martin de Porres national school up to the boundary with Marlfield Estate. At Kiltipper Way the park boundary is similar in type however the overall height is in the region of 2.0m. Again due to the type of arrangement with railing fixed on top of the wall this boundary can also be easily crossed by someone who is reasonably agile. There is approximately 600 linear metres of boundary wall and fence along the park at Kiltipper way stretching from Marlfield Estate to the vehicular entrance at Firhouse Road West.
The Council has no plans at present to replace the existing boundaries to the park as described above. It is also considered that putting in place time restrictions at the accesses to the park at Kiltipper Way would be ineffective as the boundary railing can be easily crossed at these access points. While the Council has no plans at present to carry out any works to the park boundaries or accesses as set out above, the matter will however be kept under review.
T/87/20 Q10/0220 Item ID:65302
Proposed by Councillor T. Costello
| "To ask the Chief Executive to update members of his plans for a MUGA at Avonbeg; will he confirm contacts he has had with local youths and other Groups and will he make a statement?" |
REPLY:
A tender for the design and installation of a MUGA has been released by South Dublin County Council and tenders are due in on 6th March. The brief is for a robust 30M x 15 M MUGA consisting of ballstop fencing, football goals, basketball hoops and with an artificial grass carpet. It will be installed close to the western boundary of St Dominic’s Community Centre, on the opposite side to the playspace.
The first proposal for a MUGA at this location came from a group of young people in the area 6 years ago. The group, supported by Barnardos, called Amplifying Voices decided that they and their friends should have a right to have somewhere safe to play. They ran a campaign asking South Dublin County Council to build a MUGA right in the middle of their community. Their campaign involved everyone in the community; they got parents, neighbours, teachers, local T.D.’s, local Councillors including the then Mayor Cathal King to help their campaign. A video outlining their efforts can be seen at https://vimeo.com/83851297. Funding was not available for a MUGA at that time although a very successful playspace was installed with considerable input from this group.
In recent times and following a further consultation, by questionnaire, with locals living close to the open space; a decision was made to proceed with a MUGA. Public Realm contacted St Dominic’s Community Centre to make contact with young people using their services and to invite their input into the design of the MUGA.
On 20th January a meeting was held in the Community Centre and attended by 20-30 teenagers and younger children. The consensus was that they were all in favour of the MUGA with goals and basketball hoops. There was a discussion about the best surfacing for football versus basketball and it was agreed that an artificial grass surface would be preferable to tarmac. At the meeting SDCC committed to proceeding to tender and to keep young people in the area briefed on progress of this much anticipated facility.
T/89/20 Q11/0220 Item ID:65303
Proposed by Councillor C O’Connor
| "To ask the Chief Executive to present a further update on his dealings in respect of the Wetlands at Sean Walsh Park and will he make a statement?" |
REPLY:
In 2019 the Council engaged a consultant ecologist to assist in carrying out a detailed examination of the site south of the ponds at Sean Walsh Memorial Park. This work included carrying out ecological services for the surrounding areas of ponds and grasslands as well as the site in question, ecological surveys and providing advice and assessment in relation to the rehabilitation of a habitat and potential to encourage re-colonisation of the area.
This report was completed and forwarded to the National Parks and Wildlife Services for review. Below sets out the draft plan of works:
- Site investigations to establish depth of water table/nature of water-holding capacity on site and adjacent to site
- Drawing up of Alien Invasive Plan Species Management and Control Plan for the area
- Management and conservation plan for Mentha pulegium
- Habitat rehabilitation plan; drawing up and implementation
- Comprehensive ecological baseline survey of area and environs of the site
- Drawing up and implementation of Biodiversity and Habitat Management Plan for the survey area and environs
- Ecological Monitoring
A tender for the above services is being prepared and the topographical survey has been carried out over the winter months and is available when required.
In the interim an Internal Working Group has been set up to review current procedures in relation to in-river, stream and pond maintenance works and review existing guidelines and procedures in relation to same. The first meeting has taken place and current practices were reviewed. The Group is now assessing improvements and national guidance that should be included in SDCC procedures. Further meetings will occur in the coming weeks to finalise the SDCC procedures.
The Department of Culture, Heritage and the Gaeltacht has recently recommended SDCC carry out interim measures to create a number of small pools, just south of the existing pond, to provide additional breeding areas for the common frog. Four shallow pools have been recently excavated on the site for this purpose in early February. Small scale investigation works will also be carried out at a later date to establish the water table on the site. This will inform rehabilitation options for the site.
