Councillor Kieran Binchy

Dear Chief Executive,

I understand that the Minister for Transport has issued Circular RSD 01/2014 on the control of Vehicle Speeds in Housing Estates, which calls on local authorities to examine speed limits in residential areas and housing estates to improve road safety for cyclists and pedestrians, especially children.

I understand that the circular requests the Chief Executive to initiate consultation with residents with a view to determine the need for new bye-laws for 30 km/h limits for residential estates and additional selected safety zones.

Many residential streets in the inner suburbs such as in Sandymount and Portobello are currently used by rat-running commuters and other drivers moving at a speed that may be within the national speed limits but which is totally unsuitable for residential streets with many young families. I am strongly of the view that such streets would benefit greatly from such a change of speed limits. This could be implemented while keeping the normal limit on the primary commuter routes.

Can you therefore provide an update on the implementation of this circular?

Kind regards,

Cllr. Kieran Binchy

Fine Gael Councillor has welcomed news that all local authorities are to examine speed limits in residential areas and housing estates. The directive was issued to local authorities by the Minister for Transport, Sport and Tourism, Paschal Donohoe TD.

“Minister Donohoe has contacted all local authorities, including Dublin City Council Council, directing them to review the speed limits in residential areas and in housing estates.

Cllr. Kieran Binchy stated: “A 50km/h speed limit in highly populated areas is dangerous. We need speed ramps, lower limits and traffic calming measures to ensure the safety of children, cyclists and pedestrians in these areas.

“There are many residential streets locally which have a high volume of traffic passing through. Some are used as rat runs for the morning and afternoon school drop-off and collection times, or by commuters, with vehicles often travelling at speed. Not everyone is cognisant of the fact that small children may be on the footpath or even on the road playing with their friends – and this is where tragedy can strike,”

“I would like to thank Minister Donohoe for making this move. I would encourage Dublin City Council to implement the circular in order to secure the safety of everyone living in these areas, especially our young children.”

Cllr. Kieran Binchy announced as new Pembroke South Dock Councillor, May 2014

I look forward to working for all of the residents and businesses across the area, from Sandymount to Portobello, from Ringsend to Milltown, from Donnybrook to Temple Bar, from Ballsbridge to the Docklands, and from Merrion/Nutley to the Inner City.

Please do not hesitate to get in contact by email or telephone.

Thank you for your support.

Kind regards,

Kieran

Portobello councillor Kieran Binchy

Councillor Kieran Binchy has represented Portobello for the last three years.

He has consistently worked to make it a better place for residents, supporting traffic calming, sensible planning and good cycling infrastructure.

• Kieran opposed the proposed overdevelopment of the Irish Jewish Museum, and made written submissions to the Council and to An Bord Pleanála. Kieran also spoke against it at the An Bord Pleanála oral hearing.

• Kieran worked to protect the street trees of Portobello, and passed a motion prohibiting the City Council parks section from ever cutting down a tree with first consulting with local residents. Kieran has also worked to ensure that street trees are properly pruned and that suitable new trees are planted.

• Kieran secured a bye-law to regulate the waste collection in the city, so that operators can now only collect on Tuesdays. This ensures that bags and bins are not left out every night, helping to keep Portobello clean.

• Kieran has worked with the Portobello Neighbourhood Watch on a wide range of issues over the last three years, including street lighting, traffic calming, illegal dumping parking and street cleaning across the area of Portobello.

• Kieran has worked to find a solution to the speeding and rat-running traffic on Arnott St and Curzon St, on St.  Kevin’s Road, and on the other residential streets. He is also working for better street signage for one-way streets and for a pedestrian crossing for Leonard’s Corner.

• Kieran has supported the Friends of the Grand Canal to ensure that the canal is kept clean, and worked to install new signs to protect swans. He has prioritised protecting the canal as an amenity.

• Kieran is aware of the lack of school places in Portobello and he supported the successful campaign for an Educate Together primary school for the area.

