This section is intended to outline some issues before the City Council relating to the North Central Area. It is by no means comprehensive and relates to matters which constituents have raised as important enough to require attention. If you require more detailed information please do not hesitate to email me.

Local News (19th July 2010)

Pedestrian Bridge, Fairview Park. The last inspections of the pedestrian over-bridge at Fairview Park carried out by Dublin City Council indicated the following: The bridge is being used by approximately forty persons per hour throughout day time hours, and is inaccessible for mobility impaired and disabled users; It does not include a parapet and canopy detail to prevent objects falling, or being thrown, from the bridge; The bridge supports are close to live traffic and are not provided with heavy barrier protection; The level of corrosion protection, painting and maintenance works on the bridge requires improvement. The results of the inspection indicate that considerable works are required in order to improve the condition and layout of the bridge. The improvement options considered are as follows: 1). To address all of the issues highlighted above, it would be necessary to replace the existing bridge with a new bridge at an estimated cost of €2 million, excluding the cost of any lands necessary for the inclusion of pedestrian access ramps to the bridge. 2). To maintain the existing bridge and address the corrosion protection and painting of the existing bridge at an estimated cost of approximately €250,000. This cost would not reduce the future cost of removing and replacing the existing bridge structure in order to provide a satisfactory level of service. As the current year’s road maintenance budget does not include sufficient resources to facilitate these options, a further option of removing the existing bridge structure and the installation of an at-grade signalised pedestrian crossing in the vicinity of the existing bridge was considered for examination. The feasibility of removing the existing bridge and providing an at-grade signalised pedestrian crossing is currently being assessed. St Anne’s Park improvements. The Parks and Landscape Services Division has been carrying out a number of improvements to the facilities in St. Anne’s Park in recent months, which include the preparation of Walled Garden for allotments, the completion of drainage operations associated with basic landscaping operations at James Larkin Road/Mount Prospect Avenue, preparations for the International Rose Trials and Festival 2010, and completion of the additional 6 holes on the par 3 golf course including the installation of pedestrian bridges. Based on current direct staff levels at the park, these works had some impact on some routine maintenance operations at the par 3 golf facility. Since the opening of the allotment area the full regular schedule of maintenance has resumed. The tennis court area is regularly litter-picked, swept with mechanical sweeper and the condition of these hard courts is consistent with other such facilities of the same age in other parks throughout the city. It is anticipated that the full 18 hole course will be available for play in September 2010. Parking, Clontarf Promenade. Paid parking controls were introduced in the four car parks located on Clontarf Road over the period January to March 2010. The percentage current rate of occupancy was surveyed during operational hours over two days during business week commencing 5th July 2010. The hourly tariff is €0.60 and the total revenue received to 29th June 2010 in respect of these car parks was €20,731.70. The cost of installing the new parking ticket machines and providing statutory signage and road markings is estimated to be in the region of €40,000. The Council has received a small number of complaints from residents of roads adjoining these car parks of increased commuter parking on their streets. These were investigated and, in the main, were not substantiated. In one instance where displacement was complained of and warning notices were issued by the Council’s parking enforcement contractor, the local residents’ association subsequently requested that no enforcement action be undertaken. In some instances, parking congestion immediately adjacent to the car parks has decreased as adequate parking is now available in the car parks for short stay parking. The surplus revenue income from the operation of paid parking controls in these car parks, following recoupment of the Roads & Traffic Department’s initial outlay and a small contribution to ongoing costs, will be transferred to the Culture, Recreation and Amenity Department. Dollymount Beach. Dollymount Beach, North Bull Island has been awarded a ‘Blue Flag’. The City Council is undertaking an impact assessment of the presence of the alga, ‘Ectocarpus’ which is being deposited by tides at the beach. The Parks and Landscape Services Division is concentrating its removal works on the area associated with the Blue Flag. Ormond Road/Clonturk Park. Dublin City Council has indicated that the reason it was unable to extinguish the right-of-way on the laneway at Ormond Rd/Clonturk Park is that Eircom objected and indicated that they had extensive plant (equipment) in the lane, both underground and overground. The cost of removing same at the time of the application in 2007 was quoted at approximately €142 k (subject to a detailed survey and way-leave application). The City Council at its meeting on 5th November 2007 retained the Public Right of Way at this location. Health Route Following on from the continuing Shop Route service and a second roll out of Art Route, Dublin City Council intends to embark on Hospital/Health Route in September next. It will run the service again initially as a pilot project gathering information as to the reason for customers availing of the service. This information will be gathered at source for use to build the case for other future funding. The pilot project will run across the full North Central Area and Vantastic has successfully applied to the DCC Social Inclusion Unit for funding. It is intended to facilitate bookings for the service in August and it will be marketed through existing Shop Route and Art Route customers. Carers will be able to accompany clients using this service. It is anticipated that it will be heavily in demand and contingency funding may need to be put in place. Art Route. A second Dublin City Council pilot project for older citizens was run which was self sustaining and successful. There are now three volunteer co-ordinators, cultural companions, who accompany groups who pay for the bus with the co-ordinator traveling for free. The events for groups are booked in advance and have included: a tour of Dublin Castle and City Hall; a tour discussion of the works of Jack B. Yates in the Hugh Lane Gallery; a private performance of the London Symphony Orchestra Musicians on Call in the National Concert Hall; and “Blow the Dust off your Trumpet” in the National Concert Hall. The events were either free events run during Bealtaine or events for which free tickets were obtained. The programme was offered to groups rather than individuals as there was a cost associated with the bus journeys. This roll out proved hugely enjoyable and successful for all concerned. A new six month programme is now being put together following consultation with Vantastic. Vernon Avenue, Dublin 3. The Traffic Advisory Group has recommended a Loading Bay on Vernon Avenue operating on the westside, from a point 6 metres from the junction with Clontarf Road, running north for 8 metres. Kilmore Road. The Traffic Advisory group has recommended a Yellow Box at St. David's Boys National School on Kilmore Road.

Local News (08th July 2010)

Housing Grant Schemes. Dublin City Council will approve 1,500 – 1,700 grants approximately in 2010 and has made provision for the payment of €14.2 million this year. It has re-opened the Housing Adaptation Grant Scheme for People with a Disability, the Housing Aid for Older People and the Mobility Aids Grant Schemes with effect from 5th. July 2010. Northside Swimming Pool. Dublin City Council’s budget for the financial year 2010 provides for a limited opening for part of the year of the three swimming pools at Sean McDermott Street, Coolock and Crumlin. In order to provide funding for a full year’s limited opening of these facilities, it is necessary to reduce expenditure in other areas of the City Council’s services. The issue of funding for all services as part of the 2011 Budget will be determined as part of the budgetary process which will occur in November and December 2010 and in particular at the Annual Budget Meeting. The pool at Coolock is part of a privately owned shopping centre and could only be rebuilt/refurbished when the whole Centre is redeveloped; this is still part of the plan for North Side Shopping Centre. Parklands. In order to facilitate the possibility of the Gavin families being re-located to St. Dominick’s Park following execution of the Court Order for their removal from the Lawrence Lands, the Department of Justice convened a meeting in mid-May which was attended by the City Council. At this meeting the Department advised that they required the engagement of a mediator to assist in the smooth return by the Gavin families to the halting site at St. Dominick’s. A mediator has now been appointed to work with the families and Dublin City Council continues to liaise with the Department of Justice and the mediator involved. The timeframe as to when the site will be cleared is dependent on the conclusion of these ongoing negotiations. Public boat slipway, Clontarf Promenade. A security bollard was put in place by the Parks & Landscape Services Division of the City Council to control parking abuses from the entrance to the access path to the boat slipway on the Clontarf Promenade. Access, by agreement, is available by contact with the Division for those wishing to use the pathway for water access purposes. It is considered that uncontrolled/unrestricted access would result in a high level of parking abuse, which was the situation at this important public open space in late 2009.

Local News (22nd June 2010)

