April 2021 Chief Executive’s Report

Sean Walsh Park About the Chief Executive’s Report Contents

South ’s Chief Executive’s Report is presented to elected members at Council 22 every month and details important achievements across our various departments whilst highlighting key statistics and images from events that took place that month. Statistics Report The report also highlights major news pieces and puts a focus on an area of the Council that doesn’t always get the attention it deserves.

06 Housing Social and Community 24 04 LUPT Development Finance Report Highlights from Land Use Planning and Transportation. 25

Images of the Month

Economic, Enterprise and 08 Tourism Development Features

14 Eco Week The 17th annual Eco Week will be held from 19 - 23 April.

16 National Tree Week National Tree Week took place in March Corporate Performance and with the Council marking it in Vesey Park, 10 Change Management Lucan. 18 Canal Loop Urban Greenway Public Consultation for an Urban Green- way between the Grand Canal and Lucan Village are ongoing until 19 April.

Council Focus 20 A look at the Council being awarded €186m through the Urban Regeneration Development Fund. Environment, Water and Climate 12 Change

3 Parking Bye-Laws County Council has a statutory role in managing car parking in public spaces. Marking Land Use, Planning and a significant departure from previ- ous contracts for the management of approximately 800 parking spaces across the county, the Transportation Council recently signed a contract with Parkrite as a single supplier for the provision of its Managed Car Parking Services. Previously, six companies were contracted to manage the various aspects of this service.

The new contract which was signed on 1 February 2021 in- cludes services for Enforcement, Cash Collection, Provision of Parking Machines, and the Main- tenance of Parking Machines. It is (continued) comprehensive public con- for an initial term of 24 months, sultation process, is nearing a conclusion. with the Council reserving the A full report on the consultation, which right to extend the term of the attracted approximately 330 submissions contract for a further period of 24 and observations, will be presented to the months, up to four years in total. Council at the May 2021 Council meeting when it is expected that new ByeLaws will In tandem with the request for be made. The new ByeLaws will become tender and award of contract, the effective 30 days after their making and Council is currently reviewing the notice of the making of the ByeLaws will Control of Parking Byelaws 2010. be published in local media. The review process, including a

ing the existing areas of on-street Lower Dodder Road active parking where possible. Dublin Uplands Heritage travel scheme Under the South Dublin County The scheme proposes to rationalise Heritage Plan, a partnership key project in the Cycle the existing traffic calming and project has been formed between South Dublin programme of increase the width of the exist- the Council and other stakehold- A work is the Dodder Valley ing footway to the riverside. The ers with funding support from Greenway. This is a 14-kilometre Council has now initiated a Part 8 the Heritage Council. The Dublin greenway connecting the foot- process on this scheme and public Uplands Archaeological Heritage hills of the Dublin mountains at consultation is currently underway. Project is a response to specific Kiltipper to our boundary with DCC archaeological heritage and at Osprey Park. There are several The public consultation is open tourism objectives as indicated in sections to this route, including from until April 26. County Heritage Plans and Tour- walking and cycling improvements ism Strategies, and in the Dublin to existing streets around the Dod- Mountains Partnership Strategic der Valley, which aim to improve Lower Dodder Road Plan. Funding has now been peoples access to the Dodder Public consultation on the Lower Dodder secured to facilitate engagement Valley. One such street is the Lower Road active travel acheme is open. with the upland archaeological Dodder Road. record and to progress the deliv- ery of a Dublin Uplands Archaeo- The Council has prepared a scheme logical Heritage Trail. to amend the existing vehicle carriageway on the Lower Dodder Tibradden Cairn in the Dublin Mountains. Road to be one way whilst retain-

4 5 Homeless Forum The South Dublin Homeless Fo- rum met virtually on 25th March to continue work on facilitating Housing, Social and interagency responses to needs and gaps in homeless services. The forum also seeks to maximise Community Development supports for homeless persons and client progression from home- lessness in South Dublin.

