Drumcondra Street Signs

A number of roads between Walsh and Ferguson Road are without street signs indicating the road name. Following my representations Dublin City Council added a request for appropriate road signage in June 2013 to its roads maintenance system and the situation will be addressed. Mary

Ashtown

At the June 2013 meeting of Dublin City Council I requested Dublin City Council to renew the yellow box at Martin Savage Estate and the Ashtown road.  I also asked the Manager to arrange to have the road markings on the Ashtown Road and the Ashtown gate re-painted and a yield sign erected at the Ashtown  entrance to the Phoenix Park.  The Manager advised me that "The request for the repainting of the line markings at the above location has been referred to the Traffic Officer for investigation and appropriate action.  In relation to the request for a ‘Yield’ sign at Ashtown Gate, this location is within Fingal County Councils’ administrative area."  The contact for this work is Frank Crowley, Traffic Officer.Tel: 222 2508.  Mary

Phoenix Park Concerts 2013

Event organisers, Festival Republic, have confirmed  the following arrangements for the concerts to be held in the Phoenix Park this summer:
Details of the Event
The events will take place on the Wednesday 10^th, Saturday 13^th and Sunday 14^th of July. The gate times for the events are as follows:

Wednesday 10^th July 2013: 18:00 – 23:00

Saturday 13^th July 2013: 17:00 – 23:00

Sunday 14^th July 2013: 15:00 – 23:00

Safety and Security

Entry into the event is by ticket only, and the event site will be securely fenced. We have been working closely with An Garda Síochána to develop a robust plan to ensure that the site and surrounding residential areas are kept safe and secure. There will be enhanced policing of areas within the Phoenix Park and surrounding residential areas, as well as comprehensive stewarding and signposting to direct attendees into the event.

Festival Republic has committed to provide additional stewards to support An Garda Síochána in the residential areas surrounding the park, along the pedestrian walking routes to the site, and within the Phoenix Park.

An overview of the duties of these stewards is provided below:-

• Spotters for antisocial behaviour feeding back to An Garda Síochána via Event Control
• Spotters for event attendees consuming alcohol in the park feeing back to An Garda Síochána via Event Control
• Directing and providing information to event attendees
• Directing concert goers away from residential areas, feeding back any residents’ concerns.
• Assisting with litter control in residential areas and around the park – spotters for waste contractor i.e. feeding back if any areas external to the event need attention via Event Control. 

 Anti-Social Behaviour

There will be alcohol searching stations set up at each of the main entry points into the Phoenix Park. We will ensure that there is very clear signage, lighting and information on the location of the venue to deter patrons from idling in the local area, and remind them to respect the local residents. There will also be toilets and urinals provided within the park to prevent public urination at the following locations:-

·         Bus and Coach Park

·         Chesterfield Avenue opposite the arena entrance

·         Chesterfield Avenue in  close proximity to Gough Monument

·         Chesterfield Avenue in close proximity to Mountjoy Cross

·         Cabra Gate

·         Ashtown Gate

·         Chapelizod Gate

Litter Waste

Festival Republic aims to reduce the impact our business and our festivals have on the environment. We will make every effort to ensure that litter picking will take place before, during and after the concert to ensure that bottles, cans and other litter is removed from window sills and wherever possible remove litter from outside premises, in the vicinity of the Phoenix Park.

The Event will also provide litter teams to respond to waste generated by the event attendees with particular focus on the following areas; Blackhorse Ave from North Circular Road to the Ashtown Gate, Old Cabra Rd from North Circular Road to the Navan Rd, The Navan Rd to Ashtown Roundabout, Ashtown Roundabout to Ashtown Train Station, North Circular Road, Infirmary Rd, Castleknock Rd, Parkgate St, Conyngham Rd, Chapelizod Rd and areas around the pub on St Laurence’s Road, West County Hotel.

Noise

Live Performance on the concert days will be as follows:-

Wednesday 10^th July: 18:15 – 23:00

Saturday 13^th July: 17:15 – 23:00

Sunday 14^th July: 16:00 – 23:00

In addition sound propagation tests may take place during the times indicated below:

July 8th	Sound checks between 18:00 – 20:00
July 9th	Sound checks between 12:00 – 14:00 and 17:00 – 20:00
July 10th	Sound checks between 10:00 – 12:00
July 12th	Sound checks between 18:00 – 20:00
July 13th	Sound checks between 09:00 – 12:00
July 14th	Sound checks from 13:00 – 15:00

Residents Hotline

Phone Number +353 (0) 1 679 0021 available from 9am to 12 Midnight on the day of each event (10^th, 13^th 14^th July 2013).