Marino Library. Following the suspension of the public sector industrial action Marino Library has re-opened and is reverting to 6 day opening: Monday, Wednesday: 12.45pm - 4.00pm ; Tuesday, Thursday, Friday and Saturday: 10.00am - 1.00pm, 2.00pm - 5.00 pm. Howth Rd/Brookwood Avenue/Sybil Hill junction. Road works continue on the Howth Road at its junction with Brookwood Avenue and Sybil Hill and are associated with the Quality Bus Corridor. The contractor has advised that works will be completed by the end of July. 123 route in Marino. The route is currently served by a fleet of single-deck buses which are nearing the end of their serviceable life. Dublin Bus is in the process of retiring all of their single decker vehicles. The suggested replacement buses will be larger and will likely add to the access difficulties currently being experienced on Brian Road and Morrogh Terrace. An additional bus stop will be erected on Philipsburgh Avenue as soon as the legal requirements are completed. Dublin Bus will also be reducing the running time on this route to reflect current operating conditions which will mean that delays caused by illegal parking will have a detrimental impact on the schedule. For all of the above reasons it is felt by Dublin City Council’s Senior Area Engineer that the current alignment outbound using just Philipsburgh Avenue is the best course of action with the proviso that concerned customers can stay on board and alight on the inbound journey through the scheme. It was clearly observed during a recent site visit that a Double Decker bus had considerable difficulty negotiating the ‘right turn’ out of Morrogh Terrace - even with no illegal parking. During the visit there was a need for a car to reverse back out of the way and also ‘stop-start’ movements on Brian Road. Update Report On the Wad River Catchment study. The Wad River Catchment Study is continuing and a possible Clanmoyle Scheme has been identified which will be subject to both OPW and funding approval. Some of the Clanmoyle residents have been approached regarding provision of a swale through their back gardens and discussions are ongoing. Formal application may then be made to the Office of Public Works for scheme and funding approval. A Drafting Order to appoint Nicholas O'Dwyer as consultant for the Clanmoyle Scheme will be required, assuming scheme and funding approval comes through from the OPW. If the local residents and golf club support proposals for the Clanmoyle Scheme, Part 8 planning procedure will also be required and the statutory process will commence. It is not possible to comment on the construction phase of any Clanmoyle Scheme until all the foregoing has been completed. The earliest possible construction date would be in 2011. Travellers at Parklands. Judge Michael Peart delivered a judgement on the 19th. December 2008 concerning the occupation of the Parklands site by a group of travellers. In his judgement he adjourned the question of eviction until such time as the plaintiff council was in a position to make St. Dominick’s Park or any other suitable site available to the defendants. Having cleared the site at St. Dominick’s, at a cost of €80,000, Dublin City Council offered the Gavin Family the site, an offer which they declined on the basis that it would be unsafe for them to return to it. In court on the 25th. June 2009, both sides presented their closing statements and sought a decision from the judge. In December 2009, the judge ruled that the Parklands site was to be vacated by the 31st. May 2010. The only option agreed with the court was a move from the site at Parklands to St. Dominick’s Park and this remains the case. However in order to facilitate this process, the Department of Justice convened a meeting in mid-May which was attended by the City Council. At this meeting the Department advised that they required the engagement of a mediator to assist in the smooth return of the Gavin families to the halting site at St. Dominick’s. A mediator has now been appointed to work with the families and Dublin City Council continues to liaise with the Department of Justice and the mediator involved. Update on Flood Prevention Works and Arterial Watermain, Clontarf The Clontarf Flood Defences are part of a combined project which incorporates the North City Arterial Watermain – part of the North Fringe Water Supply Scheme. The watermain runs along Fairview Park, Alfie Byrne Road, Clontarf Promenade and the coast road to Kilbarrack Road. Phase 1 & 2 of the watermain, which terminates at the Bull Wall, is estimated to cost €6.9m and is on the Department of the Environment Health and Local Government (DEHLG) Water Services Investment Programme (WSIP) 2010-2012. However, Phase 3, from the Bull Wall to Kilbarrack Road is not, and accordingly is not proceeding in the immediate future. The proposed flood defence scheme comprises a series of earth embankments, flood walls and flood gates, approximately 3km in total length, which are landscaped into the existing Clontarf Promenade. The design of the proposed tidal flood defences has been based on a 200 year event with an allowance made for climate change to 2055. Planning approval, subject to conditions, was granted by An Bord Pleanála on 25th. July 2008. The finishing touches are being made to the tender documents, based on the termination of the North City Arterial Watermain now being at the Bull Wall. It is anticipated that the tender documents will be ready for issue in July 2010 and that work on site would commence late 2010/early 2011, subject to funding approval being forthcoming from the DEHLG and the OPW. Due to necessary phasing of construction it is anticipated that the works will take 2 years to complete. Local improvements on Ardlea Road. The Greater Dublin Strategic Drainage Study (GDSDS) report identified deficiencies located on the Naniken River Culvert along Ardlea Road. In the past, pipes surcharged due to the presence of a throttle in the system at this point where the pipe changed from a 1050mm diameter to a 950mm diameter before returning back to 1050mm diameter. The recent works involved upsizing 270m of 900mm diameter pipe to 1050mm diameter pipe and alteration to the pipe configuration on Kilmore Road. This upgrading will result in the transfer of larger volumes of storm-water downstream and will, in turn, have a positive impact on the local drainage network, especially the areas of Maryfield Estate which have suffered flooding in the past. The drainage work was carried out by Dublin City Council direct labour. It is the intention of Dublin City Council’s Road Maintenance Division to resurface Ardlea Road and it is hoped that this will commence in July. At present, it does not have an exact costing of the works to be carried out. Clancarthy Court Update. Following the discovery of Pyrite in November 2009 in the Older Persons Complex in Clancarthy Court, Donnycarney it was decided to vacate all 20 units as a matter of urgency to allow remedial works to proceed. Further core drill tests in March 2010 found that the Pyrite problem was worse than originally thought. Once vacant possession of this complex has been completed, the proposed works will commence as soon as possible. Tender documentation is being prepared at present. Castilla Park, Dublin 3. There have been waste collection difficulties in Castilla Park resulting from badly parked cars. For example access to part of Castilla Park was not possible on Wednesday 16th.June 2010 with a need for staff to return the following day to collect the missed bins. This can occur on a regular basis and ways to tackle this problem in the longer term are being examined. The Traffic Advisory Group has recommended double yellow lines on both north and south sides of Castilla Park, from the junction with Vernon Avenue, for 40 metres westwards. Inverness Road/Lomond Avenue, Dublin 3. The Traffic Advisory Group has recommended double yellow lines on Lomond Avenue, at the entrance to the An Post Office. Also on the west side of Inverness Road from the northern corner with Lomond Avenue, for a distance of 9 metres southwards. Hollybrook Road, Clontarf. Pay & Display/Permit Parking has been recommended at Hollybrook Road, Clontarf, Dublin 3 (extension of existing scheme), subject to the agreement of residents. Brian Boru Street, Dublin 3. Pay and Display and Permit parking on Brian Boru Street has been rejected following a ballot among local residents. The vote was: 21 against and 2 for the proposal. Landscaping at St. Anne’s Park. The soft landscape works carried out at the junction of James Larkin Road and Mount Prospect Avenue have been carried out in accordance with proposals forwarded in 2009. The works consisted of the removal of the sunken garden area and pond features and replacement with a landscape consistent with the general area fronting the park at James Larkin Road. Basic landscaping operations have taken place in this area of the park as well as the placement of a pathway leading to the playground area together with drainage works. The carrying out of these works has also opened up views of North Bull Island and Dublin Bay from the park which had not been available in the past. The basic landscape works are currently establishing and will link with the meadow area along James Larkin Road. However, during the course of 2009 some complaints were received regarding the pace of works which was impacted by the need to account for the presence of the badgers sett and the requirement for a works exclusion area for a period at that time. Thatch Road and Collins Avenue junction. The North Central Area Office has arranged for the Probation Services to clean and repaint the fencing at the old social services building on the corner of Thatch Road and Collins Avenue as soon as a crew becomes available. It has also arranged to have site litter and some of the weeds removed with the remainder of the weeds to be sprayed and removed within the coming weeks. Scrambling track, Alfie Byrne Road. Following the proposed motorcycling track project being approved, the Superintendent of the City Parks communicated with Motorcycling Ireland regarding development of the facility on site, utilising the resources available to the Parks and Landscape Services Division, with the balance being provided by Motorcycling Ireland. The project has a development phase of 6 weeks which is approximately 3weeks underway. Motorcycling Ireland has indicated that the project is on schedule. An Appropriate Assessment of the project was prepared by the Parks and Landscape Services Division for the National Parks and Wildlife Service, who indicated that Ministerial Approval was not required for this project. Vernon Avenue – Seafield Road junction. The Traffic Advisory Group is to examine the timing of the green man at the traffic crossing on Vernon Avenue at its junction with Seafield Road. This follows complaints from some elderly residents in the area who have suggested that the timing interval is too short to cross the road with safety. All Weather Facility, Alfie Byrne Road/Clontarf Road. The development of the Clontarf Sports Pitches and Pavilion is not yet fully completed although it is anticipated that it will be in use over the coming weeks and will be administered by Sports Section of Culture, Recreation and Amenity Department. When completed the synthetic surfaced playing pitch facilities will consist of 1 full sized GAA Pitch, 1 No. Pitch for Soccer/Rugby, and 1 No. facility for 7-a-side soccer, which can be also used for 5-a-side. Booking arrangements will be available through the Sports Section when the date of commencement of availability is confirmed. Parking in Cromcastle area. During a site visit to Cromcastle by Dublin City Council officials, no illegal parking was observed. The parked cars are acting as a traffic calming measure. No change is recommended. A Traffic Engineer will examine any specific additional parking restrictions requested by residents and make a recommendation to the Traffic Advisory Group on the matter. Potholes on Oscar Traynor Road, Kilmore Road and Coolock Village. These roads will be inspected by a Dublin City Council official and all potholes will be repaired within the next 2 weeks.

Local News (04th June 2010)

Saturday June 5th. is Free Electrical Recycling Day at Artane Castle Shopping Centre from 10.00 am to 4.00 pm. Anything with a plug or a battery will be accepted. So if you want rid of your old electrical or computer equipment please avail of this excellent service. This is part of the Irish compliance scheme for electrical and battery recycling. For more details please visit www.recyclefree.ie.

Local News (19th May 2010)

Wad River - Update. Following another progress meeting held on 13th April together with a technical meeting with the Office of Public works held on 29th April, the latest update is as follows:- (1) A final preferred scenario with a number of minor local alternatives remains. (2) The computer flood model estimates that the current drainage configuration in Clanmoyle Road (with all of the louvres working in the back garden walls) lowers the 100 year (1% Annual Exceedance Probability (AEP)) flood event in this area by approximately 300mm (1 foot). (3) A cost beneficial scenario to alleviate flooding in Clanmoyle Road in the 1% AEP has been developed. This involves a local swale (flood route) in Clanmoyle and temporary storage in the Clontarf Golf Course. This scheme is subject to negotiations with landowners and site investigations to prove its viability. (4) A Part 8 planning procedure will also be required if this scheme proves viable. (5) Further site investigations are required elsewhere in the catchment to see if local schemes for the middle Wad catchment and upper Wad catchment are viable. Parking at Mount Prospect Lawns, Clontarf, Dublin 3 Following discussions at April Area Committee Meeting the area traffic engineer, Mr. Gavin Mc Hugh has redesigned proposed permit parking scheme on Mount Prospect Lawns . Parking is now proposed on the eastern side of the carriageway with double yellow lines adjacent to green space on western side of carriageway. The revised scheme will have approximately 24 parking spaces as compared to 43 spaces with the original layout. Details of the revised layout will be circulated to residents who will then vote on whether to accept or reject the revised proposals. Clancarthy Court. A meeting took place on Wednesday 21st April 2010 with residents of Clancarthy Court and the Iveagh Trust, who explained their role in this temporary housing situation. Arrangements were made for them to view their temporary alternative accommodation in Marsfield, Hole in the Wall Road, Dublin 13. It was explained to all residents that it is a matter of urgency to begin the remedial works to this complex. On Wednesday 5th May 2010 all 12 remaining residents were brought by bus to view their new properties and their agreement to accept these temporary units is awaited. Provisional arrangements were made with the Iveagh Trust to sign for their units on Wednesday 12th May 2010. Arrangements are in place to begin moves immediately subject to their agreement.

Local News (12th May 2010)

Housing Adaptation, Mobility Aids, and Housing Aid for Older People Grants. Dublin City Council is currently not accepting new applications for grants for this scheme. The grant schemes have been closed since July 17th. 2009 due to the enormous volume of applications received by the Grants Section in 2009. The number of applications for the grant schemes in the past few years has far exceeded the available finance. There are currently 2,722 grants on hand with an estimated value of €19,536,993. In 2010 Dublin City Council intends to approve in excess of 1700 grants and has made provision for the payment of €14.2 million. It is Dublin City Council’s intention to open the grant schemes to new applications in late August 2010. Raheny Village. Waste Management Services clean Raheny Village every morning by the six a.m. cleaning shift. Even at this early time of the morning there are cars parked there. However, it is still the best time to carry out cleaning at this location and we will certainly see if any improvements can be made to the standard of cleaning carried out there. Public Swimming Pools. The estimated expenditure for the operation of the pools at Crumlin, Sean McDermott and Coolock from September to December 2010 is €300,000 with an estimated income of €62,700. Letters have been written to the Minister and the Secretary General in the Department of Tourism, Culture and Sport requesting funding for the continued operation of the pools and acknowledgements received. Meetings have been held with a view to exploring the feasibility of having Community Employment Schemes in two of the pools. Letters of support have been issued to the sponsor groups of the schemes for consideration by FÁS. Contact is being made with the Department of Environment, Heritage and Local Government with a view to exploring the funding possibilities under the EU Jessica Programme. Swords Road QBC at Collins Avenue. The Quality Bus Network Project Office will examine the current performance of buses at this location and draft proposals to enhance bus priority.

Local News (16th March 2010)

