Tag Archives: Dun Laoghaire

Proposed Development by Council of New Council Chamber at County Hall, Dun Laoghaire

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Plans and Particulars – New Council Chamber at County Hall, Dun Laoghaire

PC/02/13

In accordance with Part 8, Article 81 of the above Regulations, Dún Laoghaire-Rathdown County Council hereby gives notice of proposals pertaining to development as follows:

The construction of new chamber within the existing structure of County Hall by inserting a floor in the central Exhibition/Event space (Concourse) to create a chamber in the upper area of the space, under the existing roof.  Access will be by two walkway bridges, one from the upper floor of the Old Town Hall,[a Protected Structure] and the second from the helical staircase and public lift on the third floor level.  The exhibition/event space will be retained at ground floor level, a new soundproofed ceiling will be provided along with new electrical and mechanical services and new access doors and fenestration to retain daylight into this area.

In accordance with S.I. 476, 2011, Section 250, Planning and Development (Amendment) (No. 3) Regulations, 2011 Dún Laoghaire-Rathdown County Council has determined that an Appropriate Assessment is not required.

Plans and particulars of the proposals are available for inspection from Wednesday 10th April 2013 up to and including Wednesday 22nd May 2013 at the Planning and Enterprise Department, County Hall, Marine Road, Dun Laoghaire between the hours of 10.00 a.m and 4:00 p.m. and at the Council Offices, Dundrum Office Park, Dundrum between the hours 9.30 a.m. to 12.30 p.m. and 1.30 p.m. to 4.30 p.m. Monday to Friday, excluding Bank Holidays.

A copy of the proposed Part 8 may also be viewed on the County Council’s website at www.dlrcoco.ie

Plans and Particulars – New Council Chamber at County Hall, Dun Laoghaire

Submissions or observations with respect to the proposals, and dealing with the proper planning and development of the area, may be made in writing before 5:00 p.m. Wednesday 5th June 2013 to:

Declan McCulloch,
Senior Executive Officer
Planning and Enterprise Department
Dún Laoghaire-Rathdown County Council
County Hall
Marine Road
Dún Laoghaire
Co. Dublin
Or by email to : planning@dlrcoco.ie                 

10th April 2013.

 

QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS RE THE PROPOSED DEVELOPMENT

What has happened?

The Department of the Environment recently published Putting People First, the Government’s Action Programme for local government reform. This report states:

“6.4.10 Any proposals in relation to local authority membership in Dublin would

need to be carefully considered in the context of other significant issues relating to

local government structures and governance, particularly as reduction in the

population to member ratio could have significant implications for the size of councils

and associated efficiency and cost. However there is a good case for reducing the

degree of representational imbalance currently in the Dublin counties, particularly

Fingal, which has 24 seats and a member to population ratio of 1:11,416 and South

Dublin, which has 26 seats and a ratio of 1:10,200. The member to population ratio

in Dun Laoghaire-Rathdown, which currently has 28 seats, is less unfavourable at

1:7,366, but still relatively high compared with many other areas. A review of local

electoral areas and the number of members assigned to each of those areas will be

undertaken.”

It is expected that the recommendations outlined in ‘Putting People First’ will be included in legislation to be enacted in 2013. This will result in the number of Councillors in DLRCC increasing from 28 to 40 after the Local Elections are held in 2014.

Why is this an issue for DLRCC?

Our existing Council Chamber can not accommodate an additional twelve Councillors in it’s current format. It is also not possible to extend the existing Chamber due to a lack of available space, restricted access (including disabled access) and the fact that the Town Hall itself is a protected structure.

What is the Council proposing to do?

A number of possible locations for a new Chamber have been considered with the roof space of the Concourse deemed to be the most suitable.

While this option will involve some structural work it will:

  • be more cost effective than other options
  • allow us to retain the existing use of the concourse, assembly room and annex
  • provide good accessibility
  • safeguard the existing design of the concourse
  • not affect the protected structure that is the town hall

Why is the Council proceeding with this plan if the relevant legislation has not enacted?

In order to have a new Chamber available to accommodate a new Council with 40 Councillors after the May 2014 local elections work would need to commence on site in Autumn 2013. However, works to construct any new Chamber, if approved through a Part 8 process, will not commence until legislation giving effect to any changes in the membership of the Council is enacted.

