Update on Water Dublin's Water Supply

There is still a severe shortage of water in Dublin arisising from many busrt pipes following from the rapid thaw on Sunday night last. The Council is working 24 hours a day locating and fixing leaks. We ask for the continued support of the public in keeping their use of water to a minimum. This situation is likely to continue for the next week. List of areas affected and list of tanker locations are setout below;

The areas where water will be cutoff or have pressure reduced are listed below, the shut off or reduction in pressure will last from 6.00 pm (28th) to 12 noon (29th).

Zone name:

1 Ballyboden System None

2 Slievebloom System Shut 6pm to 12 noon

3 Ballyfermot System 6.00 pm to 12 .00 noon

4 Blackhorse Bridge System Pressure reductions with possible loss of water

5 Navan Road System shut 6.00 pm to 12.00 noon

6 Mespil Road System Shut 6pm to 12 noon

7 Anglesea Road System Shut 6pm to 12 noon

8 Rialto Bridge System Shut 6pm to 12 noon

9 Merrion Gates System Pressure reductions with possible loss of water

10 Belcamp System Pressure reductions with possible loss of water

11 Clarehall System Pressure reductions with possible loss of water

12 Shanliss System Pressure reductions shut off 6.00 pm to 12 noon
13 HomeFarm Road System shut 6.00 pm to 12 noon

14 Rathlin System Shut 6pm to 12 noon

15 Finglas System Pressure reductions with possible loss of water
16 Summerhill System Pressure reductions with possible loss of water

17 Christchurch System Pressure reductions with possible loss of water

18 Brunswick Street System Shut 6pm to 12 noon

19 Sillogue Tower System Shut 6pm to 12 noon
All of the above are subject to change without advance notice.



The following area are experiencing localised disruption in supply due to burst mains. We are working to get these mains repaired as soon as possible:

Danelli road

Finglas road
South circular road, Rialto

Nutley park

Townsend street

Malpas street

The Crescent Clontarf Road/Howth Road

Emmet Road

List of tanker locations:

Artane Castle, Shopping Centre (Off Skellys lane), Coolock.
Sports ground off Middle Third & near Abbeyfield Killester
Northside Shopping Centre, Oscar Traynor Road
Shopping Centre off Lorcan Avenue

The Council has aked that key holders throughout the city to return to their premises as soon as possible to check for internal leaks and also to report any water rising.

Major Disruptions to Water Supply in Dublin City

The rapid thaw in the snow has had a disastrous effect on Dublin Cities water supply. The Council has mobilised the maximum number of crews to deal with burst pipes through out the city.

Given the situation, the Council has had no option but to reintroduce a very restrictive regime as and from today. From this evening, they are introducing reduced pressure and signigicant cut-offs. I will post details of these cuts as soon as the Council has compiled a list of areas affected by restrictions and cut offs.

Regards,

Cllr. John Lyons

A Christmas Message

Wishing you all a Merry Christmas and a Peaceful New Year.

Very Best Wishes,

Cllr. John Lyons

Holy Spirit Schools, Ballymun, Closed until 10th Jan 2010

Both Holy Spirit Schools, Ballymun, have closed and will reopen after Christmas break on January 10th 2011.

Night time Water Restrictions to remain in place for the next three nights to deal with Water Supply Shortages

PRESS RELEASE 20th December 2010

Night time Water Restrictions to remain in place for the next three nights to deal with Water Supply Shortages

Dublin City Council wishes to advise customers that overnight restrictions to the City’s water supply will continue for the next three nights, up to and including Thursday morning.

For tonight (Monday 20th December) the times will be from 7pm to 7am. The Council hopes to be able to ease the starting time for Tuesday 21st December and Wednesday 22nd December 2010 but it will be tomorrow morning before this can be confirmed.



It remains Dublin City Council’s intention not to have any cut offs from 23rd to 28th December.



The following two nights (Monday 20th and Tuesday 21st December) are forecast to be very cold again. All water users are reminded of the need to continue to conserve water and not leave taps running. www.taptips.ie provides very simple steps that people can take at home and at work, to conserve water without adversely impacting on their daily lives.