At the forum meeting, the Coun- cil’s Homeless Services team provided updates on our supports for homeless households and ongoing delivery of housing as well as highlighting the related challenges facing homeless ser- vice providers.

Key inputs and updates were also received from representatives of various agencies providing LGBT+ Network supports to homeless households The Council, together with the South including HSE and Public Health Dublin Public Participation Network ,are Nurses, Dublin Simon, Peter supporting the development of a county- McVerry Trust, Focus Ireland, JADD, wide LGBT+ network. South Dublin LGBT+ family hub service providers and Network celebrates diversity and provides the Support to Live Independently a welcoming and nurturing place for programme. LGBT+ people of all ages and backgrounds. The network will also provide a safe space for people in communities where LGBT+ people may face additional hurdles.

Community Grants Pro- to be as adaptive and responsive gramme 2021 as possible to current community €2.9m Funding Secured needs, the 2021 Grants Programme The Council has received a 2021 he Council’s Community provides additional grant supports allocation of €2,925,531 from Grants Programme has including a Community Centre the Department of Housing, Local opened for online appli- Re-opening Fund, Operational Government and Heritage for T Supports for Sports Clubs Fund and cations. The programme provides Housing Adaptation Grants for financial assistance to community a Covid Resilience Fund. Older People and People with groups and sports clubs across the a Disability in the County. This County who are responding to lo- Further details, including the Com- allocation includes a contribution cally identified needs by providing munity Grants explanatory booklet of €585,106 from Council re- a range of activities and services and details of how to access the sources. The means-tested grants across their communities. online application forms, are can be applied for by homeown- available on the Community Grants ers requiring adaptation of their While a broad range of funding is section of the Council’s website. home. The Council continues to provided annually through commu- Groups and clubs wishing to make Community Grants process grant applications during nity grants including support for an application in need of additional Online applications for the Community COVID-19 restrictions, and prior- community development, sports support or information can contact Grants Programme are open. itise applications for those cur- development and community the Community Development team rently in hospital/care facilities events, the ongoing impact of the by telephone at 01-4149156 or to allow them to return to their COVID-19 pandemic on the delivery by email at communitygrants@ home as swiftly as possible. of community, voluntary and sport- sdublincoco.ie. ing activities is also recognised. €2.9m funding has been secured for Housing Adaptation Grants. To address these challenges and

6 7 Acorn Tablet Initiative South Dublin Libraries have been awarded funding from the Healthy Ireland/Sláinte Care Resilience Economic, Enterprise and fund for the purchase of 45 Acorn tablets. Tourism Development These tablets are designed for ease of use by older people and anyone who finds using a normal tablet difficult. The tablets will come preloaded with the libraries online resources apps including Borrowbox, allowing instant access to thousands of titles. Zoom will also be installed, and this will allow those using them to get connected to library events.

North Clondalkin Library and the new library at Castletymon will pilot a project aimed at connect- ing nursing homes in the local Filíocht 2021 areas for virtual coffee mornings, storytelling sessions and other Fógrófar buaiteoir Filíocht 2021, comórtas engagement activities. Other pro- filíochta Gaeilge South Dublin Libraries ’ar jects using the tablets including Poetry Day Ireland, 29 Aibreán 2021. basic classes are being explored and will be developed when our The winner of Filíocht 2021, the South libraries reopen. Dublin Libraries’ Irish language poetry competition will be announced on Poetry Day Ireland, 29 April 2021.

North Clondalkin Library were warmly welcomed by Danielle Little Learner’s Library pilot project in Tallaght Anderson - Head of Patient Advice South Dublin Libraries’ mobile Hospital and Liaison Services TUH and service is offering free deliveries her team. It is envisaged that the to children with special needs. s part of the Keep Well playaways will be used by patients Parents and children can select campaign, North Clondalkin in the Stroke Unit and also by older toys from the library’s Toys, Tech- A Library, and in association patients, who are likely to find nology and Training catalogue or with Tallaght Hospital, is delight- them very easy to handle because ask for books that appeal to them ed to pilot a lending initiative to of their small size. and a mobile library will deliver patients and staff in the hospital. direct to the family’s home!