Parklands Site. In December 2009, the judge ruled that the Parklands site is to be vacated by the 31st May 2010. Costs incurred are to be taxed and ascertained by the Taxing Master of the High Court in the absence of agreement between the parties. A proportion of the costs have been awarded against the Defendants but this is subject to recovery. Efforts have been made by the City Council to meet the family in question to discuss their imminent move off the Parklands site but the most recently arranged meeting was cancelled and a new date is to be set and agreed. It is the City Council’s objective that these lands will be developed in accordance with the City Development Plan. Obviously the realisation of this objective is dependent on the prevailing economic conditions. In the short term the departure of the travellers currently on site in accordance with a signed court order is a priority. Scrambling track, Alfie Byrne Road. Following the submission of an Appropriate Assessment as required by the Habitat Directive in respect of the proposal to provide a scrambling track at Alfie Byrne Road, the National Parks and Wildlife Service has confirmed on 1st March 2010 that there is no objection to the proposal, subject to mitigation measures recommended in the Appropriate Assessment. As the proposal is considered to be the provision of a recreational facility within a public open space, it is not considered that Part VIII planning approval is required. A recommendation for approval of the project in the breviate to the April 2010 City Council meeting will suffice. Following the response of 01/03/2010 from National Parks and Wildlife Service a meeting was arranged with the local scrambling club and Motor Cycling Ireland on site on Thursday 04th March to discuss construction of the track and all related matters. It is hoped to have a works programme agreed within the next 2-3 weeks with actual development works commencing shortly thereafter. Tennis Courts, St. Anne’s Park. The Parks and Landscape Services Division is familiar with the antisocial problems concerning the car park at the tennis courts in St. Anne’s Park, as a result of which it is closed to cars after park opening hours. It has always been the case that any antisocial behaviour that has come to the attention of Park Officials is reported to An Garda Siochána immediately. The Parks and Landscape Services Division has contacted a number of CCTV suppliers to ascertain the cost of providing security cameras. It is recommended that 3 anti-vandal cameras are needed to completely cover the area and that a monitor be installed in a safe box in the small pavilion so that a 24 hour recorded loop system can be used. The approximate cost of the supply and installation of the recommended cameras and monitor is €4,500 to supply and install the system. At present there is no specific provision in this Division’s estimates for 2010 for the proposed works or to carry out the level of any ongoing monitoring. Flood Insurance. The Insurance Industry does not appear to be responding positively to reduced flood risk following flood alleviation works in a number of areas of the city. Accordingly, Dublin City Council continues to be in contact with the Irish Insurance Federation in relation to their previously stated position that the Insurance Industry will review its insurance policy in specific areas when flood risk alleviation works have been put in place. However, the IIF does not make policy decisions and such decisions are ultimately a matter between individual Insurance Companies and their clients. Littering. The Waste Management Division on a daily basis cleans the main public arterial roads – Clontarf Road, Collins Avenue, Griffith Avenue, Howth Road, Malahide Road, Oscar Traynor Road, Swords Road and Tonlegee Rd. In relation to the Clontarf Promenade and environs, one staff is assigned to daily cleansing and bin collection on Clontarf Road. In relation to litter collection, there are scheduled daily tasks of cleaning and litter bin collection at shop fronts and at schools. This service commences daily at 6.00 a.m. The Public Domain Officer in the Area Office manages a specialised vehicle with a two man crew for litter removal in public areas. It has the advantage of being flexible and prompt in its responsiveness to incidents of dumping. There is also an Area Public Domain crew of 9 staff that are deployed in litter collection. Harmonstown Road/Springdale Road. The Traffic Advisory Group has recommended a Pedestrian Island on Harmonstown Road at junction with Springdale Road. Springdale Road. The Traffic Advisory Group has recommended extension of double yellow lines on Springdale Road, Raheny, on the south side, from the boundary between property Nos. 21/23, eastwards to 4m west of the boundary between property Nos. 21/19. Kilmore Road. The Traffic Advisory Group has recommended double yellow lines on Kilmore Road at St. David's Boy's National School, on the west side, from the north end of the existing bus cage, 35m. northwards to the south end of the School Keep Clear signs. Bunratty Road. The Traffic Advisory Group has recommended double yellow lines outside No. 46, Bunratty Road, Coolock, extending the double yellow lines, north side, from existing double yellow lines outside property No.46 to common boundary of No.46/48. Richmond Avenue/Fairview Close. The Traffic Advisory Group has recommended double yellow lines at the junction of Richmond Avenue and Fairview Close, by extend existing double yellow lines on Fairview Close, south side, by 10m., westwards then southwards around the corner on Richmond Avenue. Also to extend existing double yellow lines on Fairview Close, north side, by 10m., westwards then northwards around the corner on Richmond Avenue. Copeland Grove. The Traffic Advisory Group has recommended double yellow lines on Copeland Grove, Clontarf, on both sides for 15m. from the junction with Howth Road. Mount Prospect Lawns/Mount Prospect Avenue, Dublin 3. The Traffic Advisory Group has recommended double yellow lines on Mount Prospect Lawns, Clontarf, at the junction of Mount Prospect Avenue, on both sides, from the junction with Mount Prospect Avenue, north for 10m. Ennafort Road. The Traffic Advisory Group has recommended extension of double yellow lines on Ennafort Road, opposite No.88 Ennafort Road, Raheny, on the south side, from the existing double yellow lines at the junction of Ennafort Road and Ennafort Park, eastwards to the common boundary of Nos. 43/45 Ennafort Road. Clanhugh Road. The Traffic Advisory Group has recommended extension of double yellow lines on Clanhugh Road, Donnycarney, from the west side, from the junction with Collins Avenue East, to the boundary between Nos.106 Collins Avenue East and No.1 Clanhugh Road. Coolatree Road/Dromnanane Road. The Traffic Advisory Group has recommended traffic calming at the junction of Coolatree Road and Dromnanane Road, in the form of slow roadmarkings and a solid centre white line are to be provided at the junction. Ramps would not be recommended at the junction as speed survey results showed that traffic volumes and speeds are low. Strandville Avenue/Clontarf Road, Dublin 3. The Traffic Advisory Group has recommended a 'Stop' sign facing Strandville Avenue at junction with Clontarf Road. Mount Prospect Lawns. The Traffic Advisory Group has recommended Pay & Display/Permit Parking at Mount Prospect Lawns a). on the eastern kerb-line, 50 metres of permit parking starting at the common boundary between number 1 Mount Prospect Lawns and 34 Mount Prospect Avenue and continuing south to ten metres from the junction with Mount Prospect Avenue (10 spaces approximately), b). on the western kerb-line, 165 metres of permit parking starting opposite the common boundary between property number 22 and 23 Mount Prospect Lawns and continuing south as far as the common boundary between property number 3 and 4 Mount Prospect Lawns (33 spaces approximately). The Traffic Advisory Group has recommended double yellow lines a). on the eastern kerb-line, 245 metres of double yellow lines starting at the common boundary between number 1 Mount Prospect Lawns and 34 Mount Prospect Avenue and continuing north encompassing the cul-de-sac and terminating opposite the common boundary of 22 and 23 Mount Prospect Lawns on the western kerb-line; b). on the western kerb-line, double yellow lines are recommended from opposite the common boundary of property number 2 and 3 Mount Prospect Lawns continuing South to the Junction with Mount Prospect Avenue for 80 metres approximately; c). on the western kerb-line, double yellow lines are recommended starting at the common boundary of 3 and 4 Mount Prospect Lawns continuing for nine metres around the corner towards the entrance to Belgrove apartments. The Traffic Advisory Group has recommended double yellow lines starting at the junction with Mount Prospect Avenue and continuing north for 10 metres on both the eastern and western kerb-lines of Mount Prospect Lawns (these double yellow lines can be installed without a survey).

Local News (17th February 2010)

Wad River Catchment Study update. This is the latest update following a second Progress Meeting on the full catchment study of the Wad currently being undertaken by Consultant Engineers, Nicholas O’ Dwyer Ltd. together with subsequent developments:- (1) Computer modelling. The 1-dimensional (culvert & pipeline) model completed and running. The 2-d model (overland model, additional survey data added), is now running. (2) Possible locations for large storage ponds have been found for incorporation into various scenarios. (3) CCTV of a section upstream of Collins Park will be carried out by DCC. (4) Installation of temporary flow-meters and rain-guages would extend the study programme by a number of months. This will be considered at draft final report stage, if a clear recommendation is not forthcoming. (5) Consultants are currently developing flood alleviation scenarios using 2D computer full catchment model and eliminating impossible scenarios. (6) Benefit Cost Analysis will be crucial to getting funding. (7) OPW are being updated on progress. 15/02/10. Clontarf promenade. The situation at present is that the lighting on three quarters of the Clontarf Promenade continues to work satisfactorily. Ever since the flooding incident that occurred approximately 2 years ago along the stretch of Clontarf Promenade that runs up to the Bull Wall there are continuing problems with this part of the lighting installation. At present, the City Council is not sure what the problem is but this will be investigated in an effort to resolve this issue. 15/02/10. Howth Road QBC at Sybil Hill. Works at Howth Road (Brookwood Avenue/Sybil Hill junction) relate to the Howth Road QBC and are required to facilitate a new inbound bus-lane. They are extensive in nature, involving significant utility diversions (Eircom, Bord Gais, ESB, Watermains, Public Lighting & NTL) on all approaches to the junction, new drainage infrastructure, carriageway reconstruction, boundary works to adjacent properties and footpath reconstruction. It is anticipated that the works will completed by June this year. The Contractor will endeavour at all times to allow as much space as possible for traffic. Safety audits are carried out regularly on these works to ensure that sufficient warning signs are in place and that the works are in compliance with safety legislation. 15/02/10. Roads Maintenance Services 2010 Roads Works Programme. Regional Major Works: plans for asphalt carriageway work at Howth Road (€150,000); Ardlea Road (€72,000); and Vernon Avenue (€44,800). Local Major Works: including localized footpath repairs are planned for Ardmore/Montrose (€36,000); Brookwood (€24,000); Edenmore Park/Springdale Road (€40,000); and McAuley Road (€50,000). 15/02/10. Taking in charge of The Court, Clontarf. A request was received from the residents to initiate procedures for the taking in charge of The Court, Clontarf. It is intended that the roads and footpaths in the estate be taken in charge. The Planning Department by order G12157 recommends that the formal procedure be initiated to have the development known as The Court, Clontarf Road, Dublin 3 taken in charge by Dublin City Council. 15/02/10. Grace Park Road and Richmond Road junction. Representations for traffic lights at the junction of Grace Park Road and Richmond Road have not been recommended by the Traffic Advisory Group as the junction would not accommodate traffic lights due to lack of space. However, DCC has indicated that when road widening on Richmond Road, currently at the planning stage, is complete, the request may be re-examined. 15/02/10. Allotments, St. Anne’s Park. Work is progressing on the allotment site in the enclosed walled garden at St Anne’s Park. The site has been cleared of all debris and leveled. The path system is being lined out, the central path has been excavated and the final surface is being prepared. A lock-up facility for tools for those using the allotments is being sourced at the current time. Letting arrangements will be finalised and cleared with the City Council Law Department as soon as possible. To ensure fairness in the allocation of the available allotments, it is proposed that allocation be made by simple draw of applicants and that applications be accepted from those residing in the Dublin City administrative area only. In phase II of the project it is proposed that polythene tunnels will be made available to help gardeners produce seedlings for early planting. It is also proposed that a meeting area will be provided as a small pavilion in the centre of the site to allow people to meet, thus encouraging a cohesive community of growers. These latter facilities will not be available at the commencement of the allotment sites, however will be supplied as available resources permit. 15/02/10. Public open spaces, Marino. Public open spaces and public parks in the Marino area receive regular maintenance operations, which include litter removal, based on available resources. Such maintenance operations are at their most frequent during the height of the growing season, where grass maintenance is carried out on a weekly basis. All public open space maintenance is carried out to the same frequency and standard throughout the Marino area. 15/02/10. Fairview Park. Dublin City Council has received notice of the National Roads Authority capital allocation for 2010 for Dublin City Council. There is sufficient scope within the allocation for the agreed sum of €1.6m towards the reinstatement of the pavilion and playground facilities at Fairview Park. Works have commenced at this park with regard to the provision of a playing pitch pavilion facility, which is scheduled to be available for use at the commencement of the 2010/2011 playing season. The Parks and Landscape Services Division are currently preparing specific proposals for the permanent playground and seasonal bedding scheme layout and will put the completed specification and design drawings to tender as soon as possible following a community consultation process planned for the March /April 2010. It is currently anticipated that construction of the playground element of the project will take place in the late Summer/Autumn period of 2010. 15/02/10. Traffic Study NorthSide Shopping Centre. The planning permission for the re-development of the Northside Shopping Centre had a traffic plan for the improvement of the network and a removal of some of the existing traffic problems in the area. The traffic study contained in the planning application had existing traffic flows and junction capacity analysis that would be a few years old now. The management plan developed depended on large financial outlays to: increase side road capacity; increase capacity on the Oscar Traynor Rd to the M1; resolve the near miss junctions of Clonshaugh Road, Kilmore Road, and Barrycourt Road on the Oscar Traynor Road; provide for public transport; remove through-traffic by provision of a new distributor link to the national network; and provision of pedestrian and cycle facilities and linkages through the area and across the main road network. The Area Traffic Engineer will examine existing traffic arrangements to assess if modifications can be made to improve traffic conditions prior to the redevelopment of the Shopping Centre. 15/02/10. Stardust planning application. The application for a planning change of use at the site of the Stardust was presented to the January Meeting of the North Central Area Committee and rejection of this proposal was recommended. 15/02/10. Double yellow lines on Clontarf Road. The Traffic Advisory Group has recommended extension of double yellow lines on Clontarf Road, from the boundary between property Nos. 372/373 Clontarf Road to the boundary between property Nos. 377 Clontarf Road/No.8 Rinn Na Mara. 15/02/10. Central white line at Hollybrook Road/Hollybrook Park. The Traffic Advisory Group has recommended to reduce the central white line on Hollybrook Park to 15m west of the boundary between property Nos. 14/16. Also to reduce central white line on Hollybrook Road to 10m south of the south kerbline of Hollybrook Park. 15/02/10. Double yellow lines on Hollybrook Road. A recommendation has been made for the extension of double yellow lines on Hollybrook Road at junction with Hollybrook Park along both kerblines for 10m south of the junction. Double yellow lines on Dundaniel Road/Oscar Traynor Road A recommendation has been made for double yellow lines on both sides of Dundaniel Road for 10m from the junction with Oscar Traynor Road. 15/02/10. Extension of double yellow lines on Gracefield Road. Extension of double yellow lines on Gracefield Road have been recommended on the south side, from existing double yellow lines outside property No.3, eastwards as far as the common boundary of property Nos. 7/9. 15/02/10. Disabled parking bay, Ormond Road. A disabled parking bay outside St. Joseph's Centre for the Visually Impaired, No. 31, Ormond Road, Drumcondra, has been recommended by the Traffic Advisory Group between the eastern and western gable ends of property No.31. 15/02/10. Half yellow box for Ardlea Road/Maryfield Drive. A half yellow box on Ardlea Road at the entrance side of Maryfield Drive, Artane, has been recommended by the Traffic Advisory Group. 15/02/10. Double yellow lines at Summerville, Clontarf. Double yellow lines have been recommended at Summerville, Clontarf, on the west side, from a point in line with the south junction with Victoria Terrace adjacent to the footpath, 10m southwards towards Clontarf Road. 15/02/10. Greyhound Recycling and Recovery. Greyhound Recycling and Recovery was awarded the contract for the collection, processing and sale of dry recyclables on behalf of the four Dublin Local Authorities in January 2009 following a competitive tendering process. The contract, which has a duration of 3 years, services 360,000 households and in the region of 70,000 tonnes of dry recyclables are collected, processed and sold each year. During the initial handover in January 2009, there were some teething difficulties which affected collections and, whilst not at the same scale, there were ongoing issues in certain areas throughout the year (2009). In January 2010, the collection service again deteriorated dramatically. Initially, the severe weather was a factor but the response by Greyhound Recycling following the improvement in conditions was totally inadequate, both in terms of completing missed collections and providing proper and accurate information to customers through its Customer Care Centre. The City Council called Senior Management from Greyhound Recycling to a meeting to discuss the recent difficulties and conveyed in the strongest terms their annoyance and concern at the level of service provided to customers over the Christmas and New Year period. The City Council will continue to closely monitor the contract on an ongoing basis to ensure that all aspects of the contractual obligations are being fully adhered to. 15/02/10.

