Friday, December 11, 2009

Press Release re Tyrrelstown School

Speaking at the debate on the Tyrrellstown School situation, Labour’s Cllr Michael O’Donovan said

“We need greater imagination in order to fast track the building of the two Tyrrellstown Primary Schools.

Let’s look at the Planning process to begin with. There is a notion that the Department of Education must be the owner of the site before a planning application can be lodged. To my knowledge, this is not a hard and fast rule. The Department can lodge an application literally next Monday morning as soon as contracts are exchanged. It may take time before the transfer is completed and the Department takes full ownership of the site, but the planning process can start right away.

There is a second opportunity to speed up the delivery of schools. The main developer in the area has full permission for two sixteen classroom schools and a shared community sports hall. The design is to Department of Education specifications. Building could start straight away on this model, and a planning application could be lodged straight away for two eight-classroom extensions.

A lot is possible, but we need a level of urgency that has not been apparent up to now”.

Friday, November 20, 2009

Objection to An Bord Pleanala re Clonsilla Village

The Secretary
An Bord Pleanala
64 Marlborough St
Dublin 1

17th November 2009



A chara,

I write in relation to file PL06F.235260, an application for lands at Clonsilla, Dublin 15. I am writing particularly to support the objection lodged by residents of Porters Gate Estate, Clonsilla.

I believe the plan submitted by the developers is totally inappropriate in the heart of Clonsilla Village. A very detailed case is made in the objection lodged with you, but I would emphasise the following:-

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.
6. There is a protected hedgerow on the southern boundary of the site. The plan to remove it is most regrettable.
7. Market conditions have changed since pre-planning discussions began on this site. As a local Councillor representing Clonsilla for almost 17years, I can say that there is little or no demand for apartments here. The young families wishing to live in Clonsilla are seeking family-friendly houses with back gardens.
8. The Open Space provision is below even the standard set by Fingal’s own development plan.


I consider this to be a very important site for the proper planning and development of the core Clonsilla Village area. An entirely new application for a development of townhouses at 2 to 2 ½ storey is warranted.

I ask the Board to uphold the appeal by the local residents and Refuse Permission for this development.

I enclose cheque of €50.00 fee.



Le meas

Cllr. Michael O’Donovan
Local Councillor, Clonsilla Area

Wednesday, November 4, 2009

Press Release

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.

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

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

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.

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

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

Wednesday, May 20, 2009

Information Circular to Residents

TO: RESIDENTS OF LATCHFORD
AND CASTLEGRANGE

A brief note on some local issues from Cllr Michael O’Donovan

A chairde,

· Schooling issues
Fingal planners have granted full permission for the new Community College, Pobalscoil Setanta, and an adjoining Community Primary School. This will be a €20 million educational project, with €4 million extra coming from the Council for sports and community facilities. As chairperson of the Board of Management of the Community School, I am delighted that we have now signed the contract with Hegarty and Company and that funding is in place. I am also aware that a number of Latchford residents have expressed concerns about some aspect of the plan and the design. I am pleased that the Fingal planners have imposed over 25 Conditions which address many of the residents’ concerns. I am also happy that the VEC and their Architect are still meeting with residents to try to sort out the remaining problems.

· Management Companies
My thanks to all who signed the petition calling for the implementation of the Law Reform Commission report and the introduction of tough new laws to give control to residents. The Minister has received and acknowledged the petition, but has given no timescale for the new legislation. We will continue the fight on this issue at Dáil and local level.

· Greens, pitches, etc.
Work is continuing on the major open space to provide playing fields and a playground. I hope these facilities will be enhanced by the indoor and all-weather sports elements of the new schools. Tremendous voluntary work is being done in the community. It’s our job as public representatives to deliver the facilities.

We hope to open a new playground and car park at Beechpark estate, Clonsilla (just over the railway tracks) on or about May 20th. A new park has been opened at Waterville near Connolly Hospital (complete with a lake and a family of swans). At 55 acres, it’s a small park, but it links well with the paths along the Tolka Valley.