The initial loan will consist of 30 To avail of the free service, or to playaways and 30 adult fiction request a Toys, Technology and books and will commence in April Training catalogue, parents can 2021. Online resources will also be contact their local library, phone promoted, with particular emphasis Library Pilot Project 01-4597834 or email mobiles@ on BorrowBox. BorrowBox is an app A North Clondalkin Library pilot project has sdublincoco.ie. that allows library members borrow begun in Tallaght Hospital. eBooks and eAudiobooks free from their library.

The box of items was delivered by library staff on Monday 15 March The Mayor delivering a Little Learner’s box to Cillian Roja and his big brother Shay. to Tallaght Hospital. The resources

8 9 Services Catalogue The Council is working with the LGMA on a national project to produce one common catalogue Corporate Performance and of services, currently estimated at approximately 1000 services. The service catalogue will help Change Management to better inform the public about local authority services and how to access them by using common language that is consistent across the sector.

To date, the focus has been on public-facing services, and the following areas have been completed: housing, environment, planning, roads and transpor- tation, economic development, tourism, local enterprise, parks and open spaces, library services, and community services. Work is currently underway on finance, IT Lighting Up Buildings and water services. The Council lit up County Hall, Tallaght, and the Round Tower and Civic Offices in Clondalkin twice during March in cele- bration of St Patrick’s Day and to promote Daffodil Day on Friday 26 March.

Daffodil Day is held in aid of the Irish Can- cer Society and aims to raise awareness and funding around cancer supports.

Trans PRIDE at Work South Dublin County Council and speaking about Women’s Caucus South Dublin County Council’s their experience and challenges to South Dublin County Council LGBTQ+ Staff Network and Dublin coming out / being out in work. continues its work to directly City Council’s LGBT+ Staff Network promote female participation in hosted a “Trans PRIDE at Work” The Council also flew the Trans politics. At the Council meeting virtual Conference on Wednesday, flag in County Hall, Tallaght and in March, support for the estab- 31 March. the Civic Offices in Clondalkin on lishment of a Women’s Caucus 31 March to mark International was agreed, with the executive This event was the third collab- Transgender Day of Visibility. committed to engaging with oration between both LGBTQ+ female Councillors in its devel- Networks, and its purpose was to opment. The purpose of women’s celebrate and encourage Trans caucuses is to strengthen cooper- inclusivity in the workplace. The ation between women in political event was an ideal opportunity to life across party lines. They can support the inclusion and visi- Trans PRIDE help build the capacity of women bility of our trans and non-binary The Council celebrated International councillors; especially newly colleagues in the public and civil Trans Day of Visibility on 31 March. elected councillors, through sector and to discuss challenges formal and informal mentoring that face transgender people in the and promote women’s equality in workplace generally. Local Government.

The conference included members Support for a Women’s Caucus was agreed by the Council. of the LGBT+ Networks from both

10 11 Decarbonising Zones Action 165 of The National Cli- mate Action Plan 2019, to ‘Extend flagship low-carbon projects to Environment, Water other towns and villages’ sets the challenge for Local Authorities to identify and develop Decarbon- ising Zones where efforts can be Climate Change harmonised to deliver low carbon projects and develop a deeper understanding of the scope and implementation challenges of decarbonising our economy and society.

