CABRA CANVASS FOLLOW UP – June 2008

22nd June, 2008

Dear Resident,

I am writing to update you on matters that were raised with me during my canvass of your home. As a member of the Oireachtas representing the community, I am also writing to give you an update on my work in Seanad Eireann on your behalf.


Your local Fine Gael Councillor, Mary O’Shea and I are working to represent both you and the Cabra community. Please do not hesitate to contact either of us if you would like to raise any local or national matter.

REPRESENTING YOU IN SEANAD EIREANN

As a Senator, I work on legislation and issues that are important nationally and which have an impact on our local community. The main areas that I am focusing on at the moment include: –

· The Dublin Transport Authority: Legislation has now been published to set up an organisation to deliver strategic planning for the transport needs of the Dublin region. I have been successful in having a number of amendments accepted to this legislation to improve the focus on passengers and commuters.

· Standards in rental accommodation: I am continuing to press the Government to publish new regulations to improve living conditions for both tenants and neighbours of rental property. I expect this to be done later in the year.

· Health Service Executive Funding of Local Facilities: working to make sure that local health centres and facilities are not jeopardised by HSE cutbacks.

CROKE PARK MATCH DAY PARKING AND CABRA

Dublin City Council have published a plan for match day parking in the vicinity of Croke Park. This plan will not allow parking within a vicinity of the stadium unless a permit is displayed. The cordon will not include any area in Cabra. This plan will have a substantial impact on match day parking and traffic management in the community. The proposed by laws, a briefing document and a map of the proposed cordon are available at www.dublincity.ie. The deadline for submissions is rapidly approaching so I want to make sure that you are aware of the proposals and that you have an opportunity to influence them.

Dublin City Council will consider submissions made by any person in relation to the proposed Bye-Laws. Such submissions must be made in writing to Mr. Tim O’Sullivan, Executive Manager, Roads and Traffic Department at Roads and Traffic Department, Block 2, Floor 4, Civic Offices, Wood Quay, Dublin 8 or by email to traffic@dublincity.ie before 4.30pm on 19th June 2008.


PLANS FOR DEVELOPMENT OF LAND BETWEEN MOUNT BERNARD PARK AND ST ATTRACTA ROAD

The Phibsborough Area Plan contained suggestions for the development of the land between St Attracta Road and the back of Mount Bernard Park. In response to local submissions the City Council have now proposed the following changes to the Area Plan:-

· Dublin City Council will seek to acquire the disused Iarnrod Eireann land to extend Mount Bernard Park.

· Agreement to prepare a master plan for the expansion and enhancement of the Park.

· Deletion of the objective of mews development for residencies adjacent to the Park.

· Agreement to produce a bio- diversity action plan.

Councillors will be reviewing this plan and will be looking to either accept or reject it on their monthly July meeting.

DEVELOPMENT OF LAND BESIDE THE CHURCH OF THE MOST PRECIOUS BLOOD

The City Council are looking to use the land between the Church and Dunmanus Road for the provision of further accommodation in the area. The Department of the Environment are currently considering a request for funding to deliver this. I will raise this request for funding within Seanad Eireann and request that local residents be fully briefed and consulted on any future plans.

I am privileged to serve you in Seanad Eireann. If Mary O’Shea or I can ever be of help to you please do not hesitate to contact me.

Yours Sincerely

Senator Paschal Donohoe / FINE GAEL – DUBLIN CENTRAL