News & Comment from

Government finances are improving with tax revenues ahead of target. However there is a significant increase in the overall deficit due to some 10 billion once off payments for bank recapitalisation. The quarterly reviews of the EU/IMF loan are going well and all targets are being met. It is strange to see the Government Parties claiming credit for the progress achieved by decisions they previously opposed. Every measure implemented by Fianna Fil in Government for the past few years was opposed tooth and nail by FG/LAB using the most irresponsible and reckless language and with no regard to the damage being done to Irelands reputation abroad.

Cllr. Deirdre

30 Collins Avenue East, Killester, D5. e.mail heneydm@gmail.com Phone 6183793 / 8512031 Winter 2011

Heney

Fianna Fil, now with 19 TDs and 14 Senators has a much smaller Oireachtas representation than before. With the renewal process underway within the Party, there is a far greater role for Councillors than heretofore, in forming national policy. I look forward to playing my part in this process and with no TD or senator in the constituency, I ask that you channel your ideas and queries to me.

In last years Budget the correction of the gap between income and expenditure was 6 billion. We have overcome that move with GDP growth expected this year, helped mainly by export growth and a recovery in tourism numbers, both inward and holidays at home. Much of the heavy lifting was done in last Decembers Budget with the correction for the coming Budget expected in the area of 3.6 to 4 billion.

The 3 new synthetic turf, floodlit playing pitches at Clontarf Rd are getting good use. G.A.A, rugby & soccer are catered for. The traffic school building provides control & pavilion facilities. Phone 2228583 for bookings and rates. Reduced off-peak rates for youths/schools available. Parking tag is a convenient way to pay for parking via your mobile phone. From 1st Dec to 6th Jan users of parking tag will get parking at half price. No more fumbling for change at a parking meter and you can extend your parking session remotely. Register at www.parkingtag.ie or phone 0818 300 161.

Playing Pitches Clontarf Road

Half Price Parking

City of Neighbourhoods
1st prize

Congratulations to the overall City winners from our North Central area

Harry Byrnes Pub Best Shop Front Raheny Tidy Village Group Best Mixed Use St. Donnycarney West Community Association Raheny Tidy Village Group
2nd prize

As part of the River Wad Catchment Study negotiations with residents continue. A Part 8 planning procedure as well as significant environmental and hydraulic reports will be required. A Preliminary design for works in the Golf Club is being drafted. The works are expected to begin in late 2012
The Government has announced the introduction of a new household charge from next year. It will be 100 for 2012 and will apply to most households in the country. This is an interim charge pending a new property valuation system. It is expected to raise 160 million. It is due from January and late payment penalties of 10 per month will apply from April.

Clanmoyle Road

All the above received first prize at area level

New Household Charge

Dublin Bike Scheme

Donnycarney West Residents Association Committee

I understand the Government must try to bridge the gap between expenditure and tax take. However all property taxes should take into account (a) the value of the house & (b) household income. Flat rate property taxes should be avoided.

Since launched in September 2009 this scheme has been a great success with over 59,000 members and 2.3 million journeys recorded. There are now 550 bikes operating from 44 stations. There is no doubt that the College Green bus gate and the general HGV city ban have provided the climate to allow this scheme to prosper. Dublin City Council and Vantastic offer this free door to door transport service for over 65s to local health/hospital appointments and supermarkets. Freephone 1800-242703 for bookings.

Health Route/Shop Route

A new entrance is to be erected into the Marino Casino at Malahide Road. It is hoped to have a contractor on site before Christmas. The project is being funded by the OPW to commemorate the 250th Anniversary of the Marino Casino.

Casino Park Estate Entrance

Grants for Senior Citizens

Fairview Footbridge

Dublin City Council is to refurbish the bridge. It will remain open to pedestrians during the works which should commence soon.

Dublin City Council is still accepting grant applications under the Housing Adaptation & Mobility Grant Schemes. If required, I recommend you apply without delay as the scheme may close again because of the high volume of applications. The grants cater for necessary works for elderly people and the disabled and include stair lifts, walk in showers, downstairs toilets, rewiring & roof repairs for senior citizens in some cases.

Planning Matters

The following are some local planning applications which can be viewed in Dublin City Council Civic Offices during normal office hours. 3234/11 Permission requested by our Lady Mother of Divine Grace Church, Raheny for improvements incl. new ramps, alteration of some existing steps, new wc other minor alterations 3229/11 permission requested for build of 2 new semi-detached dwellings on Danieli Road.

3000/11 approval given for 83sqm single storey extension to supermarket at Killester Shopping Centre

2803/11; part demolitions of extensions and construct 2 x 2 storey detached 4 bed dwellings at 77/79 Kincora Rd now appealed to An Bord Pleanla.

2797/11 Application for rear of 57 & 58A Clontarf Rd to include demolition of existing structures and construct new 2 & 3 storey office extensions for individual units

3072/11 Application sought to construct single storey extension to rear of existing sports hall for storage purposes at Dominican College, Griffith Avenue

3038/10; Approval granted for development at 59/60 Clontarf Rd incl. apartments, houses etc on site of existing 2 x 2 storey houses due to be demolished.

