A Brief Note of some Local Issues from Cllr Michael O’Donovan, Mayor
· Planning Application for a Pharmacy in Latchford
Some residents were unhappy about this proposal feeling it would bring extra traffic into the estate, and that a pharmacy should be sited in a designated neighbourhood shopping area.
I lodged a formal objection, as did the residents association.
The application has been declared invalid for technical reasons and is being withdrawn, at least for the present. I will keep you informed of any further developments.
· Flooding:
Officials from Fingal’s Water Services department are continuing to investigate the flooding of recent months. They have instructed developers in eight instances to carry out an audit of water and drainage services in the affected estates. I will keep you informed of progress on this issue. Fingal Council will not take any estate into charge until developers have fully addressed the “snag list” drawn up by the Council.
· New Website;
The Ongar Community Council has set up a new website www.ongar-residents.com. It will contain information about the neighbourhood as well as contact links for residents who have questions or comments.
I commend the hard work of all concerned and formally launched the website last week.
Feel free to contact me at any time on 087-2207798 or michael.odonovan@fingalcoco.ie.
Le meas,
___________________________
Cllr Michael O’Donovan
Local Councillor Ongar Area
Mayor of Fingal
Wednesday, October 22, 2008
Tuesday, October 14, 2008
Refusal of Planning Permission for ALDI Proposal
Permission has been refused by An Bord Pleanala for the ALDI proposal to build a supermarket and multi-story apartment block in the centre of Clonsilla Village, across from the entrance to Castlefield.
The Board supporting the earlier refusal by Fingal Council, stated that the proposal was in conflict with the recently completed Planning Strategy for Clonsilla. The Board also supports the Councils’ view that this site should be a village centre style “civic area adjoining the Royal Canal.”
We must be practical here. ALDI still own the site. (Apparently they paid about €7 million for it!). They will clearly want to apply again to develop it, but they must do so in a way that is sympathetic to the existing village and must consult with local residents and public representatives.
I consider this decision to be a victory for good planning and for the community, and I particularly thank those who attended our public meetings and who signed the petition.
If you would like to contact me on this or any other issue, feel free to call me on 087-2207798 or by e-mail to michael.odonovan@fingalcoco.ie.
Cllr Michael O’Donovan
Local Councillor, Clonsilla Area
The Board supporting the earlier refusal by Fingal Council, stated that the proposal was in conflict with the recently completed Planning Strategy for Clonsilla. The Board also supports the Councils’ view that this site should be a village centre style “civic area adjoining the Royal Canal.”
We must be practical here. ALDI still own the site. (Apparently they paid about €7 million for it!). They will clearly want to apply again to develop it, but they must do so in a way that is sympathetic to the existing village and must consult with local residents and public representatives.
I consider this decision to be a victory for good planning and for the community, and I particularly thank those who attended our public meetings and who signed the petition.
If you would like to contact me on this or any other issue, feel free to call me on 087-2207798 or by e-mail to michael.odonovan@fingalcoco.ie.
Cllr Michael O’Donovan
Local Councillor, Clonsilla Area
Tuesday, September 9, 2008
Circular Letter to the Residents of Latchford
28th August 2008
TO: RESIDENTS OF LATCHFORD
A brief note on some local issues from Cllr Michael O’Donovan
Education matters: After many years of frustration on the part of local residents, school provision is finally taking a step forward with the opening of Pobalscoil Setanta, the new V.E.C. run secondary school. Primary school provision has also expanded. I am happy that no child in the area should be without a school place this September. Unfortunately, as a result of poor forward planning by successive Ministers for Education, the school will open in temporary premises. Fortunately, the temporary building is a very high quality one and a full new state-of-the-art secondary school will be in service in two years time.
Flood Protection: About 16 homes in Latchford were particularly badly hit by the flooding, and it will, I reckon, be almost six months before the situation is finally put right and the residents can again live in comfort.
It is vital that this dreadful situation does not happen again. I am arranging for residents to examine the drawings of the water and drainage provisions. I also want Fingal’s Water and Drainage teams to inspect the system using fibre optics.
In the meantime, I have asked the Council’s teams to pay particular attention to clearing gratings etc in the area.
My colleague Joan Burton T.D. and I will continue to work with residents until this matter is fully sorted out.
Residents Association: Mr Conor Deane is now chairperson for the combined estates of Latchford and Castlegrange. We wish Conor and his committee all the best in their work and look forward to supporting them.