If you wish to contact me on these or any other issues, feel free to phone 087 2207798 or email michael.odonovan@fingalcoco.ie


Yours sincerely,
Cllr. Michael O’Donovan
Local Councillor - Ongar/Clonsilla area

Wednesday, May 13, 2009

Clonsilla Road One Way Restriction to be Discontinued

Fingal County Council has approved the opening of the controversial one way section of the Clonsilla Road near Coolmine to two-way traffic.

Commenting on the decision, Local Councillor, Michaell O’ Donovan said: “the public consultation showed that the majority of local people want this section of the road re-opened to two-way traffic. The present arrangement is the chief cause of the traffic congestion and delays we all experience on the Ongar/ Snugboro Road, particularly near Coolmine Community School. Now that the two-way system has been agreed in principle, with the support of the County Manager, I will be pressing for the work contract to be awarded immediately”

Information Circular to Residents of Ongar

A brief note on some local issues from Cllr Michael O’Donovan


A chairde,

· Schooling issues
Fingal planners have granted full permission for the new Community College, Pobalscoil Setanta, and an adjoining Community Primary School. This will be a €20 million educational project, with €4 million extra coming from the Council for sports and community facilities. As chairperson of the Board of Management of the Community School, I’m delighted that we have now signed the contract with Hegarty and Company and that funding is in place.

· Management Companies
My thanks to all who signed the petition calling for the implementation of the Law Reform Commission report and the introduction of tough new laws to give control to residents. The Minister has received and acknowledged the petition, but has given no timescale for the new legislation. We will continue the fight on this issue at Dáil and local level.

· Greens, pitches, etc.
Work is continuing on the major open space to provide playing fields and a playground. I hope these facilities will be enhanced by the indoor and all-weather sports elements of the new schools. Tremendous voluntary work is being done in the community. It’s our job as public representatives to deliver the facilities.

We hope to open a new playground and car park at Beechpark estate, Clonsilla (just over the railway tracks) on or about May 20th. A new park has been opened at Waterville near Connolly Hospital (complete with a lake and a family of swans). At 55 acres, it’s a small park, but it links well with the paths along the Tolka Valley.

If you wish to contact me on these or any other issues, feel free to phone 087 2207798 or email michael.odonovan@fingalcoco.ie

Monday, May 11, 2009

Welcome Planning Permission New Schools

Welcome for planning permission for new schools at Ongar/Phibblestown

Fingal County Council has granted planning permission for two new VEC schools in the Ongar/Phibblestown area. Pobalscoil Setanta, a second-level school and Scoil Ghráinne, a primary school have received full planning permission.

Local councillor Michael O’ Donovan, who is also Chairperson of the Board of Management of the new Community College, Pobalscoil Setanta ,welcomed the decision. “This campus when completed will serve more than 1,600 students in the areas of Ongar, Castaheany and Littlepace, and ensure that our young people receive the best educational opportunities locally. This is a landmark project for Dublin 15 and it will add significant benefits to the locality, not only in terms of educational facilities, but also in terms of wider community and sporting facilities”

Michael added: “ I am also happy with the conditions imposed by the Council. I am delighted that, in arriving at its decision, the Council has listened to the concerns of residents and imposed conditions to ensure that this campus meets with the requirements of all concerned”

"Tyrrelstown - we want contracts, not promises!"

Reacting to claims by Government sources that the problem of school sites in Tyrrelstown has been resolved, Local Councillor, Michael O’ Donovan said:

“We’ve had promises of this kind before and the timing of this announcement, four weeks before the Local Elections, gives cause for concern, even cynicism.

It was in the run-up to the General Election in 2007 that the then Minister for Education, Mary Hanafin, told the Dáil that a site had been secured. That transfer of ownership was never concluded. In fact, the Minister never even applied for planning permission! I notice that the management of one of the National Schools involved has gone on record as being concerned that this might be “a pre-election ploy”.

Real contracts, real planning applications and real funding…..that’s what the Tyrrelstown Community needs and deserves.