Local News (02nd February 2010)

Water Supply: Update 29th. January 2010. There has been a significant improvement in relation to the water supply situation throughout the Dublin region over the last week. This is due to a contribution of factors including a reduction in customer demand, finding and repair of leaks and the imposition of supply restrictions by all the Local Authorities. Storage levels have recovered from the critically low levels experienced in early January at all the treated water reservoirs. At Stillorgan Reservoir - of vital strategic importance - levels have risen from a low of 402 million litres on January 15th. to 640 million litres on January 29th 2010. This improvement in storage has allowed City Council to begin to reduce the level of restriction and to return to more normal levels of service. Most parts of the city now have reasonable levels of supply although there are some small areas where work remains to be done to resolve local problems. Notwithstanding the improvement it is necessary to continue to impose restrictions on supply but these will, as far as possible, be confined to night time and continue until the end of next week to allow a full recharge of the reservoirs. Pressure reductions and possible loss of supply may be experienced in different parts of the city at different times in order to try to share the problem. It is requested that consumers bear with the City Council through this period and continue to assist it by using as little water as possible to conserve supplies. Information regarding which areas and when they will be affected will be placed on the City Council’s website www.dublincity.ie Dublin City Council has expressed its regret for any inconvenience caused to the public as a result of pressure reductions, supply restrictions and the work involved in finding and fixing leaks. Further work on the network is required and continuing conservation measures taken by the public will greatly assist in bringing the water supply back to normal. 02/02/2010.

Local News (01st February 2010)

Emergency plan. There is an emergency plan in place for Dublin City. The current Plan was prepared in accordance with the National Framework for Emergency Management on 30th September 2008 and is on the City Council website for viewing. The Plan was prepared by the Major Emergency Management Project team in the Environment , Engineering and Fire Brigade Department of the City Council. 18/01/10. High Park, Drumcondra. In accordance with Section 55 of the Planning and Development Act 2000 it has been recommended that the Church and Projecting Portion of the Original Convent building, High Park, Drumcondra, be added to the Record of Protected Structures in the Dublin City Development Plan 2005-2011. The making of any addition to the Record of Protected Structures is a reserved function of the City Council. 18/01/10. Cecil Avenue, Dublin 3. Double Yellow Lines have been recommended by the Traffic Advisory Group at the entrance to Cecil Avenue on both sides for 10m from the junction with Charlemont Road. 18/01/10. Gaelscoil Cholmchille, Oscar Traynor Road. There are two straight ahead lanes eastbound at this location. The bus lanes stops 45 metres before the junction, the road markings will be altered to allow straight ahead traffic to enter the inside lane a greater distance before the junction. Public footpaths are provided on either side of the Astro Park entrance on both sides of the road. There is also a signalised pedestrian crossing with dished footpaths at this junction. The provision of footpaths within the Gaelscoil grounds is a matter for the Gaelscoil Management. Drainage issues within the grounds of the Gaelscoil are a matter for the Gaelscoil Management. Issues relating to Eircom lines, Bord Gáis, School Hall and lack of parking should be brought to the attention of the management of the school. This is not the responsibility of Dublin City Council. Bushes growing along the pavement have been trimmed back on at least two occasions during the autumn of 2009. The bushes (briers), which are continuously growing over the railing at this location, will be monitored in 2010 and all overhanging bushes will be removed as soon as possible. Chanel College. The Department of Education and Science has approved funding of €8,700 for Chanel College, as Additional Funding for new Curriculum Design and Communications Subject. Northside Swimming Pool. Following discussions with Dublin City Councillors, the Strategic Policy Committee and Corporate Policy Group, a sum of €600,000 has been included in the draft 2010 budget towards the costs of running the three Dublin City Council pools, including Northside Swimming Pool, in 2010. Grey squirrels at St. Anne’s Park. The grey squirrel following its introduction to Ireland in 1911 in Co. Longford escaped into the wild and generally have moved in a southerly and easterly direction. They have displaced the native Red Squirrel where they have moved including Dublin City, through competition for food, and being carriers of diseases to which they themselves are immune and to which the red squirrel is susceptible. A project to remove grey squirrel from St. Anne’s Park was commenced during 2009. This project was undertaken to protect and enhance the remaining currently low population of native red squirrel in the eastern part of Dublin, and to minimise the damage to trees within St. Anne’s Park. The project is being carried out by the Parks & Landscape Services Division in conjunction with the Zoology Department of UCD, with the knowledge of National Parks & Wildlife Service and is in accordance with the Biodiversity Plan of Dublin City Council. Approximately 120 grey squirrels were culled during the February – April period of 2009. Assessment of the actions taken in 2009 will be made during 2010 which will inform any further intervention at St. Anne’s Park. Parking restrictions enforcement. The parking enforcement service (clamping and removal of illegally parked vehicles, as appropriate) operates throughout the administrative area of the City Council. Any person who wishes to request enforcement of a particular problem can contact the parking enforcement contractor at tel. no. 01-602 2500. All the offences listed in the question are enforceable. The Road Traffic (Traffic & Parking) Regulations, 1997 (S.I. No. 182of 1997) (Articles 36 – 44) list the rules for parking, restrictions and prohibitions which apply to parking of vehicles on public roads. Bin waivers. Following the passing of the Dublin City Council Estimates by the Labour/Fine Gael majority, it has been announced that notification of the changes to the Waiver Scheme will accompany the Waste Charge demands that will be issued in respect of the December quarter 2009. These demands will issue week commencing 25th January 2010. Pensioners will be notified individually as part of this process. Lift Charges for 2010 will be € 6 in respect of a 240 litre Grey Bin, € 3.60 in respect of a 140 litre Grey Bin and € 2 in respect of a 140 litre Brown Bin. 18/01/10. Older persons grants. Dublin City Council is not accepting new applications for grants for older people. There are currently 2,900 grant applications awaiting approval. There is provision for €12.5m in 2010. The City Council is now prioritising applications and will review its decision not to accept applications for grants for older people in the Summer of 2010.

Local News (22nd December 2009)

Pay and Display, Clontarf Road. The Culture, Recreation and Amenity Department of Dublin City Council has advised that it is proposed to provide parking controls at the Parks Department four car parks along the Clontarf Road. With the exception of the Clontarf Bus Garage carpark, the coastal carparks are generally full all day and there is no availability of parking for persons wishing to use the amenity of the promenade or to use the local shops. It is proposed to provide paid parking in each of these car parks. The parking charge will be 60 cent per hour. The carpark opposite Vernon Avenue to Belgrove Road serves as a car park for the local (St. John’s) church as well as the shops on Vernon Avenue. It is proposed that this car park operates from 11 am to 5 pm, Monday to Friday. A 3 hour maximum stay limit will apply. The other car parks will operate from 8 am to 6 pm Monday to Friday. There will be no limit on parking duration. It is intended to introduce the paid parking restrictions early in 2010 but to review these restrictions after 3 months. 15/12/09. Enabling works Vernon Avenue/Clontarf Road. In order to facilitate the introduction of Pay and Display parking at the car parks along the Clontarf Promenade it is necessary to carry out certain works to bring the car parks up to a suitable standard. There is a requirement for works at all four of the car parks and these works will be carried out on a phased basis. However as part of the on-going improvement works at Vernon Avenue it was possible to incorporate some of the necessary works into this scheme. These works included new Public Lighting to the seaward side of the facility, a new pedestrian entrance to the car park, a base for the P&D machine and a new Loading Bay on Vernon Avenue. These works have been carried out under the supervision of staff from Road Construction Division by Richard Nolan Contractors. It is envisaged that the remainder of the Works, will be carried out in January, subject to approval by the Area Committee. Similar works are to take place at the Parks Dept’s car park at the Yacht, between Saint Lawrence’s Road and Hollybrook Road, at the same time. Work will be carried out at Clontarf Garage car park and the former Traffic School car park when funding becomes available. The Public Lighting at both locations requires adjustment and the surface at Clontarf Garage car park requires repairs. 15/12/09. Donnycarney flooding update: Wad River cathchment study. Dublin City Council is carrying out a full catchment flood study to identify options to reduce the risk of flooding in the Donnycarney area with particular reference to the severe flooding events in August 2008 and July 2009. This flooding was caused by extreme weather leading to pluvial flooding. Dublin City Council commissioned work by RPS Consulting Engineers under the direction of the City Council Flood Defence Unit in the aftermath of July 2009 flooding to analyse the flooding event, hydraulically model the Wad River and report on possible scenarios that may reduce the risk of flooding due to severe storm events in the future. A draft interim report (not complete) by RPS was considered by Dublin City Council and the Office of Public Works (OPW) at a technical meeting on 29th July 2009. The interim report was not conclusive and confirmed that any works on the Wad River, and any duplication of culvert on Collins Avenue, would cause substantial increase in risk to all downstream properties. The outcome of that technical meeting was a request from OPW that a full catchment study including a cost benefit analysis be carried out. In accordance with rules governing public procurement of service providers Dublin City Council prepared a brief and tender documents, sought tenders, evaluated tenders received, carried out fee negotiations, made recommendations to OPW, appointed a consultant and commenced a full catchment study on 18th November 2009. Normally this process would take a minimum of 6-9 months. A senior representative of the consultants Nicholas O’Dwyer and Partners attended a recent public meeting together with the head of the City Flood Defence Unit, who will manage the study. It is expected that it will take 12-18 weeks (excluding public holidays) and, barring any unforeseeable complications, to complete its evaluation of options and prepare a cost benefit analysis as required for all applications for capital funding. It will incorporate studies carried out by Dublin City and RPS to date. In the interim, substantial flood defence works have been completed in the vicinity of Clanmoyle Road. Dublin City Council, in conjunction with OPW (notwithstanding staff reductions and budget cuts) is doing all in their power to identify any additional flood risk reduction measures suitable for capital funding from OPW. After the meeting anyone who had information that they believed may assist the Consultant in his work was asked to pass this information so that the solutions will benefit from best available local information. 15/12/09. Request for public right of way extinguishment on laneway: Brookwood Park/Avenue. A request to have the public right of way extinguished on laneway to the rear of 49 Brookwood Park and 94A -100 Brookwood Avenue, Artane, Dublin 5 was received from residents. The reason for the closure is to prevent anti-social behaviour. The method of closure will be by means of a lockable gate. A service check has been initiated. The statutory procedure involves giving public notice of the proposal in one or more newspapers circulating in the City and the affixing of that notice at each end of the right of way for a period of not less than 14 days. Any objections or representations made, and not withdrawn, shall be considered. The extinguishment of a public right of way is a function reserved to the elected members of the City Council. 15/12/09. Substation Alfie Byrne Road. An application has been made by the Electricity Supply Board for a site for a substation and an associated wayleave at Alfie Byrne Road to enable the provision of electricity supply to playing pitches. In accordance with the standard terms and conditions for the provision of an electricity supply to the playing pitches, the City Council is required to provide a site for a substation free of charge to the ESB. It is proposed to dispose of the site in fee simple to the E.S.B subject to the following terms and conditions: the site will be transferred to the E.S.B free of charge; the E.S.B will pay a contribution of €317 towards the City Council’s legal costs incurred in the transaction; the disposal would also be subject to the Electricity Supply Board being agreeable to providing the 3 metre wayleave required by the Council’s Divisional Engineer in connection with a storm water culvert and a 150mm foul sewer which cross the route of the ducts; the disposal and wayleave will be granted when the building has reached wall plate level. No agreement enforceable at law is created or intended to be created until an exchange of contracts has taken place. The disposal shall be subject to such conditions as to title to be furnished as the Law Agent in his discretion shall stipulate. 15/12/09. Yellow lines for Addison Road, Dublin 3. The Traffic Advisory Group has recommended double yellow lines on Addison Road, Fairview, on both sides of Addison Road, from the junction with Annesley Bridge Road for a distance of 5 metres west (to the start of the disc parking markings). 15/12/09. Yellow box extension at Grace Park Road/Grace Park Heights, Dublin 9. The Traffic Advisory Group have recommended extending the yellow box at the Grace Park Road/Grace Park Heights junction by 1 metre on the north side, and 2 metres on the south side. 15/12/09. Stop sign at Rosemount Avenue/Brookwood Rise, Dublin 5 A Stop sign on Rosemount Avenue at its junction with Brookwood Rise, Artane, has been recommended by the Traffic Advisory Group. 15/12/09. Removal of speed plateau at Collins Park. The Traffic Management and Control Engineer is meeting with contractors on 14th December 2009 to agree extent of works in Collins Park . Contractors will be required to submit a tender before Christmas and the plateau will be removed in January 2010. 15/12/09. Legion Hall, Killester. A motion was passed at the North Central Area Committee in May to include the Legion Hall in Killester on the Record of Protected Structures. A Land Trust was responsible for the construction of houses for ex-service men in Killester, the special character and significance of which is reflected in the zoning of the area of a Residential Conservation Area. The Legion Killester was previously assessed by the Conservation Section in 2005 following a request for inclusion on the Record of Protected Structures. The report concluded that the Legion Hall 'is not considered to be of sufficient special interest to merit inclusion on the Record of Protected Structures' and was not recommended for inclusion on the Record of Protected Structures. The Architectural Heritage Protection Guidelines were used in this assessment. As previously stated on the 6th of February in response to the North Central Area Committee requests 'on the procedure to include the Legion Hall, Killester as a Protected Structure', it may be more appropriate to commemorate the historical/cultural associations with the Royal British Legion with a wall mounted plaque. This is supported by the 'Architectural Heritage Protection Guidelines for Planning Authorities' which state that where an otherwise unremarkable structure has historical association, it may be more appropriate to commemorate the association with a wall mounted plaque. 15/12/09. Clontarf Promenade at Yacht & Boat Club Prior to the November 2009 meeting of the North Central Area Committee meeting, Parks & Landscape Services Division had written to Clontarf Yacht & Boat Club, to advise of concerns regarding unauthorised access to Clontarf Promenade from the entrance opposite their club and requesting contact to address these concerns. However to date there has not been a reply received to this letter. It is understood that the Yacht Club have permission to access the water at this point from their club across a concrete path, and that there is a period in spring and in late autumn of approx 1 week on each occasion where activity of the club is high to permit craft to be moved onto and removed from the water. There is no permission granted for the storage of craft, equipment or vehicles at this location. In recent weeks there have been 3 no. specific inspections of the area described above and immediately west of the public car park. The area inspected had private cars, boat trailers, boating equipment, and boats on trailers, present on each visit. As there had been no reply from Clontarf Yacht and Boat Club, Parks and Landscape Services Division arranged for a locked bollard to be placed in the access opening at this location, to control current access. During the first week of December 2009 this bollard was vandalised. Repairs are currently being carried out to the bollard which will be replaced as soon as repairs are complete. This Division has made contact with Clontarf Yacht & Boat Club to help resolve the unauthorised use of this portion of Clontarf Promenade and to agree the level of acceptable use of the area adjacent to the path by the clubs activities. 15/12/09. Landscape Operations at St Annes Park - James Larkin Road. Parks & Landscape Services Division, following proposals for modification being discussed at the North Central Area Committee, commenced works at this area of St Anne’s Park at the junction of the Clontarf Road and Mount Prospect Avenue in late December 2008, when the water pump and plant was salvaged from the water feature pond in the Sunken Garden. In early January 2009 site works commenced with the removal of the rockery area. This was followed by infill works with material sourced in the walled garden. Further suitable material was imported during the spring and summer period and was brought to the finished level. Contact was made with The National Parks & Wildlife Service regarding the existing badger sett, who requested that the exclusion area be extended for the breeding season of the badgers. On instruction from the NPWS Warden, all works stopped around the sett area until the end of July 2009 when the young badgers become active and mobile, however works were permitted to proceed on the Mount Prospect Avenue side of the works area and outside the agreed area of the revised badger exclusion zone. The bulk of the area was sown in late June/ early July 2009. This was followed by a period of establishment. In October final works around the sett area and drainage works were completed, and path construction was carried out. The final surfacing of this path will take place as soon as weather conditions on site permit. Tree planting will be carried out during the dormant season and it is proposed that such planting will enhance and frame views to North Bull Island, the City and Dublin Mountains that have been opened up in the park as a result of these improvement works. The cost of these works in 2009 is €148,403.46. Further park boundary improvement works at James Larkin Road boundary of St Anne’s Park is planned for early 2010. 15/12/09.

