2022 - South East Inner City Update

April 2022

I hope you are keeping well in these difficult times.

I wanted to send you an update on the work I have been doing for the South East Inner City recently. My particular focus has been in the following areas, and you can read an update on each of these here

This is just an overview of what I am working on locally. If you have any questions or if there are any other issues that you would like me to raise, please contact me at any time on clairebyrnegreenparty@gmail.com or 087 7467872.

I look forward to seeing you later. Best wishes,

Claire

2021 - South East Inner City Update

• Committee and Board Memberships

• Covid and the City

• Public Toilets

• Litter and Waste

• Climate Action

• Housing and Planning

• Parks, Public Realm and Green Infrastructure

• Covid Mobility, Cycling and Walking Projects

• Arts, Culture and The Night Time Economy

• The City Development Plan 2022 - 2028

• Council Budget

2019 Election Update

• Climate Action Plan for Dublin

• Poolbeg West SDZ

• Improvements to the Cabbage Patch

• Kevin Street Library Reopens

• New Pedestrian Crossing at Bride Street

• Social Housing on New Street

• Survey of Council Housing Stock

• Poolbeg Waste to Energy Plant

• Pigeon House Precinct

• New Playground for Sean Moore Park

• Local Environmental Improvement Plan

• Cycling Provisions

My Twitter is updated regularly @CByrneGreen

Covid and the City

Dublin City has changed, perhaps irrevocably, as a result of Covid. We can no longer depend on workers and tourists to sustain it economically and socially, so we have to get really creative in how we plan for the coming months and the next few years.

I was recently appointed to the Dublin City Covid Recovery Task force representing the Climate Action SPC. In advance of the first meeting, the Dublin City Green Party sent an Outdoor Summer Proposal to the CEO Owen Keegan, outlining what we see as essential steps to a successful outdoor plan for the city, one that is pro-social and will help the city to bounce back from the impact of the Covid crisis in a way that will create a safer, cleaner, greener, more welcoming city. I have attached the document for your interest.

As a member of Dublin Town, I am also working closely with businesses to ensure they are engaged with effectively about reopening plans. We have also created a sub-committee of the Arts and Culture SPC to focus on planning for a post-Covid city. We have to ensure that all stakeholders work together now so that we can revitalise the city for both daytime and night time activities.

If you have any further ideas I would love to hear them. I believe we have an opportunity to build back better, and to build back green.

Large Gatherings and Anti Social Behaviour

Covid has forced people outside and this has meant there have been large gatherings of people in key hotspots such as the Grand Canal, Portobello Harbour and Grand Canal Dock.

While these are public spaces, the volume of people, outdoor drinking, noise, litter, and public urination is causing a lot of distress for the residents.

I have been working with the residents in these areas, DCC, and the Gardaí to try to find solutions such as additional Garda presence, more enforcement of fines for public order offences, and public toilets in these hot spots. This is really challenging as Gardaí say they don’t have resources, DCC don’t want to provide services as they see it as endorsing large gatherings, and there is resistance to public toilets – but I’m going to keep pushing on this issue: I believe people have a right to gather in public spaces, but they need to do it in a way that respects residents, and we as a city need to provide basic services such as public toilets.

Public Toilets

I have been campaigning for more public toilets since long before the pandemic – which has really exposed our lack of basic services in the city. In 2019 I successfully secured funding for one set each side of the Liffey. However due to Covid, the installation was delayed. There are now two public toilets, one on Grafton Street and one in Wolftone Square, as well as some in our parks, but these are not enough. We also have major issues in Grand Canal Dock and Portobello where people are hanging out, but also urinating on the streets and on doorsteps.

I have had two motions agreed recently: one at full Council level on behalf of the Green Party group calling for a range of short-term and long-term solutions to meet a range of different needs.

DCC have recently opened toilets in public buildings such as City Hall, libraries and sports centres. They have also put out a tender for mobile coffee units and toilets: I think that this is just outsourcing the problem; they won’t be installed until June, and will most likely only be in parks. I am also campaigning at a national level to allow those outlets selling takeaway to open their toilets, but there is resistance from the NPHET. The battle for more public toilets continues and I will keep fighting for solutions.

