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SOUTH DUBLIN COUNTY COUNCIL

MEETING OF SOUTH DUBLIN COUNTY COUNCIL

Monday, July 12, 2021

QUESTION NO. 1

QUESTION: Councillor Yvonne Collins 

To ask the Chief Executive to clarify SDCC's policy as regards the cleaning and maintenance of gated laneways throughout the county, noting the difficulties in managing this and the cost involved.

REPLY:

Laneways in local authority estates are only closed and gated on foot of an application from residents of properties that adjoin the laneway.

Residents are advised that if an application to gate a laneway is approved the following conditions apply:

• Access to the laneway will be restricted to residents whose properties adjoin the laneway
• It will be necessary to extinguish the right of way in the laneway
• Residents assume responsibility for the maintenance and cleaning of the laneway

If residents agree to proceed and the application is approved by the Council, the laneway is closed and gated, and keys are provided to residents whose properties adjoin the laneway.

The Council can also consider applications to incorporate the land from the laneway into tenant's gardens. These requests are subject to the agreement of the internal departments within the Council and external utility providers. The incorporation of laneways into gardens is not always possible due to location of utilities, services, existing right of ways, non-transferable title and objections from other residents.

If residents require assistance with maintaining a laneway in their area, they can contact the Council’s Estate Management Team on 01-4149265. The Estate Management Officer for the area can arrange to provide equipment to assist with the upkeep of the laneway and arrange for the collection of waste material gathered by the residents.