What is the expected cost of the proposed works?

It is estimated that the proposed new Chamber will cost in the region of €800,000.

Council, Harbour Board and business association all focused on bright future for Dun Laoghaire harbour

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Fine Gael Dun Laoghaire Deputy, Mary Mitchell O’Connor, said (27th March 2013) that everyone in Dun Laoghaire; the Dun Laoghaire/Rathdown County Council, the Harbour Company Board and local business associations are working together to develop Dun Laoghaire Harbour and to maximise its potential into the future.

Deputy Mitchell O’Connor was speaking following the publication yesterday by the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport, Leo Varadkar TD, of the new National Ports Policy. The Policy sets out a plan to transfer the corporate governance and oversight of the Harbour from the Department to the County Council, which is best placed to meet the long-term future needs of the harbour.

“As the third largest ferry port in the State, Dun Laoghaire Harbour has moved away in recent years from commercial port-related business to focusing on developing tourism, marine and recreational related activities.

“The Dun Laoghaire Harbour Company has done an excellent job in developing long-term future plans for the Harbour. The Minister’s decision to extend full control to the local authority, by making it a separate legal entity with share capital, owned by the local authority, will allow for the mutually beneficial development of the Harbour down the line.

“There are so many exciting projects attached to the Harbour with up to 14 cruise vessels, including the Queen Mary II, planning to come to Dun Laoghaire following a successful marketing campaign in the US by the Dun Laoghaire Cruise Stakeholder Group. This effort to develop the tourism potential of the Harbour will help it to maximise the use of the Harbour, and with an estimated additional 30,000 passengers and crew set to come ashore, the benefits for the town will be significant.

“The Dun Laoghaire Harbour Master Plan, which was published in 2011, aimed at increasing the tourism potential of the Harbour and getting the best out of what we have to offer. Proposals have already been put to An Bord Pleanála for the construction of a new quay that would be able to cater for larger vessels, to allow Dun Laoghaire to harness an increasing amount of tourism market share.

“The Gathering represents a brilliant opportunity for people who have an interest in Ireland to pay a visit to our shores. With a host of conferences taking place at the Harbour, including the diaspora and the bratacha (flag) conference, all minds are focused on how best to develop Dun Laoghaire Harbour as a cultural amenity, a tourist attraction and a marine and leisure amenity.”

We love this video about Dun Laoghaire!

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Have a look at this video showing some of the many wonderful things about Dun Laoghaire and add a Like!

This film is the winning entrant from the Dublin & North East Regional Final.  It takes a look at Dun Laoghaire, highlighting local amenities while interviewing locals asking them what they like about the area. Produced by students from Colaiste Iosagain ( Mary Ann ni Riain, Nicki Ni Uaid, Hannah Ni Mhaitiu, and Aoife Nic an Mhanaigh).

Well done!

Dun Laoghaire video on YouTube

 

Queen Mary II arrives in Dún Laoghaire May 2013

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The world famous Queen Mary II arrives in Dún Laoghaire Harbour on May 16th 2013. She is just one of 10 cruise ships expected in Dun Laoghaire in 2013 bringing over 5,000 visitors to the town and surrounding areas. All the visitors will receive a big ‘Cead Mile Failte’ from the Dún Laoghaire Cruise Stakeholder Group which includes Dún Laoghaire Rathdown County Council, Dún Laoghaire Business Association, Dún Laoghaire Chamber of Commerce and Dún Laoghaire Harbour Company.

See www.dlharbour.ie for more information

 

CoderDojo launches in IADT Dun Laoghaire

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Coder Dojo Dun Laoghaire was launched on Wednesday 23 January, in IADT Dun Laoghaire, with Mary Mitchell O’Connor, TD, in attendance.

Coder Dojo is a free, non-profit, computer club for school kids which was founded by Cork computer whizz kid James Whelton and entrepreneur Bill Liao.  It has taken the world by storm and is now operating in approximately 24 countries, with over 10,000 kids attending weekly.

Coder Dojo sessions provide an opportunity for young people to learn how to code apps, programs, games, build robots, develop websites and more, with the help of mentors who donate their time free of charge.

