City Centre Update from Councillor Ray McAdam working with Paschal Donohoe TD

24th May, 2012

BIN COLLECTIONS

Since the change-over by Dublin City Council to Greyhound, I have received a huge amount of calls and emails from residents expressing their dismay, anger and frustration at the way in which this matter was handled. Let me say quite categorically, both Dublin City Council and Greyhound failed to adequately explain how the change-over would work, how customers could pay or register for their collections and when bins would be collected. People also contacted me to simply ask WHY the City Council was no longer collecting their bins. So let me answer some of these questions. Firstly, why the change-over?

Since the mid-90s, Dublin City Council has been competing against other companies in a private market to collect household waste. Unfortunately, the City Council has been experiencing a significant loss in customer numbers in recent years and accordingly was losing huge amounts of money per year. For example, in 2011, it cost the Council €45m to provide the service whilst it only gained €20m in revenue. If the Council remained in the business for 2012, the €25m deficit would have had to be made up from somewhere else within the Budget and accordingly other services like public lighting, Library service and street cleaning would have had to be either greatly reduced or cut full stop.

For customers in Stoneybatter with black & green bags our collection day is Monday. The green bags will be collected every second Monday. If you have not received a calendar yet from Greyhound, please let me know and I’ll arrange for one to be sent to you. There are eleven other companies in the City Council area who are permitted to collect household waste, so if you are not happy with the service provided by Greyhound, please get in touch with me and I’ll provide you with this list so you can inquire any changing to an alternative collector.

O’DEVANEY GARDENS REGENERATION

Since becoming a Board member of the O’Devaney Gardens Regeneration Project in 2009, I have endeavoured to keep residents updated on how the project is progressing. You might already be aware that An Bord Pleanala has approved planning permission for development of the entire O’Devaney site. When you think where the project was only a few short years ago, this represents a very positive step. However, before construction work can begin we need to guarantee funding for the project. Both Paschal Donohoe TD and I have spoken with the Minister for the Environment Phil Hogan TD and we understand that limited funding may be available. However alternative avenues of funding will have to be examined. One such proposal currently being considered by the City Council is that one or more approved housing bodies establishing a consortium to apply for monies through the Housing Finance Agency. I believe that work is on-going with this proposal and that an application maybe lodged shortly. Let me assure you that I will continue to do what I can within Fine Gael and on Dublin City Council to ensure that this essential project moves forward and that construction work can begin as quickly as possible. If you have any questions or queries about this project, please get in touch with me.

TACKLING PROSTITUTION

Unfortunately, the problem of prostitution in the Arbour Hill area has worsened since I was in touch with you prior to Christmas. A number of residents have spoken to me about their concerns over the increasing level of prostitution, particularly since the turn of the year. Whilst I very much welcome the success An Garda Siochana has had with OPERATION KERBSIDE in alleviating this problem over recent years, I think it is necessary that an even more concerted and concentrated plan be maintained if we are to ensure that the level of prostitution in the area does not get out of hand. I will continue to work closely with the Bridewell on this matter and I’ll keep you informed about the progress of OPERATION KERBSIDE.

DRAINAGE

I continue to liaise with the Drainage Division of Dublin City Council to ensure that there is a regular programme of shore and gully cleaning in the Stoneybatter area. Recent streets that have had shores and gullies cleaned include:

  • Murtagh Road:
    cleaned on December 9th:
    2 of 3 shores cleaned
  • Ivar Street:
    cleaned on November 25th:
    3 of 5 shores cleaned
  • Manor Street:
    cleaned on December 21st:
    14 of 17 shores cleaned
  • Sigurd Road:
    cleaned on December 6th:
    5 of 5 shores cleaned
  • Sitric Road:
    cleaned on December 9th:
    5 of 6 shores cleaned
  • Viking Place:
    cleaned on December 22nd:
    3 of 4 shores cleaned

If you are not satisfied about the level of shore or gully cleaning on your street, please let me know and I’ll arrange to have those shores cleaned. Please contact me on 086 847 1720 or raymcadam@gmail.com.

SMITHFIELD UPGRADE – PROJECT UPDATE

During recent canvasses in the area, residents have questioned me about the works taking place in Smithfield and when they are expected to be completed. Work on the Smithfield enhancement scheme has been undertaken across a number of phases. Most of the initial work has been completed with the exception of planters to be put in place and trees planted which is expected to be finished by mid-March. The resurfacing of New Church Street, Bow Street and May Lane has been completed while works continue on Haymarket. Public lighting on these streets and in Smithfield Square itself has been upgraded. Feature lighting has also been installed on either side of the LUAS line. The final phase of the project involves the construction and fit out of the welfare building which I understand will be in place by the end of this month. A tender process has begun for the supply and installation of the equipment for the new playground. Tenders were received last month so this part will advance very quickly. Whilst the physical upgrade is important, it is essential that we have a plan to best utilise this area as well. That is why the City Council is developing a cultural and recreational plan at my urging. I will provide you with an update on this aspect of the Smithfield enhancement scheme in next month’s newsletter.

OTHER LOCAL NEWS…

The Traffic Department of the City Council is currently examining a request from residents on HALLIDAY SQUARE to have permit parking and Pay & Display introduced. A further update will be available shortly.

Dublin City Council Planners have sought further information on a number of points on the planning application (3588/11) to construct a 93-bed nursing home on the Motor Valu site on Prussia Street. A final decision will not be known for some time yet. I’ll continue to keep residents informed of developments.

Officials from the Derelict Sites Section of the City Council continue to follow up with the owners of properties on AUGHRIM STREET and PRUSSIA STREET demanding that maintenance works be completed in an effort to improve their appearance. If there properties like this on your street, please contact me and I’ll follow up with the Derelict Sites Section