Markets Matters – March 2024

PLANNING PERMISSION SOUGHT FOR NEW FAMILY COURTS COMPLEX

The Office of Public Works submitted a Part 9 planning application, immediately prior to Christmas to redevelop the long vacant site, adjacent to Hammond Lane for a new Family Courts complex. The planning application will seek approval for:

• 19 courtrooms, consultation rooms or spaces, staff and judicial accommodation, a variety of public waiting areas, space for mediation and domestic violence support services, accommodation for legal practitioners and custody facilities.
• The public entrance will be located facing Bow Street/ Smithfield, with a staff entrance on Church Street and vehicular entrance on Hammond Lane.

This application has been lodged under Part 9 of the Planning & Development Acts, which is the type of planning process used to secure planning permission for facilities like Garda stations, etc. Assuming Dublin City Council grants outline planning permission, detailed design drawings will then be undertaken before procurement procedures for the selection of a contractor is launched by the National Development Finance Agency. If you have any specific questions or queries about this development proposal, please get in touch with me by email at RayMcAdam@gmail.com.

NORTH KING STREET WATER SUPPLY ISSUES

Over the past number of weeks, householders along North King Street have been in contact with me about low water pressure and in some cases, no water supply at all. I have been working closely with the householders effected and as a result of my efforts, Irish Water and Dublin City Council have installed a new water valve along North Anne Street which should help address the pressure issue. The City Council’s Water Services crew undertook some temporary works on the local network. It is intended, however, that a new break tank will be fitted by the Housing Department to the existing infrastructure within some of the City Council’s housing complexes. However, if you are experiencing low water pressure in your home or having constant break in water supply, please get in touch with me on WhatsApp at 086 – 847 1720 or by Email at RayMcAdam@gmail.com.

HOW CAN WE FURTHER ENHANCE THE GRANGEGORMAN BRING CENTRE?

My campaign last year to prevent the closure of the Grangegorman Bring Centre is moving into a new phase. Given that Dublin City Council accepted the argument I made on retaining the facility, my focus is shifting to consider to how it is that we can further improve the existing level of service provided there. Dublin City Council, last year, undertook a public survey seeking views on its recycling infrastructure. 1000 submissions were received. Some of the findings provide food for thought. Firstly, Grangegorman was the second most used Bring Centre in the entire city. Between 11am and 1pm was the most popular time, across the city, for a visit at 28%. Saturday was the most popular day (45%) for use. 78% of Bring Centre users get there by car, 26% walk there and 17% cycle. While officials consider potential actions to enhance existing services, I wanted to get your views as to how you think Dublin City Council can further improve service levels at the Grangegorman facility. So, I’d welcome your thoughts on the existing hours of operation, are there other services you would like to see provided, how we can encourage more households use the facility or any other suggestion you may have. Please email me at RayMcAdam@gmail.com your thoughts.

ICE SOCIAL ENTERPRISE AND MICRO BUSINESS HUB

ICE (Inner City Enterprise) is a not-for-profit charity, set up to help long term unemployed individuals, social enterprises and youth entrepreneurs to establish their own businesses across the North Inner City. Over the last 11 years, (since 2012), ICE has established circa 1,500 new businesses. Over 50% of these enterprises are still in business after 2 years in operation, with a further percentage securing full time jobs or full-time education courses. ICE has established a new SOCIAL ENTERPRISE HUB in the DCC Housing Depot on Coleraine Street. It is the first Enterprise Hub in Dublin City to be run as an actual social enterprise itself. The Hub will provide affordable, accessible workspace and will comprise hot desking, co-working workspace individual units as well as a Craft Makers space, training rooms, shared supports and a community space. Both Minister Paschal Donohoe and I continue to support ICE in every way we can.

MARKETS TRAFFIC MATTERS

The Transportation Department of Dublin City Council is considering a variety of traffic related issues and requests in the Markets area. A request for the introduction of a one-way system on Bow Street. Initial site surveys and assessments are taking place in respect of this proposal, but no firm decision has yet been taken. Additional traffic calming measures are being considered for Beresford Street. This is something I have long argued for, but I would be concerned about any further speed ramps being installed. I believe a chicaning approach to slowing down traffic to be a better avenue to take. A proposal for the installation of speed ramps on Nicholas Avenue is also being assessed. 

ARE YOU RENTING? CLAIM YOUR RENTERS TAX CREDIT!

If you pay rent, you may qualify for the Rent Tax Credit. You can claim the tax credit for rent payments you made in 2022 or 2023 by making an income tax return. You can also claim the tax credit for payments made in 2024 if you are a PAYE taxpayer. The Rent Tax Credit will be available for the years 2022 to 2025. The maximum credit per individual is €750 and it is €1500 for a couple. The scheme has also been extended to allow parents claim the tax credit should they be paying for their child’s college accommodation. If you want more information on this scheme, please WhatsApp or Email me.

MARKETS GRAFFITI REMOVAL

Graffiti has been removed from the following areas using Dublin City Council’s Waste Management Services since February 1st last, including the Smithfield Fruit Market building, St. Mary’s Lane, Halston Street, and Green Street. If there are items or examples of graffiti on your street or avenue, please get in touch with me and I will arrange for its removal.

BIKE BUNKER INITIATIVE

There continues to be much interest in the Bike Bunkers among D7 householders. So many people registered their interest but failed to receive any reply, update or indication of what was happening with the initiative from the City Council. Throughout 2023, I worked to get to the bottom of what happened and help secure a plan that could enable a permanent scheme to be established and availed of by Dubliners. In September, the City Council finally agreed a plan to expand the Bike Bunkers scheme over the next three years, with at least 300 bike bunkers to be deployed. A minimum of €1.5m has been allocated by the City Council and officials are in the process of finalising tender documents to select a contractor who will run the scheme on their behalf. The procurement process will begin by Easter. If you would like more detailed information on the review of the initial trial and the reports considered by Councillors in September, please email me at RayMcAdam@gmail.com and I will share that information with you.

DUBLIN CITY COUNCIL WEED REMOVAL PROGRAMME 2024

I have long argued that the Council needs to undertake three separate sprays every year and for the first to take place early in the year. I am pleased to report that the Public Domain Section this year has arranged for three weed sprays to take place. The first will occur this week and across the first week of March. The second is scheduled for June and the third in September. In all, 76Km of local paths will be sprayed with Right Way Spray (vinegar) being applied by operatives on quad bikes using knap sack sprayers.

DECISIONS ARE MADE BY THOSE WHO SHOW UP!

Finally, with elections later this year, I am working to ensure local residents are registered to vote so that they can fully exercise their democratic right in those elections and vote for candidates active on the ground. You can register to vote here – https://www.electoralcommission.ie/referendums/check-the-register/. Remember, decisions are made by those who turn up. Make sure you are registered to vote and have the opportunity to have your say on who represents the Markets area on Dublin City Council over the next five years.