DUN LAOGHAIRE RATHDOWN COUNTY COUNCIL

Transcription

1 DUN LAOGHAIRE RATHDOWN COUNTY COUNCIL Minutes of the Dundrum Environment, Housing and Culture, Community Development & Amenities Area Committee held in the Dundrum Local Office on Monday, 6 November 2006 at 5.00 pm PRESENT Councillors: Councillors: Culhane, Aidan Cosgrave, L. Fallon, C. O'Keeffe, Gearoid Horkan, Gerry O'Leary, Jim McCarthy, Lettie Matthews, T. Hand, Pat Joyce, Tom Fox, Tony OFFICIALS Ms Maura Hickey, A/Senior Executive Officer, Mr Dennis O Grady, Senior Staff Officer, Mr Tom Mowlds, Senior Community Officer, Mr John Guckian Senior Executive Officer, Mr Noel Dodd, Housing Maintenance Manager, Mr Michael Mangan, Senior Engineer Projects, Mr Ger Looney, Senior Engineer, Mr Joe Whittle, Executive Parks Superintendent, Angela Sweeney, Area Community Officer Councillor L. McCarthy presided as Chair DDE/660/06 Confirmation and Adoption of Minutes Minutes of Meeting of Dundrum Area Committee (EHCCD&A) held on 2 nd October were CONFIRMED and ADOPTED. ENVIRONMENT BUSINESS DDE/661/06 QUESTIONS It was proposed by Councillor G Horkan and seconded by Councillor L Cosgrave and RESOLVED. That pursuant to Standing Order No. 105 question numbers inclusive be ADOPTED and APPROVED. DDE/662/06 Cleanup of Laneway

2 Councillor P. Hand To ask the Manager to have the laneway between St. Columbanus Road, Farrenboley Park and Glasson Court cleaned up as there is ongoing illegal dumping in this area? These laneways have now been swept. DDE/663/06 Cleanup of River Slang Councillor P. Hand To ask the Manager to have the River Slang cleaned up from Frankfort Park, Highfield Park, St. Columbanus Road, Farrenboley Park and Millmount Grove that leads into the River Dodder? The Water Services Section are responsible for the stream when it runs through public property such as parks The responsibility for the stream lies with the householders whose property adjoins the stream DDE/664/06 Sweeping of Footpaths Councillor G. Horkan To ask the Manager to sweep the footpaths of Hollywood Park, Hollywood Drive, St. Aidan s Drive, Willowfield Park, Willowfield Avenue and Goatstown Road in the Goatstown area? These areas are scheduled for sweeping over the next few days. They are part of a program to deal with the hugh amount of leaves being removed from main roads and residential areas at the moment DDE/665/06 Councillor J. O Leary Councillor J. O Leary To ask the Manager to make necessary repairs to the footbridge in Llewellyn Park to address safety concerns and also to commit to putting in a new footbridge as part of the River Slang / Marlay Park walkway? The refurbishment of the footbridge in Llewellyn Park is scheduled to be carried out in the coming weeks. The Slang River is on the programme of masterplans and the provision of a bridge will be considered as part of the that process. DDE/666/06

3 replace trees Councillor J. O Leary To ask the Manager to have the new trees recently vandalized in Wedgewood replaced as soon as possible? Consideration will be given to the replacement of the trees in question subject to the availability of finance. DDE/667/06 cutting back/clearing of planter islands Councillor J. O Leary To ask the Manager to have further cutting back/clearing of the planted islands on Llewellyn Park undertaken with all rubbish removed thus acting as a disincentive for drinking parties and anti social behaviour? These areas are listed for attention for the pruning season. DDE/668/06 Footpaths on Glenamuck Road Councillor L. McCarthy To ask the Manager to please examine the footpaths along the Glenamuck Road and please remove the debris in the interest of pedestrian safety? This work is now completed DDE/669/06 Water Supply Pipe Ballybrack Road Councillor L. McCarthy To ask the Manager to please examine the main water supply pipe on Ballybrack Road, Glencullen for asbestos as seen by residents when the pipe was open in front of Stars of Erin football pitch; locals fear the glaze is probably breaking down and becoming 'pitted' thus allowing asbestos into their water supply? The Area Engineer reported that no degradation of the Glencullen watermain was seen by Council staff when the water connection was made. Asbestos watermains have been extensively used around the world since the mid 1950s and surface degradation has not been reported as a problem to human health. Similarly surface degradation has not been noted during maintenance

