Councillor Michael O'Donovan - Fingal County Council

Playgrounds at Rusheeny & Hazelbury

2010-01-28T07:04:00.000-08:00

Fingal’s Parks Department is consulting the public on plans to build two new children’s playgrounds at Rusheeny and Hazelbury.

I generally welcome the idea of new recreational facilities for Dublin 15, and the communities around Rusheeny and Hazelbury are now benefiting from vastly improved schooling facilities – including the Community College under construction with sport and community use built in.

Nevertheless. I have had some emails expressing doubt in relation to the playground and I’m anxious to hear local views.

Please feel free to phone me on 087-2207798 or e-mail me at michael.odonovan@fingalcoco.ie on this or any other matter

Press Release re Tyrrelstown School

2009-12-11T03:37:00.000-08:00

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”.

Objection to An Bord Pleanala re Clonsilla Village

2009-11-20T03:40:00.000-08:00

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

Press Release

2009-11-04T06:54:00.000-08:00

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

2009-11-04T06:48:00.000-08:00

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

2009-11-04T06:44:00.000-08:00

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

LISBON - A KEY QUESTION

2009-08-04T04:52:00.000-07:00

“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 Own View on the Lisbon Treaty

2009-07-31T08:20:00.000-07:00

“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

2009-07-31T07:31:00.000-07:00

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

Thank You

2009-06-12T07:04:00.000-07:00

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

Information Circular to Residents

2009-05-20T04:21:00.000-07:00

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

Clonsilla Road One Way Restriction to be Discontinued

2009-05-13T02:02:00.000-07:00

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

2009-05-13T01:59:00.000-07:00

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

Welcome Planning Permission New Schools

2009-05-11T04:27:00.000-07:00

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!"

2009-05-11T04:20:00.000-07:00

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.

Information Letter to Latchford & Castlegrange Residents

2009-04-15T03:33:00.000-07:00

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.

Information re Porters Gate & Mount Symon Apr 09

2009-04-07T01:48:00.000-07:00

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

2009-04-07T01:44:00.000-07:00

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

2009-04-07T01:39:00.000-07:00

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

Information Letter Re Clonsilla

2009-02-25T03:07:00.000-08:00

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

Information Letter to Residents of Latchford 10Feb

2009-02-11T08:35:00.000-08:00

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

2009-02-11T08:29:00.000-08:00

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

2009-02-11T08:20:00.000-08:00

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

Local Issues

2008-10-22T03:12:00.000-07:00

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

Refusal of Planning Permission for ALDI Proposal

2008-10-14T03:23:00.000-07:00

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

Circular Letter to the Residents of Latchford

2008-09-09T06:31:00.000-07:00

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

Heritage & Local Environment

2008-08-27T01:20:00.000-07:00

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.

2008-05-28T06:43:00.000-07:00

TYRRELLSTOWN - LOCAL UPDATE

2008-05-07T07:48:00.000-07:00

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

Tolka Valley Pipeline: Update

2008-04-24T07:37:00.000-07:00

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.

"It's a Problem Now, But It's No Longer a Disaster"

2008-03-28T09:08:00.000-07:00

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:-

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

Hansfield/Dunboyne Rail Line

2008-03-11T03:58:00.000-07:00

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

Mulhuddart Bridge

2008-03-11T03:54:00.000-07:00

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

2008-02-29T07:58:00.000-08:00

"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

Consultants Working on Plan for Clonsilla Village

2008-02-22T04:04:00.000-08:00

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

2008-02-22T03:59:00.000-08:00

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".

Waiting Lists for Occupational Therapists

2008-02-08T02:11:00.000-08:00

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.

Happy Christmas and a prosperous New Year

2007-12-24T05:27:00.000-08:00

I'd just like to take this opportunity to welcome you to my new blog, and to extend my best wishes to all for Christmas 2007. I hope that I can continue to represent you again to the best of my ability in 2008.

2007 was an exceptionally busy year the Labour Party in Dublin West, firstly with the general election campaign followed closely by the election of Joan Burton for Deputy Leader of the Labour Party. December was a busy month for the councillors in Fingal with the passing of the annual budget.

Along with my colleagues Joan Burton TD and Cllr.Peggy Hamill, I look forward to representing you in Mulhuddart for the coming year.

Wishing you all the best this Christmas,