Your Labour Party Public Representatives are:-
Joan Burton T.D. Ph: 6184406 Email: joan.burton@oireachtas.ie
Web: www.joanburton.ie
Cllr Michael O’Donovan Ph: 087 2207798 Email: michael.odonovan@fingalcoco.ie
Web: www.councillormichael.ie
With Best Wishes
_________________
Michael O’Donovan
Local Councillor
Ongar Area
TO: RESIDENTS OF LATCHFORD
A brief note on some local issues from Cllr Michael O’Donovan
Education matters: After many years of frustration on the part of local residents, school provision is finally taking a step forward with the opening of Pobalscoil Setanta, the new V.E.C. run secondary school. Primary school provision has also expanded. I am happy that no child in the area should be without a school place this September. Unfortunately, as a result of poor forward planning by successive Ministers for Education, the school will open in temporary premises. Fortunately, the temporary building is a very high quality one and a full new state-of-the-art secondary school will be in service in two years time.
Flood Protection: About 16 homes in Latchford were particularly badly hit by the flooding, and it will, I reckon, be almost six months before the situation is finally put right and the residents can again live in comfort.
It is vital that this dreadful situation does not happen again. I am arranging for residents to examine the drawings of the water and drainage provisions. I also want Fingal’s Water and Drainage teams to inspect the system using fibre optics.
In the meantime, I have asked the Council’s teams to pay particular attention to clearing gratings etc in the area.
My colleague Joan Burton T.D. and I will continue to work with residents until this matter is fully sorted out.
Residents Association: Mr Conor Deane is now chairperson for the combined estates of Latchford and Castlegrange. We wish Conor and his committee all the best in their work and look forward to supporting them.
Your Labour Party Public Representatives are:-
Joan Burton T.D. Ph: 6184406 Email: joan.burton@oireachtas.ie
Web: www.joanburton.ie
Cllr Michael O’Donovan Ph: 087 2207798 Email: michael.odonovan@fingalcoco.ie
Web: www.councillormichael.ie
With Best Wishes
_________________
Michael O’Donovan
Local Councillor
Ongar Area
Wednesday, August 27, 2008
Heritage & Local Environment
At a recent meeting of Labour Party members and supporters, Councillor Michael O’Donovan took questions on issues of heritage and the local environment. This leaflet reflects the discussion.
Q: Michael, at Council meetings you often refer to “quality-of-life” issues and to the importance of valuing local heritage and of enhancing the local environment. Is this really possible in an area like Dublin 15, one of the fastest growing areas in the E.U.
A: It is possible and it’s vital. In the middle of so much pressure for development, we need to protect and enhance as many elements of our natural, cultural and built heritage as possible so that we can hold on to some sense of place and identity. We also need to give Dublin 15 residents a sense of ownership of this heritage by, for example, making many more of our heritage lands accessible to local people.
Q: For example?
A: Let me give you a few. We are fortunate to have three inland waterways in Dublin 15; the Liffey, the Tolka and the Canal. The Liffey Valley is an area of fantastic natural beauty and we have protected the area from rezoning and intrusive development, but it’s still largely inaccessible to walkers because most of the valley is in private hands.
Q: You’ve previously proposed a “Strawberry Way”, a pedestrian trail along the Liffey. Will this ever become a reality?
A: I believe it will. The Liffey Valley has the potential to be a “Green Lung” in the heart of the built-up areas of Dublin West. We have some pieces of the jigsaw in place, such as Lucan Demesne and St. Catherine’s Park near Westmanstown, but there’s a lot more to be done. The Council now owns the Shakleton Mills, a Victorian industrial building in the Strawberry Beds. We hope to turn this into a visitor centre but, to be of real value, it must link with a series of pedestrian paths. That whole area has great natural beauty and is part of Dublin tradition and has the potential to be a world-class centre for tourism. In less prosperous times, Dubliners spent a day in the Strawberry Beds as their honeymoon. The lady had strawberries and cream and a drop of sherry while the groom would have a pint or two in the Strawberry Hall.
Q: You mentioned the potential of Shakleton Mills as a tourism centre. Is it true that Fingal Council hopes to restore the famous Shakleton Gardens at Beechpark, Clonsilla?
A: Yes. We’ve only recently completed a land swap with the owners. The Dublin 15 area has a historic link with Ernest Shakleton, the Antartic explorer who brought all his crew home alive. We intend to restore the Victorian walled gardens and we’re already in the process of developing some of the fields in Beechpark Estate as a sporting facility.