4 works over the years as a problem in Dun Laoghaire Rathdown. The World Health Organisation considers the concentration of asbestos in drinking water not to represent a hazard to health. DDE/670/06 Ministerial/Departmental/Other Correspondence It was NOTED there were no items for consideration under this heading DDE/671/06 Sandyford High Level Water Scheme It was PROPOSED by Councillor L McCarthy and SECONDED by Councillor T Joyce That the Manager request that the Environment Department of this Council proceed without delay with the long overdue Sandyford High Level Water Scheme. The following report of the Manager was CONSIDERED Sandyford High Level Water Supply Scheme is designed to address the water supply deficiencies in the area surrounding Sandyford, Ballyogan, Carrickmines, Stepaside and Kilternan. Water for the scheme is to be taken from a main supplying water to Stillorgan Reservoir. A pumping station adjacent to the LUAS terminal will supply water to a low level reservoir in Dun Gaoithe, Aikens Village. This reservoir will provide water to areas in Sandyford, Ballyogan and Carrickmines below the 110m contour level. An adjacent pumping station will supply water to a high level reservoir near the junction of Burrow Road and Stepaside Lane. This reservoir will provide water to areas in Sandyford, Stepaside and Kilternan. A significant length of new mains required for the scheme has already been laid as part of other projects. A Design Review Report in 2003 addressed the potential impact of increased development densities and new land zonings. The 2003 report concluded that while the planned scheme could still meet the revised projected demands of 2003, there would be a reduction in average daily storage capacity. Contract documents for the scheme were completed and submitted to the Department for approval. However, significant delays were encountered in obtaining agreement from a landowner to acquire lands for the low level reservoir and pumping station. This prevented the scheme from going forward to construction stage. In light of further planning information contained in the 2004 DLRCC Development Plan and strong evidence of continuing high levels of development growth, as evidenced by the increasing quantity of high density planning applications, a further design review was undertaken at the end of This review examined increased demand projections and options for meeting those demands. The significantly increased demands arose for a variety of reasons, including Change of land use zonings Increased residential densities Increased commercial floor space plot ratios Increase in infill development The recommendations of the 2005 design review were that the scheme capacity be increased as follows: Increase storage at the low level reservoir from 10,000m 3 to 12,500m 3, and at the high level reservoir from to 6,000m 3 to 10,000m 3

5 Increase the pump capacity to deliver this demand at both the low level and high level pumping stations. Increase the size of the un-laid sections of the low level rising main to 700mm diameter, with provision to upgrade the existing sections of 450mm rising main in the future. Increase the size of the un-laid sections of the high level rising main to 500mm diameter, with provision to upgrade the existing sections of 300mm rising main in the future. Agreement was reached in December 2005 with the owner of the lands for the low level reservoir and pumping station. The redesign of the scheme based on the above recommendations commenced early in Updated contract documents have been prepared and submitted to the Department for approval. Based on obtaining timely approval from the Department, it is intended to go to tender before the end of 2006, with construction commencing in September 2007 for completion in June 2009 Following a discussion during which Mr Michael Mangan Senior Engineer responded to the Members queries the Motion was AGREED HOUSING BUSINESS DDE/672/06 QUESTIONS It was proposed by Councillor A Culhane and seconded by Councillor L Cosgrave and RESOLVED That pursuant to Standing Order No. 105 question numbers 2 8 inclusive be ADOPTED and APPROVED DDE/673/06 WINDOW REPLACEMENT Councillor T. Fox The Building Maintenance Inspector inspected the windows on 7 th February, 2005 and reported that the windows needed to be replaced. However, when the Maintenance section endeavoured to replace the windows and doors in 2005 it was not possible to do so A Housing Inspector will visit the dwelling with a view to discussing the matter with the tenant DDE/674/06 Councillor T. Fox Councillor T. Fox To ask the Manager to report on the progress regarding the dampness problem and exterior work in relation to the Council s housing in Hillview Estate and will the Manager please outline the programme of works that the Council has in place for the upgrading of these houses?

