Mount Bernard Park
With Summer fast approaching, I have been in contact with the Community Policing Unit in Mountjoy Station to ensure that more visible and regular patrols of the park take place. We must to ensure that our recreational facilities, like those available in Mount Bernard Park, are secure and that they provide a safe environment our families. If there are ever difficulties with anti-social behaviour in the park or on your street, please do not hesitate to contact me and I’ll follow up with the Gardai on your behalf.
Local Housing Projects
Dublin City Council recently submitted plans to the Department of Environment for the development of housing projects in McKee Park and Dunmanus Court. Following minor design changes to the McKee Park project, work is progressing with no delays on construction are expected. The Dunmanus Court development has been delayed following consultation with the Department of the Environment. The Housing and Residential Services section of the City Council is now re-designing the entire project before submitting it again to the Government for review. No time-scale has been provided for completion of this work. I will continue to push the Minister for Housing to ensure this project is given the go-ahead.
Reilly’s Bridge
In November 2009, Dublin City Council commenced the planning process for the construction of an over-bridge at Reilly’s Bridge. It is expected that An Bord Pleanala will provide the City Council with some direction regarding preparation of an Environmental Impact Statement later this summer. This direction will allow the Council to proceed with the planning application for the construction of the bridge. The planning process will allow for a period of public consultation. It is possible that An Bord Pleanala may hold an oral hearing into the planning application – thereby giving local people even more opportunity to ensure their views are heard. The design is currently being prepared by Iarnrod Eirenn. Councillor Mary O’Shea and I have been informed that funding is available under Transport 21. When more information is available on this matter, I will keep you updated.
Draft Dublin City Development Plan 2011 – 2017
The Dublin City Council Development Plan sets out a vision and overall strategy for the proper planning and sustainable development of the city over a six-year period. The current Development Plan expires at the end of next year and a new plan is currently being prepared, which will be in place from 2011 to 2017. Public consultation ended on March 12th with City Councillors receiving a report from management on all submissions received. Councillor Mary O’Shea and her colleagues will have a further opportunity to amend the draft plan in July. The public will have a further chance to make their views known on any material amendments in the autumn. The Development Plan is the planning guidelines upon which all planning applications are judged against – in effect, it is the planning rulebook. I would be interested in hearing your views on what you think the new Development Plan should set as it’s objectives for the coming years. Please contact me with your views or comments so that we can ensure it encompasses all that we want to achieve from it.