Covid Mobility Projects:

Merrion Row: I have been working with the local business community on a proposal to pedestrianise Merrion Row to allow for more outdoor dining. The part pedestrianisation of the street will be trialled the weekend of 14-16 May. If successful, this will be rolled out on a permanent basis.

Montague Street: I am working with some of the food businesses on Montague Lane to allow for outdoor seating. This will involve switching the existing loading bays to the opposite side so that the businesses can use the loading bays for seating.

Grafton Street Quarter: There have been many footpath build-outs to facilitate social distancing and outdoor dining on the streets around the Grafton Street Quarter. From Monday, 24 May, the following four streets will be either traffic-free, or have sections of them traffic-free, daily after 11am.

· Anne Street South from the junction of Dawson Street

· South William Street from Exchequer Street to the Brown Thomas carpark exit

· Drury Street from after the junction with Fade Street to the Drury Street underground carpark

· Dame Court from Exchequer Street

The biggest challenge is South William Street, which will only have 30m pedestrianised due to the Brown Thomas car park exit. I have asked council officials to re-engage with Brown Thomas on this issue as pedestrianising this street is a core objective of the current City Development Plan thanks to the Green Party. 

College Green: I have requested that College Green be used as a temporary traffic-free space for the summer while we wait for the An Bord Pleanála application for the pedestrianisation of College Green to be submitted. I have also requested that upper Dame St be considered for build outs for outdoor dining for the hospitality businesses.

Pigeon House Road: The trial pedestrianisation of Pigeon House Road has been a great success. Residents were initially sceptical but it has reduced rat running, traffic and the residents are now delighted with it. Therefore, it has been extended for 12 months.

Bike Stands: I’ve been delighted to see many new bike stands installed across the city with an increase in cargo bike parking. There has also been significant roll-out of bike bunkers through Dublin City Beta Projects, a vital scheme that I protected from cancellation in 2016.

Sandymount Strand: I am very supportive of the Sandymount Strand Covid Mobility Trial and I am disappointed that it will be going to the High Court in June. We are hopeful that DCC will win the case to proceed with the trial. In the meantime I am working on a solution for the HGVs and LGVs – to encourage better enforcement and to ensure there are minimal large vehicles passing through the village and surrounding roads.

School Zones: School zones are being rolled out across the city. There is currently only one in the South East Inner City on Synge Street and one in progress for St Enda’s. I am encouraging all the local schools to apply for the new round of funding.

Fitzwilliam Street Cycle Route: Temporary measures have been installed here, with a view to the roll out of the permanent infrastructure in the new year. There have been some issues with the residents in terms of the use of orcas and wands in an ACA, which have since been removed, and parking for residents. I am working to find resolutions to these issues. I also secured funding for a greening strategy for the area.  

Waste and Litter:

Litter: The rise in litter has been noticeable as a result of Covid and our new outdoor, takeaway culture. We have secured 100 additional bins and increased collections from Dublin City Council. Minister Eamon Ryan recently granted €5 million to Local Authorities for additional bins, including recycling bins and to promote Leave No Trace across the City.

I also believe we should introduce a Deposit Return Scheme for bars offering take away drinks, and this is something I am progressing with Minister Ryan. The full deposit return scheme for plastics and cans will come into effect in 2022.

Dog Waste: I have established a Dog Waste Working Group to tackle the ongoing issue of dog waste on our streets. This working group will meet for a set period of time with the aim of coming up with workable solutions that we will present to the relevant ministers. Solutions such as more wardens, more bins, dog licensing changes and DNA testing will all be considered. Our first meeting takes place in the coming weeks.

Climate Action

I am chair of the Climate Action Sub-Committee on Dublin City Council and I am committed to ensuring that we play our part and reach our climate targets through better planning, retrofitting our housing stock.

The Green Party also published the Climate Action and Low Carbon Development Bill 2021, which is currently being debated in the Dáil. This landmark piece of legislation will put us on the path to net zero emissions by 2050, and secure a more low carbon, sustainable future for our country.

The Climate Action Plan is the citizen led roadmap for how we reach these ambitious targets. Public participation is critical so we are asking everyone to join the Climate Conversation now to help chart where we go from here. This link includes a survey asking people what they think should be included in the next CAP to help reach these new climate targets. Please take a few minutes to complete the survey and share it widely with your community. The more voices we hear from the better!