Pembroke South Dock local election candidate Councillor Kieran Binchy (Fine Gael) has launched his campaign video, outlining his vision for a better Dublin.

In the short video, Kieran highlights some of the improvements he has successfully campaigned for in your area.

Kieran has made a difference in his three years on Dublin City Council: he has fought successfully for better cycle lanes and an expansion of the Dublin Bikes scheme; he was instrumental in getting the marina at Grand Canal Dock opened up; he has opposed inappropriate development in residential areas; he has lobbied to make the city’s parks and canal banks safer and cleaner; he has prioritised flood protection and battled for a deal for insurance for residents affected by flooding.

Kieran also underlines his commitment to working for the people of Pembroke South Dock to make Dublin a better city for everyone.

This brief video explains why you should vote Binchy No 1 on Friday, 23 May.

Q: Where did you grow up?

Kieran: I grew up in Charleville, Co. Cork with my sister and two brothers. Growing up in a small town where everyone knew each other and there was a great mixture of people was a brilliant apprencticeship for representing Pembroke-South Dock, which is an exceptionally vibrant and diverse constituency stretching from Grand Canal Dock to Milltown.

I moved to Dublin in 1995 to study Law and French in Trinity and, having studied in France, I caught the travel bug and worked overseas in Morocco, Cuba and Canada for most of my twenties.

Q: How did you get involved in politics?

Kieran: When I came back from Canada, I was taken aback by the ‘Celtic Tiger’, then in full flight. The county seemed to be slightly out of control with the huge property bubble and the banks’ lending policies. People were being told they’d never had it so good but I could see my friends saddled with huge mortgages and yet living miles from where they worked because the property market was so inflated.

Quality of life seemed to have reached a new low despite all the rhetoric from Fianna Fáil that we’d never had it so good. I’m not one to sit on my hands, so I got involved with Fine Gael on the ground in Dublin South East (now Dublin Bay South) and worked towards a change of Government. After that election I worked in Leinster House for a few years and I was co-opted to Senator Catherine Noone’s Council seat in 2011 after her election to the Seanad.

As a barrister, I’ve found my legal training very helpful in terms of being focussed on problem solving and being an effective advocate for the communities I represent. I can bring my problem solving ability to bear when dealing with the issues affecting individuals as their intermediary with the Council and I can bring my advocacy skills to bear when speaking up for the communities of Dublin South Dock at Dublin City Council meetings, e.g. on planning matters, parking, bins, illegal dumping, addressing the issue of derelict sites

Q: Why Pembroke South Dock

Kieran: This is where I live – I live in the Docklands and, as I’ve said, I think this is the most diverse and interesting constituency in the country. In scale, it’s huge, taking in Sandymount, Ringsend, Irishtown, Bath Avenue, Beggars’ Bush, South Docklands, Temple Bar, Christchurch, Aungier Street, Charlemont St, Portobello, Ballsbridge, Merrion, Nutley and Milltown. It is bordered by both the Canal and the Liffey and every area has a distinctive character and an interesting history in the context of the evolution of Dublin as a city.

I’m very passionate about the area because I know it well. I’ve been knocking on the doors here for years, getting to know the people, helping to resolve their issues. I have regular clinics in the area. I am very involved with a number of residents’ associations and, I must say, I get a great satisfaction from seeing the results of my work, especially given the patience needed to make progress in politics.

For example:

• I led the Councillors in introducing a new development plan for the Docklands area, to bring new jobs and communities into the area.
• One of my proudest achievements is that I successfully fought to open up the Grand Canal Marina, which had lain idle for 7 years;
• I supported better cycle lanes and the expansion of Dublin Bikes
• I worked to introduce traffic calming in Portobello and to protect pedestrians at busy junctions
• I believe in better and safer parks and, over the last 3 years, I worked with the Council and the Gardai to tackle anti-social behaviour in Ringsend Park.
• I have worked to protect the Canal as an amenity. And I introduced a Sli na Slainte in Ringsend.
• Flooding has been a problem for many residents. I was on the ground at Bath Avenue in 2011 during the floods, and I have prioritised flood relief works since then. I have also worked with the Council and the OPW to secure a deal on insurance.