Wednesday, April 15, 2009

Information Letter to Latchford & Castlegrange Residents

A chairde,

· Management Company Issues
A number of residents have already signed the Mayor’s on-line petition regarding the democratic control of Management Companies by residents. If you wish to join the petition, email this sentence to michael.odonovan@fingalcoco.ie.
“I call on the government to implement the recommendations of the Law Reform Commission on the regulation of management companies. I support the right of residents to take control of their management company”.
Alternatively, you can sign the petition at Main Street, Ongar Village on Saturday 18th April, 11.30 – 2.00pm.
The petition will be submitted immediately after Easter at the start of the new Dáil session.

· School Matters
Contracts have been signed for the New Pobalscoil Setanta. As chairperson of the Management Board, I welcome the new educational campus as it will provide a community and recreational complex as well as a state-of-the-art school building. The Department of Education will contribute €20 million and Fingal €4 million towards the community/sport element.
A number of residents have spoken to me about concerns they have about the new buildings, including height, sound insulation, position of the building, pedestrian entrances, light pollution at night and similar issues. I am arranging for residents’ representatives to meet with the builders to discuss some of the technical issues and I am alerting Fingal’s planners to the issues relevant to them.
The ideal outcome is that the school building would be progressed with as many as possible of the residents’ concerns addressed.

Again, may I commend the work of the Latchford/Castlegrange Residents Committee under Chairman Conor Deane. I look forward to continuing to work with them.

If you wish to contact me on these or any other issues, feel free to phone 087 2207798 or email michael.odonovan@fingalcoco.ie.

Tuesday, April 7, 2009

Information re Porters Gate & Mount Symon Apr 09

A brief update on some local issues from Cllr Michael O’Donovan

Local Developments:
A “freeze” by Government on spending Development Levies already collected by Fingal is putting some long promised works in danger. These monies (about €70 million) were collected from developers, but are in reality paid for by ordinary homeowners as part of the price of their house. To block the use of this money for necessary infrastructure is a betrayal of people who bought their homes and “bought into” a certain level of service. I have written to Minister Gormley requesting him to meet Fingal Councillors and officials and I’m waiting for a reply.

The Park-and-Ride system and traffic management system for Porters Gate is a possible casualty of this decision, but the reversal of the Clonsilla One-Way System is a more modest job and I am confident that, once it’s passed at Council, we can get it done.

Beechpark Estate Playground:
For those with younger children, the good news is that we hope to open the car park and playground in Beechpark on or about the 20th May. By then, we should also have exchanged the final legal documents to take ownership of the walled gardens. (Some long standing residents of Clonsilla tell me they remember buying plants and shrubs there in the mid 1970s). Restoring them will be more difficult.

Planning Matters:
Council planners have referred the proposals for an apartment development between Mount Symon and Porters Gate back to the developers with a number of requests including:-
Better protection for trees and hedgerows
Greater distance from the backs of existing houses
Additional landscapes
Traffic measures
Fewer units
More 3-bedroom units rather than 2-beds
Safer footpaths.
However, the Council planners have not asked the developers to lessen the height (up to 5 storeys) of the development. We may need to take this all the way to An Bord Pleannala .

If you wish to contact me on these or any other issues, feel free to phone 087-2207798 or e-mail michael.odonovan@fingalcoco.ie

Yours sincerely,
Cllr. Michael O’Donovan
Local Councillor – Clonsilla Area
Printed on Recycled Paper

Management Petition

MANAGEMENT COMPANIES – CHANGE THE LAW NOW!


A message from Cllr Michael O’Donovan inviting residents to sign a petition for tough new laws on management companies.

The issue of the role of management companies in apartment complexes and housing development is still a thorny one.The Law Reform Commission has proposed changes in the law to ensure that residents, not developers, run the management of estates or apartment complexes. These are solid, practical and progressive recommendations, but the report has gathered dust on the Minister’s shelf for over a year.

I am inviting residents who live in “managed” estates to sign a petition calling on the Government to enact immediately the new laws required to give residents full democratic control of their management company. Where management companies are necessary (e.g. in an apartment building), we call for “not-for-profit” companies, and owners’ management companies. It is simply wrong that homeowners should be asked pay extortionate fees for basic services in their homes and neighbourhoods.

