Author Archives: david

Howth SAAO Committee to meet

As I am now chair of the Howth/Malahide Area Committee, I am also chair
of the Howth Special Amenity Area Order Committee.  Unfortunately
the Committee has not met for about 2 years;  there has been no
clear explanation of why this is the case.  I will be ensuring
that the SAAO Committee meets regularly and I submitted a motion in
relation to this to the Area Committee on 15th September, which was
agreed.

Playground in Howth

The proposed playground at Howth Harbour was approved by the area
committee on 15th September.  I proposed that it be approved and
that it be designed with a local maritime theme and in consultation
with Howth Sutton Community Council.  This was agreed and the
playground will be built in time for next Summer.

Playground in Sutton

At the Area Committee meeting on 15th September, after public
consultation, the committee decided to drop the proposal for a
playground at Greenfield Road in Sutton.  It also agreed to
approve the proposed playground at Howth Harbour.

I agreed with both these decisions.  Having given an election
commitment to support playgrounds, I feel I should explain my decision
in relation to the Sutton site.  The overriding consideration was
the lack of any positive support for the playgrounds or indication of
any local demand for them.  The purpose of these small playgrounds
is to provide a facility for local use.  None of the 30 separate
submissions indicated a demand for a playground in this area.

A copy of the report on the public consultation is below.

FINGAL COUNTY COUNCIL

MALAHIDE/HOWTH AREA COMMITTEE
(SERVICES B)

PLANNING, PROPERTY AND ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT, HOUSING, COMMUNITY, RECREATION AND AMENITIES, GENERAL BUSINESS]

THURSDAY 15TH SEPTEMBER 2005

ITEM NO. 39 (b)

PROPOSED PROVISION OF A PLAYGROUND AT GREENFIELD ROAD, SUTTON – REPORT
PURSUANT TO PART XI OF THE PLANNING AND DEVELOPMENT ACTS 2000-2002

Fingal County Council proposes to provide a playground at one of two
possible locations, shown as A and B on site location map of Greenfield
Road, Sutton. The sketch plans of the proposed development were
presented to the Malahide/Howth (Services B) meeting on the 16th June
2005 where it was agreed that the procedure pursuant to Part XI of the
Local Government Planning and Development Acts 2000-2002 be initiated.

In accordance with Part VIII of the Planning and Development
Regulations 2001 public notice of the Council’s intention to provide
the playground was published in the Irish Independent on the 5th July
2005 and a site notice was erected on site the same day.

Plans and particulars of the proposed development were made available
for inspection between the hours of 9.30 a.m. to 12.30 p.m. and 2.00
p.m. to 4.00 p.m. on working days from Tuesday 5th July 2005 until
Wednesday 3rd August 2005 at the following offices of Fingal County
Council:-

•    Parks Division, Fingal County Council, County Hall, Main Street, Swords
•    Baldoyle Library, The Mall, Baldoyle, Dublin 13

Submissions or observations with respect to the proposed development
dealing with the proper planning and sustainable development of the
area in which the development would be situated were to be made in
writing to Mr Gerry Fitzgerald, Senior Executive Parks Superintendent,
Parks Division, Fingal County Council, County Hall, Main Street, Swords
on or before Wednesday 17th August 2005.

The period during which submissions or observations in respect of the
proposed development may be made to the Local Authority has expired.
This report is being submitted to the Council in accordance with the
requirements of Article 179(3) of the Planning and Development Act 2000
which states that a report, in accordance with sub-article (b) shall –

“(i) Describe the nature and extent of the proposed development and the principal features thereof”

Each proposed playground will be approximately 400 square metres in area (20m x 20m)

Will be equipped with play equipment suitable for children under 8 years of age.

Playground boundary will be secured with a railing 1.2 to 1.5 metres high.

The area will be surfaced with tarmac with safer surface (rubber tile,
rubber wet pour, loose rubber or wood fibre) provided within the
critical fall areas.

The playgrounds are intended to serve the needs to children living
locally and should not be seen as a regional facility. Though there may
be visitors from other estates when the playgrounds open.

Fingal County Council will seek, by public tender, qualified
contractors to design and construct the playground including all
surfacing, boundary treatment and play equipment

“(ii) Evaluate whether or not the proposed development would be
consistent with the proper planning and sustainable development of the
area to which the development relates, having regard to the provisions
of the Development Plan and giving reasons and considerations for the
evaluation”.

The area in which it is proposed to develop the proposed playground is
zoned “F” in the 1999-2004 Fingal County Council Development
Plan.  This zoning objective is “to preserve and provide for open
space and recreational amenities”.  It is considered that the
proposed development would not be contrary to this objective.

“(iii) List the persons or bodies who made submissions or observations
with respect to the proposed development in accordance with the
Regulations under sub-section (2)”.

See Appendix A

“(iv) Summarise the issues, with respect to the proper planning and
sustainable development of the area in which the proposed development
would be situate, raised in any submissions or observations, and give
the response of the Manager thereto”.
See Appendix B

“(v) Recommend whether or not the proposed development should be
proceeded with as proposed, or as varied or modified as recommended in
this report, or should not be proceeded with, as the case may be”.