Q: What are you hoping to achieve in your next term if you’re successful on 23rd May?

Kieran: I have three key priorities.

1. Transport: we need a coherent and integrated transport system that allows people to get easily from A to B whether that’s on foot, on a bike, on a Luas, Dart or bus.
2. My second priority is planning. Dublin City Council has a huge responsibility in creating and delivering on a vision for Dublin that fosters the vibrancy of new industries and businesses while ensuring that people of every age and families of every combination can live and work in the city if that is their desire. We’ve seen too much of the short term approach and too much thinking in silos instead of a broader vision. I am passionate about the development of Dublin as a city of vibrant neighbourhoods.
3. My third priority relates to the Local Property Tax (LPT). The simple fact of the matter is that the cost of living is higher in Dublin so we need to ease the burden on people where possible by ensuring that services are delivered in teh most cost effective way possible. The Local Property Tax take in Dublin is huge due to the population size and I believe we can afford to reduce the LPT while delivering excellent services. I will be seeking the maximum legal reduction in the LPT if re-elected next term.

Finally, I’d like to say: it has been my privilege to represent Pembroke-South Dock for the last three years. I have worked hard to vindicate the faith placed in me in 2011. I am hoping the people of Pembroke South Dock will renew my mandate on 23rd May.

For more information on Cllr. Kieran Binchy’s election platform please watch his short campaign video:

Pembroke South Dock candidate, Councillor Kieran Binchy would like to thank everyone who attended his public meeting, with guest speakers former Taoiseach John Bruton and Eoghan Murphy TD.

Councillor Binchy informed the meeting of the main local issues he has been working on since becoming a councillor in 2011. These include opening up the marina in the Docklands as part of the regeneration of the docklands and his commitment to fight dereliction and promote good planning.

Kieran spoke about his work on the Council Transport Committee on the expansion of Dublin bikes and of the importance of pedestrians, cyclists, motorists and public transport sharing the road. He himself uses all four modes.

Kieran Binchy with John Bruton and Eoghan Murphy

Kieran mentioned his work on prevention of illegal dumping, improved parking and, an important issue for many, the elimination of dog fouling. He said that there must be a 3-pronged approach to dog-fouling: education, enforcement and cleaning.

He also referred to his work on the Council’s Housing Committee and the challenges of providing social housing and combatting homelessness.

Regarding the Local Property Tax, Cllr Binchy made an upfront pledge that if re-elected on 23^rd May he would vote in favour of the maximum reduction of the LPT of 15% thereby reducing the burden on local residents while not compromising local services.

Former Taoiseach John Bruton said: “Councillors like Kieran, who take the job seriously and are dedicated to better politics and to bringing the Council closer to the people, are what Dublin needs today.”

“There is still time to get your name on the supplementary register if you are not already registered to vote. You can easily check if you’re registered by logging onto www.checktheregister.ie,” advised the Fine Gael candidate for Pembroke South Dock.

“Anyone who may have recently moved to Dublin, or moved house, should make sure they are registered to vote locally.

“Application forms for the supplementary register can be downloaded from www.checktheregister.ie or obtained from Dublin City Council.

“The Local and European Elections will be held on Friday, May 23, and if you want to have your say about who represents you at local government level, it’s important you are registered now.

“The closing date for inclusion on the supplementary register is Tuesday May 6 – or April 26 for Postal Votes. I am advising people to get their form organised as soon as possible - and remember that it must be witnessed by a member of An Garda Síochána.”