A dedicated resident’s hotline number will be available as a facility for residents to call in with any concerns, observations or complaints. Local residents will be encouraged to get in touch at any time and all of their concerns will be comprehensively considered. The hotline will go directly into the event control tent, and will be answered by Festival Republic Event Staff. Where necessary any calls taken can easily be referred to the Security Coordinator, Event Controller or An Garda Síochána.

This facility will be operational from 09:00 – 00:00hrs on each of the event days.

All calls will be recorded and the following details will be noted.

• Name
• Address and postcode
• Complaint
• Action and Resolution
• Telephone number and whether the caller would like to be updated

Roads and Travel

Traffic may be busier at certain times throughout the build period however we will endeavour to minimise disruption to traffic flows.

On the days of the events there will be a road closure in place from Ashtown Roundabout to Phoenix Parkway Roundabout. This will be from 16:00hrs – 00:00hrs on 10^th and 13^th July and from 14:00hrs – 00:00hrs on 14^th July. Access to residential properties will be maintained during this time.

Parking Restrictions within the Park

Parking Restrictions will be in place along the following roads on event days:-

Ø  Chesterfield Avenue – between Mountjoy Cross and Phoenix Monument

Ø  Furze Road

Ø  Ordinance Survey Road – Mountjoy Cross to Upper Glen Road

Ø  Cabra Gate – Mountjoy Cross (North Road)

Ø  Acres Road – from Phoenix Monument to Chaplelizod Gate

Ø  Papal Cross Car Park

Phoenix Park Road and Gate Closure

The road closures are listed hereunder:–

Wednesday 10^th July:

·         North Road from Cabra Gate to Mountjoy Cross - 15:00hrs to 12:30hrs

·         Chesterfield Avenue between Mountjoy Cross and the Gough Monument – 15:00hrs to 12:30hrs

·         Odd Lamp Road - Closed throughout

·         Ashtown Gate (closed to vehicular traffic only) - 15:00hrs to 12:30hrs

·         Cabra Gate (left turn only on entry) - 15:00hrs to 12:30hrs

Saturday 13th July:

·         North Road from Cabra Gate to Mountjoy Cross - 15:00hrs to 12:30hrs

·         Chesterfield Avenue between Mountjoy Cross and the Gough Monument- 15:00hrs to 12:30hrs

·         Odd Lamp Road - Closed throughout.

·         Ashtown Gate (closed to vehicular traffic only) - 15:00hrs to 12:30hrs

·         Cabra Gate (left turn only on entry) – 15:00hrs to 12:30hrs

Sunday 14th July:

·         North Road from Cabra Gate to Mountjoy Cross - 13:00hrs to 12:30hrs

·         Chesterfield Avenue between Mountjoy Cross and the Gough Monument - 13:00hrs to 12:30hrs

·         Odd Lamp Road - Closed throughout.

·         Ashtown Gate - 13:00hrs to 12:30hrs

·         Cabra Gate (left turn only on entry) - 15:00hrs to 12:30hrs

Diversions via Military Road:

This road will be opened to traffic to facilitate the movement of traffic between Park Gate and Castleknock. A contra flow 2 way system will operate on this road, between Gough Roundabout and Mountjoy Cross (including Wellington Road, Military Road) from 15:00hrs to 12:30hrs on Wednesday 10th July and Saturday 13th July and from 13:00hrs and 12:30hrs on Sunday 14th July.

Phoenix Park Pedestrian Gates

All of the main park entrance gates including the Ashtown Gate are planned to remain open to pedestrians throughout.

The following small turnstile pedestrian gates will be closed from 15:00hrs – 12:30hrs on 10^th and 13^th July and from 14:00hrs – 02:30hrs on 14^th July:-

Ø  Cumiskeys Turnstile

Ø  Hole in the Wall Turnstile

Ø  Chapelizod Turnstile

Ø  Islandbridge Turnstile

Ø  Grange Gormans Turnstile

The closure of these pedestrian gates is necessary to ensure public safety, during peak pedestrian flows.

Preferred Access Routes on Event Days  

St Mary’s – For people wishing to access St Marys Hospital the preferred route would be via Chapelizod Gate. Exiting traffic would be on a right turn only and would be directed along Military Road or Upper Glen Road.

Dublin Zoo – For people wishing to access Dublin Zoo the preferred route would be via Park Gate Street or North Circular Road Gate, however with the exception of Ashtown Gate all other park gates will remain open to vehicular traffic.

Phoenix Park Visitors Centre

The Visitor Centre and Playground will remain operational throughout the set up and take down of the event site. On the event days the visitors centre and the playground will open until 3pm on the Wednesday, but will be closed all day Saturday & Sunday.

Kind Regards

Festival Republic

Please use the residents hotline 01 679 0021 available from 9am to 12 Midnight on the day of each event (10th, 13th 14th July 2013) to register any complaints. Thanks, Mary.