Initially, the Council was asked to identify at least one decarbonis- ing zone within the County, and a broad outline of implementable projects and outcomes in terms of potential carbon reductions. At a minimum, these outcomes are ex- (continued) Demand Analysis (SEDA), iden- pected to meet the Government’s tify potential locations and develop energy national targets on reducing baselines for the Decarbonising Zones. greenhouse gas emissions by 7% Potential DZ projects can include areas annually between 2021 and 2030 like the below: (51% reduction over the decade). • Low Carbon Transport and mobility Subsequently, we will be tasked hubs, with preparing DZ implementation • Energy-efficient buildings, plans to be included in our own • Green spaces, Climate Action Plans. The Council • Energy planning and policy, is currently working with our en- • Air quality, ergy agency to review the Spatial

and remove training pressure from Proposed Astro Pitch in Pollinator Action Plan Sean Walsh Park, Tallaght grass pitches with a resultant high- er standard of grass pitches. The The Council’s Pollinator Action The Council will shortly commence proposed Astro Pitch at Tallaght is Plan is our commitment to pro- a part 8 planning process for a supported by the National Devel- moting habitats for pollinators new Astro Pitch at Sean Walsh opment Plan, Project 2040 Building in this county and addressing the Park, Tallaght. The Council has Irelands Future, National Planning rapid decline in our bee popula- committed to providing facilities Framework, SDCC Development tions. We have been working with to support active recreation for our Plan and the Tallaght Local Area local community groups, resi- communities in our Corporate Plan Plan. dents’ associations, and schools 2020-2024. to help raise awareness of the The Part 8 for the Astro Pitch at All-Ireland Pollinator Plan. To The Council completed a Sports Sean Walsh Park will commence better support these efforts and Pitch Strategy in 2020 which out- shortly. Once live, details will be to better promote the work being lined several recommendations to available on the Council’s consulta- undertaken, we have developed ensure the supply of sports pitches tion portal. Astro Pitch the South Dublin County Pollina- to meet the projected growth in The proposed location of the astro tor Action Plan and committed to demand for active, pitch-based pitch in the green space to the left- carrying out a range of focused recreation over the next 15 years. hand side of Tallaght Stadium. actions to make the County a place where pollinators can The proposed Astro Pitch will pro- survive and thrive. vide for increased match play, meet the demand for training provision Pollinator Action Plan which is not currently being met,

12 13 manner. and environmental awareness events Citizen Engagement on throughout the year contact en- Climate Action Speaking at the launch, Mayor Ed [email protected] and keep Council Launches O’Brien said, “Eco week is a wonderful an eye on www.sdcc.ie, Facebook and week! I am always amazed and de- Twitter. lighted to see the variety of activities One of the targets the Council has offered during Eco Week and this year been set in the Climate Change Eco Week is no exception. From ‘Irish Wildlife Action Plan (CCAP) 2019 - 2024 is Trust – Wild for Nature’ workshops, to to actively engage and inform citi- ‘Grow your own Garden’. Thankfully, zens on climate change. Eco Week society is becoming more aware of is just one area the Council fulfils the need to be more in tune with the this commitment with much more environment and that it cannot be carried out throughout the year taken for granted.” led by a dedicated environmental awareness team. The Mayor added, “We each have a re- sponsibility to reflect on our lifestyle CCAP is aligned to the Govern- and see if it is supportive, or damag- ment’s ‘Climate Action Plan To ing, to the environment which we will Tackle Climate Breakdown’. The pass onto the next generation.” leadership role of local authori- ties across Ireland, in tackling the For more information on Eco Week climate crisis, is recognised in the National Plan, together with stim- ulating local level action across other sectors and by the general public.

The Council has launched this year’s Eco Week. The annual awareness week will take place from 19 - 23 April.

he Mayor of South Dublin their awareness of and protecting the County, Cllr Ed O’Brien, official- environment. All activities and events T ly launched the 17th annual held during the week are free. South Dublin County Council Eco Week in County Hall, Tallaght on 18 Eco Week aims to deliver an impor- March 2021. tant message that reaches everyone in our community - those living and Eco Week, which runs from 19 - 23 working in South Dublin County. It April this year, is one of the big- gives everyone the opportunity to get gest events in the Council’s annual involved in reducing their impact on calendar and aims to engage South the environment, by taking simple Pollinator friendly signs in our parks Dublin County schools in increasing steps to live in a more sustainable