Annie Doona, President of IADT, said ‘We are absolutely delighted to be hosting Coder Dojo at IADT as it reflects so closely what this Institute is all about. We strive to nurture a powerful combination of creativity and technological capability within our students, and hope to see some Coder Dojo participants joining us on our degree programmes in the next few years.’

Local TD Mary Mitchell O’Connor commented that “Coder Dojo provides a wonderful outlet for the talent of our young people – no doubt it will result in many future entrepreneurs and jobs. I have great faith in the potential of our future generation.”

Organiser Sandra Maguire said “I first heard about Coder Dojo in February 2012 when I heard James Whelton, then aged only 19, mesmerising a couple of hundred business people with his story. There was no Coder Dojo in the Dun Laoghaire area and I kept hoping one would be started up. Eventually I decided to start one myself, and went to IADT, where I had studied Cyberpsychology a couple of years before. The support of IADT and Mary Mitchell O’Connor has been invaluable in getting the project ready to launch.  With the help of our generous mentors and volunteers, I believe we are going to make an exciting impact on the lives of many children.”

Whilst the weekly two hour sessions are free, places need to be pre-booked.

See www.coderdojodunlaoghaire.com or email coderdojodl@coderdojo.com for information

Amgen’s expansion signals confidence in Ireland and Dun Laoghaire

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Fine Gael Dun Laoghaire Deputy, Mary Mitchell O’Connor, has said that the expansion of the Amgen pharmaceutical plant in Dun Laoghaire is a huge boost for the local area, with jobs for graduates, the highly skilled and those in construction to be created. Deputy Mitchell O’Connor was speaking following her visit to the plant yesterday (Thursday) with the Taoiseach and Tánaiste.

“As part of a €200 million IDA-backed investment, a major expansion of the Amgen plant at Pottery Road is set to take place with 100 jobs to be created for engineering and science graduates, as well as some entry-level positions. Three hundred and fifty construction jobs will also be created during the building phase of the 11,700sqm development.

“This will have a significant impact on a wide range of people in Dun Laoghaire and the surrounding areas and signals a major display of confidence by Amgen in what Ireland has to offer in terms of a stable and reliable corporate tax rate and a well-educated and highly qualified workforce. I am also delighted that Amgen has committed to working with local residents during the construction phase and that Pottery Road is in line to be upgraded.

“Amgen is the world’s largest biotech company and it is worth noting that this announcement comes little more than a year after the company purchased the facility from Pfizer. It is extremely heartening that such a substantial development is taking place after such a short time.

“The Government has placed a special focus on the biotech, pharmaceutical and life sciences sectors in the Action Plan for Jobs. These areas, among others, have been identified as sectors with the potential for high growth and job creation. Ireland has built up an outstanding reputation in these areas over the years, with the result that nine of the top ten global pharmaceutical companies now have a presence in Ireland.

“It is vital that we focus on doing all that we can to support indigenous businesses, to encourage more international start-ups and multinational companies, to improve competitiveness and target the sectors with the most potential. With 80 out of 83 (96%) measures in Q1 2012 of the Action Plan for Jobs having been delivered, the Government’s efforts in creating an environment in which jobs can be created cannot be called into question.

“There is still a long road ahead but this announcement further cements Amgen’s place in Dun Laoghaire and transforms the Pottery Road plant into one of the leading biotechnology manufacturing sites in the world. And that’s something we can all be proud of.”

Funding will improve situation for all commuters in Dun Laoghaire/Rathdown

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€1m for new cycle facilities, better access for walkers and new road.

Fine Gael Dun Laoghaire Deputy, Mary Mitchell O’Connor, has welcomed the announcement of €1 million in funding from the Department of Transport to go towards improving transport infrastructure for pedestrians, cyclists and motorists in Dun Laoghaire/Rathdown. This is part of a new round of funding of €12 million for more than a hundred projects in the Greater Dublin Area under the Sustainable Transport Measures Programme 2012.

“I am delighted that this funding has been made available to improve facilities for cyclists, pedestrians and motorists in Dun Laoghaire/Rathdown. One million euro had been provided, €600,000 of which will be used to improve the junction and signalling at the junction of Upper Kilmacud Road and Blackthorn Junction. This will include new cycle facilities and better access for pedestrians and cyclists at Sandyford Luas stop.

