New City Centre Speed Limits

Please note the new Dublin city centre speed limit 30kph. This has come into operation since the 31st of January. A review of accident statistics for Dublin city area reveals 47% of deaths and 24% of injured persons were pedestrians. The reduction in the speed limit will make it safer for all road users. The speed limit will apply to all roads within the city centre area, extending from Bolton street on the northside to Kevin street / St Stephens green on the southside.

A map of the 30kph speed limit zone is available to view here

Water Supply UPDATE 4th February

There has been an improvement in water storage . This has allowed the level of water restriction to return morenormal levels or service. Most parts now have reasonable levels of supply although there are still some small areas were work remains to be done to resolve local problems

Dublin City Council urges public to conserve water during cold weather

Severe water pressure reduction is currently affecting the following areas in the North West Region of the City:

• Cardiffsbridge
• Finglas Village
• Oakwood
• Glasnevin Road
• St. Pappins Road

Dublin City Council is calling on the public, businesses, schools and everybody in the community to conserve water. This is because water levels are at a critically low level and demand is at an all-time high.

The prolonged freeze over Christmas and the early days of January caused a dramatic increase in broken water mains. The ground will move as the thaw sets in during the week beginning 11th January and this will cause further damage and breakages to the water mains, resulting in increased loss of water.

Water Conservation message from Dublin City Council
For further information contact: Dublin City Council Water Services Division: 01-2220600

For more Water conservation tips check out   www.taptips.ie

Dublin City Delelopment plan

In 2010, Dublin City Council is creating a new city development plan that will shape how Dublin grows for years to come.

Currently in draft form, the Plan will be amended based on submissions received and adopted by the City Council later this year. In 2010, we have a unique opportunity to determine what kind of future we want to build and what kind of city we want to live in.

Dublin City Council is  encouraging you to have your say, to help shape a better city and a better future for Dublin at a number of Scheduled drop in days around the city for a list of public consultations       Click here..

Loss of Local Youth Workers

Due to Goverment cuts, The Finglas Youth Service (The Den on St Helena's Road, Finglas South) are proposing a march to Goverment Buildings on the 27th of January 2010 to highlight the axing of several jobs. Anumber of employees with vast experience in the local community are set to loose their jobs, most of which have beenn there for over 10 years. The FYS provides a comprehensive range of support services for young people including recreational and educational programmes, leadership training , Garda Youth Diversion Projects, Detached Youth Work and Drug Education . Finglas Youth Services also promote a wide variety of outdoor persuits opportunities for young people. Please give them your support by signing their petition.
For more details       Tel : 01 8341436 or e-mail       info@fys.ie

The       Finglas Suicide Network

The Finglas Suicide Network are looking for volunteers for fundraising. The FSN which developed as a direct response to the high levels of suicide in the area. Console working in partnership with FSN provides a counsellor in the Finglas area to work with people affected by suicide. The Finglas Suicide Network committee comprises of concerned residents living in the area, social workers, youth workers, the HSE suicide resource officer, community liaison gardai, parish pastoral workers, community development officers and members of Console. For further details        Eleonora Sozzi  Tel: 01 8800521       St Helena’s Family Resource Centre,       St Helena’s Road, Finglas South ,Dublin       11 or Sean Cartwright(CDP)  Tel : 01 8640285

2010 Budget

The present  Fianna Fail/Green party  government have cut Dublin City Council’s budget by 15.5% from 2008 till 2010.

Local Goverment Fund

Allocation in 2008 ........€105.0  million

Allocation at 01.01.09.. €97.8 million

Allocation at 01.06.09..€94.7 million

Allocation at 01.01.10..€88.7 million

Pay

• Reduction in pay rates as part of the Goverment Budget Framework.
• Average reduction of 5.3%, actual reduction varies across staff.
• 65% of reduction is retained by the city council.
• 35% is retained by central Goverment.

75% of the city councils are self funded.     25% is funded by central government.

The Labour Party has succeeded in keeping 3 swimming pools open in the city. There’s a reduction of 2% in the rates for businesses as pressures on businesses are evident. Of all the major cities in Ireland, Dublin is the lowest annual rate on valuation.

Commercial water and waste

• None domestic water charges are below the cost of the service.
• Gap between cost and charges of 21%
• Highlighted in Commission on taxation report
• Increase in the charge of 8 cents per 1000 liters from €1.64c to €1.72c – Cost per litre 0.00172.
• Cost recovery will be at 86%
• Commercial refuse - No increase.

Domestic Waste

• Cost base is increasing, specifically around recycling costs.
• Increases across standing charge and lift charges for the Grey Bin and bag labels.
• No increase for the Brown Bin.

Domestic Waste Waiver

Dublin City Council offers waivers for households whose sole income is from social welfare or where the household income falls below the income tax threshold.

Hardship cases are assessed through an application process on an individual basis.

To download the Waste Charges Waiver Application Form for Dublin City Council then       click here.

If the bill is paid within 2 weeks of issue, there will be one free lift in the following quarter and this is a total of four free lifts per year for prompt payers. The cost of this is €1 million per year and funded by a reduction of bad debts of €1 million.

50 years of St Canice’s Parochial National School Finglas

St Canice’s Parochial National School Celebrated its 50   ^th     Anniversary in November 09,

The school celebrated with pupils and staff who have been part of the community throughout the years.

Those that attended were Principal Shirley Dunlop and Rev David Oxley.

Know How 2 Learn

I recently attended the launch of Know How 2 Learn. The Ballymun job centre presents a chance for disadvantaged groups to return to education. The aim is specifically designed tools to highlight an individual learning styles , skills and motivation.

For more details contact... Ian Clifford, Nuala Whealan or Lorna Powell in the Ballymun Job Centre, Ballymun Town Centre , Dublin 11.

Tel: +353 1 8667000/ Fax +353 1 8420134   email     knowhow@bmunjob.ie       website www.knowhow2learn.net

White Paper on Crime

As a member of the Joint Policing Committee I attended the forum in December 09,

I invited 5 groups from the communities of Finglas and Ballymun to take part in a discussion debating crime in their areas. Also attending was Cllr Gerry Breen (Chairman of the Joint Policing Committee)  Donacha O Sullivan from the Department of Justice, Equality and Law Reform. A presentation was given by Michael Feehan Assistant Commissioner Dublin Region . Recommendations and submissions resulting from the meeting will go forward to the next stage on the White Paper on Crime.   There will be further discussions in 2010 , those interested in attending can contact me on 087 948 5559 or email me at       johnjeredmond@eircom.net

Passport for Leisure Card Concerns.

Some of my constituents are worried about the removal of the Passport for Leisure Facilities card. On investigation ....This is NOT the case . The Passport for the leisure card will be withdrawn in September and no new cards will be issued. But over 55's can renew their membership for free if they produce ID and will be able to continue to enjoy any of the Dublin City Council Leisure Facilities for free. Official notification will be forth comming in September.
For a list of Swimming and Leisure Facilities in the Dublin City Council area  Click here .

Tolka Valley Road - Bus Stop

Bus Stop outside Tolka Valley Green has been Re-instated after a number of years. Local Constituents asked for the Bus stop to be put back. Thanks to Dublin Bus and the City Council for their co-operation.