News

Motion: Councillor D. Smith: Bobs Castle. “That a plan is put place to promote Bob’s Castle/Stella’s Tower in Portrane as a tourist destination in 2017 in light of the 350th anniversary of the birth of Jonathon Swift.”

REPORT: The land surrounding Bob’s Castle/Stella’s Tower is currently in the ownership of Fingal County Council. Objective Portrane 8 of the Draft Development Plan seeks to protect and enhance the setting of Stella’s Tower/Bob’s Castle in the first instance and then to examine the feasibility of developing it as a local community, tourism and cultural heritage amenity. The implementation of Objective Portrane 8 must await the adoption of the Fingal Development Plan 2017-2023 in March 2017. There are also issues with regard to the structural integrity of the building. In the absence of secure access, a complete feasibility study and taking into account the structural issues it would be inappropriate to promote the site for tourism purposes at this time.

Question: Councillor D. Smith -. “To ask the Chief Executive to provide the traffic management plan for the new Lidl store on Dublin Road in Swords and in particular can the Chief Executive comment on the potential impact the traffic will have on access to the Carlton Court Estate?”

Reply: As part of the planning application a Traffic Impact Assessment was submitted by the applicant. The Traffic Impact Assessment determined that the road network in the vicinity of the proposed development operated within capacity even with the additional traffic generated by the proposed development taken into account.

Question: Councillor D. Smith – . “To ask the Chief Executive for an update on the works which have taken place on the Swords Waste Water Treatement plant in 2016 and to comment on whether there are any works planned for 2017?”

Reply: The main element of works yet to be completed is the testing and proving of the sludge digestion process. Preparations are underway to commence this process in the coming weeks and it is anticipated that this work will conclude in mid January 2017.

Question: Councillor D. Smith . “To ask the Chief Executive to provide an update on the Swords Area Drainage Plan?”

Reply: There has been a delay in the progress of this project due to the fact that the Swords – Malahide Drainage Area Plan contract is being used to launch the Irish Water Sewer Network Surveys and Associated Services Framework. It is expected that Survey Contractors will be confirmed and commissioned by the start of Q2 2017 with all surveys being completed in Q3 2017. The DAP Process includes the following 4 stages –

• Stage 1: Scoping and Data Collection

• Stage 2: Surveying and Hydraulic Model Build and Verification

• Stage 3: Risk Assessment

• Stage 4: Strategy, Optioneering and Future Solutions Design Completion dates of stages 2, 3 & 4 will follow on from actual date Irish Water launch the Irish Water Sewer Network Surveys and Associated Services Framework.

Question: Councillor D. Smith: . “To ask the Chief Executive if the two sofa seats and children’s rockers in Swords Library can be replaced as they are unsightly and stained?”

Reply: Fingal Libraries have organised for the two sofa seats and children’s rockers in Swords Library to be cleaned professionally. If this is ineffective we will proceed to replace this furniture.

Question: Councillor D. Smith:  “To ask the Chief Executive for an update on the Ward Rivervalley Masterplan?”

Reply: Work has commenced on a Masterplan for the Ward River Valley Regional Park. The preparation of the plan will involve extensive public consultation and preparation will commence later this year.