Local News (18th November 2009)

St. Anne’s Park Allotments. The proposed site is being cleared of debris and salvaged material accumulated over the years and the necessary infrastructure for the proposed use is being put in place,- water supply; paths systems; and soil assessment. It is expected weather permitting, to have the pilot project available to the public in Spring 2010. At present there is in excess of 519 people on the waiting list for 40-45 allotments. Discussions have begun within Culture Recreation and Amenity Department, as to how the allotments will be fairly allocated. It is proposed that the method of selection/allocation of the available plots will be presented early in 2010 to the North Central Area Committee. 16/11/09. Scrambling Track, Alfie Byrne Road. Following the September 2009 meeting of the North Central Area Committee, where the layout of the proposed scrambling track facility for Alfie Byrne Road open space was presented and discussed, the Parks and Landscape Services Division wrote to the National Parks & Wildlife Service. That service has responded confirming that Ministerial Approval is required in respect to this project because of its proximity to the Special Protection Area and that an appropriate assessment is required for consideration of the application for such approval. The Parks & Landscape Services Division is arranging for the necessary assessment to be carried out and forwarded to the National Parks & Wildlife Service. 16/11/09. Emergency access to Bull Island. The height restrictors in place at the Bull Wall bridge are the property of Dublin Port and are in place to assist in the control of traffic loads on the bridge. Emergency services can access the Bull Wall end of the beach and the golf club through the Royal Dublin Golf Club via their monitored service gate on the causeway. The local Garda stations, of Clontarf and Raheny, both have keys to the access gates on the beach at the causeway entrances. The rescue helicopter can also access any part of the beach. These barriers can be removed by hand or cut using equipment carried on the fire appliances. 16/11/09. St. Paul’s Swimming Pool Site – proposed re-zoning. This proposal arose from an assessment of sites by the Development Plan Team and internal discussions with the Area Planning Team. Under the provisions of the Planning & Development Act 2000, the making of a Development Plan is a matter for all the members of the Planning Authority. The Special Meeting of the City Council to consider the Draft Development Plan is scheduled for 25th November, 2009. 16/11/09. Howth Road QBC. Sierra are working on behalf of Road Construction on the improvement of the Howth Road/Sybil Hill junction which is part of the Howth Road QBC. The site compound opposite St. Anne’s will be there for 8 months. 16/11/09. St. Anne’s Park Tennis Courts. The Parks and Landscape Services Division will investigate the cost involved in installing CCTV at St. Anne’s Park tennis courts. However, at present no funding is available. It is proposed to install signage in this car park to make users aware of the risks involved in leaving valuables in cars etc. 16/11/09. Fairview Park layout. The Parks & Landscape Service Division included 2 No. Seasonal bedding areas on the recently reinstated area of the site of the Dublin Port Tunnel work in Fairview Park. These beds provided a summer display in 2009 and will provide a spring floral display in the park for Spring 2010. It is not considered that an ongoing drainage problem exists in this area of Fairview Park. These beds are considered temporary in nature. Plans for the permanent layout of this part of Fairview Park, including the seasonal bedding display area will be prepared in the early part of 2010 and will be brought to the North Central Area Committee prior to more permanent landscape works being carried out. The area of the temporary playgrounds continue to receive maintenance operations which includes clearing of glass and litter. However, due to the open nature of the park the area is prone to after-hours abuse that can result in the presence of such material in the playground and other areas of the park. It is anticipated that the permanent playground will be put in place in the latter part of 2010, following the confirmation of the balance of resources being received from the NRA as previously indicated to the North Central Area Committee. 16/11/09. Clontarf DART car-park. A report on the Council’s title to the land was forwarded to Templeville Developments Ltd (Westwood) recently which should enable them to complete the lease and thus pay monies due. A meeting was also held with CIE last month to progress the licence to them in return for a right of way to be passed on to Templeville for access to the car park. 16/11/09. Parklands site. It is the City Council’s objective that these lands will be developed in accordance with the City Development Plan. Obviously the realisation of this objective is dependent on the prevailing economic conditions. In the short term the departure of the travellers currently on site in accordance with a signed court order is a priority. The City Council is considering the use of some land as allotments and if such a scheme is introduced it will be on a pilot basis. The Parklands site is not included in this process at this stage.

Local News (18th November 2009)

Parklands/St Lawrence Lands, Dublin 17. On the 3rd November 2009, Judge Michael Peart delivered a judgment in the Parklands case requiring the extended Gavin family to vacate the site, which is in the ownership of Dublin City Council and upon which they are trespassing. However, there is a three month stay on the Order which allows the extended Gavin family remain on the site until the 3rd February 2010. 10/11/09. Collins Park Plateau – Update Report. The Traffic Management and Control Section of Dublin City Council have agreed to prepare design documentation for the removal of the plateau and invite contractors from existing framework panel to tender for the work. It is anticipated that the removal works will be completed before Christmas 2009. 10/11/09. Clontarf Promenade Carparks. The North Central Area Committee is considering the introduction of measures regulating the use of carparks at Clontarf Promenade. It is proposed the village rate of 60 cent per hour be charged and that the charging period will be from 11.00 a.m. to 6 p.m. Monday to Friday. A review of the above arrangements is proposed after 6 months of operation. Given the need for adoption of Byelaws and some upgrading and infrastructural works on the carparks, it is likely that these new arrangements will commence in January 2010. 10/11/09. Removal of Graffiti from Utility Boxes in the North Central Area. Good progress has been made with the three main utility companies in the North Central Area. The ESB has nominated a new contact person who will deal directly with DCC in the removal of graffiti from their property and have already started on the list provided. Eircom has also come on board and nominated a new contact to deal with graffiti removal. They have also started removing graffiti from the list forwarded to them. Serco and Dublin City Council’s Traffic Department has removed all graffiti from the sites forwarded to them. Of a total of 22 sites requested, 14 sites have been cleared of graffiti with the following breakdown: ESB completed 4, Serco completed 8 and Eircom completed 2. This is a vast improvement work will continue with these companies in an effort to remove graffiti from these utility boxes. 10/11/09.

Local News (24th March 2009)