6 The Council sought approval from the Department of the Environment Heritage and Local Government under the remedial works scheme to carry out external insulation works and replacement of windows to 28 dwellings in this Estate. After further discussions with the Department it was suggested that consideration be given to rewiring and installing Central Heating A cost estimate is being prepared at present by the Council s Senior Executive Quantity Surveyor for submission to the Department. If approval is granted the tender process can commence DDE/675/06 MAINTENANCE AT NUTGROVE COURT Councillor T. Fox To ask the Manager to report on my request some time ago to have Nutgrove Court included in the Council s planned maintenance programme for exterior painting and repairs as the windows are in urgent need of exterior painting and will the Manager please note that these dwellings were built fourteen years ago and are in urgent need of painting? Nutgrove Court is scheduled for the 2007 Planned Maintenance Works Programme subject to the necessary funding being made available in the 2007 Budget. Inspections are ongoing at present and the programme will include exterior joinery works and external painting. DDE/676/06 RE-DEVLOPMENT OF ROSEMOUNT COURT Councillor P. Hand To ask the Manager to report on the proposed redevelopment of Rosemount Court? Rosemount Court, Dundrum is listed in the Social and Affordable Housing Action Plan 2004 to 2008 under the Remedial Works/Regeneration Programme. In this regard the Council engaged the National Building Agency to carry out a condition survey and to prepare a feasibility study on the various options available to improve conditions there In preparing their report the National Building Agency carried out general research in relation to the existing buildings and utilities, this also included an assessment of the existing accommodation. A number of re-development options were proposed and these options have been assessed by the Housing Department. Arising from this assessment it was decided to undertake work on a number of additional options and this work is being progressed at present. When this work is completed the options will be discussed with the local Councillors and it is also proposed to engage in extensive consultation with the residents Assuming agreement can be reached with the residents on a preferred option a detailed proposal will be forwarded to the Department of the Environment, Heritage and Local Government for approval

7 DDE/677/06 PROPOSED DEVELOPMENT AT KILCROSS GREEN Councillor L. McCarthy To ask the Manager to please confirm that the proposed development at Kilcross Green (Part 8) will commence in March 2007 as indicated previously? The Part 8 Public Consultation Process is complete. The scheme will be presented to the Members at the County Council meeting on 13 th November 2006 for approval. If approved, the Tender process will commence, and a Tender package prepared; this process will take approximately 2 months. It is envisaged that construction will commence as soon as possible after the successful Tenderer is appointed DDE/678/06 REFURBISHMENT OF DWELLING Councillor J. O Leary To ask the Manager to have an inspector visit (address supplied) to see what maintenance work should be carried out in advance of a full refurbishment of the dwelling given that the repairs are outstanding for a number of months and no set date for refurbishment has been set? The Building Maintenance Inspector has been requested to carry out an inspection and provide a report on the condition of the dwelling and any necessary repairs will be carried out when the report is received DDE/679/06 REPAIRS TO MANHOLE AND WALL Councillor J. O Leary To ask the Manager to have the manhole cover and surrounding concrete for the shared septic tank (address supplied) repaired, the concrete wall repaired and the surrounding gorse and undergrowth cut back as measures to reduce the incidents of rats at this location? The Building Maintenance Inspector has been requested to carry out an inspection and report back on the condition of the manhole cover and surrounding concrete, necessary repairs will be carried on receipt of report. DDE/680/06 Naming and Numbering Scheme for Housing Development at Kingston Report: The Council s development of 39 dwellings at Kingston, Ballinteer, Dublin 16 is due to commence in 2007.

8 In order to facilitate the provision of utilities to the development it is necessary to have a naming and numbering scheme in place. Following consultation with the Planning Department it is proposed to name and number the new scheme as: 1 39 Brehon Grove, Ballinteer (1-39 Garrán an Bhreithimh) The Above Report was NOTED DDE/681/06 Ministerial/Departmental/Other Correspondence It was NOTED there were no items for consideration under this heading DDE/682/06 RECYCLING BIN AT NUTGROVE COURT It was PROPOSED by Councillor T Fox and SECONDED by Councillor A Culhane Motion: Councillor T. Fox That the Manager make the necessary arrangements to have the large green recycling bin at Nutgrove Court left out for collection and taken back in as the residents are not physically able to carry out this task. Report: Housing Maintenance is currently in discussion with the contractor who provides this service on behalf of Dun Laoghaire Rathdown County Council regarding the collection of the green bin to resolve this problem. On conclusion of these discussions the Housing Department will forward a response regarding the outcome. The Motion was AGREED CULTURE COMMUNTIY DEVELOPMENT & AMENITIES BUSINESS DDE/683/06 QUESTIONS It was proposed by Councillor G Horkan and seconded by Councillor T Joyce and RESOLVED That pursuant to Standing Order No. 105 question numbers inclusive be ADOPTED and APPROVED DDE/684/06 Cut back Trees in Broadford Estate Councillor P. Hand To ask the Manager to have the trees cut back in Broadford Estate as some of the trees have got very big and they are blocking public lighting?