Q: The State now owns the huge Abbotstown Estate just beyond Connolly Hospital. How will local people benefit?
A: The vision here is for a centre of sporting excellence, and there must be facilities for local clubs. Within the estate, the ruins of the ancient monastic settlement, the woodlands and the gate lodges are all “listed” for preservation. But, for Dublin 15 residents to enjoy this amenity, an “Abbotstown Walk”, linking Blanchardstown Village, the Tolka Valley and the estate is something we must work and fight for. I want people to be able to stroll through these heritage lands.
Q: But sometimes, heritage areas come under threat. There is to be a pipeline through the Tolka Valley, and the old Mulhuddart Bridge has to be replaced. Do local representatives like yourself have any real influence on decisions like these?
A: Yes, we have. We can make changes for the better. In the instance of the Tolka Valley, the Labour group on the Council achieved guarantees of full reinstatement of the landscape including the trees and the more recent orchid meadows, and there will be a committee of local residents to monitor progress. I have also proposed that the stone from the old bridge be used to make an artistic feature in the valley. We might put the design out for public comment in order to give local people ownership of it.
Q: Is our planning system strong enough to protect the natural environment, especially when land is being continuously designated for new commercial or residential development?
A: I wish we had stronger planning laws, but even within present constraints, we can do a lot. We, the councillors, can enforce conditions obliging developers to plant more trees and shrubs and provide properly laid out open spaces and play areas. The visual impact of business parks can be “softened” by heavy planting and by water features and outdoor sculpture.
Q: Anything else on your wish list, Michael?
A: Lots. Completion of the Millennium Park and restoration of the old walls, (the last remnants of Jelletstown House), large new public parks for Tyrrelstown and Castaheany/Littlepace, three hundred garden allotments at Powerstown, a collection of Dublin 15 local history archives in the Blanchardstown library, an audit of older vernacular buildings including farm buildings and places of work, more marked walking trails… there’s no shortage of work to be done.
Q: Michael, at Council meetings you often refer to “quality-of-life” issues and to the importance of valuing local heritage and of enhancing the local environment. Is this really possible in an area like Dublin 15, one of the fastest growing areas in the E.U.
A: It is possible and it’s vital. In the middle of so much pressure for development, we need to protect and enhance as many elements of our natural, cultural and built heritage as possible so that we can hold on to some sense of place and identity. We also need to give Dublin 15 residents a sense of ownership of this heritage by, for example, making many more of our heritage lands accessible to local people.
Q: For example?
A: Let me give you a few. We are fortunate to have three inland waterways in Dublin 15; the Liffey, the Tolka and the Canal. The Liffey Valley is an area of fantastic natural beauty and we have protected the area from rezoning and intrusive development, but it’s still largely inaccessible to walkers because most of the valley is in private hands.
Q: You’ve previously proposed a “Strawberry Way”, a pedestrian trail along the Liffey. Will this ever become a reality?
A: I believe it will. The Liffey Valley has the potential to be a “Green Lung” in the heart of the built-up areas of Dublin West. We have some pieces of the jigsaw in place, such as Lucan Demesne and St. Catherine’s Park near Westmanstown, but there’s a lot more to be done. The Council now owns the Shakleton Mills, a Victorian industrial building in the Strawberry Beds. We hope to turn this into a visitor centre but, to be of real value, it must link with a series of pedestrian paths. That whole area has great natural beauty and is part of Dublin tradition and has the potential to be a world-class centre for tourism. In less prosperous times, Dubliners spent a day in the Strawberry Beds as their honeymoon. The lady had strawberries and cream and a drop of sherry while the groom would have a pint or two in the Strawberry Hall.
Q: You mentioned the potential of Shakleton Mills as a tourism centre. Is it true that Fingal Council hopes to restore the famous Shakleton Gardens at Beechpark, Clonsilla?
A: Yes. We’ve only recently completed a land swap with the owners. The Dublin 15 area has a historic link with Ernest Shakleton, the Antartic explorer who brought all his crew home alive. We intend to restore the Victorian walled gardens and we’re already in the process of developing some of the fields in Beechpark Estate as a sporting facility.
Q: The State now owns the huge Abbotstown Estate just beyond Connolly Hospital. How will local people benefit?