Progress is also being made on the Dublin District Heating project, and I am also working with the departments of both Ministers Eamon Ryan and Catherine Martin to actively promote creative climate communications.

Housing and Planning:

Poolbeg West Development – I recently met with Minister Darragh O’Brien and the local residents on Poolbeg West SDZ to discuss how we can progress the 3,500 units on this site. We also requested a plan for the 900 social and affordable homes that are part of the planning agreement, which myself and other councillors fought hard for in 2017). The Minister is meeting with DCC and NAMA and is to report back on this shortly.

York Road: I recently worked very closely with Ringsend residents to object to the planning application for a 12-storey building on this small site on York Road. Due to the size of the site, the developer would not have been obliged to provide Part V social housing here. I am very pleased that the appeal was rejected by An Bord Pleanala, however the developer will proceed with a 7-storey building here. I am campaigning for a better building heights strategy in place for the city.

Glovers Court: I am pushing for the redevelopment of this block of 52 flats which are, without a doubt, one of the worst-condition complexes in the South East Inner City. The complex suffers from chronic damp, water and drainage problems causing chronic odours, and more recently they have been infested with rats. I will be raising this once again at our next South East Area Committee.

Pearse House: There is a significant regeneration and retrofit plan for Pearse House. I am working with DCC officials to see how we can ensure that we take full advantage of the national retrofit grants to progress this project, as it has also been identified as a potential flagship project for a deep retrofit of public housing as part of the Climate Action Plan.

I am continuously working on a number of individual housing cases – finding permanent solutions for individuals and families – with some recent successes.

Parks, Public Realm and Green Infrastructure

Swan Mural at Portobello Harbour: I have long been an advocate for street art and set up a sub-committee for street art in 2017.  Last year I worked with the local residents, the Portobello Tidy Towns Committee and DCC to have a mural painted on the hoarding at Portobello Harbour as the plaza was looking derelict due to the hotel development (which itself has been delayed). The beautiful swan mural was designed by artist Shane Sutton and was recently extended along the harbour. This is in addition to other murals in the locality that have been delivered by the Tidy Towns Committee, and Portobello is now becoming a showcase for street art. This not only animates the neighbourhood, but has significantly reduced graffiti in the area.

Portobello Plaza Redesign: In 2019, I secured €40,000 for the redesign of the Portobello Plaza. The initial designs have been completed but Covid has made it difficult to facilitate the necessary public consultation around this. The delay in the hotel development will also delay the delivery of this project, but we expect to progress with the plans and a public meeting in the coming months.

The Cabbage Patch Gardens: Plans for the redevelopment of the Cabbage Patch Gardens have been affected by Covid, but work on the upgrade of the football pitch here has now started. Regular meetings are taking place with all the stakeholders to progress the plans. We secured further funding in this year’s local budget; this will pay for a soft play area for kids, a mural and a community garden.

Grand Canal Dock and the Graving Docks: Waterways Ireland recently announced that they intend to dispose of the Graving Docks site. This is incredibly disappointing news as they had originally intended to develop the site themselves. I am working with Minister Malcolm Noonan, the local residents and other interest groups to find a way to keep them in state ownership to guarantee that they are redeveloped a way that protects their rich heritage, creates more green space and provides housing.  

Pocket Parks and Forests: Building on my previous success with the pocket park at the bottom of Georges Street, I am now working on two small sites in the South East Inner City. These will be redeveloped into pocket parks and pocket forests – one on Aungier Street and one on Werburgh Street. The Werburgh Street site is currently being assessed by DCC for the possibility of a temporary garden and they are very supportive of this proposal.

Cambridge Road and Library Square Projects (Ringsend): Both of these projects received funding under the Urban Regeneration and Development Fund (URDF), which means we can bring the designs to Part 8 (public consultation) this year. These two projects will improve the locality and bring many benefits to the local community.

Arts, Culture and the Night Time Economy

I am constantly working to provide more creative workspaces in the city. We will have a large amount of vacant units again in Dublin, so we need a new plan in place now. We recently formalised the Artists Studios Sub-Committee that I set up in 2017 and we are now meeting regularly again and expanding the membership to include key stakeholders.

I also secured 40 artists studios for the Poolbeg West development, so I am working with DCC to find a way to ensure there is a proper consultation with the developers around the type of studios built there so that we can meet the needs of the creative community.

