It is hard to believe our experience as a nation over the past fourteen months. So many families have been touched by the scourge of this virus, and so many have been unable to grieve the loss of their loved ones in a way which they would choose. However, we face into the summer with a sense of hope and optimism as the national vaccination programme gathers pace.Our children and young people are back in school, our sports teams are returning to training and the economy is reopening. Our focus must now shift to the other challenges facing our communities. I have been working on your behalf over the past few months and I hope that you find this update useful – if you would like to know sign up to my monthly newsletter, please use the button below or to the right.
I have been concerned about a rise in anti-social behaviour in our area over the past few months. I asked for the vandalism being undertaken at Hermitage Park to be prevented, and have asked for extra Garda presence on Ballyowen Lane and near Cluain Rí park. I have been assisting residents in various locations with addressing anti-social behaviour including Palmerstown Woods, Foxborough, Hermitage and Rochfort Downes. I also welcome the Government’s decision to set up a Community Innovation Fund to direct funding from the proceeds of crime into the communities affected.
Abandoned Vehicles
Residents have notified me of abandoned cars in their areas. We learned at a recent meeting of the Joint Policing Committee that these vehicles are being used to store illegal goods. If you notice an abandoned vehicle near you, let me know and I will arrange an inspection.
SDCC Home Security Scheme
South Dublin County Councilhasextended its Home Security Scheme until 30 June 2021. This scheme is to support older, vulnerable or residents living alone to replace their existing external door European Profile Locks with high security anti snap locks. You can apply for the scheme at thislinkor contact me if you would like assistance.
Community Grants Scheme
South Dublin County Council has opened its Community Grants Programme for Community and Voluntary Groups. Community Development, Sports Development and Community Events Funding is now being made available. You can learn more at this link. There is no fixed deadline for applications. If you or your group need help or assistance, please contact me and I will let you know.
Let’s plan for an Outdoor Summer!
The travel and movement restrictions of the past year have re-introduced us to our outdoor areas and our shared spaces. We also know from the evidence that outdoor activities are less likely to facilitate spread of the virus than indoor activities. With this in mind, I’m really happy that the Government is setting the tone at a national level to promote hospitality and recreation to take place outdoors, from facilitating return to training for children’s teams to providing funding support for outdoor dining to making sensible decisions on fee exemptions for things like street furniture. While recent weather wasn’t too good, I think the time is apt now to have a conversation about the pros and cons of a proper outdoor strategy and then to plan for it.
Safe cycleways and segregated cycle lanes aren’t just decorative on our roads but are also really important to keep all road users safe – pedestrians, cyclists and drivers. In Lucan, Palmerstown & Clondalkin, cycling infrastructure is not where it should be, compared with other counties especially in Dublin. That’s why I’m really excited by the Cycle South Dublin strategy which was presented to councillors last month. Watch my video to learn more.
The past few months have put more of an emphasis on the need to make sure that our public spaces are clean and well-lit. I have been working closely with resident associations and community groups to make sure that proper attention is paid to public lighting, provision of litter bins and footpath repair.
Among those items which I have raised are the cutting back of trees at the entrance to Rochort Downes, the landscaping of the green space on Castle Road near Abbeywood and Colthurst, the lighting of street lamps between Kennelsfort Road and Woodfarm Acres, provision of additional bins on Collinstown Road and at Hermitage Park and ensuring footpath maintenance and repair works in various estates.
County Development Plan
The Chief Executive’s Draft County Development Plan will be shared with Councillors this week. This plan sets the planning framework for our area for the next six years. Councillors now have 3 weeks to propose motions making amendments to the plan itself, before it goes out to public consultation in June . You can view the draft plan here and check out my website or the video for further information.
If you would like to influence Fianna Fáil policy, make your voice heard and support my work in delivering strong local representation for our community, let me know and please consider joining Fianna Fáil and delivering for our local community.
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