Dublin City Council is grateful and appreciative of the public’s assistance and support in conserving water. With the current programme of nightly restrictions, the public’s co-operation in conserving water, and finding and fixing leaks, we are endeavouring to restore normal supply as soon as possible.

Ends.



Details on local restrictions are on www.dublincity.ie

Hampton Woods Water Supply

Further to the numerous queries I have received in relation to Hampton Wood, the following information has been provided by Water Services Division of DCC.

"Due to increased demand caused by the severe cold weather treated water storage levels dropped. Our ability to treat water is limited and the only option available to us to halt this drop was to ask consumers to reduce their water demand and to impose restrictions on supplies. These restrictions were put in place throughout the Dublin region including Dublin City from Tuesday 7th December. This has resulted in a reduction in the flow into Hampton Wood. However, since the flow is going into a reservoir and the outlet from the reservoir was not restricted, usage continued as normal and the reservoir drained down.

We have been in contact with the management company who are responsible for managing the reservoir and distribution network within the estate. They have been advised to restrict the outlet from the reservoir in tandem with our restrictions. In this way the level in the reservoir can be maintained. The flow into the estate will continue to be below normal while restrictions are in place so consumers will need to reduce their consumption in order to ensure that the volume supplied is shared among all users.

While we regret the need to impose restrictions and will keep the restrictions to the minimum possible it is unfortunately necessary to maintain restrictions in place until storage levels recover adequately. Our web site www.dublincity.ie provides up-to-date information on the restrictions being imposed."

Budget 2011

Tax Calculator


The tax highlights…………

Social Welfare Rates CUT across the Board


Stamp duty on principal private residences reduced to 1% (but with 2% applicable to any excess over €1m). Abolition of existing residential property reliefs and exemptions, including first time buyers exemption.

Removal of €75,036 ceiling for employee PRSI contributions.

The Income Levy and Health Contribution to be replaced by a single Universal Social Charge.

PRSI and Universal Social Charge to apply to employee pension contributions.

10% reduction to income tax bands and income tax credits.

Tax free pension lump sum to be capped at €200,000. Tax free ex-gratia
termination payment is also capped at €200,000.

Lifetime tax relieved pension pot is reduced to €2.3m.
Budget 2011

€10 to monthly child benefit for all children

€20 cut for 3rd child only

No adjustment in State pension in 2011

Income tax bands and credits to be cut by 10%
No-one on the reduced minimum wage will be brought into the tax net

Abolishing the income and health levies and replace both with a universal social charge

Employee PRSI ceiling Being removed, increasing rate for the self employed, higher earning public servants and office holders

Litre of petrol to increase by 4 cent from midnight

2 cent increase in litre of diesel from midnight tonight

No increase in excise on alcohol but a review of the duty for on and off trade to beconducted in 2011

Bets placed on the internet by domestic customers to be subject to same level of betting duty as high street betting shops

Car Scrappage Scheme introduced last year will be extended for 6 months to end June 2011

Reforming Stamp Duty with immediate effect: New flat rate of 1% on all residential property transactions up to €1 million – 2% rate will then apply to amounts above €1million

Water Services Notice

Attention: Water Alert – Dublin City Council will most likely be reducing/Turning Off Water Services in the Dublin Area tonight from 7 PM till 7 AM,


Customers should note that it will take time for the water to make its way through the pipe network while the system 'recharges'.

There is no need for people to fill baths or store large quantities of water – water tanks in every home or business will have sufficient quantity to cover the amount of water needed when water will be restricted.

Plans for job creation at core of Labour budget strategy

"Fianna Fail's plan to inflict a €6billion budget adjustment next week is dangerous for Ireland. It poses an unacceptable risk to jobs and growth," the Labour Leader Eamon Gilmore said today launching the Labour Party's proposals for Budget 2011, In Ireland's Interest (download the document from The Labour Party's policy section).

"We cannot cut our way out of this crisis, we must also have growth. In this uncertain climate, a €6billion adjustment could inflict another year of stagnation on the Irish economy. Having endured so much, and having been promised that the corner was being turned, the danger is that the Irish people will have to suffer another year of little or no growth, and more joblessness.