14 15 O’Brien celebrated National Tree Week seasonality and benefitting the envi- Tree Maintenance by planting a tree in Vesey Park, Lucan, ronment.” Programme on Monday March 22. The chosen tree National was a Liquidamber tree which is com- He also stated “the Council have monly known as the Sweet Gum Tree planted over 60,000 trees across the and is remarkable for its sweet tasting County In the last five years and this South Dublin County Council oper- resinous sap. This is an attractive tree will increase the County’s tree canopy ates a 3-year rolling programme of Tree Week with beautiful fiery autumnal colours cover and help mitigate the effects of tree maintenance. In line with the of bright red, orange, and yellow. climate change.” Council’s Tree Management Policy, the focus of the Tree Maintenance In the last five years, the Council Programme is on entire roads or has planted over 6,000 trees across whole estates. the County and we propose to plant 2,500 trees this year. In addition to the planned whole estate and road programme, Mayor O’Brien said “South Dublin reactive and emergency works County Council places a very impor- will be carried out on individually tant significance on trees. Our parks located trees as necessary in order and local environment are important to manage risks to the public. An places of exercise and enjoyment emergency is defined as a tree that in the current climate. Trees are so is in immediate and present danger valuable in our lives – adding beauty, of collapse or causing an obstruc- tion requiring urgent attention. Emergency and reactive tree works will normally take priority over the planned programme of tree main- tenance works.

National Tree Week took place from 21st March to 27th March 2021 this year. Tree Week is an annual, week-long fes- tival celebrating all the positive aspects of trees.

he theme for National Tree to the character, appearance, and week this year was “Healthy well-being of South Dublin County. T Trees Healthy Planet” promot- They provide significant economic, ing tree health and the important role social, environmental, ecological, and trees play in protecting our planet by aesthetic benefits to our communi- taking on climate change and pro- ties and to our urban and residential viding natural renewable resources. streets, parks and open spaces. It also references the health benefits, both physical and mental, that trees Due to current COVID restrictions, the and forests provide. Council did not organise multiple tree Tree planting in Vassey Park planting events this year. However, the Trees make a major contribution Mayor, of South Dublin County, Cllr Ed

16 17 reduce traffic in the area and reduce There is currently 207km of cycle carbon emissions. The proposed route lanes across South Dublin County. In Youth Conversation Kit would also complete the Griffeen recent years, the Council has been Canal Loop Valley Greenway, support the Great- moving in the right direction and in er Dublin Area Cycle Network Plan that time we have progressed eight (2013) and strengthen Lucan’s desig- active travel projects totalling approx- The proposed Concept Route for a nation as a ‘destination town’ by Fáilte imately 21km of new and improved greenway though Lucan will serve Urban Greenway Ireland. cycle lanes, however, we recognise approximately 20 schools. that more needs to be done. In addition, the route is identified as This should make walking and route number one in the Council’s Cy- The Cycle South Dublin programme cycling to school quicker, safer and cle South Dublin programme and will proposes a set of 41 projects that easier. We would therefore like form part of Council’s plan to deliver would deliver nearly 210km of new teenagers and schoolchildren a County wide, connected network of and improved cycle lanes across the to have their say on this. safe cycling and walking routes for County within the next ten years. people. The Virtual Consultation Room To take part in shaping the Canal (VCR) contains a survey called a Cycle South Dublin an ambitious Loop Urban Greenway, and to access Youth Conversation Kit. The VCR programme of work that reflects the the Virtual Consultation Room and will remain open until 19 April increasing importance of making its contents, please visit the Council’s 2021 and the Youth Conversation cycling a realistic and integral part of consultation portal. Kit can be opened on its own with how people move around the County. this link:

https://conversationkit.design/con- versation/CanalLoopLucan

Plans for an Urban Greenway between the Grand Canal and Lucan Village are underway with public consultation ongoing until 19 April.

outh Dublin County Council is and will be available to view until asking people to have their say 19 April. The Council also held four S on a 4.2-kilometre section of public consultation workshops during emerging concept route that has been March. identified for pedestrians and cyclists. Linking the Grand Canal Greenway To better engage with people, the and Grange Castle Park with Lucan Council has created a Virtual Consul- Village via Griffeen Valley Park, the tation Room, which contains online emerging route seeks to provide a display material on the work carried safe route for commuters and school out so far. The Virtual Consultation children that will help to promote Objectives of the Canal Loop Urban Greenway Room opened on 9 March 2021 sustainable modes of transport,

18 19 for this place.

