Smart Cities Need to Maximise Use of New Technology during Emergencies

Link to statement at Dublin City Council Meeting 7 November 2011

The Dublin Floods of 24th October were discussed at the monthly City Council meeting tonight.

Moving tributes were paid to Garda Ciaran Jones and Nurse Cecilia Jesus who tragically lost their lives in the floods.

While the efforts of the Emergency Services, including the Fire Brigade, Civil Defence, Gardai and City Council staff were commended, Counclllors were critical of the Council's communications handling of the event.

It is still not clear why no flood warning was issued in the course of the day -given the intensity of the rain. It is unacceptable that the "Emergency Plan" was not activated until 8pm by which time much of the City was immersed in water.

I witnessed at first hand the floods in Sheriff Street, East Wall and North Strand on the night and visited many homes in Cabra the following day. I saw the devastation the floods caused to people's homes and their lives. I listened to the complaints of residents who relayed stories of how they could not get through to the emergency numbers and that promises of updates and to return calls were not fulfilled. I was struck with the number of people who expressed their frustration that the City Council website contained no information or updates - even on matters as basic as where to access sandbags.

The aftermath of the floods will pose their own problems - financial assistance for those whose homes were destroyed, insurance issues, flood prevention in the future.

It is time we ensured that we maximise the use of existing technology and social networking to get the information to people during an emergency.

Link to my full statement after City Council meeting is here

Implementing fundamental rights of irregular migrants – towards multi-level governance

On 17 October, I had the honour of representing Council of Europe's Congress of Local and Regional Authorities at a joint meeting of the EU Fundamental Rights Agency and the Committee of the Regions.

While I was disappointed to be missing the 17 October ceremony in Dublin, which I attend annually, it was appropriate to mark the day speaking about one of the most vulnerable groups in our society - irregular migrants.

My speech focused on the role of the Congress of Local and Regional Authorities and also on initiatives being taken by Dublin City Council in relation to issues of integration.

There is no doubt that there is a body of work to be done. I referred in my speech to a motion proposed by Cllr Rebecca Moynihan to Dublin City Council in terms of addressing the issue of regularising the position of undocumented or irregular migrants.

Click on link below for full text of speech.

Speech by Cllr Emer COSTELLO

on behalf of the

Congress of Local and Regional Authorities

Council of Europe

at the

3^rd Annual Dialogue on Multi-level Protection and Promotion of Fundamental Rights

“Implementing fundamental rights of irregular migrants – towards multi-level governance”

Great Writers, Great Places - A Truly Novel Idea!

As Dublin continues to celebrate its status as a Unesco City of Literature, a number of events are scheduled to take place throughout the City this autumn. Dublin has a remarkable literary tradition from Swift to Wilde and that literary tradition lives on with a rich crop of contemporary writers living in the City as evidenced by the "Great Writers, Great Places" events which will take place all over the City this autumn. Words will intertwine with the city as Words on the Street comes to life. Writers will demonstrate their skill and imagination as they present their works in unusual haunts.

I was deeply honoured to launch "Great Writing Great Places" series of literary events this evening on board the Jeanie Johnston. It was really great to see the first event packed to the rafters - despite the blustery weather.

The first session on the Jeanie Johnson relived stories of emigration and loss, a theme prevalent in our history and in the national psyche. Marita Conlon-McKenna, Martina Devlin and Kate Kerrigan shared personal stories, family histories and inspirations for their writings on the theme of emigration, family and loss.

As we huddled together on the replica Famine Ship, the stories shared had a particular poignancy. For many present there was a certain resonance about the current wave of emigration and what it means for this generation.
"Great Writers, Great Places" will follow many inspiring and interesting writers and locations such as The Four Courts, Glasnevin Cemetery, Lost Society, Fallon& Byrne and the crypt at Christ Church.

Great credit is due to Jane Alger and the team at Dublin Public Libraries for developing this event which is just one of many events organised to celebrate our literary heritage.
Details of dates and events can be checked on www.dublincityofliterature.ie. Most of the events are free of charge, booking is required for some.