T/90/20 Q12/0220 Item ID:65306
Proposed by Councillor M Duff
| "Could the Chief Executive please advise this Area Committee as to when the planting of the replacement trees on the N81, at the rear of Glenview Park, will commence and will he indicate when the anti-noise screens will be erected at this location." |
REPLY:
The planting of trees on the N81 at Glenview Park will be completed as part of the upgrade of the N81. This work will include the enhancing of the existing beech hedge and the planting of trees along the perimeter. Work will take place during the Winter/Spring 2020/21 tree planting season. The planting will assist in noise abatement.
T/91/20 Q13/0220 Item ID:65311
Proposed by Councillor D Richardson
| "Can the Manager give update on Killinarden park with the ongoing problems in the area and damage to pitches in the park?" |
REPLY:
Regrettably anti-social activity continues to be an issue in Killenarden Park and the Croi Ro Naofa club have reported further damage to the playing pitches since the last meeting took place in the Council offices in early to mid January. The Council's Public Realm section continues to respond to these issues as quickly as possible, to remove burnt out cars and repair damage caused.
The Council is currently completing the process to award the contract for construction of reinforced concrete boundary walls at Knockmore Crescent and Drive. It is hoped that the appointed contractor will be in a position to commence construction works within the next three to four weeks.
T/92/20 Q14/0220 Item ID:65314
Proposed by Councillor D Richardson
|
“Can the Manager report on removal of trees in areas where the roots are causing damage to footpaths?” REPLY: The Council's Tree Management Policy states the following with regard to tree roots and footpath trip hazard. The roots of trees exploit the soil in various ways dependent on species, local conditions and history of site disturbance. Pressure exerted by the radial growth of roots can deform the surfaces of footpaths. Damage occurs most commonly close to the tree and will diminish rapidly with distance. To constitute a trip hazard the deformation will be assessed by the Council. Where a hazard exists and is attributable to tree roots engineering options will be explored before root pruning or tree removal is undertaken. It is often possible to repair paths to take account of adjacent trees and tree roots. Where roots protrude they can be root pruned, or the path can be re-laid around the tree with flexible material such as asphalt to provide a smooth surface or using reinforced concrete or other engineering solutions. Where trees are considered to be causing damage to paths or footpaths, the Council will not normally consider tree removal except where there is a risk to public safety which cannot otherwise be mitigated. Removal of the tree will usually be the last resort. The Council will seek to explore engineering options through internal consultation between the Public Realm and Roads Maintenance sections to reduce trip hazards before root pruning or tree removal. T/93/20 H11/0220 Item ID:65266 Tallaght Tree Maintenance Programme 2020-22 A discussion followed with contributions from Councillor M. Duff & Councillor C. O’Connor & K. Mahon. M. Ní Dhomhnaill, Senior Executive Parks Superintendent, responded to the Members’ queries. The report was NOTED. T/94/20 C7/0220 Item ID:65252 Correspondence (No business) T/95/20 M1/0220 Item ID:65301 Proposed by Councillor C O’Connor. Seconded by M Duff.
A discussion followed with contributions from Councillor M. Duff & Councillor C. O’Connor & Councillor K. Mahon. S. Furlong, Senior Parks Superintendent, responded to the Members’ queries. The report was NOTED. Community T/96/20 Q15/0220 Item ID:65305 Proposed by Councillor C O’Connor
REPLY: There have been several grants of planning permission in recent years within the area covered by the Fortunestown Local Area Plan, which incorporate provision for recreational and community facilities. The provision of community and recreational facilities to meet the current and future population projections in the Citywest area is a priority for the Community Department, which works very closely with the Planning Department in relation to proposed housing developments and the associated community and recreational infrastructure that required to meet the needs of the residents being accommodated. There remains land within the Fortunestown Local Area Plan (LAP) area which does not benefit from planning permission and which has yet to be built out. Having regard to this, the time period of the LAP was extended by the Council in 2017 until June 2022. It should be noted that South Dublin County Council cannot compel prospective applicants to submit planning applications, however the fact that a LAP has been prepared signals that this area is attractive for development. Additional factors, including the extension of the LAP time period to 2022, provision in legislation for the fast-tracking of planning applications via the Strategic Housing Development process and the current positive economic climate, mean that it may reasonably be expected that planning applications which may secure the delivery of the objectives for community infrastructure contained in the Local Area Plan, would be submitted in the near future. T/97/20 H12/0220 Item ID:65255 Deputations for Noting (No business) T/98/20 H13/0220 Item ID:65258 New works (No business) T/99/20 C8/0220 Item ID:65245 Correspondence (No business) Housing T/100/20 Q16/0220 Item ID:65308 Proposed by Councillor D Richardson
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