North Strand Matters – Sept. 2018

FUTURE PLANS FOR READYMIX SITE

Following the wind up of the Dublin Docklands Development Authority, Dublin City Council acquired the former Readymix site along East Wall Road. The Chief Fire Officer has confirmed to myself and Minister Paschal Donohoe that Dublin Fire Brigade will seek to construct a permanent extension to the existing Fire Station along North Strand Road. The site is currently zoned Z4 which allows for mixed use development and it is our understanding that Dublin City Council will seek to construct public housing on the remainder of the former Readymix site not used for the extended Fire Station. Last week, City Council officials informed me that the Housing Department has examined the potential for building public housing on the site. That initial analysis has indicated that 86 apartments and 6 houses could be built along with some commercial or retail space. This is by no final. As your LOCAL Councillor, I want to hear your views on the potential redevelopment of the former Readymix site as outlined to me by City Council officials. Please share your feedback with me by email at raymcadam@gmail.com.

FITZGIBBON STREET GARDA STATION – REFURBISHMENT WORKS

As you know, our Fine Gael-led Government committed as part of the North Inner City Initiative that Fitzgibbon Street Garda Station would re-open. Since that commitment was made by former Taoiseach, Enda Kenny T.D., planning permission has been approved for a significant extension to the rear to the existing building as well as a major refurbishment programme internally. €8m has been provided for this project. To date in 2018, asbestos removal has been completed with further enabling works occurring throughout the summer. Hoarding has been erected outside the site in recent weeks and I expect major construction work to begin shortly. The new Fitzgibbon Street Garda Station is expected to open in December 2019. Both myself and Minister Paschal Donohoe will work to keep you updated of progress on the refurbishment and extension of the Fitzgibbon Street Garda Station across the coming weeks.

NORTH INNER CITY CLUBS SHOULD REGISTER NOW FOR 2018 SPORTS CAPITAL GRANTS

€40 million is available to develop sports infrastructure around the country, and has encouraged local clubs and sports organisations to prepare for the application process and register online now. My Fine Gael colleague, the Minister for Sport Brendan Griffin, has confirmed to me that €40 million is available to develop sports infrastructure around the country under the Sports Capital Programme in 2018. I want to see local clubs and organisations benefit as much as possible from this funding and so I encourage all involved to prepare the necessary paperwork for their applications in advance. North Inner City clubs and sports organisations looking to apply should register now at http://www.sportscapitalprogramme.ie. Applications can only be made online since last Friday (7th September) until 5pm on Friday 19th October, 2018. The Sports Capital Programme was re-instated by the last Fine Gael government in 2012, after it had been cut by Fianna Fáil in the wake of the economic crash.

PUBLIC LIGHTING UPGRADE

The Public Lighting Section of Dublin City Council is currently upgrading the quality of street lights across the North Inner City. This has involved the upgrading of 660 lights to LED lights. To date, street lights have been upgraded along Annesley Avenue, Annesley Close, Austins’ Cottages, Charlemont Parade, Clonmore Terrace, Enaville Avenue, Hibernian Avenue, Hyacinth Street, North Strand Road, Northbrook Avenue Lower, Northbrook Avenue Upper, Northbrook Terrace, Seville Terrace, Spring Garden Street and Strandville Avenue. This programme will continue across remaining streets in the North Strand across the coming months.

GARDA YOUTH AWARDS 2018

Applications are now being accepted for the annual Dublin North Central Garda Youth Awards in association with Croke Park.  These awards celebrate outstanding young people between 13 and 21 years of age and recognise the good work being done by young people throughout the communities of Dublin North Central. Awards will be considered for nominated young people who by their presence make their communities a better place to live.  There will also be an award for groups of two or more young people whose combined efforts have contributed positively to their communities.  The Dublin North Central Garda Division covers Mountjoy, Fitzgibbon Street, Bridewell and Strore Street Garda Stations. This year’s Garda Youth Awards ceremony will take place on Saturday, November 17th. Nomination forms can be downloaded from http://www.crokepark.ie.