National Paediatric Hospital Must Take Account of Local Concerns

The National Paediatric Hospital (NPH) lodged a Strategic Infrastructure Development Application to An Bord Pleanala for the development of a 16 storey 392-bed in-patient plus 53 day care bed National Paediatric Hospital. Full details of the planning application can be viewed on the designated webstie for the New Children's Hospital Photomontages providing visual images of the impact of the development on the City Skyline can be viewed on this website: click on link to photomontages) The deadline for submissions to An Bord Pleanala on this application is 14 September 2011. It is likely that an oral hearing will take place on the proposal. Members of Dublin City Council considered the report of Dublin City Council at its monthly meeting on Monday 5 September. The following is the text of my remarks to the Dublin City Council. Statement by Cllr Emer Costello on the application for the New Children's Hospital at Eccles Street

Grangegorman SDZ Adopted

Another milestone in the development of the unified campus for the Dublin Institute of Technoloy and new HSE Mental Health and Primary Care facilities on the site of St Brendan's Hospital was achieved recently when Dublin City Council adopted the Grangegorman Stratgic Development Zone.
Residents from the Grangegorman Neighbourhood were in contact with me in relation to their concerns and the impact of the development on their homes. As a result of residents’ submissions, I proposed a number of motions to ensure that residents’ concerns would be taken into consideration.
For further information click on the link to my report on motions .
Dublin City Council placed the revised Planning Scheme on Public Display. Members of the public had until 22 August to lodge observations on the revisions to An Bord Pleanala. An Bord Pleanala will decide shortly on whether to hold an Oral Hearing on th SDZ.
I am aware that residents have serious concerns in relation to the development and hope that these amendments will go some way towards allaying some of those concerns. Residents can be assured of my continued support and commitment to working with them to seek to minimise the impact of the development on their homes.

Plans for O'Devaney Gardens Get Green Light from An Bord Pleanala

An Bord Pleansla has given the green light for the regeneration of the O'Devaney Gardens. This is great news for the residents of O'Devaney Gardens who were let down do badly in 2008 by the collapse of the McNamara Public Private Partnerhsip when their dreams of new homes and the social regeneration of the area, including new community facilities were completely shattered.
The proposal approved by An Bord Pleanala includes the construction of 91 residential units (social and private housing) as well as the provision of a public park in Phase 1. Dublin City Council plan start the demolition of a further five blocks in August. It is hoped that construction on phase one will start in 2012 with completion of the first residential units by 2013.
As a member of the O’Devaney Gardens Regeneration Board I am completely committed to working with residents of O'Devaney Gardens and the surrounding commuities to ensure the delivery of a quality regeneration project which will provide the social and physical regeneration long promised and much overdue to the area.

See link to Irish Times Report Friday 12 August 2011

A Sense of Place is an Essential Component In Developing Citizenship In Our New Communities

I was delighted to represent the Lord Mayor this morning at the launch of "Civic Participation and Third Country Nationals" in the Wood Quay Venue, this morning.

This is a really impressive initiative being undertaken in partnerhsipe with the New Comunities Partnership, Akidwa, the Four Dublin Local Authorities, Dublin City Council, Dun Laoghair Rathdown, Dublin South, and Fingal County Council.

Dr Elaine Byrne from Trinity College has developed an excellent "Beginners Guide to Society, Culture and Politics in Ireland".

I was hugely impressed with the enthusiasm of the representatives of the New Communities. This is a programme which should be replicated throughout the country and indeed throughout Europe.

The text of my speech can be viewed here:
A Sense of Place is an Essential Component In Developing Citizenship In Our New Communities

Opening of Motocross Track at Alfie Byrne Road

I was delighted to be present at the opening of the Motocross Track on Alfie Byrne Road this morning. This is the first such Motocross track in Dublin and is the result of a successful collaborative effort between the local community, the Gardai and Dublin City Council.
The track will provide a sporting and social outlet for the young people of the community.
This time last year on my final day as Lord Mayor, I officially "turned the sod" of the new track. It is really great to see this project now come to frutition.


Link to sod turning ceremony last year

Your City - Your Voice - Win a Helicopter Tour of Dublin City

Dublin City Council has recently launched the second ‘Your Dublin Your Voice’ Survey.

The survey asks about your views on Dublin’s social scene. How do you like to spend your time in Dublin? Do you like shopping in the city? Do you like to spend your free time in the city centre or the suburbs? Do you think it’s expensive to go out in Dublin compared to a year ago? These are issues everybody has an opinion on and ‘Your Dublin Your Voice’ is giving you a chance to express them.”
Completing the survey is easy and only takes five minutes. To join the survey go to: www.yourdublinyourvoice.ie

The Survey should be completed by 31 July 2011.

Spun Out - Academy of Activism

I spent yesterday afternoon with a really intersting group of young people at the SpunOut Acadamy of Activism discussing politics. Senator Catherine Reilly (SF) and myself tried to answer their questions on why we got inolved, what political life is like and what we hope to achieve.