A: The vision here is for a centre of sporting excellence, and there must be facilities for local clubs. Within the estate, the ruins of the ancient monastic settlement, the woodlands and the gate lodges are all “listed” for preservation. But, for Dublin 15 residents to enjoy this amenity, an “Abbotstown Walk”, linking Blanchardstown Village, the Tolka Valley and the estate is something we must work and fight for. I want people to be able to stroll through these heritage lands.
Q: But sometimes, heritage areas come under threat. There is to be a pipeline through the Tolka Valley, and the old Mulhuddart Bridge has to be replaced. Do local representatives like yourself have any real influence on decisions like these?
A: Yes, we have. We can make changes for the better. In the instance of the Tolka Valley, the Labour group on the Council achieved guarantees of full reinstatement of the landscape including the trees and the more recent orchid meadows, and there will be a committee of local residents to monitor progress. I have also proposed that the stone from the old bridge be used to make an artistic feature in the valley. We might put the design out for public comment in order to give local people ownership of it.
Q: Is our planning system strong enough to protect the natural environment, especially when land is being continuously designated for new commercial or residential development?
A: I wish we had stronger planning laws, but even within present constraints, we can do a lot. We, the councillors, can enforce conditions obliging developers to plant more trees and shrubs and provide properly laid out open spaces and play areas. The visual impact of business parks can be “softened” by heavy planting and by water features and outdoor sculpture.
Q: Anything else on your wish list, Michael?
A: Lots. Completion of the Millennium Park and restoration of the old walls, (the last remnants of Jelletstown House), large new public parks for Tyrrelstown and Castaheany/Littlepace, three hundred garden allotments at Powerstown, a collection of Dublin 15 local history archives in the Blanchardstown library, an audit of older vernacular buildings including farm buildings and places of work, more marked walking trails… there’s no shortage of work to be done.
Wednesday, May 28, 2008
Wednesday, May 7, 2008
TYRRELLSTOWN - LOCAL UPDATE
A brief note on some local issues from your Labour Party representative, Cllr Michael O’Donovan:-
Sports Facilities: Fingal County Council plans to build an all-weather combined basketball and soccer pitch on the open space at The Park. Plans are on view in the Council offices, or contact Cllr Michael if you want details.
Schools: Great work is being done in the local primary schools under very difficult conditions. The Minister has still not provided modern permanent buildings for our young people. Labour is continuing to press for fully equipped new schools with community facilities and sports fields attached. This service is not a privilege – it’s a basic right.
Allotments: If you fancy a spot of vegetable gardening, the good news is that the Council is to provide over 350 allotments at Powerstown, quite close to the Educate Together site. Details from Fingal Parks Department or your local councillor.
Mulhuddart Bridge: The old bridge has to be dismantled for safety reasons, and it will be replaced by a modern design which will have safe footpaths and cycle lanes. I have asked our Parks Department to use the stone from the old bridge to make an artistic feature in the valley.
Labour – Working for the Community:
Your local Labour Party representatives are Joan Burton T.D. and Cllr Michael O’Donovan.
Joan can be contacted at 6184006.
Michael can be contacted at 087-2207798 or e-mail on michael.odonovan@fingalcoco.ie.
For local updates, see the website
http://www.councillormichael.ie/
____________________
Cllr Michael O’Donovan
Thursday, April 24, 2008
Tolka Valley Pipeline: Update
Cllr Michael O’Donovan
"There is little doubt that, when work starts on the pipeline project, there will be disruption. I am confident that the motions we have passed at today’s meeting will go a long way towards minimising the damage.
We must insist on a full reinstatement and a real investment in landscaping and planting.
I’m pleased that the County Manager has accepted my suggestion of a monitoring committee. The members of that committe will be the eyes and ears of the community while work is in progress".
See below for motions put forward at council meetings, by Cllr Michael O’Donovan. Promises made by council management are attached to each motion:-
Motion No. 1 Councillor O’Donovan
‘That the full reinstatement of the Park be carried out under the supervision of an Ecologist.’
Managers Response:
It is the intention of Water Services Department to employ an ecologist/landscaper as part of the site supervision team during construction and reinstatement. Our Consultant Ecologist is currently working on a job specification for this person. The job specification will be agreed with Parks Division in advance of procurement of the site supervision team.
Motion No. 2 Councillor O’Donovan
‘That the good work done by fishing clubs be commended and that pipe laying be carried out on a section by section basis and ensure that some sections of the Tolka are available at all times to the clubs.’