US Immigration Reform



Former Congressman Bruce Morrison & Mary in Dublin 2012.

In the early 1990s I was lucky enough to win a Morrison Visa to the US through the Morrison Visa Lottery. I spent a number of great years working in the US before my attachment to home brought me back for good in 1998. Having the visa ment I was legally entiteled to live and work in the US but I knew many Irish people who were there illegally and this caused them great stress and pain. The campaign for Immigration Reform is going on years but Immigration Reform has recently moved to the House of Representative in the United States. This is the most important piece of legislation for the Undocumented Irish in many years. There are currently 50,000 Undocumented Irish in America who are living in the shadows and cannot return home to see their family. They need our help. Can you please contact people you know in America and ask them to communicate with their Member of Congress the message "Irish Americans are in favour of Immigration Reform". To keep up to date with the reform effort please like "The Irish Lobby for Immigration Reform" on Facebook. Thanks, Mary

Licence Granted Phoenix Park Concerts

Dublin City Council has granted a licence for concerts to be held in the Phoenix Park on July 10th, 13th & 14th 2013. Following the mayhem of the Swedish House Mafia concerts last year residents in the local community strongly opposed any further concerts being held in the Phoenix Park however the Minister with responsibility for the OPW granted permission for the Phoenix Park to be used for concerts again this year.

As Chair of the Dublin Central Joint Policing Committee I brought the OPW, DCC, the Gardai and the event organisers to the Dublin Central Joint Policing Committee last year to address residents legitimate concerns. The decision yesterday by Dublin City Council to grant a special event licence was made following months of consultation with all stakeholders and preparation or a robust event plan.

Dublin City Council has granted the licence to Festival Republic Limited on behalf of MCD Productions Limited subject to 14 Conditions. The conditions include a robust Security and Garda operations plans, an integrated waste/litter management plan for the Concert Site, the Phoenix Park itself and also the residential areas surrounding the Phoenix Park, a Resident Hotline 01 6790021 will be provided from 9.am to 12 midnight on the day of each concert, temporary portable toilet facilities will be provided outside the Concert site and a fully integrated Traffic Management Plan has been drafted and will be put in place on the days of each Concert.

I welcome the improved arrangements for the event and the provision of a hotline for residents to register any complaints. It is imperative that the event organisers, the Gardai and the OPW get it right this time. Dublin City Council must ensure that the commitments given by the event organisers, Gardai and the OPW are actually delivered and there is no repeat of the horrible scenes from last years concerts. Public order must be maintained at all times and safety of residents and concert goers asserted. Mary

Grafton Street Charity Shops

Charity shops should not be banned from Grafton Street . On Monday July 1st Dublin City Councillors will consider and approve or reject the Grafton Street and Environs Draft Planning Scheme at its monthly meeting webcast from City Hall. It is wrong to ban Charity Shops from Grafton Street and I do not support their exclusion from the Grafton Street area. As leader of the Fianna Fail Group I have submitted a motion that seeks to amend the Grafton Street plan by removing the specific ban on Charity Shops from the area.

The Grafton Street planning scheme aims to reinforce, through good planning practice, Grafton Street as a major retail destination “ providing a wide range of multiple and independent stores as well as “lifestyle stores”, flagship stores, niche and specialist retailers.” The scheme sets-out is detail the planning requirements for properties on the street.

Charity Shops are a reality of modern Ireland. They provide Charitable organisations with an opportunity to gain financial support for their activity. They offer people an opportunity to support charitable groups and organisations. They provide consumers with an alternative retail choice from the high street chain stores. They offer an environmentally friendly retail experience, an ethical retail experience.

As long as Charity Shops comply with the planning standards being required of other retailers on Grafton Street they should not be subjected to negative discrimination. Our motion calls for the specific ban on Charity Shops on Grafton Street to be removed from the planning scheme. We will seek and require cross party support for our motion to be passed.
The Fianna Fail motion:
The elected members of Dublin City Council support the broad objectives of the “Draft Scheme of Special Planning control for Grafton Street and environs 2013. We also recognise the importance of charitable work in Dublin City and instruct the City Manager to amend section 1.1.12 of the draft planning scheme to remove the specific ban on Charity shops from the Grafton Street area.

Cllr Mary Fitzpatrick, Cllr Paul McAuliffe, Cllr Tom Brabazon & Cllr Sean Paul Mahon

Motor Tax Office Closures

From January 2013 a new plastic card driver license was introduced in Ireland and Dublin City Council is responsible for the Motor Tax offices that process applications for driving licences and motor tax in Dublin City.  Dublin City Council has advised me that the new process has resulted in a significant increase in workload and as a result, backlogs of post have occurred. This in turn is leading to delays for customers seeking tax and driver licenses, increased phone calls and email queries.   This is obviously extremely inconvenient for people waiting for their applications to be processed.  