Given that location B is close of a drainage gripe that occasionally
fills with water, and that there is no practical way at present to
eliminate this risk, the Council is of the opinion that location A
would be the preferred location for the playground.  Given that
this site is located adjacent to a busy road this proposal should only
proceed on the condition that a road crossing is provided. If the
members approve of the proposal the appropriate arrangements will be
made to proceed with the development of the facility.
Appendix A

LIST OF PERSONS OR BODIES WHO MADE SUBMISSIONS OR OBSERVATIONS ON OR BEFORE 4 p.m. ON WEDNESDAY AUGUST 17TH 2005

…

Appendix B
SUMMARY OF ISSUES RAISED IN SUBMISSIONS AND OBSERVATIONS ON PROVISION OF PLAYGROUND AT GREENFIELD ROAD, SUTTON.

SUBMISSION    RESPONSE
1    Visually Obtrusive    The Council is
of the opinion due to the proposed size of the playground ie 20m x 20m
that residents’ views of the bay area will not be obstructed.
2    Safety of Children-(a) Proximity to main road (b)
Rodents at Shoreline    (a) The provision of a
playground at this location will depend on the provision of a
pedestrian crossing. Should the Members approve this project
discussions will be held with the Council’s Transportation Department.
(b) Any reports of vermin at this location would be immediately referred to the Health Services Executive for immediate action.
3    Disturbance of  Winter Feeding Ground of Brent
Geese    The species of geese in question regularly
inhabit used open space in this and other locations in the County. The
Council does not consider that the provision of a playground at this
location would adversely affect the geese. However, the Wildlife
Service will be requested to examine the matter and it’s views will be
taken on board.
4    Exposure from Coastal Wind    The
Council recognises that limited use of the playground at certain times
of the year due to weather conditions will occur. It is envisaged by
the Council that the playground would only be used by children on
suitable dry days, therefore the issue of shelter is not seen as a
factor that would stop the playground being used.

5    Car Parking    Whilst  the
proposed playground is intended to serve the needs of children living
locally it is indeed for all children and this will therefore result in
additional usage in summer. The Council  is of the opinion
that  there is adequate car parking available adjacent to the
Church. The provision of a playground at this location will depend on
the provision of a pedestrian crossing.
6    Anti-social behaviour/Vandalism
It is not anticipated that either of the proposed locations would
represent more of a risk from anti social elements  than other
similar type playgrounds in situ throughout the County.
7    Need for such a facility    The
Council’s view is that the provision of a playground in this facility
will improve the level of facilities in this area  for children
and is in line with Council policy on play facility provision.
8    Too close to sea  and drainage trench.
Area  prone to flooding.    Location B is prone to
flooding in extreme weather conditions. Should the playground proceed
at this location the reports of consultants working on drainage in
Dublin bay area at present will guide its design. Location A is not
prone to flooding.
10    Coastal location would lead to rapid corrosion of
equipment    The equipment in the proposed playground
would be of galvanised steel construction, which should reduce
corrosion. It will be finished to a high quality.
11    Baltray, Howth would be a better
location    It is Council policy to provide a number of
playgrounds in each electoral area. The location suggested can be
investigated.

Section 140 motion about waste beside Pobalscoil Neasáin

{mosimage}Since the June area committee meeting where I raised this
issue for the second time (see report below of 16th
June) there has been no change.  The waste is still on
site.  Therefore together with my Green colleagues on the Council,
I have submitted a section 140 motion to formally direct the County
Manager to have the waste removed. I have taken a few photos of the
waste on the site.  The tarmac and concrete are placed there by
the Council.  The appliances etc. are copycat dumping.

Text of Section 140 motion to be considered on 12th September 2005
We
the members of Fingal County Council, pursuant to S.140 of the Local
Government Act 2001, hereby require that the waste consisting of broken
tarmac and all other waste on the Council’s site adjoined by Pobalscoil
Neasáin in Baldoyle be removed without delay.

Cllrs. David Healy, Robert Kelly and Joe Corr
{mosimage}{mosimage}

Fáilte

Fáilte go dtí mo suíomh idirlíne.  Is ball tofa Glas mé de Comhairle Contae Fine Gall, do toghceantar Bhinn Éadair.  Tá sé d’intinn agam an chuid is mó de mo obair mar chomhairleoir contae a chur suas ar an suíomh seo.  Déan teangmháil liom ar aon chuid de na ábhair seo nó aon rud eile a bhaineann le m’obair mar chomhairleoir glas – 01 8324087, david.healy@fingalcoco.ie

Consultation in relation to transport in Howth

A study is to be carried out to include a number of aspects of traffic in Howth.  Parking is probably the central issue and is the one which has set it off.  The impetus as far as I can decipher is two-fold: Firstly the Department of the Marine has let Fingal know that they are considering putting parking charges in the Harbour area due to the level of non-harbour traffic.  Secondly Fingal’s imposition of parking charges in Malahide is considered to be a success both by the Council and local interests.  Additionally Fingal is using parking charges in Balbriggan to fund a local bus service.