We discusssed a range of issues - including student politics, Inner City regeneration, gender quotas, feminism, the possiblilities and limitations of the political system.

I was quite energised by the engagement of the group and really enjoyed the discourse.

Young People Need to be Politically Active to Change the World

Innovation Dublin - Call for Events

The successful Innovation Dublin Festival, now in its third year, will run from 17 October to 18 November.

The festival celebrates innovation in the city across the spectrum: business, the arts, education, science, sports, the environment and lots more! Whatever the field, if it involves new ideas and fresh, creative thinking, it's innovative!

The City Council has launched a call for events for the Festival - in any format: conferences, exhibitions, workshops, debates, interactive dialogues, online events, theatre, film, etc.

For further information check out the Innovation Dublin Website

Submission to Luas BXD Oral Hearing June 2011,

It is proposed that the Luas BXD line will run from St Stephen's Green to Broombridge, via Dawson Street, Parnell Square, Dominck Street to Broadsone and the DIT Campus at Grangegorman; from Broadstone it will follow the old railway cutting through Phibsborough and Cabra on to Broombridge Station.
An Bord Pleanala hss just concluded an Oral Hearing for a Railway Order for the the LUAS BXD.

Joe Costello TD and I made a comprehensive submission to the oral hearing. The full text of our submission can be downloaded here:

Sumbision to An Bord Pleanala Oral Hearing for LUAS BXD

Traffic Update for Wed. 18 May (Garda Notice Re: Queen's Visit)

Updated Traffic Management Plan for Dublin City on Wednesday 18th May 2011


From 0900hrs road closures will be implemented as follows:
– Thomas Street
– James Street
– Jones Road
– Russell Street

From 1000hrs road closures will be implemented as follows:– Merrion Street Upper
– Merrion Square West

From 1800hrs road closures will be implemented as follows:– Dame Street
– Lord Edward Street
– Parliament Street
– Castle Street
– Ship Street

From 0800hrs – 2300hrs a traffic diversion will be implemented in co-operation with An Garda Síochána by Traffic Management Signs on the N4 city bound at Junction 7 on the M50 Motorway. ALL City bound (east) traffic on the N4 and ALL traffic, with the exception of Public Transport, intending to travel to the city
from the M50 will be diverted North & South along the M50 to access Dublin City North and South.

From 0945hrs – 1245hrs road closures will be in place on the following routes
– Phoenix Park
– Parkgate Street
– North Quays
– Stevens Lane
– James Street
– Lombard Street
– Westland Row
– Lincoln Place
– Merrion Street
– Merrion Square
– South Quays
– Conyngham Road
– South Circular Road

From 1000hrs – 1230hrs Cross traffic on the above routes will be restricted at various times.
From 1415hrs – 1600hrs road closures will be put in place on the following routes
– Phoenix Park
– Parkgate Street
– North Quays
– Beresford Place
– Gardiner Street
– Mountjoy Square
– Fitzgibbon Street
– Russell Street
– Jones Road
– Memorial Road
– South Quays


From 1430hrs – 1600hrs Cross traffic on the above routes will be restricted at various times.



From 1850hrs – 2210hrs road closures will be put in place on the following routes

– Phoenix Park
– Parkgate Street
– North Quays
– Parliament Street
– Lord Edward Street
– South Quays

From 1905hrs – 2210hrs Cross traffic on the above routes will be restricted at various times.
Available Routes North / South Axes (0800hrs – 1600hrs):

West City -
– R136, Outer Ring Rd (N81 Tallaght – N4 Lucan & M50 Northbound)
– M50 Motorway
– R121 (Clonsilla rd/ Westmanstown Rd/ Lucan)
– R112 Kylemore Rd (Naas Rd – Outer Ring Rd – N4)

East City
– O’ Connell Street, D’Olier St, Westmoreland St College Green, Nassau St
(restricted traffic @ O’ Connell Bridge 0930hrs – 1200hrs and 1430hrs – 1600 hrs)
– Pearse St, Tara St, Butt Bridge, Beresford Place, Gardiner Street/
Amiens St, Memorial Bridge, City Quay, Lombard St, Westland Row, Merrion Sq
(before 1000hrs, between 1200hrs – 1430hrs & after 1600hrs)
(Gardiner St before 1000hrs and after 1600hrs only)
– Sherriff St, Guild St, Samuel Beckett Bridge, Macken St, Grand Canal St
– East Wall Rd/ Dublin Port Tunnel, East Link Bridge, Sean Moore Rd, Beach
Rd (additional traffic volumes and restrictions 1500hrs – 2300hrs – EUROPA
Cup Final)