"Labour does not share in the conservative consensus that the route to recovery is via ever great pain being inflicted on the Irish people. What Ireland needs is a Labour-led Government that will stand up for Ireland's interest."

Speaking at the launch Deputy Joan Burton said: "We do not accept that the EU/IMF deal is not up for re-negotiation, and we do not accept the conservative consensus that €6billion is a magic number that will solve all our problems.

"Tax justice is an essential component of reform. If we are truly 'all in this together' then everybody will have to make a contribution proportionate to their means."

Among the measures contained in our proposals for Budget 2011 In Ireland's Interest are:

•A jobs fund of €500billion in 2011
•Maintaining investment in education
•Maintaining frontline services in health, while reducing the base cost in the health service
•Cutting the public sector pay bill by €400m
•Slash ministers' pay by 17%
•Car-pooling arrangement for Ministers

DCC Services Affected by Severe Weather Conditions - Monday 6th December 2010

Waste Collection Services
Due to the adverse weather conditions and for safety reasons, a comprehensive waste collection cannot be provided at present.

Bins Waste & Recycling
Dublin City Council, Waste Management Services, wishes to advise customers that due to the adverse weather conditions and for safety reasons a comprehensive waste collection is not being provided.

Customers who do not receive a collection should present their bin for waste collection on the next scheduled collection day. For example if a bin was due to be collected on Monday 29th November 2010 it will not be collected until Monday 13th December 2010.

Householders whose grey / black bin is full may place additional waste for collection beside the bin on the scheduled collection day provided it is presented in a neat and safe manner. This is subject to a maximum of 2 bags per customer.

Leisure Centres Finglas and Clontarf Pitches are all closed until further notice.

Severe Weather Alert for Dublin - Wednesday 1st December 2010

As a result of the severe snow storm that hit the Dublin at 1.00pm today, traffic conditions have deteriorated and coupled with ground temperatures reaching between -12 C to -14 C, many roads have become impassable. As a result of the snow becoming ice this has compounded the already hazardous driving conditions.

To deal with these difficulties, a coordinated response has been put in place by the Regional Local Authorities (Dublin City Council, DunLaoghaire Rathdown County Council, Fingal County Council, South Dublin County Council, Wicklow County Council, Kildare County Council), the Health Service Executive, An Gárda Síochána and the Defence Forces in accordance with the major emergency framework.

To this end, a Local Co-ordination Centre has been set up in the Traffic Control Centre of Civic Offices, Wood Quay, Dublin 8 through which the 4 Dublin Local Authorities, the HSE and an Garda Síochána are coordinating their actions directly to deal with this situation.

Motorists are advised not to undertake journeys unless absolutely necessary. Tune into general news bulletins and to the Dublin City FM LiveDrive programme on 103.2 FM for real time updates on the state of the roads and general driving conditions.

The on/off ramps on the N11 and the M50 and the bridges in the city are causing particular difficulties for motorists.

We advise people to use public transport where possible and check the information on the relevant transport authority website before commencing your journey, for the most up to date information on services being provided. Remember to listen and watch news and weather bulletins, and to take the precautionary advice given by organisations such as An Garda Síochána, Met Eireann, the Road Safety Authority and Local Authorities as well as the HSE.

Met Eireann has advised that the current spell of severe weather is set to continue for at least another seven days. See below some advice from the HSE on how to cope in this weather:

• Wear well-fitting shoes with non-slip soles if you have to go out but try to limit walking during the current cold weather. Boots with rubber soles and solid ankle support are essential to prevent slips and falls on the ice.

• Keep your hands out of your pockets when out walking.

• If you have a fall, even a minor one, make sure you visit your doctor for a check up.

• Check in on elderly neighbours. Call in regularly on elderly friends, neighbours and relatives to see if they need help staying warm, have enough food, heat and prescription medications. Help older people to stay warm by ensuring that they are wearing layers of clothes, eating regular hot meals, drinking plenty of fluids.