The €9.7 million in URDF funding for Adamstown will provide for high-quality public spaces and facilities that will facilitate the development of the Adamstown Town Centre adjacent to the train station and the continued roll- out of homes around the Town Centre. On foot of this funding, more than 580 new homes will be constructed, which will support the provision of much needed social, affordable and pri- vate housing in the west Dublin area. This project will deliver the following strategic town centre infrastructure to serve the exist- ing and new communities:

• Central Boulevard Park, • Construction of a civic/li- brary, and • Construction of a district/ town centre plaza/square.

The Government’s announce- The Minister for Housing, Local Government and ment to allocate South Dublin Heritage, Darragh O’Brien TD, announced early in County Council with over €186m March that South Dublin County Council has been of URDF funding to support awarded €186.32 million in funding for the major the delivery of over 9,000 new homes is hugely welcomed. This he Minister for Hous- totalling €32.09 million A Focus on the funding will have a transforma- ing, Local Government under ‘Call 1’ and which are tional impact on west Dublin T and Heritage, Darragh progressing in Tallaght Town and will support the delivery of O’Brien TD, announced early Centre. These projects aim to new communities at Adamstown in March that South Dublin enhance urban areas to make and Clonburris. This funding will County Council has been them more attractive places help us to build new public parks, awarded €186.32 million in which to live, work, visit URDF Announcement community facilities, streets and in funding for the major and invest. utilities all of which are needed regeneration projects of to create new sustainable com- Clonburris and Adamstown The funding announcement munities. Strategic Development Zones represents a significant com- Canal, Clonburris is one of the most strategically important (SDZs) under ‘Call 2’ of the mitment to support the deliv- land banks in the State. The €176.6 million of URDF funding This infrastructure will unlock Government’s Urban Regener- ery of over 9,000 new homes for strategic infrastructure and amenities in Clonburris the delivery of much needed new ation and Development Fund in sustainable communities represents the highest allocation to any project under the affordable, social and private (URDF). in west Dublin, based on the URDF in Dublin. This funding will directly see the delivery of homes over the next 10 years. principles of compact growth new parks, new community spaces, new streets, bridges and These projects in Clonburris and The Council’s allocation of and high-quality placemak- utilities, all of which are crucial to support the building of Adamstown SDZs will act as a €186.32 million of URDF ing. This funding will bring new homes for people. regional economic driver, sup- funding was part of a total much needed new facilities porting employment, job creation of €430 million for eight re- to both Clonburris and Adam- Also located on the Dublin-Kildare Railway Line and Grand and financial investment in west generation projects in Dublin stown that will not just bene- Canal, Adamstown was Ireland’s first SDZ and has the benefit Dublin. announced by the Minister. fit new residents, but that will of a detailed and robust Planning Scheme that supports the This represents a significant also benefit neighbouring delivery of up to 8,900 new homes and a population of up commitment to South Dublin communities. to 25,000 people by the time of completion. Some 2,700 County and is in addition to homes have already been built at Adamstown, with planning eight the Council projects Located on the Dublin-Kil- permission in place for a further 2,000 homes. However, with approved URDF funding dare Railway Line and Grand more needs to be done to realise the full scale of ambition

20 21 April Statistics Report Highlights

22 23 Finance Images of the Report Month

Springtime in Tymon Park

You can view the full Finance Report under the Manager’s Report headed item of the monthly Council meeting agenda.

Cillian Rojas with his Little Learner’s box Follow us on Social media

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