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 20, 2009
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”
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
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”
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.
“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.
· 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
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
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