You can:-
Ø Sign the Petition ..... or
Ø Post your comments to the Mayor’s Office, Dublin 15 ….. or
Ø E-mail me this single sentence –
“I call on the Government to implement immediately the recommendations of the Law Reform Commission on the regulation of Management Companies”.

Your comments will be added to the petition, and it will be presented to the Government at Easter.
___________________________________
Cllr Michael O’Donovan
Local Councillor – Ongar/Castaheany area

Labour Poster for Local Election 2009

Vote 1
Local Election Candidate Fingal County Council
O’Donovan
Michael
Michael O’Donovan lives and works in Dublin 15 and he is firmly committed to that community, as is clearly demonstrated by his work record on the County Council.
Along with his Labour Dáil colleague Joan Burton T.D., he campaigns on a range of issues including
• Job creation
• High Quality permanent school facilities for all
pupils
• Green spaces and sports facilities
• Retention of services at Connolly Hospital
• Better Council services
• Urgently needed tougher laws to regulate planning
and the working of management companies
• Protection of our threatened Green Belts
• More community policing
• Affordable housing for first-time buyers
• Protection of our cultural and architectural heritage.
Michael says; “The people of Greater Blanchardstown need strong determined councillors who have a vision for the future and who will campaign on behalf of the community, not vested interests.”
As a parent, educationalist, community activist and local representative, Michael knows what we need to make the Dublin 15 community a better place. He is currently Mayor of Fingal.
Michael serves as a Board of Management member at Riversdale College, Hartstown Community School, Pobalscoil Setanta (Ongar) and St Philips National School. He is also a director of the Blakestown Mountview Youth Initiative and a leading member of the Hospital Action Group.
Mobile: 087 2207798Email: michael.odonovan@fingalcoco.ie
Vote 2 Nulty

Wednesday, February 25, 2009

Information Letter Re Clonsilla


A Brief Note on Some Local Issues from Cllr Michael O’Donovan

· Clonsilla One-Way System:
I have had many complaints about the one-way system on a section of the Clonsilla road near Molloy’s Wine Store. People feel that it is causing unnecessary car journeys and causing hold-ups at Coolmine. We now have a plan on display to go back to a two-way system. My own instinct is to support a change to a two-way system, but I would be glad to hear your views. If you would like a copy of the map showing the changes, please phone or email me.

· Beechpark Estate, Clonsilla
The Council’s Parks Department has started work on a children’s playground in Beechpark Estate (just over the tracks at Clonsilla Station). Work has also started on laying out some sports pitches. We have a plan to restore the historic walled Shakleton Gardens, but this will take time.

· Cutbacks:
Word is coming through of local schools losing teachers and classroom assistants. We are also getting reports of threats to some of the services at Connolly Hospital. It is my strong view that schoolchildren and hospital patients should not suffer because of a crisis caused by the banks and by speculators. We will be campaigning on these issues. More news to follow………..

· Planning Matters:
The planning application by LA Vista Ltd for a large apartment block on the triangular site between the Clonsilla Road and Mount Symon was withdrawn due to problems with the site notice. The developers have now applied again, and I have again submitted an objection as requested by local residents. I will keep you posted.

· A Sunday stroll?
Fingal’s Parks Department has opened an excellent walking trail from St Catherines Park (behind Westmanstown) down into the Liffey Valley at Lucan. Call or email me if you would like a location map



Yours sincerely,
Cllr. Michael O’Donovan – Local Councillor, Clonsilla area

Wednesday, February 11, 2009

Information Letter to Residents of Latchford 10Feb

TO: RESIDENTS OF LATCHFORD

A Brief Note on some Local Issues


· Recreation and open space:
Fingal Council’s Parks Department have produced a design plan for the large Ongar open space area on both sides of the old Hansfield road. This includes sports pitches, small playground, basketball courts etc, and there is funding for the work. If you would like a copy of the layout plan, please phone or email me.

· Taking-in Charge and Management Company issues:
My colleague Joan Burton and I are fully supportive of the excellent work being done by the residents association in seeking the maximum possible control of the Management Company. We will also press for Fingal Council to take Latchford in charge and assume responsibility for much of what is now done by the management company. This should result in reduced management fees. We will also continue to press for the complementation of the recommendation of the Law
Reform Commission report of the regulation of management companies. These new laws would take power away from developers and give for more control to residents. (Unfortunately the Government has allowed this report to gather dust for the past year).

