COMHAIRLE CHONTAE ÁTHA CLIATH THEAS
SOUTH DUBLIN COUNTY COUNCIL

MEETING OF COUNTY COUNCIL

Monday, May 08, 2006

MOTION No. 2

MOTION: Cllr. John Lahart

That the Council, as a response to damages caused to grass verges, footpaths and outside driveways, as a consequence of private development work, be it residential, commercial or industrial, introduces a bye -law or introduces the provision of a Notification Certificate for residents and businesses, that enables the Council to examine locations prior to the commencement of building/developments, as a means of guarantee that either (a) sites are restored to original order (b) the Council can charge a fee to the occupier or builder or developer , to cover the expense of reinstatement by the local authority.

REPORT:

As part of the grant of planning permission a Commencement Notice is attached to the notification to the applicant.  The Building Control Regulations require that this Commencement Notice is submitted to the Council prior to the commencement of development on site.  The Notice must be submitted not less than 14 days nor more than 28 days before commencement. 

 Currently, the Council receive approximately 30 Commencement Notices per week.  The Building Control Section carries out inspections on approximately 15% - 20% of these developments.

 Discussions have commenced with the Planning Department with a view to incorporating appropriate conditions in the planning permission to safeguard the public footpaths including grass margins from damage caused by the deposit of materials/parking of vehicles associated with the carrying out of developments.

  In addition to the foregoing, any works that require excavation of the existing roads, paths or margins requires the consent of the Council.   In such cases the Councils Roadwork’s Control staff inspect the works and ensures adequate re-instatement.