Managers Response:
Fingal County Council acknowledges the excellent work carried out by the fishing clubs and the other community groups. Fingal County Council has already committed to include the requirement for works being carried out on a section by section basis in the Contract Documents. The Contractor will be required to reseed in the first available window after completion of the work in each section. As this Contract is to be procured under a Design Build Contract, it will be up to the Contractor to programme the exact sequencing of construction events, taking account of the seasonal requirements for rivers, etc as set out in the Natura Ecology Report. Approximately 85% of the Tolka River will be available to fishing clubs at all times.
Motion No. 3 Councillor O’Donovan
‘Council notes that an archaeology study of the pipeline be carried out on behalf of the Council, and requests assurances that all recommendations in the report will be carried out.’
Managers Response:
Fingal County Council commits to implementing any requirements of the Archaeology Study. All necessary pre-construction surveys will be carried out in advance of finalising the Contract Documents. The report will be included with the Contract Documents and the Contractor will be required to carry out all monitoring set out in the report.
Motion No. 4 Councillor O’Donovan
‘That the orchid meadows be reinstated in accordance with the recommendations of the Ecology Report.’
Managers Response:
The successful Contractor will be required to implement all mitigation and reinstatement measures set out in the Ecology Report, including the reinstatement of the orchid meadows.
Motion No. 5 Councillor O’Donovan
‘That all appropriate steps be taken in line with the requirements of the Eastern Regional Fisheries Board, to ensure that the river and fish life are not adversely affected by the works.’
Managers Response:
Initial consultations have taken place with the Eastern Regional Fisheries Board (ERFB). The ERFB are happy that if the works are carried out in accordance with an agreed Method Statement and good work practices are followed, there will be no adverse effect on the river or fish life. There are seasonal constraints when work on the river can be carried out to ensure the breeding season of the fish is not compromised.
Motion No. 6 Councillor O’Donovan
‘That a liaison committee be set up to ensure that local residents are kept informed of progress and can contribute their views.’
Managers Response:
Fingal County Council have already given a commitment to establish such a committee.
"There is little doubt that, when work starts on the pipeline project, there will be disruption. I am confident that the motions we have passed at today’s meeting will go a long way towards minimising the damage.
We must insist on a full reinstatement and a real investment in landscaping and planting.
I’m pleased that the County Manager has accepted my suggestion of a monitoring committee. The members of that committe will be the eyes and ears of the community while work is in progress".
See below for motions put forward at council meetings, by Cllr Michael O’Donovan. Promises made by council management are attached to each motion:-
Motion No. 1 Councillor O’Donovan
‘That the full reinstatement of the Park be carried out under the supervision of an Ecologist.’
Managers Response:
It is the intention of Water Services Department to employ an ecologist/landscaper as part of the site supervision team during construction and reinstatement. Our Consultant Ecologist is currently working on a job specification for this person. The job specification will be agreed with Parks Division in advance of procurement of the site supervision team.
Motion No. 2 Councillor O’Donovan
‘That the good work done by fishing clubs be commended and that pipe laying be carried out on a section by section basis and ensure that some sections of the Tolka are available at all times to the clubs.’
Managers Response:
Fingal County Council acknowledges the excellent work carried out by the fishing clubs and the other community groups. Fingal County Council has already committed to include the requirement for works being carried out on a section by section basis in the Contract Documents. The Contractor will be required to reseed in the first available window after completion of the work in each section. As this Contract is to be procured under a Design Build Contract, it will be up to the Contractor to programme the exact sequencing of construction events, taking account of the seasonal requirements for rivers, etc as set out in the Natura Ecology Report. Approximately 85% of the Tolka River will be available to fishing clubs at all times.
Motion No. 3 Councillor O’Donovan
‘Council notes that an archaeology study of the pipeline be carried out on behalf of the Council, and requests assurances that all recommendations in the report will be carried out.’
Managers Response:
Fingal County Council commits to implementing any requirements of the Archaeology Study. All necessary pre-construction surveys will be carried out in advance of finalising the Contract Documents. The report will be included with the Contract Documents and the Contractor will be required to carry out all monitoring set out in the report.
Motion No. 4 Councillor O’Donovan
‘That the orchid meadows be reinstated in accordance with the recommendations of the Ecology Report.’
Managers Response:
The successful Contractor will be required to implement all mitigation and reinstatement measures set out in the Ecology Report, including the reinstatement of the orchid meadows.