• Food is fuel – eating well will help keep you warm.

• Clear the ice from your footpath and around your house and assist less capable neighbours in doing the same.

• Keep active by walking around the house regularly.

• Wear several layers of light clothes instead of one thick layer. Wear clothes made from wool, cotton or fleecy synthetic fibres.

• Keep your main living room at around 18 – 21oC (64 -70oF), and the rest of the house at least 16oC (61oF). If you cannot heat all the rooms you use, keep the living room warm throughout the day (21º C if active, 24º C if inactive).

• Close the curtains in the evening and heat your bedroom before going to bed and make sure the room is warm before you get up in the morning.

Weather Warning: A reminder to check on elderly neighbours.

I have been informed by Dublin City Council that temperatures tonight will drop to -7 C. During these times, we are reminded to check on any elderly neighbours that we may know.

Is it time for Brian to go?

Do you think its time for Brian and his Fianna Fail Colleagues to do the right thing and step down? Why not take a minute to fill out a brief survey on this matter.

Click here to take the survey

Get Registered...Use it...Don't lose it

Every local authority in Ireland is responsible for compiling and publishing a list of voters in the local area. This is called the Register of Electors or the Electoral Register. The register comes into force on 15th February and is used at each election and referendum held in the succeeding 12 months. Anyone can check their details on this Register which is available in all local authority offices, post offices, Garda stations and public libraries.

Voting is an important way of having your say. If you don't vote, your opinion becomes irrelevant.

You can check on-line if you are still entitled to vote, go to www.checktheregister.ie

Changes to Dublins Bus : Finglas Network

Dublin Bus have announced some changes to their Finglas bus route network. This is part of a total revamp of their newtork throughout the City. Below, is a map of the proposed changes to the Finglas network.







You can email your comments to networkdirect@dublinbus.ie or you can leave a message on my blog, which I will gladly pass onto Dublin Bus.

Dublin City Neighbourhood Awards 2010

Use a 'water butt' to collect rain water

A water butt is a barrel-like tank that can collect rainwater from your roof's drainpipes after rain. This rainwater can then be used for watering plants in your garden.

A water butt has a capacity of about 190 litres and is made from 100% recycled plastic. It fits a standard 68 millimetre (mm)-round and 65mm-square plastic drainpipe. Water butts are designed so that they will not overflow.

Buy a water butt
Water butts cost €40

You can purchase a water butt at the Finglas Civic Office:

Finglas Civic Centre
Mellowes Road
Finglas
Dublin 11

Opening hours: Monday – Friday: 9.00 am – 4.00pm

Payment: Payment can be made by cheque or postal order only at the above address.

RENT TO BUY SCHEME NOW AVAILABLE

DUBLIN CITY COUNCIL
RENT TO BUY SCHEME NOW AVAILABLE
Furnished Apartments at an affordable rent with the potential to buy at an affordable price

The Scheme will consist of 91 units in total for rent at three locations in the city. The other locations are at Prospect Hill, Glasnevin with 64 properties, and Park View, Dublin 11 with 11 properties. The 91 units comprise a mixture of one, two and three bed roomed apartments and duplexes.

More information can be found on the Dublin City Council Website @ www.dublincity.ie or you can call Cllr. John Lyons @ 087-2113154

John

Ballymun Lift Dispute Ends After 24 Weeks

"Ballymun lift strike ends after 24 weeks "


July 17th, 2010

The 24 week long strike involving members of Technical Engineering and Electrical Union at Pickerings Lifts in Ballymun is over. The terms of the agreement are confidential but are in line with the industry norm for redundancy agreements in the industry.

An agreed formula was finalised in negotiations with the assistance of an independent mediator yesterday. It was then put to the strikers by TEEU General Secretary Eamon Devoy. They voted to accept the terms yesterday evening.

Pickerings will resume its repair operations for the residents of Ballymun until a replacement contractor has been appointed by Dublin City Council. Over 400 tenants have been affected by the dispute."

