Cllr Michael O'Donovan Welcomes Decision of Fingal Planners to demand the Retention of traditional cottage fronts on Main St, Blanchardstown
October 09
PRESS RELEASE
I am very pleased that our County Planners have responded in this fashion to the application to demolish Nos. 4 & 6 St Brigid’s Cottages, Main Street, Blanchardstown.
I particularly welcome the statement by the Planners that “these cottages contribute to the historical character of the streetscape and form an integral part of the character of Blanchardstown Village.”
The Planners are of the view that the more intensive development of this site is acceptable in principle and I agree with that. The issue is that any new development should respect and enhance the special character of these village cottages.
I look forward to the Developers submitting an altered set of plans and I particularly welcome the Planners instructions that the front facades including windows, door openings, roofs and chimneys are to be retained.
Wednesday, November 4, 2009
Clonsilla Village
Cllr Michael O'Donovan lodges Objection to a Proposal for
High-Rise, High Density Apartments in Clonsilla Village.
The Planning Officer
Fingal County Council
Blanchardstown
Dublin 15
6th October 2009
A chara,
I write in response to the additional information recently supplied in relation to the application for houses, apartments and retail units by LaVista developments at Clonsilla Link Road, Dublin 15.
I commend the fact that a row of houses has been “moved” to allow more space between the proposed development and Porters Gate Estate and to allow for the protection of a row of mature trees. I also welcome the reduction in the number of one-bedroom units.
Nevertheless, the basic reasons for my original objection are as relevant as ever:-
1. The design of the apartment blocks is poor. Even the “artists impression” submitted by the developers shows a very unpleasing view and one that is totally out of any sympathy with the village ambience we should be trying to protect.
2. The five story element is in breach of our own plan for Clonsilla Village, a plan which was warmly welcomed by local residents. For us to turn our back on local residents new would set a dreadful precedent.
3. The proposed apartment blocks are right beside two listed structures, St Mary’s Church and the Clonsilla Signal Box, the oldest intact signal box in the country.
4. All the adjacent housing is village style bungalows or two story houses. The apartment block would represent an extraordinary visual intrusion.
5. The density of 27 units to the acre is too high. Higher densities are often permitted near railway stations, but in this instance, other factors must be taken into account. The appropriate development of this site should involve 2,3,4, and even some 5 bedroom town houses up to 2 ½ storeys in height. A good density of 20 per acre (50 per hectare) could comfortably be achieved on this site.
I believe an entirely new application is warranted on this site.
Le meas
Cllr. Michael O’Donovan
Local Councillor, Clonsilla Area
High-Rise, High Density Apartments in Clonsilla Village.
The Planning Officer
Fingal County Council
Blanchardstown
Dublin 15
6th October 2009
A chara,
I write in response to the additional information recently supplied in relation to the application for houses, apartments and retail units by LaVista developments at Clonsilla Link Road, Dublin 15.
I commend the fact that a row of houses has been “moved” to allow more space between the proposed development and Porters Gate Estate and to allow for the protection of a row of mature trees. I also welcome the reduction in the number of one-bedroom units.
Nevertheless, the basic reasons for my original objection are as relevant as ever:-
1. The design of the apartment blocks is poor. Even the “artists impression” submitted by the developers shows a very unpleasing view and one that is totally out of any sympathy with the village ambience we should be trying to protect.
2. The five story element is in breach of our own plan for Clonsilla Village, a plan which was warmly welcomed by local residents. For us to turn our back on local residents new would set a dreadful precedent.
3. The proposed apartment blocks are right beside two listed structures, St Mary’s Church and the Clonsilla Signal Box, the oldest intact signal box in the country.
4. All the adjacent housing is village style bungalows or two story houses. The apartment block would represent an extraordinary visual intrusion.
5. The density of 27 units to the acre is too high. Higher densities are often permitted near railway stations, but in this instance, other factors must be taken into account. The appropriate development of this site should involve 2,3,4, and even some 5 bedroom town houses up to 2 ½ storeys in height. A good density of 20 per acre (50 per hectare) could comfortably be achieved on this site.
I believe an entirely new application is warranted on this site.