Motion No. 5 Councillor O’Donovan
‘That all appropriate steps be taken in line with the requirements of the Eastern Regional Fisheries Board, to ensure that the river and fish life are not adversely affected by the works.’
Managers Response:
Initial consultations have taken place with the Eastern Regional Fisheries Board (ERFB). The ERFB are happy that if the works are carried out in accordance with an agreed Method Statement and good work practices are followed, there will be no adverse effect on the river or fish life. There are seasonal constraints when work on the river can be carried out to ensure the breeding season of the fish is not compromised.
Motion No. 6 Councillor O’Donovan
‘That a liaison committee be set up to ensure that local residents are kept informed of progress and can contribute their views.’
Managers Response:
Fingal County Council have already given a commitment to establish such a committee.
Friday, March 28, 2008
"It's a Problem Now, But It's No Longer a Disaster"
Labour’s Cllr Michael O’Donovan claimed that lobbying by councillors and submissions from residents had brought about substantial improvements in the pipeline scheme.
"None of us want to see the Tolka Valley dug up, but if some work has to happen to facilitate new sewage works and stromwater protection, then our job is to make sure the job is done with minimum hassle and maximum reinstatement.
I am happy that a number of motions of my own have been accepted by the Council’s engineers. These include:-
"None of us want to see the Tolka Valley dug up, but if some work has to happen to facilitate new sewage works and stromwater protection, then our job is to make sure the job is done with minimum hassle and maximum reinstatement.
I am happy that a number of motions of my own have been accepted by the Council’s engineers. These include:-
That some sections of the river are available at all times to the fishing clubs and individual fishers.- That the full reinstatement of the park will be carried out under the supervision of an ecologist.
- That the orchid meadows will be reinstated in accordance with the recommendations of the ecology report by NATURA consultants.
- That full cognisance be taken of the Archaeology report already carried out by the Council.
- That a liaison committee will be set up to ensure that residents are kept informed of progress and can contribute their views.
- That all appropriate measures are taken, in line with the requirements of the Eastern Regional Fisheries Board, to ensure that the river and fish life are not adversely affected by the works.
There was one submission from a local group that I cannot support. That is the proposal to construct part of the pipeline along the Old Navan Road in order to avoid the valley near Castlecurragh. This would have huge consequences for traffic movement, and people going to work would be badly hit by the disruption to bus routes 238, 38, 38A, 220, and 270.
Cllr Michael O’Donovan
Tuesday, March 11, 2008
Hansfield/Dunboyne Rail Line
GREEN LIGHT FOR HANSFIELD/DUNBOYNE RAIL LINE, but LOCAL COUNCILLOR WARNS OF "SLIPPAGE" IN TIMESCALE
An Bord Pleanala has signed the rail order for the re-opening of the first phase of the Clonsilla to Navan rail line. This was the first planning approval granted under the new system by which major infrastructural projects are fast-tracked through the system.
Dublin 15 public representatives welcomed the news, but Labour’s Michael O’Donovan called for the actual construction work to be fast-tracked.
"This is good news for Dublin 15 and particularly for residents of the Ongar/Castaheany area, and indeed for future residents of the planned new villages of Hansfield and Barnhill. We need now to keep up the momentum. The timeline for completion of the first 7.5km of track has already slipped from 2009 to 2010.
There are two other initiatives needed to get best use from this rail spur. We need a good feeder bus service from the various surrounding estates to the new Hansfield station and we need the integrated ticket system to be up and running so that commuters can switch from bus to rail and back to bus or Luas at no extra cost.
We also need the promised park and ride facility on the Navan Road to be in place and operational when the trains start running. This park and ride is planned to hold 1,200 cars and could make a real contribution to easing gridlock on the Navan Road".
Cllr Michael O’Donovan
An Bord Pleanala has signed the rail order for the re-opening of the first phase of the Clonsilla to Navan rail line. This was the first planning approval granted under the new system by which major infrastructural projects are fast-tracked through the system.
Dublin 15 public representatives welcomed the news, but Labour’s Michael O’Donovan called for the actual construction work to be fast-tracked.
"This is good news for Dublin 15 and particularly for residents of the Ongar/Castaheany area, and indeed for future residents of the planned new villages of Hansfield and Barnhill. We need now to keep up the momentum. The timeline for completion of the first 7.5km of track has already slipped from 2009 to 2010.