Last date for inclusion on Electoral Register for Local Elections. Applications for entry to the Supplement to the Register of Electors 2009/2010 will be accepted by the registration authority from Monday, 16th, February 2009 up to first post of Tuesday 19th May, 2009. The closing date has now been established as the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government has announced that the Local and European Elections are being held on Friday, 5th June 2009. Supplement forms are available in Garda Stations, Public Libraries, Post Offices and Health Centres. Forms can also be downloaded from Dublin City Council’s website, www.dublincity.ie. All forms must reach the Franchise Section, City Manager’s Department, 16-19 Wellington Quay, Dublin, 2 by first post on Tuesday, 19th, May, 2009, to qualify for entry to the Supplement. (16/03/09). Red Stables. Dublin City Council has recently awarded the tender to operate a Farmers’ Market / Arts & Crafts Market to Fingal Market Management in the Red Stables. This Company has previous experience in the operation of Farmers’ Markets including Arts & Crafts stalls and currently operate a market where artists produce and sell their own products at the market and produce such as fruit and vegetables, grown locally, some of which may be organic. A variety of meats and poultry and free-range meats are also sold at the market. The new licence operator will be encouraged to give priority to those producers whose businesses are closest to the market and are selling locally produced food and high quality craft items. Dublin City Council will encourage the highest quality standards of food and arts and craft stalls, but the market operator must also be allowed to conduct the market in a manner that makes it viable to operate. It is the view of our Law Department that it would be too restrictive to introduce a policy with regard to this tender, to ensure that market stallholders in the Red Stables sell locally produced food and that the City Council cannot determine what food is sold at this market. (16/03/09). Public Park, Maypark. The Parks and Landscape Services Division does not currently have resources available to have a park warden service available after park closing time. Consistent with the situation that exists in other public areas, Dublin City Council depends on the Gardaί to address public order abuses. Involvement of the Gardaί is also dependent on their available resources in any location and the relative priority of the problem in the course of their operations. This Division will advise the Park Warden Service of the current concerns and will request that specific attention be given by that service particularly as day length is increasing and park open times are later in the approach to summertime. The activity on the Multi Use Games Area into the evening has helped minimise the degree of negative activity in the park during the evening times. (16/03/09). Ellenfield Park A control system for the use of the constructed tennis court facilities is not yet in place. Due to staff resources (limitations) it is necessary to agree usage with those groups who have indicated an interest in their use of the facility. The Parks & Landscape Services Division has modified the boundary railing at Ellenfield Park to allow access to the facility at times that the park is not open, after park opening hours to permit use of the floodlit facilities after dark. At this time it is proposed to have a booking system with notice, which could permit general access use. Sports & Leisure Services and Parks & Landscape Services Division are in discussion with potential users of these facilities to agree rates and access arrangements. These rates have not as yet been fully defined but will be consistent with charges for similar Dublin City Council facilities in other parts of the city. (16/03/09). Upper Drumcondra Road QBC. The Swords QBC upgrade is now finished. In the development of a QBC scheme for the Swords Road, detailed consideration was given by the QBN Project Office as to what parts / stretches of carriageway could be widened to facilitate bus lane(s). The potential to widen the carriageway at No. 25/27 Drumcondra Road (B&B site and car sales showroom – subject of redevelopment proposal under Reg. Ref. 5180/07) by means of a compulsory purchase order was considered under the scheme. The potential to widen the carriageway between the ‘Cat and Cage’ (No. 74 Drumcondra Road Upper) and St. Patrick’s College is limited, not least by the protected status of St. Patrick’s College. The Dublin Transportation Office carries out monitoring of Quality Bus Corridors annually. The 2009 QBC monitoring report will be published by the DTO later this year and will include data and analysis of the upgraded Swords QBC, including levels of service. The QBN Project Office proposes to place bus lane road markings outbound on Drumcondra Road Upper, between the former service station and Home Farm Road. A set back to the northern half of the boundary wall fronting St Patricks College (opposite the Cat and Cage Public House) has been conditioned as part of a recent planning application. A further set-back fronting the former service station will also be necessary. (16/03/09). Pavement repairs at Kincora Road and Seapark Road. The pavements at Seapark Road outside 24; Kincora Road: between 51 &51A, 99 & 101, 152 & 154, 115 & 117 . have been inspected by the Road Maintenance Section. A repair will be carried out within 4-6 weeks. (16/03/09). Noise pollution in North Central area from low flying aircraft. The Irish Aviation Authority has been tasked with the control of noise from aircraft. This would include checks on adherence to agreed flight paths and hours of operation of flights. The Irish Aviation Authority can be contacted at Aviation House, Hawkins Street, Dublin 2, phone number 6718655. Local Authorities have powers under the Environmental Protection Agency Act 1992 to take action in relation to noise which is likely to give rise to a nuisance. However, this Act does not apply to noise caused by aircraft, which is specifically excluded under section 108 of the Act. (16/03/09). Housing accommodation inspection delays. There has been an increase in the number of applications for housing, given the current economic climate, and in the number of applicants seeking assistance with their housing needs. All applicants seeking rent allowance must register with the Local Authority for housing regardless of whether or not they are interested in this option. Staff from the Housing Allocations Section are currently in discussions with the Community Welfare Officers regarding this matter. The demand for Voluntary Housing has also increased and applicants must also be registered on the Housing List in order to be eligible to be considered for voluntary housing. The Housing Allocations section is currently reviewing its procedures for processing applications. It is shortly hoped that all applicants applying for housing from private rented accommodation will have their applications pointed from the details provided on the application form and an inspection by the Executive Housing Officer to assess their accommodation will not be necessary. (16/03/09). Rapid Programme for the removal of graffiti On the 9th April 2008, the Minister for Justice, Equality & Law Reform, Mr. Brian Lenihan T.D., together his colleague, the Minister for the Environment, Heritage & Local Government, Mr. John Gormley T.D., launched the Community Graffiti Reduction Programme, as a new national programme to support local communities to combat graffiti. A budget of €3.75 million was set aside for the programme during 2008 and the first set of funds to be allocated was ring-fenced to RAPID (Revitalising Areas through Planning, Investment and Development) communities. All areas of the country were eligible to apply for subsequent sets of funds, with applications being accepted from May 2008. While Local Authorities were expected to support the programme they were not directly involved other than where consortia of groups and state agencies were formed as such consortia were eligible to apply for funding. In the North Central area, the Belcamp Estate Steering Committee (BESC), was one of two groups that made applications and was the only one in the RAPID area. The BESC application was made in May 2008 and letters of support as well as practical assistance was given by the RAPID Co-ordinator for the area and our Regional Housing Manager. Pobal has been delegated responsibility for the application and assessment process for this programme and they are responsible following government approval for all aspects of the operation of the scheme. Dublin City Council has no function in the funding or operation of the programme. I am advised by Pobal that under the Community Graffiti Reduction Scheme the group is not funded directly but has access to an area allocation in line with its application. The work is carried out by contractors sourced and funded by Pobal under this scheme. I am further advised that during 2008, €5,700 was drawn down from a total allocation of €30,000 for four separate lots of work in the area of the BESC Phase 1 application. No decisions have been announced by Pobal regarding any further phases of the programme or indeed any outstanding applications. Further information on this and the position for 2009 is available from the lead Department (Justice, Equality & Law Reform) or Pobal directly. (16/03/09). Lane between No. 11 and No. 15 Chanel Road. Residents are experiencing a very high level of anti-social behaviour at this location. The method of closure of the lane is an issue of importance regarding the application for an extinguishment (not yet submitted) given the interests and concerns of residents and the physical layout of the lane now, and once closed (if extinguishment is successful). A site meeting was held with residents (Thursday 5/3/09 pm) who had queries regarding the above, by way of giving advisory information regarding method of closure, implications of same etc. It is expected that an application may be submitted shortly. (16/03/09). Left turn onto Malahide Road from Tonlegee Road. At the left turn slip road entering the Malahide Road from the Tonlegee Road as one travels towards the City the issue of a provision of a ‘flashing amber’ filter light will be reviewed by Dublin City Council and the QBN office. (16/03/09). Howth Road QBC: Brookwood Avenue/Howth Road junction. The Quality Bus Network Project Office proposes to carry out works at Brookwood Avenue/Howth Road junction to reduce congestion and improve the performance of buses operating on the Howth Road QBC. A request for tenders to carry out the works is currently being prepared. It is anticipated that works will commence before the end of September. (16/03/09). Operation of traffic lights. Total number of Traffic Signals is 723.  The majority of such signals would be connected to the Traffic Management Centre System. For Dublin City it would be the SCATS System. There are possibly less than 8% not connected to SCATS as they could be located in an isolated area and not require linking, or it may not be possible to provide the communication requirements to connect them. All such Traffic Signals are maintained by SERCO. Regarding the default settings there are a number of modes of operation for a junction, i.e. default setting. SCATS is an adaptive real-time traffic system, continually and automatically selecting a number of different traffic timing plans in order to suit the demand of green time for all the different approaches to a junction. Some junctions have 4 separate plans, some have 8 plans, each plan would differ by showing an increase or decrease of green time for certain approaches and SCATS would pick the most appropriate one depending on the demand detected by the roadside detectors.  This mode of operation is knows, as “Master-Link” on SCATS and this would be the default method of operation. For junctions not connected to SCATS, they would operate on one of the following defaults settings: a). Vehicle Accurate: Localised setting driven by the roadside detectors to determine green time for an approach. It is based on a set of non-occupancy timers and gap timers to monitor traffic demands. b). Fixed time plans: Depending on the time of days, various plans are put in place. There are normally 4 fixed time plans.         -  Morning Plan 7am to 10am       -  Evening Plan 4pm to 7pm       -  Off Peak Plan 10am to 4pm - Night time Plan 7pm to 7am. The actual times for these plans could vary depending on the traffic patterns for a specific junction. (16/03/09)   Castle Grove/Dunseverick Road. The Traffic Advisory Group has been asked to investigate the possibility of putting a ‘no right turn’ during the morning peak time from Castle Grove to Dunseverick Road. (16/03/09). Richmond Road. Richmond Road has been identified as in need of upgrading to provide new footpaths, cycle lanes and adequate road widths. As part of the preliminary design a need for local widening in the vicinity of St Vincent’s Hospital was identified. Roads & Traffic Department has reached an agreement with the hospital. Essentially in return for ceding of the required lands the Council would fund the setting back of the boundary wall at the hospital. (16/03/09). Satellite Dishes. Class 4 of Schedule 2 – Part 1 of the Planning and Development Regulations, 2001 provides that the erection of a satellite dish within the curtilage of a house is exempt from requiring planning permission, subject to certain conditions. Article 5 of the same Regulations provides that a house, for the purposes of the exemptions contained in a number of classes of the 2nd Schedule – Part 1, including Class 4, does NOT include “a building designed for use or used as 2 or more dwellings or a flat, an apartment or other dwelling within such a building. In other words, planning permission is required to erect a satellite dish on any apartment/apartment block. Management companies of apartment blocks may also have their own rules that govern the erection of satellite dishes. Provided that any such rules do not conflict with planning legislation, resolution of any issue that arises is a civil matter to be resolved between the parties concerned. (16/03/09). Oscar Traynor Road/Coolock Lane QBC improvements. The renewal and upgrade of traffic signals is currently underway and will be complete by the end of April. Bus lane signage will be erected on completion of the traffic signal upgrades. The target implementation date for the QBC is May 2009. (16/03/09). Passport for Leisure Cards for Senior Citizens. There should be no local restrictions on arrangements in relation to Dublin City Council Sport and Leisure facilities. I will advise all our Centre Managers accordingly and if any such restrictions are in place I will request that they be removed. The details of the “Passport for Leisure” are contained in a booklet which runs to nearly seventy pages. The booklet is issued to every applicant and the details are also available at www.passportforleisure.ie . (16/03/09). Dog fouling on Clontarf Promenade. The local litter warden has the power to fine dog owners who let their dogs foul the roads and footpaths. Dublin City Council has taken a lot of action to prevent dog fouling in the Clontarf area with a large Media Campaign that was launched on the Clontarf Promenade involving local dog owners and Waste Management staff which appeared in all the newspapers and the television. The Waste Management Division also installed Pooper Scooper bins along the Promenade and erected signs in both English and Irish reminding dog owners of their civic responsibility to clean up after their dogs and how much owners would be fined if dogs were caught fouling. Arrangements will be put in place for the Litter Wardens and Dog Wardens to patrol the area for a number of days in the next couple of weeks. (16/03/09). Collinswood: Water quality, green space and possible ramps. Dublin City Council tests the chlorine and fluoride levels in the water on a daily basis at the waterworks and continuously throughout the distribution system as part of our monitoring programmes and these are within acceptable levels. Fluoride does not impart a taste at the levels required for drinking water. Chlorine is a disinfectant added to prevent microbial contamination in drinking water and may occasionally cause a faint bleach type taste and odour. Some individuals are more susceptible to its presence than others. Filling a jug and placing it in a fridge for an hour should improve the taste and odour considerably. Collinswood is in a supply zone that receives a blend of drinking water from the Ballymore Eustace and the Leixlip waterworks.  The nearby Artane area is in a supply zone that receives drinking water from different water supplies. The Parks and Landscape Services Division is not proposing to carry out grass reinstatement at this space as such seeding would not establish due to the density of tree canopy at the location. The proposal in the immediate term is to keep the area weed free and examine alternatives during the growing season. The possibility of installing ramps on the main avenue into Collinswood for speed control purposes has been referred to the Traffic Advisory Group. (16/03/09). Sweeping, footpaths and green spaces in Grace Park Heights. A footpath and manhole cover have been damaged by the ingress of tree roots. The situation will be remedied and the defective manhole frame and cover will be exchanged over the coming month. Several other footpath locations have been inspected but due to the large number of tree trips in Grace Park Heights it will be necessary to seek funding for these works. Residential areas will be cleaned every quarter under the new Litter Management Plan. Sweeping in front of High Park will also be included in this. The open spaces at this location are included in regular maintenance programme for the district by the Parks & Landscape Services Division which includes removal of debris and litter. Material which was recently dumped at this location has been removed by this Division. (16/03/09). Potholes on Grace Park Road. The Roads Maintenance Division has inspected this location between Richmond Road and Collins Avenue. Potholes have been identified for repair. Repair works can only be carried out at these locations during off peak times due to traffic volumes. As there is currently a ban on overtime these works cannot be scheduled for repair at present. Should this situation change, repairs will be scheduled. (16/03/09). Request for traffic lights at Grace Park Road/Richmond Road junction. A request for traffic lights or a yellow box at the junction of Richmond Road and Grace Park Road has been referred to the Traffic Advisory Group. (16/03/09). Request for right-hand-turn filter at Collins Avenue/Beaumont Road. A request for a right-hand-turn filter for traffic turning from Collins Avenue into Beaumont Road has been passed to the Traffic Advisory Group. (16/03/09). Green Space between Grace Park Heights and Grace Park Meadows. Work is proceeding at the present time on reinstatement works at the public open space between Grace Park Heights and Grace Park Meadows including the grassed area and the path surface. To complete grass reinstatement it is necessary to have grass growth and therefore to achieve full establishment of seeded areas requires the growing season. The wall at the northern entrance (Grace Park Heights end) which is the responsibility of the Parks & Landscape Services Division has been inspected and is considered to be in satisfactory condition . There is a pier present adjacent which does not form part of this wall and which is understood to be private property. (16/03/09). Charlemont/Calderwood Road/Griffith Avenue cleaning programme. Under the Litter Management Plan housing estates like Charlemont and Calderwood Road areas, will be cleaned no less than once every twelve weeks while Griffith Avenue will be cleaned on a daily basis as it is a main road. (16/03/09). Griffith Avenue/Swords Road junction. Traffic bollards were installed at this location in order to prevent HGVs, which were turning left from Swords Road onto Griffith Avenue, mounting the public footpath. It is not recommended that they be removed. The silt pile up on the traffic islands will be removed within 1 week. (16/03/09). Dublin City Council Emergency phone numbers. The Dublin City Council emergency phone number is manned by 20-25 Agents from Monday to Friday from 8.00 am to 6.00 pm. Outside of these hours it reverts to the Traffic Control Room where there would be from 1 to 4 staff members available to take calls at any time. Calls coming into Dublin City Council on the emergency number are given preference to all other calls. The capacity of this number relates to the number of staff available to take a call. (16/03/09). Gullies in Clonturk Park. The Drainage Division’s gully cleaning crew visited Clonturk Park on the 11th of March last and cleaned 15 of 18 gullies along the road. Through our citywide cleaning programme we endeavour to clean all gullies within the city at least once a year. Since our roistered gully-cleaning programme began in 2004 our crews have visited Clonturk Park on 13 separate occasions. (16/03/09). Lighting on Holly Road. Personnel from DCC have investigated the existing lighting here and will consider the installation of an additional light at the junction of Holly Road and Elm Road, as part of a future lighting improvement programme, subject to finances being available. They consider the lighting levels on the remaining part of the road to be to an acceptable standard. (16/03/09). Richmond Estate/Richmond Avenue cleared immediately. The Drainage Division’s gully cleaning crew visited the above area on the 10th of March last and cleaned 3 of 4 gullies at Richmond Estate and 8 of 9 gullies at Richmond Avenue. (16/03/09). New Litter Management Plan. Under the new Litter Management Plan, residential areas will be cleaned every 3 months. If residents could arrange to move their cars, this will help facilitate the street cleaning. (16/03/09). Additional bins for St. Anne’s Park. Dog bins have been installed at the main entrance to St Anne’s Park on Sybill Hill Road and at All Saints Road. It is not proposed to install further dog bins at this stage. (16/03/09). Beresford A request to install 2-3 speed ramps on the road at the rear of the Beresford estate spread around the bend that passes near No. 6, The Copse has been referred to the Traffic Advisory Group. (16/03/09). Public open space at Coolgreena Close. The public open space at Coolgreena Close, is visited on a regular basis by The Parks Warden Service. However, as an area of residential public open space, it is open to access at times that this Division does not have warden staff on duty. Such anti-social activity is not confined to this public open space and is consistent with the situation that exists in other public areas. Dublin City Council depends on the Gardaí to address such public order abuses. Involvement of the Gardaí is also dependant on their available resources in any location and the relative priority of the problem in the course of their operations. The residents are invited to forward any constructive proposals they may have with regard to the source and controls of this negative activity for consideration and these will be examined in the context of resources available. (16/03/09).