I have been working closely with Sunil Sharpe from Give Us the Night for the last few years, appointing him to DCC Committees and the National Task Force on the Night Time Economy. We recently worked together on the Night Time Economy Sub-Committee on DCC. Last year I had a motion agreed to progress with a Night Mayor for the City, and that Dublin would be considered as a pilot for the Night Time Economy.

The ‘Cultural Hub’ in the Pigeon House Precinct is progressing, with second round tenders currently being assessed. This is a really great opportunity to develop a cultural and creative destination in the city.

The New City Development Plan

The new City Development Plan 2022 to 2028 process has commenced. Both myself and the Dublin Bay South Greens made submissions to the first round of consultations. Together with the Dublin City Council Green Party councillors, I’m now working on motions for the draft plan, the deadline for which is next Friday. We will then have a meeting in June to discuss the motions. We want to make sure that this plan is sustainable and green.

Discretionary Budget

We passed the Council budget at the end of November and the local area Discretionary Funds, which we protected through vacant rates adjustments. I am very pleased that the bulk of the fund will be spent in the South East Inner City on improving safety in our housing complexes, public realm, fixing footpaths, green infrastructure and community events and projects. 

New Climate Action Plan for Dublin

Climate change is one of the single biggest threats we face in
the coming years. Therefore, as a member of the Environment Strategic Policy Committee, one of the first things I did when I was elected in 2014 was to ensure that we developed a new climate change plan for Dublin City. The last plan had not been reviewed or updated since 2009. We established a sub-committee, which I co- chair with my colleague Cllr Ciaran Cuffe and in 2016 we published the first ever climate change strategy for all four Dublin Local Authorities. Now the draft Climate Action Plan for Dublin City has just been completed and is ready for public consultation.

A public event about the plan takes place on Saturday, 16 February, between 12pm and 5pm in the Mansion House. This is an opportunity for everyone, from the young to the old, to drop in to see the plan and can share their views — I hope to see you there. This is a great step towards making Dublin climate change ready. To make your own submission go to www.dublinclimatechange.ie.

Poolbeg West SDZ

It is over a year since the Poolbeg West Strategic Development Zone (SDZ) was agreed by the Council, where 3,500 new homes will be built, yet nothing has happened on the site. Dublin City Council has submitted the additional information requested by An Bord Pleanála but we are still waiting for their decision. We must ensure that we build a proper mixed use sustainable community on this site. During the development of the SDZ, I worked to secure:

· Agreement for 900 social and affordable homes
· An increase in 3 bedroom apartments to accommodate families · 5% of buildings over 200 units to be allocated for cultural, creative and community space
· 40 artist studios

However, while they are close to agreement, discussions around the 900 social and affordable housing have been a very difficult process. We also cannot deliver the affordable housing element here without an affordable scheme, which the Government needs to provide.

This is a perfect opportunity for a cost rental or affordable rental model, but the Government is very slow to move on this. Myself and Eamon Ryan TD have met a number of times with the IGB Housing Action Group, who are doing great work campaigning on this issue. Contact them on igbactiongroup@gmail.com. I hope we can see some progress on this crucial development and provide this much needed housing in the area.

Improvements to the Cabbage PATCH

Public Meeting

Almost a year ago, myself, other Councillors and Council officials met with the local residents to discuss the Cabbage Patch and the range of issues associated with this green space. This is such a great resource to have in the local area so we need make sure that it is put to proper use in a way that benefits all the community.

Therefore, a public meeting is taking place on Tuesday, 19 February from 6.30p to 8.30pm in Francis CBS Community Room, John Dillon Street, Dublin 8. This will be an opportunity for local residents to discuss what they would like to see happen with the park. I hope you can attend.

Some planting and tree replacements took place last year. Importantly, we have just secured funding for CCTV and improvements to the playing pitch. I firmly believe that if we make positive changes such as providing better access, planting, seating, a play area and sports facilities, we can create a green space for everyone in the community to enjoy.