John Lyons

BACK TO SCHOOL : "Helping to Meet the Costs"

BACK TO SCHOOL CLOTHING AND FOOTWEAR ALLOWANCE

If you are in receipt of :
• A social welfare payment or a Health Service Executive payment,
• You are taking part in an approved employment scheme, or a recognised education or
training course.

You may be eligible to apply for assistance with Back to School costs.
The rate pate per child under 11 years is €200 and this rises to €305 for each child aged between 12-17.

You should Apply NOW.
Simply text FORM BTSCFA to 51909 followed by your name and address.
Application forms are available online at: www.welfare.ie/EN/Forms/Documents/bscfa.pdf

SCHOOL BOOK GRANT SCHEME

A grant scheme is available for students in schools to help with the cost of school books.
The scheme is mainly aimed at pupils from low-income families and those experiencing
financial hardship. You should contact your child's school principal for further details.

EXEMPTION FROM STATE EXAMINATION FEES

If your child is sitting the Leaving or Junior Certificate in 2011 and you are in receipt of a Medical card then you are exempt from paying examination fees. Contact the State Examinations Commission, Cornamaddy, Athlone, Co Westmeath. Tel: 090-644 2700.

Please feel free to contact me over any of the above issues.

CLLR. JOHN LYONS
087 2113154

Launch of Poppintree Park

Grants to Improve Your Home

How to apply for the adaption scheme

Regulations have been introduced which make provision for a new framework of grant aid for older people and people with a disability, following a review of the Disabled Person’s Grant and Essential Repairs Grant schemes by the Department of the Environment, Heritage and Local Government.

The Regulations provide for three new schemes of grant aid as follows:-
Housing Adaptation Grant Scheme for People with a Disability
Mobility Aids Housing Grant Scheme
Housing Aid for Older People

The Housing Adaptation Grant Scheme
The Housing Adaptation Grant Scheme will assist in the provision and adaptation of accommodation to meet the needs of people with a disability. This replaces the Disabled Person’s Grant scheme, and increases the maximum grant to €30,000 and may cover up to 95% of the approved cost of the works.

Prioritisation of eligibility will be on the basis of medical need with 95% of the approved cost of work available to those households with annual income of less than €30,000 tapering to 30% for those with annual household incomes of between €54,001 and €65,000. This grant covers such works as access ramps, stairlifts, installation of downstairs toilet facilities, accessible bathrooms and extensions.



The Mobility Aids Housing Grant Scheme
The Mobility Aids Housing Grant Scheme covers a basic suite of works to address mobility problems primarily associated with ageing. The maximum grant available is €6,000 and may cover up to 100% of the approved cost of the works. The grant is limited to households with an income of €30,000 or less, and covers such works as level access showers, ramps, grabrails, stairlifts and other minor works.





The Housing Aid for Older People Grant Scheme
The Housing Aid for Older People Grant Scheme implements the Government decision to transfer the Special Housing Aid for the Elderly Scheme from the HSE to the Local Authority sector by amalgamating it with the Essential Repairs Grant Scheme. The aim of the scheme is to assist older people living in poor housing conditions to have essential repairs or improvements carried out. The maximum grant will be €10,500 and may cover 100% of the approved cost of the works for applicants with an annual household income of less than €30,000 tapering to 30% for those with annual household incomes of between €54,001 to €65,000. This grant covers such works as structural repairs, rewiring, replacement of doors and windows, provision of water and sanitary services, and other repair or improvement works which are considered essential.

More information can be found on the Dublin City Web Site www.dublincity.ie

Dublin City Council
Housing Maintenance/Home Grants Section
Block 2, Floor 2
Civic Offices
Wood Quay
Dublin 8



Tel: (01) 222 2195
Fax: (01) 222 2617

"15" - An Exhibition by St. Joseph's Junior School Art Group

An exhibition of paintings produced by 15 staff members from St. Joseph's Junior School, Balcurris Road, Ballymun, who attended art classes with the artist John Nolan. The exhibition was opened by Cllr John Lyons on the 16th of June at 3.30pm in the Axis Arts Centre.