“Design works on a new road from Leopardstown Road to Sandyford Business District will also be carried out which will go towards improving the situation for people travelling this route, helping to shorten journey times and make life that bit easier.

“Work on designing a new cycle and walking link from Belfield campus to the Dart will also be carried out. These days more and more people are opting for local transport or are taking to their bikes. It is important that we encourage these trends by making sure that the facilities and pathways that cyclists and pedestrian use are up to scratch.

“Despite the constraints on his Department, the Minister for Transport, Leo Varadkar, has made a concerted effort to ensure that smaller projects that will have a big impact locally are adequately funded.

“By providing €12 million for more than 100 road, bus, cycle and pedestrian projects in the Greater Dublin Area, the Minister is addressing the needs of all commuters, by seeking out the ways to best improve means of transport while encouraging more sustainable ways of travelling.

Mary Mitchell O’Connor raises concerns over development of Cherrywood

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New villages could have negative impact on established areas like Dun Laoghaire, Dalkey, Blackrock and Glasthule.

Fine Gael Dun Laoghaire Deputy, Mary Mitchell O’Connor, has made a submission to Dun Laoghaire/Rathdown County Council outlining concerns over the impact the Cherrywood Strategic Development Zone could have on Dun Laoghaire and the surrounding areas.

“The Draft Planning Scheme for the Cherrywood Strategic Development Zone details a 264 hectare green field site for development which would consist of three new villages, served by a town centre, with the capacity for three primary schools and two post primary schools.

Considering what is happening in areas such as Dun Laoghaire, Dalkey, Blackrock, Shankill, Ballybrack and Glasthule at the moment, the fact that the proposal is not anchored within an overall strategy for region and the possible negative impact it may have on surrounding towns and villages, is a cause of genuine concern.

“Too often we have seen the development of areas in isolation without any real reference to surrounding towns and settlements. The effects of the recession are already evident on the main streets of these towns with many retail outlets and offices closed down. Retailers argue, with conviction, that this development will draw customers from their towns and villages, especially at weekends, compounding an already difficult trading environment.

“Consideration must also be given to how a major population move to Cherrywood will impact on house prices and school pupil numbers in the already established centres. In the last few months a private primary school has closed in Dun Laoghaire town and I am aware of four other State primary schools in the Dun Laoghaire Electoral Area Ward that are set to lose significant pupil numbers. There is also pupil capacity in a number of our State run secondary schools in the area.

“The water supply to the development is also a cause for concern as the security of supply from Roundwood Water Treatment Works, which Cherrywood area is totally reliant upon, may not sustain a development of this scale.

“While the initial plan put forward in 2009 was appropriate, we are now living in very different times and must ask ourselves if this development is the best strategy at this time. We already have an oversupply of unfinished office blocks and apartment units, many of which are empty, in place such as Leopardstown. It is my strong belief that we should get our existing towns back up and running before embarking on new developments such as this.”

Not paying household charge is unfair on those who have paid

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Tuesday, 3rd April 2012 –
Household charge pays for services which we all benefit from.

Fine Gael Dún Laoghaire TD, Mary Mitchell O’ Connor, has called on people who have not paid the household charge to do so in the interests of fairness.

“The Government has established the household charge in order to pay for local services such as parks, street lighting, emergency services and libraries, in other words the services provided by our local authorities which we all depend on and take for granted. The charge is necessary because we have a €16 billion budget deficit and need to raise the money directly from our citizens.

“As everyone benefits from good local infrastructure and facilities, it is important in terms of equity and fairness that everyone pays. We all benefit from the same public resources so it is unfair that some should effectively pay for their neighbours.

“I fear that resentment may occur between residents in a local area if some have paid their charge and others decide not to. We cannot expect our neighbours and friends to pick up the tab for the roads, playgrounds and other public facilities which we all use. In the interest of fairness, we all need to contribute.

“On a separate note, I am greatly heartened that Dun Laoghaire constituency has the highest percentage of household charge payments in the country. Given Minister Phil Hogan’s indication that those areas which collect the most will receive the most funding things look positive for residents in the constituency.”