· Schools:
After a number of years of intense lobbying by parents’ groups the availability of school places has greatly improved. The struggle is not over, however. We need high-quality permanent state-of-the-art school buildings for all our schools. In many cases, community facilities, part-funded by Fingal, are part of the school provision and this makes the school building programme all the more important. I will keep you informed of progress in this area.

If you would like to contact me on these or any other issues, please phone or email me.


Le meas


_________________________
Michael O’Donovan
Local Councillor – Ongar area

Information Letter to Residents of Allendale Square

TO: RESIDENTS OF ALLENDALE SQUARE 29 Jan 09

A brief note on some local issues from Cllr Michael O’Donovan

1. Taking in charge for Allendale Square:
Discussions have started between Menolly Properties and Fingal Council on this issue, but we are at a very early stage. If Fingal were to take in charge, for example, the main green area, the public lighting, the roads and the drainage system, this could result in reduced management fees. I am expecting a written report from management within the next three weeks and I will send it to you.

2. Open Space and Recreation:
The Council’s Parks Department has produced a plan for open space, sports pitches and a children’s playground on the large open space behind Ongar House. Funding is available from development levies, so the work will be done. If you would like a copy of these plans, please phone or email me.

3. Policing:
The Community Garda are now holding “clinics” which are open to all local residents.
· Garda Liam Nolan is available at the Community Hall in Mary Mother of Hope School, every Thursday night from 20.30 to 21.30.
· There is also a Garda Clinic in Ongar which is running on a trial basis every second Wednesday morning from 08.30 to 09.30 at Castaheany Educate Together School.

4. Management Companies:
Labour is campaigning for the new legislation recommended by the Law Reform Commission on the regulation of Management Companies. In plain language, we want residents to be able to take over their management companies in a timely and orderly fashion, and run it as they want it. Unfortunately, this excellent report is gathering dust, but my colleague Joan Burton is continuing to press in the Dáil for legislation which will genuinely empower residents.

If you would like a copy of our information leaflet on dealing with management companies, please contact us.

If you wish to discuss this or any other issues, please contact me on 087 2207798 or e-mail me at michael.odonovan@fingalcoco.ie.

Le meas,



_______________________________
Michael O’Donovan
Local Councillor- Ongar/Clonsilla area

Information Letter to Residents of Clonsilla

To: Residents of Clonsilla

26 Jan 09

Dear Friends,

A brief note on some local issues.

· Traffic Matters: I have been pressing the Council’s Director of Transportation to put on public display proposals to change the one-way section of the Clonsilla Road to a two-way system. I believe that, given the opportunity, local residents will want this section opened up to motor traffic. The present situation means that motorists wishing to access Blanchardstown Village from the Clonsilla area end up in jams at the Ongar Road or at the roundabout near Coolmine Community School. I’ll keep you informed of developments.
· Trees along Clonsilla Road: A number of residents contacted me to express concern about some work being done on trees in the Village area and I have kept regularly in touch with our Parks Department on the issue. Whatever work needed to be done appears to have been done sensitively. Some good thinning out has also been done on the treed area near the entrance to Porters Gate.
· Planning matters: I recently called a public meeting (in the Clonsilla Inn) in relation to a planning application to develop shops and apartments on the site near Mount Symon, to the west of the link road between Clonsilla Road and Ongar Road. The overwhelming majority of residents were opposed to the proposal because of the height (up to 5 storeys) and the density of the proposal.

I am supporting local residents on this issue and a copy of my objection in included overleaf.

If you wish to contact me on these or any other issues, please feel free to contact me on 087-2207798 or email michael.odonovan@fingalcoco.ie

Yours sincerely


____________________________
Cllr Michael O’Donovan (Labour)
Local Councillor – Clonsilla area


As a member of the Blanchardstown Local DrugsTask Force, can I remind you of the Confidential “Dial to Stop Drug Dealing” phone number:-
1800 - 220220