4151/10 Demolition of dormer house and build of 4 x 2 bed apts at 203A Collins Avenue now gone to An Bord Pleanala.

2445/11 New covered multi-storey car park at Beaumont Hospital granted approval. 313 spaces and 167 at semi-basement level.

3117/11 St. Josephs CBS Fairview have sought permission for changes incl. demolition of changing rooms & construction of new buildings

3160/11 request from St. Davids CBS, Artane for removal of wall & railing and creation of new entrance to school grounds from St. Davids Park

There is huge disquiet about the City Managers flood defence proposal for the seafront. When this matter was initially put to Councillors by senior Council officials the height was to be 1.2 meters. During the planning process and discussions between Dublin City Council, An Bord Pleanla and the Office of Public Works, the height then went from 1.2 to 2.75m without any consultation whatsoever with local residents or Clontarf Councillors. This situation is changing on a continuing basis. I will keep in touch with residents on this matter. Please email me for updates
heneydm@gmail.com

Clontarf flood barrier

The 2011 programme included works at Conquer Hill Rd, Croydon Park Ave, Dunluce Rd, Kincora Park & Rd. Schedule of works are now almost completed This years list includes Haddon Rd, Park Lawn Dollymount, Kincora Estate, St Annes Estate, Stiles Rd, Castle Ave. Seafield Rd. Most of this work is done in the dormant Winter season.

Public Lighting Tree Pruning

Domestic Refuse Collection

The City Manager wants to withdraw from this service which has been provided by Dublin Corporation/City Council for over 140 years. Private operators would take over the business. However, the cost and the waiver scheme are key factors.

3011/11; single storey day hospital for older people at St. Josephs Hospital, Raheny.

2975/11; restoration of existing Clontarf baths incl. single storey restaurant & caf bar, provision of changing cubicles, lifeguard viewing area etc.

Cllr. Deirdre Heney presenting the Lord Mayors Cup to this years Winner in Clontarf Golf Club

Social Welfare Cuts

Minister Joan Burton has announced

Fuel allowance is down by 3.90 per week.

The new rate is 20 per week, payable for 32 weeks each year from Sept to April.

of free electricity units is reduced from 2400 to 1800 with similar change in gas allowance. This will have a monetary cost of about 8 a month in gas or electricity.

Household Benefit Package The number

The current water sources of River Liffey and Dublin mountains are near maximum level. The future hope is to draw water from Lough Derg on River Shannon, store it at Garryhinch cut-away bog near Portarlington, treat it there to drinking water standards and pump to Dublin and 10 counties along the route. With the population of the Greater Dublin Area now at 1.75 million plus and rising, it is essential to have a secure supply into the future.

Water Supply

Presidential Election

Census of population

Preliminary results of the census held last April shows a very significant increase in the 5 year period since 2006. The population reached 4,581,269, an increase of over 340,000 or 8.1%. The increase was mainly due to a high number of births and inward migration in 2006/2007. From October 1st, price increases were approved as follows;

The election for our ninth President has been much in the news of late. The Office was established in the 1937 Constitution and the following have held the position to date

1938 Douglas Hyde; 1945 Sen T. OCheallaigh 1959 Eamon de Valera; 1973 Erskine Childers 1974 Cearbhall ODlaigh; 1976 Patrick Hillery 1990 Mary Robinson; 1997 Mary McAleese.
I note the Government has now published its proposed legislation that will see a reduction in the term of bankruptcy from 12 to 5 years. A similar measure was brought forward by the previous Government however the Dil was dissolved before the Bill was passed. Under existing law, any one who becomes bankrupt in Ireland faces a 12 year waiting period to be discharged from bankruptcy, compared with just 12 months in the UK. This Bill reduces the 12 year term to 5 years.

Energy Prices

Bankruptcy

Bord Gis gas supplies just under 22% increase; ESB electricity supplies increase of 14.8% in unit rates which with a reduction in the PSO levy, will mean an overall increase of about 12%. These increases to the primary suppliers of gas and electricity have been approved by the Commission for Energy Regulation (CER).

News snippets
G

The Minister for Health has made changes in the role of the National Treatment Purchase Fund. The most significant change is that the NTPF will target particular backlogs rather than routinely accept referrals waiting over 3 months. I do hope the changes work. There should be more procedures carried out under the changes but the strength of the NTPF was that patients had to be dealt with based on time on the waiting list.

NTPF

Dublin City Council has completed resurfacing at Collins Avenue West, Gracepark Rd & Church Ave. Parts of Swords Rd and Malahide Rd at N32 junction due for completion by year end. Section of Clontarf Rd from Mount Prospect Ave to the wooden bridge deferred pending new watermain.

Managers recommendation to maintain public right of way over laneway to rear of 250 Clonturk Park, 347 Ormond Rd. 9399 Church Ave. Drumcondra, rejected by Councillors at local area level.