Le meas
Cllr. Michael O’Donovan
Local Councillor, Clonsilla Area
Cllr Michael O'Donovan Lodges Objection to the Proposal to Demolish 2 Cottages in Main St Blanchardstown
Senior Planning Office
Dublin 15 Area
Fingal County Council
Blanchardstown
Dublin 15
25th August 2009
Ref: FW09A/0122
A chara,
I write in relation to the above application and I refer in particular to the proposal to demolish two existing cottages and to change the North elevation completely.
I support the idea of bringing life and people into the village and into Main St, Blanchardstown. The site in question is suitable for development. It is a long rectangular site and I do not have a problem with the long back gardens being developed for business use.
My problem is with the notion of demolishing the existing house fronts rather than restoring them.
The row of cottages in question is a long standing feature of the street-scape of Blanchardstown Village. The old black and white photographs show these cottages as an important visual element of the village with the spire of St Brigid’s behind them. We have few enough buildings of this type left in Blanchardstown Village or indeed in Dublin 15 generally due to the pace of development in recent years. I believe our Council has a key role to play in preserving such building by insisting on the retention of these traditional house fronts rather than allowing their demolition.
The artist’s impression of the proposed new street frontage shows a modern shop front with floor to ceiling glass. This is totally out of keeping with the rest of the cottages and should not be permitted
If this demolition is allowed it will set a very worrying precedent. If these cottages can be flattened then so can all the rest.
Again, I wish to state that I do not object to the conversion of the cottages into retail or business use but the existing front elevation should be retained.
I’d be obliged if you would acknowledge receipt of this submission.
Yours sincerely,
Cllr. Michael O’Donovan
Dublin 15 Area
Fingal County Council
Blanchardstown
Dublin 15
25th August 2009
Ref: FW09A/0122
A chara,
I write in relation to the above application and I refer in particular to the proposal to demolish two existing cottages and to change the North elevation completely.
I support the idea of bringing life and people into the village and into Main St, Blanchardstown. The site in question is suitable for development. It is a long rectangular site and I do not have a problem with the long back gardens being developed for business use.
My problem is with the notion of demolishing the existing house fronts rather than restoring them.
The row of cottages in question is a long standing feature of the street-scape of Blanchardstown Village. The old black and white photographs show these cottages as an important visual element of the village with the spire of St Brigid’s behind them. We have few enough buildings of this type left in Blanchardstown Village or indeed in Dublin 15 generally due to the pace of development in recent years. I believe our Council has a key role to play in preserving such building by insisting on the retention of these traditional house fronts rather than allowing their demolition.
The artist’s impression of the proposed new street frontage shows a modern shop front with floor to ceiling glass. This is totally out of keeping with the rest of the cottages and should not be permitted
If this demolition is allowed it will set a very worrying precedent. If these cottages can be flattened then so can all the rest.
Again, I wish to state that I do not object to the conversion of the cottages into retail or business use but the existing front elevation should be retained.
I’d be obliged if you would acknowledge receipt of this submission.
Yours sincerely,
Cllr. Michael O’Donovan
Tuesday, August 4, 2009
LISBON - A KEY QUESTION
“Is Lisbon 2 any different? We already voted “NO” to Lisbon One.”
Cllr Michael’s view
“The difference is not in the treaty but in the guarantees which cover many of the issues that worried voters on the last occasion. Legally-binding guarantees on taxation, on military neutrality, on the right to life, on the family and on education and a solemn declaration on workers’ rights, on social policy and on public services together with the unanimous agreement of 27 Member States that each of them will continue to have a Commissioner, constitutes vital new matter, additional to what was on offer to the electorate last June twelve months.
The guarantees will be attached to the next Treaty as a Protocol. They were drawn up carefully and were agreed with all twenty-six EU Member States to address the concerns and fears that voters say caused them to vote “NO” or stay away from the polling stations on the last occasion.
Cllr Michael’s view
“The difference is not in the treaty but in the guarantees which cover many of the issues that worried voters on the last occasion. Legally-binding guarantees on taxation, on military neutrality, on the right to life, on the family and on education and a solemn declaration on workers’ rights, on social policy and on public services together with the unanimous agreement of 27 Member States that each of them will continue to have a Commissioner, constitutes vital new matter, additional to what was on offer to the electorate last June twelve months.