Councillor Binchy – a Fine Gael candidate for Portobello and Donnybrook (Pembroke South Dock) in the upcoming Dublin City Council elections – has been reassured that the Sustainable Transport Unit is carrying out an assessment of the Leonard’s Corner request.

He was told: “This involves both a desk top and on site assessment, taking into consideration the number and type of accidents which have occurred at the site, the difficulty in crossing the road, the number of pedestrians trying to cross and the existing condition of crossing.

“Based on this assessment the request will be prioritised. Funding may then be applied for from the National Transport Authority.”

The assessment should be complete by the end of April 2014.

Councillor Binchy said: “I believe that the new pedestrian crossings at Leonard’s Corner are vitally important for pedestrians’ safety, given the number of people who cross this junction and the volume of traffic at the intersection of Clanbrassil Street and the South Circular Road.”

Councillor Binchy is also pushing for improvements to road safety measures on Belmont Avenue in Donnybrook.

He was told: “At present there are requests for bollards and a one-way system being considered on Belmont Avenue along with a proposal from a schoolchild to allow children to cycle on the footpath for one hour in the mornings and evenings. Councillors will be informed of any recommendations in due course.

“Previous requests for bollards in various locations on Belmont Avenue were not recommended as the locations were unsuitable.

“A previous request for traffic signals at the junction of Belmont Avenue and Sandford Road was not recommended as Belmont Avenue itself and the junction of Belmont Avenue and Sandford Road had been examined thoroughly by both the Roads & Traffic Department and the Intelligent Transportation Systems (ITS) Office. All-day traffic conditions were considered, not just the busy morning and evening periods. As a result no changes were recommended.

“A request to alter the traffic flow on Belmont Avenue and Marlborough Road by making them one-way systems was not recommended for a number of reasons, as follows:

• It is considered that a one-way system would lead to increased traffic speeds and reduce pedestrian safety.
• A one way system would cause inconvenience to residents on Belmont Avenue and Marlborough Road and increase traffic on adjoining Roads.
• A one-way system would also hinder emergency services access, Garda operations and other service vehicles.

“Although no changes were recommended for this particular street, please note, that it is the policy of Dublin City Council to continue to promote the modal shift from private car use towards increased use of more sustainable forms of transport such as cycling, walking and public transport and to implement the initiatives contained in the government’s, ‘Smarter Travel, A Sustainable Transport Future 2009-2020’.”

Responding to residents’ concerns, Cllr Binchy – as Fine Gael candidate for Pembroke South Dock in the upcoming local elections – demanded a report from the Dublin City Council manager on the implementation of Storage, Presentation and Collection of Household and Commercial Waste Bye-laws (passed in May 2013) for the Portobello and Ringsend areas, and in particular an update on the provision of organic waste collections in bag areas.

The report assured Cllr Binchy: “Monitoring of compliance with the new Bye-laws in the South East Area has commenced and all areas including those mentioned above will be covered in due course.

“The City Council acknowledges that there are particular issues in bag areas in providing an appropriate service that takes account of all environmental and economical considerations. The City Council is committed to ensuring that all householders are provided with an organic waste collection service and will be working with the waste operators in the coming year to achieve that objective.”

Cllr Binchy said: “I hope residents affected by this issue are reassured by the city council’s response.”

If you have a problem that needs fixing, a query you want answered or an issue you want raised, please contact Cllr Binchy (details on home page).

These are some of the issues the Pembroke South Dock candidate has tackled in recent weeks:

Flood defence on Sandymount Strand

Following up queries from residents, Cllr Binchy asked the city manager for an update on progress on tidal flood defence works for Sandymount Strand.

He was assured that site investigation and survey works were due to take place in Q1 2014; following public consultation, promenade floodgated and flood wall strengthening is programmed for later this year.

Road repairs

Cllr Binchy brought the following road maintenance problems to the attention of the city manager, and had them fixed:

• Deep pothole in the middle of the road on Victoria Avenue, at the Morehampton Road end of the street.
• Pothole on Curzon Street, Portobello.

