April 2018 City Council meeting REPORT

Tonight, I took the opportunity to raise a variety of issues with City Council management including public housing provision, the new City Library, construction of the Royal Canal Greenway and the current status of the Liffey Cycle Route.

Let me update you on each matter in turn.

1.Liffey Cycle Route –

Senior Engineers responded to my enquiries advising that the National Transport Authority will provide a preferred option for our consideration. Councillors will have to determine whether that ‘preferred route’ is to be advanced to construction. I understand that a formal statutory consultation will then take place. I know this is a matter of great concern to residents across Stoneybatter, Church Street and Phibsborough. I’ll make sure to keep you fully updated.

2.City Library at Parnell Square –

The City Librarian advised that a formal application for planning is still on schedule to be lodged in July 2018. Design, structural issues, electrical fit-out and other service requirements are being developed as part of the draft planning process. An Environmental Impact Statement is being prepared as part of the formal planning process.

3.Royal Canal Greenway –

PHASE 2: The Council will be in a position to award the contract for a construction team as soon as a Bridge Agreement and licences are secured. A Contractor will be required to start works on site within three weeks of the award of contract. Tenders from possible contractors were received on March 8th last with a preferred tendered being on site by the summer. I am hesitant to mention this date given the missed timelines with this project over the past twelve to eighteen months.

PHASE 3: Tenders will be sought from the end of April. Construction start date of Autumn 2018 is still on target, subject to the securing of all relevant licences. PHASE 4: The Council expects to appoint a Consultant for the detailed design of the route between Cross Guns Bridge and Ashtown by June.

4.Public Housing –

O’Devaney Gardens: contractor now expected to begin on site at the start of June.

Dominick Street: the Council has now sought tenders from possible contractors following the allocation of €26m by our Fine Gael Government.Poplar Row site: Oaklee Housing expected to begin work on site by the end of April.

Former Readymix site, East Wall Road: The Housing Department is envisaging a Rapid Housing project being developed on the site in addition to the provision of land for the extension of the North Strand Road Fire Station.

Vacant site at the corner of Russell Street and North Circular Road: No decision has been taken by Council management as to whether a public housing scheme can be advanced. I believe it should be and will work to keep residents updated further.

If you have any questions or queries arising from my City Council report, please email me at raymcadam@gmail.com and I’ll endeavour to answer any enquiries that you may have.