The art exhibition is a culmination of over one years of art classes with Dublin Based Artist; John Nolan. You can visit some of John's own art work at www.nolanart.com

Balbutcher Lane Painting Programme

While visiting residents who had been affected by the lifts issue, I was instantly reminded of the poor state of the the Foyers and stairwells of the flats. The areas are full of graffiti. Sine then, I have raised this issue with the Housing Manager for Ballymun ( Donal Barron), and it was agreed that a repainting of the stairwells and foyers would be carried out. I am glad to say that painters are now in Balbutcher Lane repainting the foyers and stairwells.

Ballymun Lifts Back Running

Last Friday, the Army arrived in Ballymun to begin fixing the lifts. They will remain there fixing and maintaining the lifts until June, when a new contractor will be appointed to service the lifts. As good as this news is, sadly it took 12 weeks for this to happen. In my opinion the army could have been called in much earlier than this. The people of Ballymun should not have been allowed suffer for so long.

"Young Persons Work" Guarantee

Last weekend, the Labour Party had its annual conference in Galway. At the conference, I highlighted my growing concerns for the increasing amount of young people who are now unemployed and some proposals that could be initiated to tackle this. Below is a brief summary of the main points I made::

FACTS:

Unemployment leaves people stressful and unhappy.
The psychological imprint of joblessness leads to a loss of self esteem, fatalism and a loss of control over daily life.
The longer the period of unemployment, the harder the re-entry into the workforce.
Young unemployed people carry forward a "20% wage scar" all their working life.

The under 25's represent 26.6% of total unemployment, even though this age cohort only make up 13 % of the total labour force.

Labour Party Proposal on Youth Unemployment:

There needs to be a range of training, education and employment service opportunities available for unemployed people, to improve their employability.
A key priority should be on interventions aimed at preventing the drift of unemployed people into long term unemployment as well as the prevention of early school leaving.
There is a growing problem of youth unemployment, particularly affecting those who have recently or will soon leave second and third level education. It is important for them to maintain contact with the labour market. In this regard, an expanded range of training education and work experience opportunities should be provided and guaranteed.
The setting up of a Young Persons Guarantee would assure any person between 18-24 who has been out of work for 12 months has a number of progressive options, other than the dole queue.

New Lift Contractor for Ballymun Flats

After eleven weeks of no lift service, an injunction was granted to Dublin City Council to prevent any pickets from the previous contractors outside the blocks of flats. Since then, a new contractor has been hired to fix the lifts, and work started yesterday on reinstating the lift serivce. Joseph Plunkett Tower, the only 14 storey block remaining was the first to get its lifts back in service. The Area Manager has informed me that work will start Monday on the remaining blocks without a lift service.

Army Expected to Fix Lifts Tomorrow

Members of the Irish Army are due to attempt to fix the lifts in Ballymun from tomorrow (Friday 15th April). Two weeks ago I called on the City Manager to request the army to offer assistance to the residents that have been affected by this dispute. Since then, the Manager has informed me that he has written to the Minister of Defence requesting a Ministerial Order requesting the Army's assistance with the lift situation in Ballymun. The order has been granted and it is expected that they will begin to fix the lifts from tomorrow onwards.

Letter to City Manager Re Ballymun Lifts

Dear Manager,

As of tomorrow, some residents in the Ballymun area will have been without a lift service for nine weeks. The mood among residents is quite low and there is huge dissatisfaction with DCC over its attempts to resolve this issue. Furthermore, from what I am aware, there has been no information given to tenants stating the facts of the current situation. With that in mind, residents have been left in the dark and have had to rely on the papers, which in one case had inaccurate information. At the least, I think all tenants affected by the situation could have been notified via a letter of somewhat stating the facts and the possible solutions that were been investigated.

More importantly at this stage is the need to resolve the issue of the broken lifts. I am aware that DCC engineers have been in talks with the Dept. Of Defence, and hopefully this may bring an interim solution to this issue which effectively could go on until Pickerings contract is up for renewal in June.

Finally Manager, after nine weeks of no lift service, something needs to be done to address the unacceptable conditions that residents have been left in. I urge you to do whatever is possible to alleviate the suffering that none of us could understand as we are not directly affected by the situation.