Plans to Develop the Old Public Toilets on Kevin Street / Patrick Street

The old public toilets on Kevin Street have been vacant for quite some time. While we do need more public toilets in the city, and I recently secured funding for some in the city centre in the last budget, I don’t think this is the right location. However, something needs to be done with the building. After raising this in the Council a number of times, they have agreed to put out a tender for development opportunities here. There have been many successful redevelopments of similar public toilet buildings in other European cities turning them into cafes and even homes. If you have any suggestions on what should be done with the space please do get in touch with me.

Survey of All Council Housing Stock Underway

I am very aware of the poor conditions of much of the Council housing stock. In order to meet the minimum standards introduced in 2017, the Council are now undertaking a city-wide survey of all council owned housing. To date they have surveyed 65% of homes and they aim to complete the remainder in the coming months. If you live in a Council owned home and there are particular issues that I can help you with please contact me.

Poolbeg Waste to Energy Plant

I have always been opposed to the Poolbeg Incinerator and the Green Party in Government were the only party to stop it progressing, however the FG / Labour Government ensured it went ahead. As a member of the Environment Strategic Policy Committee, we receive regular reports on the activities of the plant so can closely monitor them. I am very aware of the increase in large vehicles through the local area since the Poolbeg Waste to Energy plant became operational and the impact this is having on the local community. I have raised this a few times at the Committee, and arranged for the Ringsend Environmental Health Group to present on the issue.

Last year I successfully had a traffic survey carried out along Sandymount Strand, and before Christmas I had agreement for a similar survey to be carried out along roads through Ringsend and Irishtown Road in early 2019. Dublin City Council is also developing an app to make it easier for residents to log complaints. I will keep you updated on the progress of this.

 New Playground for Sean Moore Park

Perhaps one good thing to come from the incinerator is funding for a new playground in Sean Moore Park. The design has been completed. The marine themed play area will cater for a range of ages, includes a picnic area and will be a great resource for the area. The playground is due to be open later this year.

Local Environmental Improvement Plan

The Ringsend and Irishtown LEIP, which was agreed in summer 2017, will bring many positive changes to the local area. The refurbishment of Cambridge Road is the first priority. Meetings have taken place with the local residents and an initial new design for the road has been developed, which includes changes to parking, a segregated cycle and pedestrian path, significant planting and electric vehicle charging points. The new design will help to calm the traffic and make it safer for everyone, especially the children travelling to school.

There are some concerns about parking, particularly at the school, which have yet to be resolved. The plan will go out for public consultation at the end of March / April so all the residents can have their say. Discussions are also underway for a re-design of Library Square, which will also have a public consultation process. I will keep you updated on the progress of both of these plans.

Kevin Street Library Reopens

After much needed repairs, the Kevin Street Library re-opened to the public last summer. It's great to have this important resource available to the local community again. In addition to books, there is internet access, printing, study space, a kids' play area and lots of events and activities. For more information and opening hours go to dublincity.ie/kevin-street-library or contact kevinstreetlibrary@dublincity.ie.

New Pedestrian Crossing at Bride Street

The junction between Kevin Street, Bride Street and Bishop Street has always been difficult for pedestrians to cross safely.

Therefore, in December 2017, I submitted a Council motion calling for a pedestrian crossing to be installed here. As a result, new pedestrian lights were put in place last November. It’s great to see people crossing the junction with ease and safety now. We must prioritise pedestrians in the City to make it safer for everyone.

Vacant Land on New Street to Be Developed for Much Needed Social Housing

Plans are underway for the Peter McVerry Trust to build six social housing units on the vacant site on the corner of New Street South and New Street Gardens.

Back in 2015, I had sought agreement that this site would be used for older persons housing. However, I think given the current housing crisis the proposed use as homes for families, couples and individuals is very welcome. Construction work is due to commence in April, subject to approval from the Department of Housing, Planning and Local Government.

NEW DEVELOPMENT

Pigeon House Precinct to Be Developed for Cultural, Creative Industries and Green Businesses

Dublin City Council has plans to redevelop the Pigeon House Precinct. However, following a motion I put forward, they will now have to ensure that it is developed for creative, cultural, artistic, community and green business uses only. The site isn’t really suitable for housing or large scale offices, but is ideal for much needed studios and incubator space for start-ups. We can develop a real creative community hub here on the peninsula.

Cycling Provision for the Area

Sutton 2 Sandycove As a members of the Sutton to Sandycove Sub-Committee, myself and my Green Party colleagues have managed to get agreement from the NTA to proceed with the Sean Moore Road to Merrion Gates section of the S2S cycle lane. The exact route still needs to be worked out, but this is great progress.