9 The Parks Department have a number of trees on the Tree Works Programme for Broadford Estate. These are scheduled for attention in the current pruning season. We may not be in a position to deal with additional tree requests this season as we have a very extensive programme of tree works to get through before April. Additional requests will be carried over to the next season unless they present a significant hazard. DDE/685/06 Grass and weeds sprayed Councillor P. Hand To ask the Manager to have the grass and weeds sprayed under the railing at the junction of St. Columbanus Road and Patrick Doyle Road? Arrangements have been made to have the weeds and grass in question chemically sprayed in the coming weeks. DDE/686/06 Investigation into the Stillorgan Heath land swap arrangement Councillor G. Horkan To ask the Manager for an update on the investigation into the Stillorgan Heath land swap arrangement? A report on this matter is currently being prepared by Charles MacNamara, Director of Services DDE/687/06 Management Plan for Fitzsimon's Wood Councillor L. McCarthy To ask the Manager for a complete report on the Management Plan for Fitzsimon's Wood and please indicate a timeframe for the said plan? The management plan for Fitzsimon s Wood is awaiting the completion of a biodiversity audit that is due in November This audit will form part of the Management Plan, which we expect to complete early 2007 DDE/688/06 Planting within Kilcross Estate Councillor L. McCarthy To ask the Manager to please provide and plant a combination of the variegated ivies and virginia creeper on all bare walls within Kilcross Estate, during this planting season?

10 Due to limited resources the Parks Department are unable to plant or maintain climbers on such a large scale. However, should the local residents wish, the Parks Department will supply the climbers mentioned, the planting and maintenance of which will be the responsibility of the local residents. Planting can only be facilitated on open space in the care of Dun Laoghaire Rathdown County Council. The Residents Association should make direct contact with the undersigned in this regard DDE/689/06 Presentation on the Upgrading of the Community Centre at Lambs Cross A presentation was given by Colin Galavan & Associates on the upgrading of the Community Centre at Lambs Cross Following a discussion during which Mr Colin Galavan and Mr Tom Mowlds responded to the members queries it was agreed that this item would be brought back to a future Area Committee Meeting with an application under part 8 of the Planning and Development Act 2000 The report of the Manager was NOTED DDE/690/06 Ministerial/Departmental/Other Correspondence DDE/691/06 Grass verge cut on Overend Way It was PROPOSED by Councillor P Hand and SECONDED by Councillor J O Leary That the Manager has the grass verge cut on a regular basis on Overend Way and have the broken trees replaced. The following report of the Manager was CONSIDERED Report: The verge is currently the responsibility of the Council s Roads Department and has not been completed to facilitate regular grass cutting. The Parks Department are at present liaising with Roads Department to secure the necessary finance for reinstatement works and tree planting to take place. This work will be organised and supervised by Parks Department in liaison with the Roads Area Engineer It is hoped that this work will commence in the coming months and when completed will be included for regular grass cutting by contract The Councillor will be updated on the matter Following a discussion during which Mr Joe Whittle, Senior Parks Superintendent responded to the Members queries the Motion was AGREED DDE/692/06 Stepaside Area Residents Association

11 It was PROPOSED by Councillor L MCCarthy and SECONDED by Councillor T Joyce That the Manager would honour commitments given to the Stepaside Area Residents Association and immediately identify a suitable site and begin proceedings to provide a much needed community centre for the thousands of residents in need of this facility. The following report of the Manager was CONSIDERED The Council recognises the need for a community facility to meet the demands of the expanding community of Stepaside. A site has been identified and discussions are ongoing with the owner of the site. It is hoped that the site will be secured within the next three months. Following a discussion during which Mr Tom Mowlds, Senior Community Officer responded to the Members queries it was agreed that the this will be brought back to the Dundrum Area Committee Meeting in February when the site has been secured. The Motion was AGREED DDE/693/06 Cut back Trees Farrenboley Hill It was PROPOSED by Councillor P. Hand and SECONDED by Councillor L. Cosgrave That the Manager has the trees on both sides of Farrenboley Hill cut back from Dundrum Road junction to Farrenboley Park cottages. The following report of the Manager was CONSIDERED The trees in question are in private property and responsibility for their maintenance and for any remedial works on them is a matter for the property owners. Accordingly, no action in this matter is proposed Following a discussion during which Mr Joe Whittle, Executive Park Superintendent responded to the Members queries it was agreed that Mr Joe Whittle will have another look at the problem and report back to Councillor Hand. The Motion was AGREED DDE/694/06 Conclusion of Meeting The meeting concluded at 5.45pm