The guarantees will be attached to the next Treaty as a Protocol. They were drawn up carefully and were agreed with all twenty-six EU Member States to address the concerns and fears that voters say caused them to vote “NO” or stay away from the polling stations on the last occasion.
Friday, July 31, 2009
Cllr Michael's Own View on the Lisbon Treaty
“The Lisbon vote will happen at a time of economic crisis. We are in deep recession. The recession was caused by appalling banking practices, speculation in land, and the failure of the Ahern/Cowan government to act on all the warning signals.
It’s their fault that we are where we are, but we have to act sensibly. I have the view that adopting the Lisbon treaty would be a hugely positive step, a declaration of intent to move forward with our fellow EU states. An isolationist policy at present would be economic suicide. We need the single market in the EU; we need continuing foreign direct investment; we need the generous loans from the European Central Bank and the European Investment Bank. Ratification of the Lisbon Treaty will mean fuller engagement with the EU for the future and can be enormously beneficial to our economic recovery.
Nobody has anything to fear from the Lisbon Treaty on this occasion but rather we have a lot to gain from ratifying it and from forging a closer link with Europe.
The Charter of Fundamental Rights which is part of the Lisbon Treaty includes the following benefits for Irish workers:-
· The right of workers to information and consultation in their place of work
· The right to collective bargaining and action
· Protection against unfair dismissal
· The right to fair and just working conditions
· A prohibition on the exploitation of younger workers.
Labour has produced a small booklet on the Charter of Fundamental Rights. If you would like a copy, e-mail me your postal address and I’ll send it to you.
Cllr Michael O’Donovan’s six reasons to vote “yes” to Lisbon:
1. Ireland to continue to be fully engaged with Europe
2. An Irish Commissioner at all times
3. The Charter of Fundamental Rights
4. Legally-binding Guarantees on Taxation, Military Neutrality and the Right to Life, the Family and Education
5. Solemn Declaration on Workers’ Rights, Social Policy and Public Services
6. Foreign Direct Investment for our industries and export markets for our produce, thereby creating jobs for our people.
The Lisbon Treaty
On Friday 2 October, the Irish people will vote on the Lisbon Treaty. Between now and referendum day, this website will be regularly updated with information on this important treaty. If you are a resident of Dublin 15, feel free to e-mail me any questions you have. I will try to reply, and if some new issue is thrown up, I will put it on the website.
My email address is: michael.odonovan@fingalcoco.ie
My email address is: michael.odonovan@fingalcoco.ie
Friday, June 12, 2009
Thank You
GO RAIBH MAITH AGAIBH!
My thanks to the voters of Dublin 15 who have again placed their confidence in me.
It was a good election for Labour. Labour in Fingal has gone from 6 to 9 seats. As the largest party on the council, we have a major role to play over the next five years in making our area a better place to live in, and we’ll have to do this within severe financial constraints. But the job must be done.
Cuirim failte i gconaí roimh glaochanna agus e-mail ó mhuintir Baile Átha Cliath 15.
Fón 087 2207798 nó e-phost michael.odonovan@fingalcoco.ie. Ach, mar a deirim, táim buíoch díbh as na votaí.
Arís, go raibh mile maith agaibh.
Michael O’Donovan
Local Councillor
My thanks to the voters of Dublin 15 who have again placed their confidence in me.
It was a good election for Labour. Labour in Fingal has gone from 6 to 9 seats. As the largest party on the council, we have a major role to play over the next five years in making our area a better place to live in, and we’ll have to do this within severe financial constraints. But the job must be done.
Cuirim failte i gconaí roimh glaochanna agus e-mail ó mhuintir Baile Átha Cliath 15.
Fón 087 2207798 nó e-phost michael.odonovan@fingalcoco.ie. Ach, mar a deirim, táim buíoch díbh as na votaí.
Arís, go raibh mile maith agaibh.
Michael O’Donovan
Local Councillor
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