Local News (13th March 2009)

Review of flooding event in Dublin North Central, August 2008. The flooding incident that occurred in August 2008 was a result of Pluvial Flooding or monsoon-like rainfall that is totally random and impossible to predict. The Met Éireann forecast for that week-end predicted that 50mm of rain would be the heaviest that could be expected whereas the actual rainfall in Dublin was 76mm, which is the equivalent of one month’s rain falling in 6 hours. The heavy rain commenced around 4.30pm and continued until about 11pm. The rainfall event of 9th. August has been categorised as having a return period of 1:150 years. In some areas, the drainage network could not cope with the extreme volume of rain that fell and as a result, the network was overpowered which resulted in surcharging and widespread flooding. The northside of the city took the brunt of the flooding. It is estimated that in the region of 150 properties were flooded in the city and a number of the arterial routes were also badly affected, leading to traffic delays. The worst affected areas were: 1. Annadale Four houses were flooded at the southern end of Annadale Drive. The properties were flooded from the laneway at the rear where a huge volume of water accumulated at the low point of the laneway. Approximately 670M of pipeline was camera surveyed including the 450mm surface water sewer which runs through the sports ground parallel to the laneway, where a large piece of timber was discovered in a manhole at the end of the laneway. The timber was subsequently removed and the system was pressure cleaned. Due to the extreme nature of the rainfall event, the 450mm pipeline surcharged through the gullies in the laneway. All these gullies have been fitted with non-return valves, which will reduce surcharge in the future. An additional gully has been constructed at the top of the laneway at the junction with Grace Park Terrace. In addition, as a flood prevention measure, the Drainage Division of DCC have raised the level of the rear pedestrian entrances from the laneway to two of the properties. 2. Clanmoyle Road. A total of 13 properties were flooded on Clanmoyle Road. The properties were flooded as a result of the River Wad culvert surcharging at Malahide Road, approximately 70 metres upstream from the junction with Collins Avenue East, with the resultant flood waters travelling down Collins Avenue East in to Clanmoyle Road. Both the River Wad culvert and the surrounding drainage network were camera surveyed and no significant obstructions were noted. Since the incident, additional gullies have been constructed on Clanmoyle Road and more gullies are scheduled to be constructed on Collins Avenue East. Representatives from the Drainage Division met with the Clanmoyle Residents’ Association on a number of occasions since August to update them on progress. The general drainage network was assessed by the Strategic Planning and Management Division of DCC to determine what improvements, if any, could be made to the network, which would afford some level of flood protection to the properties against future similar events. Several options were investigated and the one deemed to be the most feasible/practical was the upgrading of the River Wad culvert from the Malahide Road to the existing culvert in Clontarf Golf Club, a distance of approximately 660 metres. It is not possible to give an accurate estimate of the cost of this work as more investigative work is required to determine the most advantageous route, however a very approximate budget price would be in the order of €4 million. 3. Riverside. Following the flooding incident a comprehensive CCTV video survey of the catchment network was carried out. Approximately 500 metres of pipeline was camera surveyed and pressure cleaned. Significant ingress of tree roots was discovered just upstream from the outfall to the Santry River. These tree roots have been removed and the system has been pressure cleaned. The Drainage Division of DCC will monitor this area during future severe weather conditions and take further action if required. 4. Richmond Road. One basement property at the corner of Richmond Road and Convent Avenue was flooded due to its low-level basement connection to the public sewerage system. The problem at this location can be resolved by the householder fitting a non-return valve to their drainage system or installing a pumped system either of which will provide satisfactory protection against future flooding. Representatives from the Drainage Division of DCC called to the property and left contact details of suppliers and technical information details on these products with the householder. Northside swimming pool. Children’s swimming lessons take place on the hour on Monday at 3.00 pm, 4.00 pm, 6.00 pm and 7.00 pm; Wednesdays 3.00 pm and 4.00 pm and Saturdays 1.00pm. Life saving lessons take place every Tuesday from 8.00 pm to 9.00 pm. Adult swimming lessons are on a Thursday morning at 10.00 am. Adult lane swimming takes place at 6.00pm every Tuesday evening. Free swimming is available for all unemployed people every Thursday morning from 11.00 a.m. to 11.45 a.m. Public swimming takes place on Tuesday at 4.00pm; Saturday from 10.00 am to 12.30 pm and 2.00 pm to 5.30 pm and on Sundays from 10.30 am to 1.30 pm. Vernon Avenue/Hampton Estate The Traffic Advisory Group did not recommend double yellow lines on Vernon Avenue at the entrance to Hampton Estate. It is illegal to park blocking an entrance and any illegal parking should be reported to the Gardaí. Carberry Road. The Traffic Advisory Group recommended double yellow lines on Carberry Road. They will proceed from the boundary between property No. 1A and the Convent Building to east gable wall of property No. 12 and then continuing along the L shape railing. Clanhugh Road. Double yellow lines have been recommended on Clanhugh Road from the junction with Collins Avenue East north for 15 metres, both kerblines. Collins Avenue East. The Traffic Advisory Group did not recommend double yellow lines on Collins Avenue East, opposite Killester VEC. The road geometry at this point would not allow for 2 eastbound lanes and cars parked on this section were not observed to be impeding traffic flow during an on-site visit. Representations for ramps on Collins Avenue East, Dublin 9, were not recommended. This is a major arterial/emergency services route not suitable to traffic calming. Enforcement of the speed limit is a matter for An Garda Siochána. Leín Park. Representations for additional ramps on Leín Park between houses 1 and 12 were not recommended. During an on-site visit traffic volumes were observed to be low with little speeding and the road is less than the 200m criteria for traffic calming. McAuley Drive and Mc Auley Park. The Traffic Advisory Group did not recommend ramps for Mc Auley Drive or Mc Auley Park. Speed survey shows that speeds are appropriate for the roads. Fairview Avenue Lr./Fairview Terrace. Following representations from a resident to rescind the ‘Stop’ sign facing Fairview Terrace at Fairview Terrace/Fairview Avenue Lower junction and replace with ‘Stop’ sign facing Fairview Avenue Lr. has been recommended by the TAG. Howth Road/Raheny Main Street. The TAG has not recommended a yellow box at junction of Howth Road/Raheny Main Street to facilitate the taxi rank. Yellow boxes are generally provided to prevent blocking of junctions and would not be appropriate in this instance. Overview of Cycle Tracks in the North Central Area. An extensive cycle network has been provided in Dublin City over the last ten years, however much of our cycling network is under utilised. The modal share of cycling trips in Dublin is currently 3-4%. The three year goal is to increase the modal share of cycling trips in the city by 50%. Research has shown that perceived risk is an important barrier to increasing cycling numbers. Low cycling numbers are known to have an adverse effect on cycling safety. As cycling numbers decrease, the risk of injury per kilometre cycled increases. Confronting this negative loop is crucial to success. The three year action plan emphasises the need for DCC to actively promote cycling as a practice. Promotion needs to be planned, sustained and adequately resourced. The action plan recommends the upgrading and improvement of existing infra-structure towards the standards recommended in the forthcoming Dublin Transport Office Cycling Manual. The extent of infrastructure upgrade possible clearly depends upon financial resources available. Some provision was made in the most recent DCC budget and the DCC cycling team are currently seeking supplementary finance from central government. The entire cycling network has now been surveyed and quality assessed. It is proposed that the upgrade of infrastructure be prioritised on the basis of a). current condition and b). cycling potential. It is hoped that discussions with central government will reach a conclusion by the end of March at which time DCC will be in a position to quantify what can be achieved in 2009. Café, Red Stables, St. Anne’s Park. Tenders were invited from interested parties to submit applications for a licence to operate a Café in the Red Stables, St. Anne’s Park. Millenium People, Directors: Tony Hegarty and Monika Hegaarty, 9 Prospect Road, Hart’s Corner, Dublin 9 submitted the most favourable tender and it is now proposed to grant a licence to the company for a three year period. Farmers’ Market/Arts & Crafts market in the Courtyard, Red Stables, St. Anne’s Park. Tenders were invited from interested parties to submit applications for a licence to operate the Courtyard in the Red Stables, St. Anne’s Park. Fingal Market Management, Directors Andrew O’ Reilly and Andre Jenkinson, submitted the most favourable tender and it is now proposed to grant a licence for a three year period to the company. Pilot scheme for provision of Allotments at St. Anne’s Park. There has been a significant upsurge in the level of interest in allotment gardening in the city and the Parks and Landscape Services Division of DCC has been in receipt of numerous representations to provide allotments. They have been examining how they can facilitate this interest in allotment growing in the context of our open parks and public open spaces which to date have not provided for any allotments. A number of sites around the city are being examined from the point of view of security, access and soil fertility and we now wish to propose that an allotment scheme be developed on a pilot basis in the St. Anne’s Park, Raheny. The Walled Garden area in the St. Anne’s Nursery has been identified as a suitable site for such a pilot scheme given that it meets the criteria of security, good access and soil fertility. There have been discussions with a group called Dublin Allotment Association who are interested in promoting allotment growing in the city and we have developed sketch proposals for the Walled Garden area which indicates that it is possible to provide 45 allotments with ancillary services such as lock up stores, propagation tunnels, composting area and communal community garden area. It is hoped that not only will the allotments provide holders with home grown fruit and vegetables but that they would act as demonstration gardens to high standard which would encourage other home owners to consider producing fruit and vegetables in their own back gardens. Obviously the St. Anne’s pilot project, if successful, will be a template for similar allotment developments around the city subject to suitable sites being identified. DCC approval is needed to develop this proposal and it is proposed to report further on generals administrative matters regarding allocation, allotment charges and suchlike when basic infrastructure required in the form of paths, water supply and storage areas has been provided.