In order to improve the time taken to process postal applications, the Motor Tax offices in Clondalkin and Smithfield will close to the public one day per week namely, each Monday (Clondalkin) and Tuesday (Smithfield) commencing July 8th and 9th until further notice. Staff in these offices will concentrate on the back log of postal applications.  This is in addition to the closure every Wednesday of the Ballymun Motor Tax office.  I have asked Dublin City Council for a report on the backlog, numbers of applications pending and the expected timeframe to clear the backlog.  Mary

Griffith Park

Following complaints from local residents of anti-social behaviour late at night in Griffith Park I asked the Gardai and Dublin City Council to take action to eliminate such activity in the park.  The Gardai agreed to prioritise the park on foot and bike patrols.  Dublin City Council has agreed to my request to erect signs in Griffith Park encouraging people to respect Griffith Park and to report anti-social behaviour to the Gardai. Please report anti-social behaviour to the Gardai on 999.  Thanks, Mary

Springfield & Regal Park

In May I asked Dublin City Council to arrange for cul de sac signs to be erected at Springfield and Regal Park entrances on Blackhorse Avenue.  My request was referred to the Traffic Officer and I am pleased that Dublin City Council has erected cul de sac signs at the entrances to both roads. Hopefully this will reduce the number of cars mistakenly turning into these roads.  Mary

Finglas Road

In recent years Dublin City Council has undertaken work to improve the appearance of the Finglas Road so that it complements the worldclass Glasnevin Cemetery Museum.  The planting of trees and re-organisation of parking by Dublin City Council has contributed to a better appearance and easier access for visitors to the graveyard and museum.  Following my previous requests Dublin Bus has recently provided a bus shelter for passengers waiting for a bus in-bound to the city center.  I have also raised the condition of the cycle path on the Finglas Road from St Philomenas road to Glasnevin Industrial estate with DCC and asked that the cycle route be resurfaced.  Unfortunately Dublin City Council has advised me that while they accept that the asphalt on the outbound cycle-track is peeling they do not deem it to require attention at this point.  I will continue to follow-up on this issue and try to have it included in future works programmes for the area.  Mary

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

Cabra for Youth

Despite the Governments unfair and counterproductive cuts to youth services Cabra for Youth is open for business this summer. The summer programme is designed for young people ages 10-18years living in Cabra. For more information please feel free to call in to Cabra for Youth in John Paul Park Community Center in the Boggies or phone 01 817 8473.  Mary

Saturday Recycling @ Grangegorman

For years I have worked to get Dublin City Council to open their waste depot in Grangegorman on Saturdays. I am pleased to inform you that from Saturday 15^th June the Recycling Centre will now open to the public from 10.00am to 4pm. Saturday opening will remain in place throughout the Summer months and the arrangements will be reviewed at the end of August.  I encourage everybody from the local area to use this free waste facility.  Mary

Reilly’s Bridge Fly-over

This week Irish Rail announced that work to replace Reillys Bridge on Ratoath Road with a new bridge spanning the railway line and canal is to commence this month and should be completed at the start of 2015. Irish Rail have agreed to provide community liaison for the duration of the works and to work with residents, businesses and other stakeholders to:Undertake a pre-condition survey of properties to verify that works have no effect, inform residents and businesses in advance of the stages of works and provide an ongoing point of contact for local residents and businesses by locall phone number and email as follows:1890253555 and communityliaison@irishrail.ie.  Mary

Grangegorman Road Works

The first phase of the Site Infrastructure and Public Realm aspect of the Grangegorman Project is due to get underway at the beginning of September. This major project covers the whole Grangegorman site and consists of the laying of all utility services, major earthworks and development of the public realm- paths, roads, green areas, lighting, seating, bike parking etc. As part of this contract it will be necessary to carry out several pieces of work on Grangegorman Road. The timing of each of these pieces of work has not yet been worked out but on Wednesday 19th June GDA staff members will be available in room 9 in the GDA offices from 4pm to 7pm to discuss the works and answer any questions people might have.  Mary

Dublin Central Joint Policing Committee



Chief Superintendant Pat Leahy and Chair of the Dublin Central Joint Policing Committee Cllr Mary Fitzpatrick

 I will chair the next meeting of the Dublin Central Joint Policing Committee in City Hall on Monday 17th June 2013 @ 9am.  You can watch a live webcast of the meeting here.  We will be discussing the annual policing plans for Dublin Central, the proposed concerts in the Phoenix Park and other matters relating to crime in Dublin Central.  Mary