Available Routes North/ South Axes (from 1600hrs):

West City
– R136, Outer Ring Rd (N81 Tallaght – N4 Lucan & M50 Northbound)
– M50 Motorway
– R121 (Clonsilla rd/ Westmanstown Rd/ Lucan)
– R112 Kylemore Rd (Naas Rd – Outer Ring Rd – N4)


East City
– O’ Connell Street, D’Olier St, Westmoreland St College Green, Nassau St
– Pearse St, Tara St, Butt Bridge, Beresford Place, Gardiner Street/ Amiens St, Memorial Bridge, City Quay, Lombard St, Westland Row, Merrion Sq
– Sherriff St, Guild St, Samuel Beckett Bridge, Macken St, Grand Canal St
East Wall Rd/ Dublin Port Tunnel, East Link Bridge, Sean Moore Rd, Beach Rd (additional traffic volumes and restrictions 1500hrs – 2300hrs – EUROPA Cup Final)

Available Dublin Bus Axes (0800hrs – 1600hrs):
O’ Connell Street, D’Olier St, Westmoreland St, College Green, Nassau St, Merrion Square (restricted traffic @ O’ Connell Bridge 0930hrs – 1200hrs and 1430hrs – 1600hrs)

Cook Street (Hub)
– Doyles Corner, Phibsboro Rd, Church St, Fr. Matthew Bridge, Bridge St, High
St, Wine Tavern St,
– Clanbrassil St, Patrick St, Nicholas St, Wine Tavern St
– Con Colbert Rd, South Circular Rd, Mount Brown, James St, Thomas St,
Cormarket, High St, Wine Tavern St,
– Con Colbert Rd, South Circular Rd, Dolphins Barn, Cork St, The Coombe,
Patrick St, Nicholas St, Wine Tavern St (0900hrs – 1130hrs)

Available Dublin Bus Axes (1600hrs – 2300hrs):O’ Connell Street, D’Olier St, Westmoreland St, College Green, Nassau St, Merrion Square,
Cook Street (Hub) (1600hrs – 2000hrs)
– Doyles Corner, Phibsboro Rd, Church St, Fr. Matthew Bridge, Bridge St, High
St, Wine Tavern St,
– Clanbrassil St, Patrick St, Nicholas St, Wine Tavern St
– Con Colbert Rd, South Circular Rd, Mount Brown, James St, Thomas St,
Cormarket, High St, Wine Tavern St,
– Con Colbert Rd, South Circular Rd, Dolphins Barn, Cork St, The Coombe,
Patrick St, Nicholas St, Wine Tavern St (0900hrs – 1130hrs)

Queen's Visit - Traffic Management Notice from Gardai

The following update was issued by the Gardaí on Monday 16th May at 6.30 p.m. in relation to traffic plan for Tuesday 17th May

Updated Traffic Plan Dublin Area for the 17 May 2011
Update on the Traffic Management Plan for the Dublin areas in respect of the 17th May 2011.

In addition to the current closures on Parnell Square From 0700hrs road closures will be implemented as follows:

– O’Connell Street both Directions
Remaining sides of Parnell Square

From 1200hrs -1700 road closures will be implemented as follows:
– Westmoreland Street
– D’Olier Street
– College Street
- Nassau Street, South Leinster Street

From 11.30hrs – 1230hrs temporary Road Closures will be in place on the following routes:
– Phoenix Park
– South Circular Road ( Con Colbert Rd – Conyngham Rd)
– Conyngham Rd
– Infirmary Road
– Parkgate Street
- Chapelizod Village


From 11.45hrs– 12.15hrs
– Rolling Traffic Calming will be implemented on the following routes:
o N7 (approaching Rathcoole)
o M50 (Northbound from junction 9)
o M50 (Southbound from junction 6)

(Rolling Traffic calming – Marked patrol cars will take up position on the roadway controlling traffic and reducing the speed of vehicles significantly below the speed limit.)

From 1200hrs – 1800hrs traffic diversion will be implemented in co-operation with An Garda Síochána by traffic management signs on the N4 Eastbound at Junction 7 on the M50 Motorway. ALL Eastbound (city) traffic on the N4 and ALL traffic, with the exception of Public Transport, intending to travel eastbound (city) from the M50 will be diverted North/ South along the M50 to access Dublin City North and South.