Regards,

Cllr. John Lyons

Seven Weeks Without a Lift Service

After seven weeks of industrial dispute, Cllr. John Lyons calls on Dublin City Council to request the assistance of the Irish Army to intervene until the issue is resolved.

Important Notice - Disruption of Water Supply

Tuesday 23rd March 2010


Dublin City Council advises that due to essential works there will be disruption to water supply resulting in no water or a reduction in service on Tuesday 23rd March in the following areas:

From Cappagh Cross to Ratoath Road to Ballymun Road.
From Ballymun to Dundaniel Road.
From Glasnevin Avenue to the Old Finglas road
Including Pelletstown, Finglas West, Finglas south, Ballycoolin Road, Glasnevin Avenue, Glasanon, Santry, parts of Ballymun, Swords road, Coolock lane and areas surrounding the above locations.


Dublin City Council are providing a number of mobile tankers in the area and also two stationary water tankers at the following locations:

Shopping centre, Finglas Rd
Shopping centre, Omni Park, Swords Rd

Dublin City Council apologises for the inconvenience caused. With your co-operation and understanding we hope to keep the disruption to a minimum.


Please ensure that all taps are left in shut position.

For further information:

01-2224220 (normal working)
01-6796186 (After Hours)

www.dublincity.ie

Almost Six Weeks Without a Lift Service

In three days time, it will be six weeks since the residents of the Ballymun Flats will have been without a proper lift service. It is safe to say, that little or no progress has been made between Dublin City Council and Pickerings (The company who's internal dispute has led to no lift service). In the mean time, people continue to be left stranded on a daily basis.

Families Still Without a Lift Service in Ballymun

Ballymun residents are still without a lift service. DCC have given the contractor two weeks notice to resume their contract, otherwise a new provider will be found. In the mean time, 100's of families are left to struggle on a daily basis.

Interesting Facts about 30kph zones

Scientific evaluations of 20 mph zones in the UK that have demonstrated significant benefits in terms of reduced casualties, especially among vulnerable groups such as children. In 1996, the Transport Research Laboratory reviewed 20 mph zones in Great Britain (cited in the review by Grundy et al, 2008).

The uncontrolled study included 72 such schemes and used five years of before data and at least 1 year of after data (the average was 30 months). The researchers found that overall collision rates decreased 61%, pedestrian collision rates decreased 63%, child pedestrian collision rates decreased 70% and overall child casualty rates decreased 67%.

Grundy and colleagues (2008) also cite an evaluation of 20 mph schemes in Kingston upon Hull (population c. 250,000). Hull has extensive 20 mph zones, covering 25% of its roads in 2003. An uncontrolled before and after study found remarkable declines in casualties. Overall, Hull’s road casualties decreased 14% from 1994-2001.

Comparatively, road traffic casualties increased 1.5% over the same time period in the nearby areas of Yorkshire and Humberside. In the 20 mph zones, total collisions decreased 56%, the numbers killed or seriously injured decreased 90%, pedestrian casualties decreased 54%, child casualties decreased 64% and child pedestrian casualties decreased 74%.

In December 2009 the British Medical Journal published a study of the effect of introducing 20 mph zones on road collisions, injuries and fatalities in London, based on analysis of geographically-coded police road casualty data collected over twenty years (Grundy et al, 2009). Overall, the introduction of 20 mph zones was associated with a 41.9% reduction in road casualties, after allowing for underlying time-trends.

The percentage reduction was greatest in younger children, and was greater for people killed or seriously injured in collisions. Pedestrian injuries were reduced by a third with a greater reduction in children aged 0-15 years. The reduction was smaller in cycling casualties (17%) but again this was higher in children. The researchers concluded that “this evidence supports introducing 20 mph zones in major British cities and also in similar metropolitan areas elsewhere.”

Ballymun Lifts Contractor Go on Strike

Just a short note to inform people that "Pickerings Limited", the company that maintain the lifts in Ballymun have withdrawn their services due to an internal industrial dispute today, Thursday 4th February, 2010. The City Council are monitoring this situation and I will update this blog when further information is available.

