Finglas Village Arcade decision appealed to An Bord Pleanala

Dublin City Council has notified me that an appeal has been lodged with An Bord Pleanala in respect of the decision to refuse the amusement arcade at 11 Main Street Finglas. 

The original application (Dublin City Council reference 3032/12) was for an internet cafe/amusement arcade at this address.  The City Council's planners refused the amusement arcade element of the application saying it ‘would fail to contribute to the creation of a vibrant retail and commercial core in the gateway village….would seriously injure the amenities and depreciate the value of property in the vicinity and would be contrary to the proper planning and sustainable development of the area'.

Along with my colleagues Cllr John Redmond and Cllr Steve Wrenn, I made a strong objection to this amusement arcade and we will be making our views known to An Bord Pleanala on this appeal. 

A number of local residents and community groups also made objections to this amusement arcade and we were all pleased with the original refusal as it was in the best interests of Finglas Village.

If you would like to make a submission to An Bord Pleanala about this appeal it must be made before November 20^th. The appeal reference is 241225 and further details about the fees involved and how to make an appeal can found on the website www.pleanala.ie or by calling An Bord Pleanala on 858 8100.

Alternatively, you can contact me on 618 3280 or john.lyons@oir.ie to speak with me about this appeal and I will make your views known in my submission. 

Public Meeting: Children's Rights Referendum

In advance of the Children’s Rights Referendum on Saturday November 10th, I am holding a public meeting to consider the importance of this proposed amendment to our constitution.


The details of the event are as follows:

Date: Thursday, November 1st at 7.30pm 

Venue: Setanta Hurling Club, Main Street, Ballymun (beside the library)

Speakers: Fergus Finlay, Chief Executive Barnardos & Eleanor McClorey, Chief Executive Young Ballymun

The format of the debate will include a brief presentation from both speakers, followed by a questions and answers session.

Both Eleanor McClorey and Fergus Finlay have worked in the areas of youth development and child protection for many years and their contribution will offer a unique insight into the relevance of this referendum.

All are welcome to attend and I very much hope to see you there on the night. Please feel free to pass on the details of the meeting to anyone else you feel would be interested in attending.

For further information on the public meeting, you can contact me on 01 618 3280 or john.lyons@oir.ie

For the wording of the referendum or more information on its importance for protecting children, you can visit www.childrensreferendum.ie

REMINDER: One Week until Digital TV Switch Over

Next Wednesday 24th October, the analogue TV signal will be switched off and if you have not switched to Saorview or another digitial TV provider your screen will go blank.

We've all no doubt seen or heard about the Switch Over on some form of media in recent months, but I know it is the case that some people may not fully be aware of the date. I would encourage people to talk to elderly neighbours in particular to make sure they're aware of the Switch Over next Wednesday.

You can find more information in the 'Going Digital' booklet below.

Open publication - Free publishing - More tv

If you have any other questions, please feel free to give me a call on 01 618 3280 or send me an email to john.lyons@oir.ie

Winter Solstice Art Competition 2012

Art Competition for Primary School Children to Win a Place in the Chamber Newgrange for the Winter Solstice

The competition is for Primary School children aged 10 and over, with the winning entrants being present for the Winter Solstice at Newgrange on December 21st 2012.

This is an extremely exciting opportunity and all you have to do is channel your creativity on the following theme: Newgrange – The Winter Solstice.

Winners will be present in the chamber with a parent/guardian for one of the most important events in the heritage calendar.

Closing date for receipt of entries is Friday 16th November 2012.

All entries should be posted/delivered to the Brú na Bóinne Visitor Centre, Donore, Co. Meath.

More information is available on the Heritage Ireland website. 

Have Your Say on "Cash for Gold" Industry

I welcome the extension of the deadline for submissions to the Oireachtas Committee on Justice, Defence and Equality on the future of the “Cash for Gold” industry in Ireland.

Deputy Lyons continued: ‘According to the Minister for Justice Alan Shatter there are 124 cash for gold outlets across the country. Most of these have opened as a result of the huge increase in the price of gold in recent years which has also increased the value of any gold jewellery people might have in their home.

The rise in the price of gold has also raised concerns here about the need for regulation of these “Cash for Gold” outlets, particularly in relation to the issue of handling stolen property.

At present for instance, “Cash for Gold” outlets are not required to retain records while pawn brokers are. This is an obvious anomaly and has led to fears that there could be a link between these shops and home burglaries.

Public concern on this issue needs to be addressed and I am pleased that the Minister has asked the Justice, Defence and Equality committee to examine this issue and make recommendations on it to Government.

The Justice, Defence and Equality Committee has extended the period for the public to make submissions and I would urge anyone with concerns to make a submission to have their views heard.

Submissions will now be accepted by the Committee until Friday 31st October 2012 at 5.00 pm.

Submissions should be sent to the Clerk to the Committee at justiceanddefence@oir.ie or to the Clerk of the Justice, Defence and Equality Committee, Leinster House, Kildare Street Dublin 2."

For more information or any questions, please contact me on 01 618 3280 or john.lyons@oir.ie