There are two other initiatives needed to get best use from this rail spur. We need a good feeder bus service from the various surrounding estates to the new Hansfield station and we need the integrated ticket system to be up and running so that commuters can switch from bus to rail and back to bus or Luas at no extra cost.
We also need the promised park and ride facility on the Navan Road to be in place and operational when the trains start running. This park and ride is planned to hold 1,200 cars and could make a real contribution to easing gridlock on the Navan Road".
Cllr Michael O’Donovan
Mulhuddart Bridge
MULHUDDART BRIDGE "MAY RISE AGAIN"
Dublin 15 councillors have agreed to "delist" Mulhuddart Bridge from the list of protected structures. This follows advice from the OPW that the bridge is now unsafe and likely to collapse in a flood situation.
A new bridge is to be built to replace both the old bridge and the pedestrian bridge beside it.
"We deferred a decision on this to allow engineers to come back to us with a new design. This new design features stone cladding and has a cycleway as well as footpaths.
We have also asked for some use to be made of the stone from the old bridge. Our Parks Department will take the bridgestones and I’ll be asking for some artistic feature to be designed for the Tolka Valley".
Cllr Michael O’Donovan
Dublin 15 councillors have agreed to "delist" Mulhuddart Bridge from the list of protected structures. This follows advice from the OPW that the bridge is now unsafe and likely to collapse in a flood situation.
A new bridge is to be built to replace both the old bridge and the pedestrian bridge beside it.
"We deferred a decision on this to allow engineers to come back to us with a new design. This new design features stone cladding and has a cycleway as well as footpaths.
We have also asked for some use to be made of the stone from the old bridge. Our Parks Department will take the bridgestones and I’ll be asking for some artistic feature to be designed for the Tolka Valley".
Cllr Michael O’Donovan
Friday, February 29, 2008
"Mulhuddart Ward has highest population per Councillor in the country"
Local Labour Councillor Michael O’Donovan has demanded that Environment Minister john Gormley to address the huge disparity in the ratio between population and councillors in different parts of the country.
He said - "The average ratio nationally is one councillor to every 4,802 people. The electoral area with the lowest ratio is Ballinamore, County Leitrim at 1 : 1,122.
The Mulhuddart Ward has the dubious distinction of having the highest ratio in the country with one councillor for every 13,327 inhabitants.
This unfairness needs to be addressed now. The population of Fingal has gone up by 50% over the past twelve years but we have the same number of councillors.
John Gormley says he values local government. Now that he is power, he should prove it by amending the terms of reference of the boundary committees to allow them to increase the number of councillors where there is a substantial increase in population."
Cllr Michael O’Donovan
Local Labour Councillor Michael O’Donovan has demanded that Environment Minister john Gormley to address the huge disparity in the ratio between population and councillors in different parts of the country.
He said - "The average ratio nationally is one councillor to every 4,802 people. The electoral area with the lowest ratio is Ballinamore, County Leitrim at 1 : 1,122.
The Mulhuddart Ward has the dubious distinction of having the highest ratio in the country with one councillor for every 13,327 inhabitants.
This unfairness needs to be addressed now. The population of Fingal has gone up by 50% over the past twelve years but we have the same number of councillors.
John Gormley says he values local government. Now that he is power, he should prove it by amending the terms of reference of the boundary committees to allow them to increase the number of councillors where there is a substantial increase in population."
Cllr Michael O’Donovan
Friday, February 22, 2008
Consultants Working on Plan for Clonsilla Village
Following a period of public consultation, consultants are now working on the first draft of the Urban Strategy Plan which will shape the future of Clonsilla Village. A number of local organisations and some individual residents have already made submissions, and local councillors have met with the consultants. The views of local residents were also aired at a well-attended meeting in the Clonsilla Inn organised by Joan Burton T.D. and Cllr Michael O’Donovan.Michael O’Donovan says: "There are a number of points on which there is, I think, general agreement. The existing trees and hedgerows need to be maintained, and planting carried out. We want to hold on to the sense of being in a village, so if there is to be new construction, we want it "village style", not high density and high rise.
A number of key infill sites are crucial:-
The Old School and the lands linked to it along the canal
The Clonsilla Inn site, including the large car park to the rear
3The Aldi site
The Canal bank
The planners are looking at the idea of an Ongar Village type development as a possibility for the ALDI site. This might have some merit.