Local News (10th March 2009)

Dublin City Council Grant Applications backlog. DCC is currently processing applications under the Housing Adaptation Grant Scheme for People with a Disability & the Mobility Aids Grant Scheme for the month of October 2008. Applications under the Housing Aid for Older People grant scheme are being processed according to the nature of the work:- Rewiring – currently processing September 2008, Re-roofing – currently processing September 2008, Central Heating – currently processing August 2008 and Windows – currently processing June 2008. Additional staff resources are being put in place to deal with the backlog and, while this issue is being resolved, Dublin City Council has put a priority plan in place to ensure that those most in need of housing adaptations under the disability grants will have their applications processed promptly. (02/03/09). Sutton to Sandymount cycleway project. It is DCC policy to support the development of the S2S project as set out in the DCC Development Plan in Sect. 7.5.0 and Objective RO8. Accordingly it was decided to have a Feasibility Report and Preliminary Design Report commissioned for each of two sections, one on the northside from the Bull Wall to the Bull Island Causeway and the other on the south side from Sean Moore Park to the boundary with Dun Laoghaire Rathdown County Council. This latter section was also extended to include the section to East Pier Dun Laoghaire, by arrangement with DLRCC. Both sections are also considered to be critical in relation to flood defence requirements and this will be addressed as part of the S2S Project. The current status is that the Preliminary Design Report on the northside section was completed in late 2007 and it was decided to proceed to the Planning and Environmental Impact Statement stages. It is currently proposed to formally submit the EIS to An Bord Pleanála in the second quarter of 2009. In relation to the southside section, the Preliminary Design Report has just been received by Dublin City Council and is being considered. It is intended to make a presentation on this to the South East Area Committee in due course. (02/03/09). Bring Centres update. DCC’s Waste Management Services Division, having regard to the current financial situation, has been reviewing expenditure throughout the Division. The weekend opening hours of the Bring Centres have been assessed in this context and with regard to the range of services offered. Given the financial constraints on the City Council a total of 4 Bring Centres have been closed at weekends since the weekend of 21, 22nd. February. The 4 largest Bring Centres located at Collins Avenue, Oscar Traynor Road, Rathmines and Windmill Road, which offer the widest range for recycling facilities, will continue to remain open at weekends. The opening hours at the City Council’s Civic Amenity sites at Ringsend and North Strand remain as before. (02/03/09). New Traffic Management Survey for Donaghmede. A review is currently underway relating to the Donaghmede area wide traffic calming scheme and additional traffic calming measures will be provided where appropriate subject to available financial resources. (02/03/09). Car park of Our Lady of Consolation Church, Donnycarney. Road Safety Audits carried out prior to construction of the Malahide Road QBC did not identify any issues relating to cars exiting from the northern entrance to the Church car park. This issue was identified in the Stage 3 Road Safety Audit, which is carried out post construction. The QBN Project Office intend implementing a solution to this scheme over the coming months. The cost of the works arising from the Road Safety Audit will be funded as part of the Malahide QBC Enhancement Scheme. (02/03/09). Allotments. The City Council is aware of the growing interest in allotments in the city and is currently examining suitable sites which could be developed for allotment gardening. Sites will be assessed on the following criteria: 1.Security – allotments succeed best where there is adequate security to ensure that people can work allotments in safety and where produce will not be vandalised or stolen. 2.Access – Sites for allotments need good access so that gardening materials equipment and produce can easily be transported to and from the site. 3.Soil depth/ fertility – while some sites may be suitable from a security and access point of view, an appropriate basic level of soil fertility is essential. Given that many of our parks and open spaces are on filled ground soil fertility and depth of soil can be a problem. 4.Sites currently used for recreational or nature conservation purposes will not be developed for allotment purposes. Given the above criteria it is proposed to develop a pilot project for the provision of up to 50 allotments in the walled garden area of St Anne’s Park and a report will be made to the North Central Area Committee at its March meeting. There is a waiting list of people who have expressed an interest in allotment gardening and depending on the success of the St Anne’s pilot project other suitable sites around the city can be developed on a phased basis in the coming years. (02/03/09). Stardust Memorial Park. Motorcycles and Quad bikes have been entering this park. At present rights of way exist at the entrances of the Stardust Memorial Park and therefore access has to be retained. However, barriers do exist to help prevent access to motorbikes and quad bikes. It is against Park Bye Laws to use the park for such activities. The Gardaí have been informed and the Park Warden Service are also aware of the problem. The entrances of the park will be inspected again to see what can be done to prevent such activities. (02/03/09).

Local News (19th February 2009)

Green Bin Contract/Greyhound Recycling - update. Greyhound Recovery & Recycling commenced the green bin collection service on the 2nd January 2009. They have adhered to existing routes and calendars as far as possible. The commencement of the new contract represents a major logistical operation involving c. 380,000 households, 25,000 apartments and 538 schools. In the circumstances, it was not unusual that in the first cycle of the new contract that problems arose in relation to missed collections. Communication arrangements have been put in place to ensure that householders, the Council and Councillors are notified by the Contractor of missed collections immediately and that arrangements are put in place to call back as appropriate. The performance of the Contractor was monitored by the Environment & Engineering Department and there has been a significant improvement in performance during the 2nd fortnightly cycle. As a result of further reviews with the Contractor, it is anticipated that in the 3rd fortnightly cycle which commenced at the beginning February that the remaining collection issues and communications will be fully resolved. However the situation will be kept under close review. Customers can download their calendar dates from www.greenbin.ie or contact the dedicated customer care line at 1890 342342. (16/02/09). New Green Waste Charge. DCC currently operates four facilities for the acceptance of green waste (grass and light garden waste) from householders. These are located at Collins Avenue Depot; Newtown Park Industrial Estate, Malahide Road (up to 01/03/2009 and thereafter at Oscar Traynor Road Bring Centre); Rathmines and in Crumlin. The following charges were introduced for the acceptance of green waste as and from Monday 19th. January 2009. Green waste bag (up to 80 litres): €2 per bag. Green waste skip bag (max 1 cubic metre): €16 per skip bag. The new charges were published in the Northside/Southside People, signage was erected at the four green waste facilities and further information including answers to FAQs are available on both www.dublincity.ie and www.dublinwaste.ie. Green waste labels are widely available and can be purchased in any Post Office in DCC’s administrative area. Postpoint locations convenient to the Green Waste facilities also stock the labels. We are arranging to increase the number of Postpoint locations going forward. Signage is prominent at all Green Waste Centres advising customers where labels can be purchased. Recycling centre staff are on hand at centres to assist any customers using Green Waste facilities. (16/02/09). Whitehall Framework Plan. The Whitehall Framework Plan as amended was agreed by the Area Committee on 25th. September 2008 and noted by the City Council on the 6th. October 2008. The plan i.e text and maps are being finalised in accordance with the agreed amendments and will be available in early March. A meeting took place on 1st. December 2008 with the City Council members and residents arising from a motion passed by the members to outline the status of the plan and how the plan would progress. (16/02/09). Killester Garden Village and Middle Third Avenue. Killester Garden Village is part of the Abbeyfield Area Management Scheme which was completed around 2004. Following a request for provision of traffic control measures at Middle Third Avenue, a traffic count and speed survey were carried out showing that traffic volumes are relatively high but traffic speeds are low.The traffic volumes are due to factors including nearby schools and DART Station, and the general increase in traffic volumes throughout the city. It is not recommended to restrict access to Killester Garden Village because this would reduce traffic permeability in the area and increase traffic volumes on neighbouring roads. Traffic restrictions also have a negative impact on residents accessing their homes. (16/02/09). Howth Road QBC. There have been significant savings in bus journey times in both AM and PM peak hours since the introduction of the Howth Road QBC. The average bus journey time has reduced in the AM peak from 39.55 minutes in 2004 to 13.33 minutes in 2007 and in PM peak from 18.31 minutes to 14.54 over the same interval. The average bus speed in kilometres per hour has increased for the AM peak from 7.35 in 2004 to 18.39 in 2007. The average PM peak Bus Speed has increased from 14.08 in 2004 to 17.51 in 2007. (16/02/09). Walkway from Léin Gardens leading to Lough Derg and Raheny Village. The open space pathway at this location has been inspected by the Parks & Landscape Services Division. This pathway is very infrequently used and as a result has moss growth and some degree of grass growth. It is proposed to carry out vegetation removal and edging works of this path before the end of March 2009. Resources are not available at this time to consider re-surfacing works at this location. (16/02/09). Ennafort Road/Cill Eanna. Following a previous request, traffic ramps were not recommended at this location as the results of a speed survey carried out found that the road did not meet the criteria required for traffic calming consideration with regards to traffic volumes and speed. (16/02/09). Maypark, Donnycarney. The railing painting proposed at Maypark, Donnycarney in 2008 was not carried out due to resource availability problems. It is now proposed to carry out these works before the end of April 2009. The placement of kissing gates at the park has been reassessed based on the level of use of entrances at the park. It is now considered that the main requirement for this type of access to the park is at the Killester Avenue entrance, and arrangements are in place to have this gateway put in place before the end of February 2009. It is not proposed to modify the entrance at Clanree Road at this time. Public Lighting Services are considering, as part of the proposed programme of works for 2009, improving the lighting through the centre of the park. The graffiti on the boundary wall facing onto the park at its southern end was removed on 4th. June 2008. Another inspection was carried out on 10th. February 2009 and the area was found to be clear of graffiti. (16/02/09). Armstrong Walk/Tranquility Grove. There is a low wall at this location where teenagers congregate prior to engaging in anti-social behaviour including drinking. The low wall is approximately 100 linear metres and the cost of its removal, disposal and completion of the open space edge in grass is €3,000 approximately. The Parks section has no objection to the requested low wall removal subject to the necessary resources required being identified and agreement of local residents to its removal. There is no provision in the current year’s estimates for the requested works. (16/02/09). Philipsburgh Avenue/Griffith Avenue. Traffic Advisory Group noted during on site visit that volume of pedestrians did not warrant provision of a pedestrian crossing at this location. (15/01/09) Abbeyfield. Representations for 5m double yellow lines at the entrance onto the laneway at No. 44 Abbeyfield Killester which were recommended by Traffic Advisory Group. (15/01/09). Clonshaugh Road/Oscar Traynor Road, Dublin 17. Representations for full yellow box on Oscar Traynor Road at the junction with Clonshaugh Road, at the Northside Shopping Centre, which has been recommended by the Traffic Advisory Group. (15/01/09) Tonlegee Road. A One-Way System on Tonlegee Road at the SPAR and shops was not recommended by the Traffic Advisory Group (15/01/09). Springdale/Tonlegee Raod, Dublin 5. A left turn filter light from Springdale Road onto Tonlegee Road was not recommended by Traffic Advisory Group as the junction cannot accommodate a dedicated left-turn-lane necessary for a left-turn-filter. (15/01/09). Legion Hall, Killester as a protected Structure. The Legion Hall, Killester was assessed in 2005 for inclusion on the Record of Protected Structures (RPS). At this time it was not considered to be of sufficient special interest to merit inclusion on the RPS. The Architectural Heritage Protection Guidelines for Planning Authorities were used in this assessment. Given that the structure is not considered to merit inclusion on the RPS it may be more appropriate to commemorate the historical/cultural associations with the Royal British Legion with a wall-mounted plaque (06/02/09). Clancarthy Court, Donnycarney, Dublin 5. An inspection was carried out on the complex revealing some cracks over the heads of some doors. Expanding metal will be inserted to remedy these cracks and the areas will be re-plastered. The stairs will be inspected with a view to improving the surface for the residents, if feasible. (02/02/09). Scrambling track, Alfie Byrne Road. A number of meetings have taken place and presentations made to public representatives and city councils on the merits of the biking activity at Alfie Byrne Road. It is the opinion of the City Parks Superintendent that this activity is not suitable for this open space and that it hinders the use of the area for the benefit of the general public. However the Department recognises the benefit of this activity and wants to support a sustainable project if it can be developed. (02/02/09). Bull Wall and Clontarf Promenade. There are 17 structures along the Bull Wall and Promenade in Clontarf, forming bathing shelters, kiosks, wind shelters and miniature lighthouses which date from the 1930s. The bathing shelters and kiosk on the Bull Wall were designed by Herbert Simms, in 1934 and are highly significant structures within the context of the architectural heritage of the 20th. Century. Less architecturally worked but no less important are the Wind Shelters, Tea Rooms and public baths along the Promenade. The Wind Shelters may also be attributed to Herbert Simms. The lighthouse “bollards” which flank openings in the plinth wall leading to paths laid out perpendicular to the wind shelters on the Promenade are also an interesting and quirky feature, and clearly part of a formal landscape around the shelters. Unfortunately some of the lighthouse “bollards” have already been lost. The design and construction of these coastal public structures arose from a concern for the welfare of the working class and facilitated a rise in communal outdoor living and recreation before the advent of affordable holidays in hotter climates. The architectural language of the structures is typical of International Modernism, the chief exponent of which in Ireland was Michael Scott and Desmond Fitzgerald. (02/02/09).