Dodder Greenway I very much welcome the proposed improvements to both cycle and pedestrian facilities that the greenway will bring to the area, in particular to South Dock Road, Fitzwilliam Quay and the ramp from Grand Canal Dock to the Ringsend Road, which will also help people with disabilities. An updated report is due in the coming months.

Bike Hangars Through the Local Area Discretionary Fund 2019 and Dublin City Beta Projects, I have secured funding for 6 secure bike hangars

for the South East Area. This will help people who don’t have space for bikes to store them safely near their homes. There have been requests for one of these to be installed in the South Dock area and I am working on delivering that. If you have other areas for the bike hangers or suggestions for solutions to our city's challenges log on to dccbeta.ie/suggest.

Bike parking at South Bull Wall I am delighted that, following a motion I submitted in February 2018, 10 bike parking stands have been installed at the South Bull Wall. This makes its easier for people to cycle down and walk the pier.

The George Bernard Shaw House

Plans are in progress for Dublin City Council to acquire the birthplace of George Bernard Shaw on Synge Street. The building will be turned into a writers residency for national and international writers. They are also investigating how public access to the building can be provided.

In the meantime, I am organising a tour of the building for local residents in the early New Year so if you would like to come along please get in touch.

Decision on Harbour Hotel Deferred Until January 2019

It is hard to believe that it has been a year since the residents gathered to discuss the proposed hotel development on Portobello Harbour. There were over 60 objections lodged, so the decision by Dublin City Council to grant planning permission for the hotel was deeply disappointing.

There is already an over-concentration of hotels in the area. The plan effectively privatises a public space and this is not what the neighbourhood needs. If anything, this site should be developed for housing.

Thanks to local residents, an appeal was lodged with An Bord Pleanála. The decision on the hotel has been deferred until January 2019.

New Walking Tour of Portobello

I really enjoyed attending the launch of the new Portobello walking tour with my family and Eamon Ryan TD. As a new resident of Portobello, it was a great opportunity for me to learn more about the fascinating history of the area.

This is a great initiative led by Dublin City Council and the local residents. You can download the guide and map at dublincity.ie

Plans to Redesign Public Space at Portobello Plaza

In light of the plans for the new hotel and the many issues that arose over the summer months with people gathering socially in the area, it is recognised that the plaza in its current form doesn’t really work as a public space. Therefore a design team have been appointed by Dublin City Council to look at redesigning the plaza.

Initial plans will be launched in January, which will be followed by a public consultation, so all the residents will have an opportunity to have their say on what should happen there.

This is a real opportunity to turn the plaza into a space that can be enjoyed by all the residents and ensures that it remains an active public place for Portobello.

Further Traffic Calming for Lombard Street West

In response to frequent complaints about rat-running and speeding along Lombard Street West, I requested that a speed survey be carried out.

The surveys recently took place on Lombard Street West approaching Oakfield Place, and on Emorville Avenue at the junction of Ovoca Road. It was found that many vehicles were in excess of the 30 km/h speed limit. Therefore, further traffic calming measures have been recommended.

These include the installation of 30km/h road markings at the entrance and exit of Lombard Street West and Emorville Avenue, and a chicane or build- outs on these roads.

These measures will be considered for inclusion on a future Works Programme subject to the availability of funding and residents' approval.

Other traffic related issues I am working on for the area include:

• A yellow box at the junction of Curzon Street and South Circular Road

• Speed surveys and traffic calming measures for Curzon Street, Lennox Street and St Kevin’s Parade

• The installation of a four-way pedestrian crossing at the junction of Harrington Street, Heytesbury Street and South Circular Road

• Permanent pedestrian signage at the gyratory on Camden Street

Christmas is coming to Portobello

For the last four years, I have been asking Dublin City Council to hold a Christmas event for Portobello. Most other neighbourhoods have some sort of event around the holidays. I am delighted to let you know that a festive event will take place in Portobello Harbour on Saturday 8th December.

There will be a market from 11am to 4pm, Santa will arrive by boat at 2pm and a new ‘Welcome to Portobello’ sign will be unveiled at 3pm. I hope to see you there.