Dear Resident
Please find an update on local matters in the local community. If I can help you with these or any other matters do not hesitate to contact me.
Senator Paschal Donohoe
Thank you again for your support and kindness during the General Election campaign. I am very grateful to you all for your support and will continue to do my best on behalf of the area. As you may be aware, I was recently elected to serve in Seanad Eireann. This will allow me to raise local issues on a national stage and more effectively represent the community. In the last number of days I have raised matters of concern with the government such as the need for better planning of local health services and the need for investment in mental health services.
Introducing – Mary O’Shea
Mary O’Shea will be co-opted to Dublin City Council on October 2nd as my replacement. As a senator I can no longer serve as a City Councillor. Mary has lived in our community for the last 15 years. She is originally from Kerry, and is a law graduate from Trinity College Dublin. She has worked as a solicitor and has been a very active member of Fine Gael for many years. She has a teenage daughter and lives in Dalcassian Downs. I am delighted that Mary will be joining the Council as I know she will do an excellent job as a City Councillor.
New Phoenix Park Train Station
The target opening date for this new station is December 2007. This train station will only be dealing with outer suburban services (eg the Maynooth line). It is crucial that the opening of this station does not result in:-
- A reduction in the number of services stopping at Ashtown station.
- A reduction in investment for this train station by Iarnrod Eireann.
I have written to the Chairperson of Iarnrod Eireann emphasising the importance of these issues to him. In this letter I have also raised the need for automated ticketing at the Ashtown Station. If you have a particular view in relation to the operation and use of this station please do not hesitate to contact either Mary or Paschal.
Ashtown Grove Lands
As you may know the City Council have agreed to convert the land at this site to proper car parks. This follows public consultation with residents in the area. The next steps on this land are as follows:-
- Another consultation period regarding parking layout on this site.
- Working to secure the funding for this work as part of next year’s work plan.
This land is a landmark site in the Navan Road district as it provides the public entrance into local estates. It is therefore important that the Council provide an attractive and practical design for this site. Mary and Paschal will work with the Council and local residents to make this happen.
McKee Senior Citizen Complex Update
The tendering process for this complex ended in early October 2007. Dublin City Council expect to apply for planning permission for this complex by the end of this year. This means that work on the project is likely to start in mid 2008. This centre will provide 38 1 bedroom units, 2 2-bedroom units and 1 community facility. Mary and I will work with Dublin City Council for this project to be completed as soon as possible.