The current study is wider than just parking.  At this stage, there is a process of open consultation for people to raise their concerns. You can read the notice below, but please note the deadline has now been extended to 30th September.  I emphasised at our Area Committee meeting that the important thing at this stage is to determine the goals of the study i.e what problems are to be addressed and what is to be achieved?  It is worth putting your comments on what you would like to see to the Council by the extended deadline of 30th September.  If and when plans are drawn up, there will be consultation on those proposals.

COMHAIRLE CONTAE FHINE GALL

FINGAL COUNTY COUNCIL

NOTICE OF INTENTION TO PREPARE TRAFFIC AND PARKING MANAGEMENT SCHEME FOR HOWTH

In advance of the preparation of the preliminary design for traffic management scheme for Howth, it is proposed to conduct a comprehensive pre-consultation process with all stakeholders. The issues to be addressed in the proposed scheme will include the following:-

1.      Traffic and Parking Management Measures

Following on the success of a pilot Pay and Display scheme in Malahide, it is proposed to consider the introduction of a similar scheme and traffic management measures in Howth with the objective of reducing traffic speeds, reducing traffic congestion, increasing turnover of spaces and opportunity of parking in key areas if appropriate, improving pedestrian safety and pedestrian facilities, provision of appropriate speed limits, introducing resident permits for all residents in the proposed pay and display zones, revising parking layout, assessing locations of bus stops, identifying a taxi rank if needed, assessment of off street car parking, and improvement of public amenity.

2. Bus priority measures

To be considered as an integral part of the scheme.

Invitation of submissions.

Your views/comments in relation to parking/traffic management issues in Howth would be welcomed. In this regard, we would ask that all submissions be made in writing to Mr. P. Caulfield, to arrive in County Hall, Main Street, Swords not later than close of business on 30tth 2005 or by email to Roads@fingalcoco.ie.

Staff of Transportation Department will be available to meet with the various stakeholders.   

PETER CAULFIELD

SENIOR EXECUTIVE OFFICER.

Council business submitted 18th August 2005

I have listed the following motions and questions for the
Council and the Howth/Malahide Area Committee.  I will report on
each item on this site after the meetings.  In the links section
of this website is a link to the County Council website where you can
find the full agenda of all upcoming council meetings. 

That the Manager arrange for the temporary construction area for the
sewage pipeline to Ringsend which part of the foreshore at Sutton Creek
was infilled to be removed and the foreshore restored to its previous
condition as planned.

That the Manager produce a report
containing a draft of the intended process for drawing up a possible
traffic and parking management scheme for Howth.

That the
Manager report on the current status of proposed new or altered roads
in the Baldoyle/Portmarnock area, with a map to show routes under
consideration, proposed designs in planning permissions etc., and in
particular options for for the pedestrian and cyclist routes along the
Estuary.

That the Manager report on progress in increasing the
number of bottle-banks in the area, including an explanation of how
bottle banks come to be removed and whether he considers Councillors
should have any role in this.

To
ask the Manager to erect signs on the slipway on Strand Roadin Baldoyle
informing the public that the use of jet-skis in the area and the use
of the slipway to launch jet-skis is banned.

To ask the Manager to report on progress in relation to enforcement at Barnmore Ltd in Baldoyle Industrial Estate

To
ask the Manager whether the promenade along Strand Road in Baldoyle has
been handed over and if so what is the cleaning schedule for it

To
ask the Manager if the Transportation Department will meet with
residents of Strand Roadin Baldoyle to discuss their concerns.

Motion:
That the Manager bring forward plans for a consulation process 
with the local community and with community and sporting organisations
in order to prepare for the drawing up of plans for the provision of
the Millennium Park in Baldoyle.

That the Manager report on the
fires in cut vegetation left in Seagrange Park, how many times the fire
brigade was called out to extinguish such fires during August and the
dates of these calls, and what plans are in place to prevent a
re-occurence of these fires.

That the Manager report on the
boundary between Admiral Park and Castlerosse, including the planning
conditions applicable to the developments, the Parks Department’s
actions over the summer, the Parks Department’s intentions in the
future and why Councillors and the public are not even being informed,
not to mind consulted in relation to the Parks Department’s actions.

To
ask the Manager what the current situation is in relation to the
proposed all-weather pitch and community facilities in Baldoyle.

The Green Party/ An Comhaontas Glas

 

Party Principles

The Green Party/Comhaontas Glas adopted at its foundation these seven principles by consensus:

  1. The impact of society on the environment should not be ecologically disruptive.
  2. Conservation of resources is vital to a sustainable society.
  3. All political, social and economic decisions should be taken at the lowest effective level.
  4. Society should be guided by self-reliance and co-operation at all levels.
  5. As caretakers of the Earth, we have the responsibility to pass it on in a fit and healthy state.
  6. The need for world peace overrides national and commercial interests.
  7. The poverty of two-thirds of the world’s family demands a redistribution of the world’s resources.

About Dublin North-East Greens

Dublin North-East Greens have been active since 1989 when our candidate
Máire Mullarney ran in the General Election.  We have had
councillors elected in both Howth and Donaghmede wards.  We have
meetings most months to discuss local issues and electoral
campaigns.  New members are always welcome.