1. Cllr Binchy was also asked to investigate whether the speed bumps on Lombard St West, Portobello, are steep enough to prevent speeding. He was assured by the city manager that “the entry and exit slopes, the length and the height of the ramps on Lombard Street West have been designed and constructed to suit the area”.
2. Acting on the concerns of residents and motorists, Cllr Binchy asked the city manager to increase the street cleaning of Morehampton Road, in the area around Auburn Avenue – especially during the autumn when the streets are covered in fallen leaves. He was assured by the city manager that: “The main road is cleaned on a daily basis. Residential streets like Auburn Avenue are cleaned on a twelve week cycle; they also receive extra cleaning during the autumn and winter months until all the leaves have been removed.”

Traffic issues in the Pleasants Street area

Residents and motorists expressed concerns to Cllr Binchy that cars have accessing Pleasants Street from Heytesbury Street without realising that they are driving the wrong way up a one way street. Cllr Binchy’s suggestion to the city manager was to extend the footpath and put in clear signage. He investigated the need for speed bumps on Pleasants Street to reduce the speed of cars.

The city manager assured Cllr Binchy: “The request with regard to footpath width and signage has been referred to the traffic engineer who will investigate the matter further. The Councillor will be advised of any recommendations in due course.

“In relation to speed bumps, the Traffic Advisory Group at its meeting of 27^th June, 2013, reported that following a site inspection carried out at the above-mentioned location on 10^th June, 2013, no incident of speeding was observed. The 85th percentile speed determined for the road was 25km/h, which does not meet the warrant for the provision of traffic calming measures.”

Sutton to Sandycove cycle path

Responding to queries from cyclists, Cllr Binchy sought an update on progress on the Sutton to Sandycove Cycle path.

The city manager told him: “Dublin City Council has completed the detailed design of the S2S between the Wooden Bridge and Causeway Road. This design has now been forwarded to the National Transport Authority for approval. Once approved, Dublin City Council will proceed to tender for construction contractors.”

Thomas Reads on Parliament Street

Responding to an issue raised by residents and local businesses, Cllr Binchy requested the planning department to identify who owns the historic shop of Thomas Reads on Parliament Street, and to provide a full report on the planning and conservation status of the shop front, and called for its protection.

The planning department’s assistant enforcer produced the following report: “This building is included on the City Council’s Register of Protected Structures (ref. 6322).

“Two Exemption Certificates were granted for repair and maintenance works to the property in October 2012. This work has taken place. Prior to this, the owner had been actively working with the City Council and the Dept. of Agriculture, Heritage and the Gaeltacht on a programme of works to progress the opening of the building as a shop with a residence overhead.

“The weathering of the horizontal beam over the fascia signage needs to be attended to as a matter of urgency, and this has been conveyed to the owner’s architect. Number 4 Parliament Street is currently unoccupied and a full internal and external inspection is being arranged with the owner. Any works required for the safety of the building will be brought to the owner’s attention and enforcement proceedings will be initiated if necessary.”

Cleaning up laneways in Old City Temple Bar area

Following up on concerns of residents and local businesses, Cllr Binchy proposed a motion at a council meeting, calling the city manager to work with the Gardaí and local businesses and residents in the Old City Temple Bar area to clean up the laneways and to put in place a public space and furniture scheme to deter and prevent further anti-social behaviour in the area.

This motion led to the formation of the Love The Lanes project, a joint initiative between Temple Bar Company and Dublin City Council to rethink how we use the back lanes of Temple Bar. The goal is to reclaim the lanes of Temple Bar for people to use and enjoy, to encourage greater use of the laneways, to make them safer and to counter anti-social behaviour.

Four laneways in Temple Bar have been chosen for the project: Adair Lane, Bedford Lane, Copper Alley and Crampton Court.