The lands of Beechpark/Shackleton Gardens are outside the study area, but if the Council takes over all or part of these lands, Clonsilla residents will benefit".
Labour wants to remind residents that they can still influence the final shape of the plan by contacting their local councillors.
Michael says: "The official period for consultation is over, but this plan will have to come back before the Council, and local councillors will have their say. We will bring the views of local residents to the table and we are anxious to get those views at any time."
You can contact Michael at 087-2207798 or michael.odonovan@fingalcoco.ie or Joan at 6184006
New Secondary School for Ongar/Clonee
NEW SECONDARY SCHOOL FOR ONGAR/CLONEE
The new secondary school will open its doors this September. The school will be known as Phibblestown Community College and will be administered under County Dublin VEC. A Principal has been appointed and the school will open in temporary premises while the permanent school building is under construction.
Local councillor Michael O’Donovan has been appointed to the Board of Management of the new school.
He says: "I’ve been very critical of school provision in the Castaheany/Ongar area over the last ten years. I’ve accepted a place on the Board of the new school hoping that I can work inside the system and achieve something. I want to ensure that we open in September with a full complement of staff in a high-quality building, even if it’s a temporary one. At the same time, we need to keep up the momentum for the building of the permanent school.
This school project also opens up the possibility of a community facility and sport hall for the area. This would be funded jointly by the Department of Education and the Council".
Friday, February 8, 2008
Waiting Lists for Occupational Therapists
STATEMENT BY CLLR MICHAEL O’DONOVAN
Labour Party Representative for Dublin 15
January 9t , 2008
1,321 ADULTS & 140 CHILDREN AWAITING ASSESSMENT BY OCCUPATIONAL THERAPISTS IN DUBLIN WEST ALONE – MEANWHILE POSTS ARE NOT FILLED
"Once again the effects of the HSE embargo on recruitment and replacement of staff can be seen with figures obtained by my party colleague, Deputy Roisin Shortall, which reveal that nationally more than 26,000 people are awaiting assessment by an Occupational Therapist", Labour’s Michael O’Donovan has said.
"The role of an Occupational Therapist is vital in assessing the needs of people with mobility problems. Typically people needing assessment might be people who have suffered a stroke, people with disabilities and elderly people. Until an assessment is carried out people are not able to avail of a whole range of services which will enable the patient to maintain the highest possible level of independence. Throughout the country there are 183 OT posts unfilled while in Dublin West there are 7 posts which are not filled.
"In some cases people are waiting more than a year before being assessed. Despite there being a national recruitment campaign for occupational therapists early last year with more than 180 applicants being interviewed and a panel of 150 established, the posts were never filled because of the recruitment embargo.
"You only need to look at the figures for Occupational Therapists to realise the hardship suffered by many patients as a result of the recruitment embargo despite Minister Harney and Prof Drumm’s claim that patients were not adversely affected".
For more information contact Cllr Michael O’Donovan 087 2207798, or email
michael.odonovan@fingalcoco.ie.
Labour Party Representative for Dublin 15
January 9t , 2008
1,321 ADULTS & 140 CHILDREN AWAITING ASSESSMENT BY OCCUPATIONAL THERAPISTS IN DUBLIN WEST ALONE – MEANWHILE POSTS ARE NOT FILLED
"Once again the effects of the HSE embargo on recruitment and replacement of staff can be seen with figures obtained by my party colleague, Deputy Roisin Shortall, which reveal that nationally more than 26,000 people are awaiting assessment by an Occupational Therapist", Labour’s Michael O’Donovan has said.
"The role of an Occupational Therapist is vital in assessing the needs of people with mobility problems. Typically people needing assessment might be people who have suffered a stroke, people with disabilities and elderly people. Until an assessment is carried out people are not able to avail of a whole range of services which will enable the patient to maintain the highest possible level of independence. Throughout the country there are 183 OT posts unfilled while in Dublin West there are 7 posts which are not filled.
"In some cases people are waiting more than a year before being assessed. Despite there being a national recruitment campaign for occupational therapists early last year with more than 180 applicants being interviewed and a panel of 150 established, the posts were never filled because of the recruitment embargo.
"You only need to look at the figures for Occupational Therapists to realise the hardship suffered by many patients as a result of the recruitment embargo despite Minister Harney and Prof Drumm’s claim that patients were not adversely affected".
For more information contact Cllr Michael O’Donovan 087 2207798, or email
michael.odonovan@fingalcoco.ie.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
