RECENT FLOODING
Unfortunately, too many families were affected by the severe flooding that occurred at the end of October. Indeed, in some parts of Dublin Central family homes were flooded for the third and fourth time in as many years. I saw for myself the devastation caused by the flooding and my sympathies go to all whose homes were damaged and lost treasured possessions. The City Council will be publishing its comprehensive report into the flooding on December 15th next and I understand that detailed relief measures will be included in that report. I have spoken to Brian Hayes TD, Minister for the Office of Public Works and he has assured me that funding is available through the Capital Investment Programme, so it is essential that Dublin City Council prepare flood alleviation measures as quickly as possible so as to avail of this funding.
DART UNDERGROUND
No decision has yet been taken by An Bord Pleanala in relation to the draft Railway Order submitted by Irish Rail to construct the proposed DART Underground. The planning process for this project included the longest Oral Hearing in the history of the State. A decision is expected early in the new year. However, the announcement of the Government’s Capital Investment Programme has confirmed the decision of the previous administration to defer any possible construction works on this project until 2015 at the earliest. The Government decided that the only large scale transport infrastructural project that can proceed is the LUAS extension to Broombridge.
LOCAL CRIME
There has been much concern among the East Wall community regarding the recent spate of burglaries in the area. Throughout the past number of weeks, properties have been broken into and a considerable amount of personal belongings have been stolen. Both Councillor McAdam and I have been liaising with local Gardai in respect of this situation and we have been re-assured that a strong operation is now in place to tackle the problem. It is important that residents take all necessary steps to ensure your home is secure and that doors and windows are properly locked because some of the robberies that have occurred recently took place with residents actually in their homes. Let me assure you that Ray and I will seeking an update on the status of Garda plans at next week’s Central Area Policing Committee meeting and we will provide with more information afterwards.
FAIRVIEW PARK PLAYGROUND WORKS
Residents continue to seek updates from Councillor Ray McAdam and I about when work will start on the construction of the new playground in Fairview Park. Ray has informed me that the City Council agreed the contracts allowing work to begin on December 12th next. It is expected that these works will continue for a period of twenty-one weeks meaning that the new playground should be open for early summer 2012. I understand that the contract agreed by the Parks and Landscape Division of the City Council deals with the construction of the new playground, bandstand as well as seasonal bedding improvements. The temporary playground will remain in place and will be maintained until the permanent playground is available for use.