News

Motion: Councillor D. Smith – “That this Committee provide a landscaping plan, including a pathway, along the existing desired lines, in order to improve the Broadmeadow Linear Park as a year round amenity and improving the amenity for walkers.”

Report: The Parks and Green Infrastructure Division will begin the process of designing a Strategic Landscape Plan for the Broadmeadow Linear Park. This plan will not only integrate existing facilities such as the community garden, the MUGA and playground but will need to link to proposed pedestrian and cycle paths within designated Class 1 public open space lands immediately adjoining to the west of the Broadmeadow Linear Park. Current desire lines may not fully address usage patterns with further development of adjoining lands to the west and east. The input of local elected members and representatives of local residents groups will be welcomed as the process of developing a Strategic Landscape Plan progresses.

Question: Councillor D. Smith – “To ask the Chief Executive to provide a full breakdown on the ownership of the laneways in the Castleview Estate which allow mid terrace houses access through their back gardens: a) Who has ownership of these laneways; b) Who can control access; c) What role the Council plays with these laneways; d) Are they taken in charge and e) Who is responsible for maintenance in the absence of a management company?”

Reply: The laneways in the Castleview Estate are not taken in charge. A reference will be carried out to ascertain ownership of these laneways.

Question: Councillor D. Smith -. “To ask the Chief Executive to examine the integrity of the Wall at (details supplied) and to effect any remedial works required?

Reply: A Council Engineer inspected this wall on Tuesday 31st May and has reported that although the wall is currently stable, it will continue to deteriorate and become a dangerous structure. The Council will send a warning letter to the owners of the property where this wall forms their back wall instructing them to have the wall repaired.

Question: Councillor D. Smith – . “To ask the Chief Executive for an update on the roll out of segregated “off leash” dog parks in the Swords area and are there any parks in particular where this will be rolled out?”

Reply: The proposed new Draft Parks & Open Spaces Bye-laws provide for the designation of off-leash areas or times for dogs in parks and open spaces in Fingal. The draft Bye-laws will be on public display shortly and following public consultation a report will be brought to the Full Council for approval. If this element of the revised Bye-laws is approved; arrangements will be made to designate the areas and times as described.

Question: Councillor D. Smith: . “To ask the Chief Executive for an update on correspondence with the Department of Education regarding a Third Level Institution for Swords, further to a motion placed by myself and Councillor Justin Sinnott at a previous Area Committee meeting?”

Reply: A further letter will issue to the Department of Education and Skills and when a reply is received the members will be notified.

Question: Councillor D. Smith – . “To ask the Chief Executive for an up to date assessment of the Cliff Walk in Portrane, what work needs to take place on it and can a timeline be give for when it will be opened to the public?”

Reply: The geotechnical investigation identified several areas of concern of the Portrane Cliff walk. The long term solutions for these areas of concern will involve either significant engineering works to stabilise the cliffs or moving the pathway further inland. The latter option may require land acquisition. Discussions are currently underway with the landowner to build a temporary access through the farmland at the most dangerous sections of the route. The temporary pathway will run parallel to the existing walking route and will be located on the other side of the boundary fence. Once the key concerns of the landowner are addressed the Council can carry out the necessary works within a 2 day period. No clear timeframe can be given for the re-opening as this is dependent on how soon the concerns of the landowner can be addressed.