The Love The Lanes project is currently taking ideas from members of the public – some of the ideas will be trialled, and may become permanent.

Graffiti on Windmill Lane

At Cllr Binchy’s behest, graffiti was cleaned up on Windmill Lane, in particular on the NAMA or receiver-controlled building. Cllr Binchy arranged for a clean-up of the same area in 2013.

Flooding on Clyde Lane, Dublin 4

Cllr Binchy was asked by residents to provide a full report on the causes of the 2010 flooding on Clyde Lane, Dublin 4, the works done to date to address this, whether there are plans to connect the culverted Swan river to the Canal sewer, and what other plans are in place to address this.

The city manager explained to Cllr Binchy: “The reason for the flooding in October 2011 was because nearly 150mm of rain fell in a 24-hour period, the worst of which fell between the hours of 6:00pm and 10pm during a high tide event. This caused the drainage network to fill thus preventing any excess rainwater from entering into the pipes.

“However, since the flooding in 2011 additional trap gullies have been installed along the lane and also the dynamics of the pipe has been altered to provide a better flow throughout the system. A new ramp is also being installed at the top of Clyde Lane to help stem the flow of water down the lane.

“There is an overflow from the Swan that ties into the Grand Canal Sewer close to Eustace Bridge on Leeson Street. There are no other plans to connect both to each other.”

Cycling officer

Cllr Binchy was asked about the reinstatement of a cycling officer within the council.

He brought this up with the city manager, who explained that “the Roads and Traffic Department now has a dedicated ‘sustainable and active transport’ section with eight engineers and technicians working on a variety of cycle schemes throughout the city – the senior engineer in charge of this section Eoghan Madden has  the overall responsibility for cycling provision in the city. The roles and responsibilities of a cycling officer are now discharged through this section.”

Dublin Docklands regeneration and the DDDA

Cllr Binchy was requested to provide an update on the transfer of assets and responsibilities from the Dublin Docklands Development Authority to Dublin City Council. (Following government decisions taken in 2012 and 2013, the DDDA is being wound up, with the future regeneration of the Docklands area being led by Dublin City Council.

In response to questions from Cllr Binchy, the city manager explained: “The Authority has been working with the Department of the Environment, Community & Local Government to put the final transition arrangements in place, with a view to the Authority being wound up in mid-2014.

“In the interim, and in preparation for the wind-up of the Authority, the City Council have agreed to provide administrative services to the DDDA and take on the management of certain parts of the public infrastructure on behalf of the Authority up to dissolution. The assets and functions of the Authority will continue to be the responsibility of the DDDA until the legislation is enacted.

“The services being provided by the City Council since February 2014 are in addition to the assignment of an executive manager on a part-time secondment basis as A/CEO and the provision of professional planning services which have been provided since April 2013.”

Removal of unsightly public telephone booths

Cllr Binchy was asked about the removal of unsightly and unused public telephone booths across the city, as they are being used as advertising hoardings, and are attracting anti-social and illegal behaviour.

Cllr Binchy followed this up with the city manager, who said: “Dublin City Council has been engaging with the providers of these installations on an intermittent basis in the past year. The company has informed us that they are about to lodge planning applications in relation to the future use of the sites, so we are waiting sight of these applications. We will make contact again to progress the matter as I accept the matter needs to be finalised.”

Arborists

In response to a query from a resident, Cllr Binchy requested details from the city manager about the number of fully qualified arborists employed by the city council and what their qualifications are.

The city manager replied: “Arboriculture  is the production and management of  trees where amenity is the primary objective. The Parks Service currently manages in excess of 100,000 trees city-wide. Qualifications in arboriculture vary depending on the level of expertise required. Existing qualifications start at  FETAC Level 6 for Craft Gardeners, and other training is provided for practical arboriculture.

“It is considered that there is a need for better co-ordination of the management of the city tree resource. Approval is therefore being sought for a (Level 8) Tree Officer.”

Further details available on request.