Norfolk Road

On a number of occasions over the past year, and in response to complaints from residents of Norfolk Road, I have asked Dublin City Council to deal with illegal dumping in the lane to the rear of Norfolk Road and Cabra Park.  In May Dublin City Council advised me that "the lane way is question is “not in charge” of Dublin City Council. As such, it is considered that a private, rather than a public, right of way exists at this location It is not possible, therefore, for Dublin City Council to go through the extinguishment procedures as set down in the Roads Act, 1993 to have the right of way extinguished. Dublin City Council is not responsible for cleaning or maintenance.  Accordingly, the physical closure of the above lane way, being a private lane-way and not in charge of the Roads Authority is a matter to be agreed by the local residents. If residents wish to proceed with this closure they will need to seek the permission of the owners of the land. No further information in relation to the ownership of this lane way is available."  For further information please send me an email or contact Mr Fergus Synnott, Dublin City Council, Cabra Area Manager Tel: 222 7400.  Please report illegal dumping to Dublin City Council Dublin Central Litter Hotline 1800 248 348.  Thanks,  Mary

Violet Hill Park

Violet Hill off the Finglas Road is a beautiful meadow like park with the Tolka river gently flowing through.  Unfortunately when the weather started to improve this spring some anti-social people decided to visit and abuse the park. A number of fires were lit in the park and damage was done to the meadow, bridge and railings.  I raised the issue with Dublin City Council and the Gardai. I asked DCC to put-up signs encouraging people to respect Violet Hill and to report anti-social behaviour to the Gardai.  Dublin City Council agreed to arrange to install signage at Violet Hill Park on a trial basis and monitor the response by the Park users thereafter to determine what impact that the signage may have on the issue.   DCC also agreed to remove any fire damage debris and have the area reinstated.  At the same time the Gardai have committed to increase Garda foot and bike patrols of the park.  Please report any anti-social behaviour in the park to the Gardai at Finglas 01 666 7500 or 999.  Thanks, mary

Green Street Court House

Green Street Court House, Smithfiled, D7

The appearance of Green Street Court House in Smithfield has been deteriorating in recent times so in May 2013 I asked Dublin City Council to advise me who is responsible for the court house on Green Street? What is the proposed use for the building? Will the manager arrange to have damage to the building repaired and the building made safe and protected?  In reply the City Manager indicated : " This property is registered in the Land Registry to the Courts Services since 2004 on Folio 190542F.  Conservation have made a request to Planning Enforcement today to carry out an inspection of this protected structure to ascertain if there are any endangerment issues. We have offered the services of Conservation Section to accompany the Enforcement Officer to attend any inspection and offer advice on conservation issues as appropriate."  I will continue to follow-up on this issue to ensure the building is not allowed to further decline.  Mary

Cabra East Flood Prevention

In May 2013 I again raised with Dublin City Council the issue of flood prevention for homes in Cabra east.  I asked that Dublin City Council provide a report on what measures has DCC taken to reduce the risk of flooding in Cabra East? Can the Manager outline what options can be explored to improve drainage and reduce the risk of flooding in Cabra East? Will the Manager please attend a meeting with residents whose homes have been previously flooded to discuss possible options? Following is the reply I received:
The flooding of October, 2011 has previously been reported on to the City Council, Environment & Engineering Department SPC and Area Committees and was caused by an extreme event where to the amount of rainfall exceeded the capacity of the drainage infrastructure.
In relation to the Cabra area a number of mitigation measures have been considered and examined in detail. The outcome of this assessment can be summarised as follows:

An overflow pipe, 65 metres in length from Cabra Road to Annamoe Drive was constructed in December 2011. This will provide a limited level of flood alleviation on a local level on Imaal Road, Cabra Road, Leix Road and surrounding area.

A location for a swale at Annamoe Park was examined and found not to be viable due to the conflict with a foul sewer and constructability issues for pipework to Annamoe Park.

The option of a of constructing an overflow pipe from Dowth Avenue to the disused railway line (New Luas Line BXD). After analysis the RPA confirmed the following, “there is no spare capacity in the drainage system and also, a potential increased risk to flooding in areas that have not experienced flooding in the past. This is no longer a viable option.

The option of a pumped partial solution from Leix Road to Bradogue Stream at Cabra Road was considered. This would pump water from the affected areas to lower it below flooding levels in the flooded houses (around 100-200mm) is estimated at 2,335 cubic metres. This would require construction of an underground storage tank, pump station and approx 160m of 400mm pumping main. The estimated cost of this is approx €340,000, for which a source of funding has yet to be identified. In addition, there are a number of unresolved technical challenges, such as the size of storage tank/station, space required for the pumping main and capacity of receiving sewer that may make this option unviable

· The option of constructing a gravity partial solution from Leix Road to Bradogue Stream at Cabra Road is also under consideration. This could lower the floodwater level to below flooding levels of the houses (around 100-200mm). This would require approx 160m of 600mm pipeline from the low point of Leix Road to Cabra Road, at an estimated cost of €200,000.

· Another option under consideration is a gravity partial solution from Leix Road to the surface water sewer in the laneway south of Leix Road plus upgrading of the Bradogue Stream downstream. There are two facets to this project. Firstly, construction of an additional surface water sewer from the lowest point of Leix Road to the manhole in the private lane to the rear of AIB. This new sewer would be 125m long. However, 33m goes through private gardens, and permission from property owners would be required. Secondly, an up-grade of the Bradogue Stream: This up-grade is required at the junction of Dowth Avenue and Cabra Road. The new sewer required here would be 43m long & 750mm in diameter. Traffic restrictions would occur on the Cabra Road during construction of this new sewer. Cost: €250,000.

While the last two options may be technically possible, they will be subject to detailed design, require a significant capital expenditure, a number of consents from relevant property owners, and involve significant disruption during construction.

As this is a complex issue, with a number of factors to consider, the most effective means of consultation with residents would be through the Dublin Flood Forum, which it is anticipated will be initiated later this year.   Contact: Colin Egan, Assistant Engineer.  Tel: 222 2398

Cabra Flooding

I continue to work to get Dublin City Council to protect homes in Cabra from flooding. Last year swales were created on Drumcliff and Killala greens to provide flood protection. After the swales were completed I raised concerns with Dublin City Council about the fact that the swales don’t empty fully and promptly. Following my representations DCC re-examined the swales and carried out remedial works which should make a noticeable improvement in the drainage of the swales. I continue to pursue flood protection measures for residents of Cabra East. Dublin City Council is considering a number of options to reduce flood risk in Cabra east. MaryI continue to pursue flood protection measures for residents of Cabra East. Dublin City Council is considering a number of options to reduce flood risk in Cabra east. Mary