From 1430hrs – 1700hrs road closures will be put in place on the following routes and adjacent streets to facilitate the movement of the VIP escort.
– Phoenix Park
– North Quays
- South Quays

From 1445hrs – 1630hrs Cross traffic on the North and South Quays will be restricted at various times.
Available Routes on North/ South Axes:
West City -
– R136, Outer Ring Rd (N81 Tallaght – N4 Lucan & M50 Northbound)
– M50 Motorway
– R121 (Clonsilla rd/ Westmanstown Rd/ Lucan)
– R112 Kylemore Rd ( Naas Rd – Outer Ring Rd – N4)

East City -
– Pearse St, Tara St, Butt Bridge, Beresford Place, Gardiner Street/ Amiens St, Memorial
Bridge, City Quay, Lombard St, Westland Row, Merrion Sq
– Sherriff St, Guild St, Samuel Beckett Bridge, Macken St
East Wall Rd/ Dublin Port Tunnel, East Link Bridge, Sean Moore Rd, Beach Rd

Available Dublin Bus Routes:
Dublin Bus will operate along the following routes during this period:
Mountjoy Square (Hub), Gardiner St, Memorial Bridge, City Quay, Lombard St, Westland Row, Merrion Sq (Hub).
Cook Street (Hub)
– Doyles Corner, Phibsboro Rd, Church St, Fr. Matthew Bridge, Bridge St, High St, Wine
Tavern St,
– Clanbrassil St, Patrick St, Nicholas St, Wine Tavern St
– Con Colbert Rd, South Circular Rd, Mount Brown, James St, Thomas St, Cormarket, High
St, Wine Tavern St.

Jedward

Jedward , a set on Flickr.

Getting into the spirit of Eurovision!!!

Grangegorman Update

GDA Lodges Planning Scheme to Dublin City Council - Deadline for Submissions is 15th June

GDA Advertise for Employment, Education and Training Co-ordinator - Deadline for application is 27 May 2011

Strategic Development Zone (SDZ) Lodged
The proposal to develop the integrated campus for DIT, mental health and primary healthcare facilities for the HSE and sporting cultural,recreational and public space to serve the community is progressing.

The site has been designated as a Strategic Development Zone (SDZ) which will form the framework for the development of the site.

The Grangegorman Development Agency has now lodged the Draft Planning Scheme based on the Grangegorman Strategic Plan with Dublin City Council. The SDZ Planning Scheme will be on public display at the following locations until 15th June 2011.

The Civic Offices, Wood Quay, Dublin 8
Opening Hours 9am to 5pm, Monday to Friday
Grangegorman Development Agency Office, St. Brendan’s Hospital, Grangegorman Dublin 7.
Opening Hours 9.30am – 4.30pm

Cabra Library
Opening Hours Monday - Thursday: 10.00am – 8.00pm
Friday and Saturday: 10.00am – 5.00pm

Phibsborough Library
Opening Hours Monday and Wednesday: 12.45pm – 4:00pm, 4.45pm – 8.00pm
Tuesday, Thursday, Friday and Saturday: 10.00am – 1.00pm, 2.00pm – 5.00pm

Central Library, The Ilac Centre
Opening Hours Monday – Thursday: 10.00am – 8.00pm
Friday and Saturday: 10.00am – 5.00pm


Staff from the GDA and Dublin City Council will be in attendance at the following locations/dates/times so that members of the public can call in and discuss both the content and process involved;

The Civic Offices, Wood Quay, Dublin 8 Tuesday 10th May – 10am – 2pm
Tuesday 17th May – 2:30– 4.30pm
Saturday 21st May – 9.30am-12.30pm
Thursday 2nd June – 6pm – 8pm

Grangegorman Development Agency Office, St. Brendan’s Hospital, Grangegorman Dublin 7
Thursday 5th May – 2.30pm – 4.30pm
Thursday 12th May – 6pm - 8pm
Saturday 28th May – 9.30am – 12.30pm
Tuesday 31st May – 10am - 2pm

Post of Employment, Education and Training Co-ordinator Grangegorman

Applications are invited from existing suitably qualified persons for the post of Coordinator of Employment, Education and Training attached to the Grangegorman Campus Development within the Grangegorman area in Dublin’s north inner city.

Check out the DIT website for further information:

Costello Calls for Immediate Suspension of Smithfield Horsefair following Violence