DCC Water Restrictions

There are general pressure reductions across all areas of the city. Residents are reminded to conserve water during this time.

Domestic Waste Collection

The Local Council offices in Ballymun and Finglas have been in undated with calls in relation to non collection of their grey/black bins. I have been informed that collections have been terminated due to arrears on accounts.

• Customers are advised to make arrangements for payment in order to resume a collection.


• Customers can contact the call centre on 01-2221000 to set up a weekly payment agreement that will resume collection.


• Customers who think they have a waiver may also have previous arrears, therefore, they are also on the non collection list. They can contact the call centre on 2221000, or call into the Finglas/Ballymun Office to discuss their account.


• There are also a number of people who are entitled to a waiver but have not claimed it yet. If you think you may be entitled to a waiver, feel free to contact me and I can have a waiver form sent out to you. (087-2113154)

Water Pressure Update

Severe water pressure reduction is currently affecting the following areas in the North West Region of the City:

• Cardiffsbridge
• Finglas Village
• Oakwood
• Glasnevin Road
• St. Pappins Road

Bogus Callers Maybe Be Using Current Water Crisis to Gain Access to Houses.

It has come to my attention that bogus callers may be utilising the current water problems to gain access to houses. If a member of Dublin City Council calls to a property they will always carry and produce identification. If the caller asks you to check the flow of water at the taps, close the door fully while you do so. If you are in any doubt do not allow access.

Sillogue Golf Course Closed Due to Poor Weather

Sillogue Golf Course is to remain closed for the rest of the week, and will re-open when there are suitable playing conditions.

Latest update on Water Supplies in the North-West Area

Some areas of Finglas, such as Cardiffsbridge Rd are reporting that water is coming back.

Water tankers are currently available at the following locations:

Poppintree, Belclare Park
Jamestown Road @Sycamore Road
Barry House, Finglas
St. Canices Church, Finglas Village
Corpus Christi Church, Griffith Avenue
Lorcan Avenue, Santry

Latest Update on Water Supply in the North West Area as at 3pm Today

Most of the area is still experiencing reduced pressue, while some areas are still without water. Tankers are currently available at the following locations, but are subject to change:

• Belclare Park, Poppintree.
• Barry House, Finglas.
• St. Canices Church, Finglas.

The North West Area Manager has informed me that as the thaw continues to happen, further leaks are expected to be found. The Water Division are working flat out to identify and fix leaks as they arise. However, it will be months before all leaks are repaired due to the effect of the cold snap on the water pipes.

As it stands, most of the treated water resovoirs that serve the City are running exceptionally low, which will have a further effect on those lucky enough to have a water supply at the moment. Homes are being urged to only use water when necessary.

A stand pipe is available at the rear of the Finglas Office until 6pm each day. Anybody in need of more water can contact Brian Byrne at the local Finglas Office.

Finglas Area Office: 01-2225400

Urgent Update on Water Supply in Dublin North West as at 1pm 13th January 2010

Water will be available from stationary tankers at the following locations:

• Shopping Centre, Cardiffsbridge Road, Finglas
• St. Canices Church, Finglas Village
• Belclare Park, Poppintree
• Santry-Lorcan Avenue
• Ballymun Road @ Pumphouse
• Jamestown Road @ FAS

These locations are subject to change depending on demand. Water from tankers should be boiled before using for drinking or cooking purposes.

Urgent Water Update

I have been informed by Dublin City Council that water supplies are at a critically low level with reduced pressure and disruptions to supply. Please check http://www.dublincity.ie/ for the latest areas experiencing water disruption.


Water tankers are supplying water to the public in areas affected. Tankers are currently available at the following locations within the North West Area:

• Shopping Centre, Cardiffsbridge Road, Finglas


• Church, Finglas Village


• Belclare Park, Poppintree
  

Mobile tankers will be available until 8pm tonight. These locations are subject to change, depending on demand. I have listed a number of helplines below in case of emergency.

Public Emergency Helpline (Dublin City Council)

• Water Services Division 01-2220600


• Outside Office Hours 01-6796186