Cllr Emer Costello

Labour City Councillors to Table Motion on Greyhound Rubbish Collection

2012-01-18T16:46:00.003Z

Statement by Dublin City Council Labour Group

The Dublin City Council Labour Group has today continued to express its disappointment at the behaviour of the Greyhound Waste Management Company and Dublin City Council management and will be raising the issue at the Finance and the Environment and Engineering Committees tomorrow.

The Group will also be meeting with the Dublin City Manager and other senior officials to seek the necessary changes. "We are deeply alarmed with the requirement of customers to pay an up-front fee of €100 in order to have the service provided. Councillors had not been told about this in advance. Given that we are in the post-Christmas period, not least recognising the financial difficulties which many are already experiencing, we are calling for a change in the ways which people can pay.

The City Manager must renegotiate the terms of the agreement, and allow residents to pay the standing charge in stages rather than a once off "up front" payment. Also methods of payment like Standing order must be made available to customers.

"We are puzzled by Fianna Fail councillors’ sudden eagerness on this issue. They appear to have forgotten that it was their own party in 2004 which stripped away powers from City Councillors to deal with waste management issues like this. The time for hypocritical political posturing is gone, we are now asking for proper dialogue to occur to solve this issue.

"The Labour Party Group is dedicated to working for real Local Government Reform. As local representatives we are asking for Dublin City Council management to engage with us so that a better, more transparent and user friendly service can be offered to the citizens of Dublin. We have also arranged a delegation to meet the City Manager on the issue also tomorrow, and we are hopeful that a resolution can reached. "

Proinsias de Rossa - A Tireless Campaigner and a Great MEP for Dublin

2012-01-16T20:52:00.009Z

I wish to pay tribute to Proinsias de Rossa who has indicated that he is to stand down as MEP next month.

Since 1999, the people of Dublin has been very well represented by Proinsias, a man who has given a lifetime to public service as a TD, Minister and MEP. Proinsias has been a tireless campaigner for civil and human rights, both at home and abroad, and in particular has been to the fore in campaigning for workers’ rights and for the rights of women.
He has championed the marginalised and less well off in our society, and as Minister for Social Welfare in the 90s, affected many changes including establishment of the first National Anti-Poverty Strategy. As an MEP he has played a leading role in trying to bring about solutions to the Israeli/ Palestinian conflict. He will be a hard act to follow.

I was deeply honoured to have been elected in March 2009, by members of the Labour Party to go before the people of Dublin as first substitute in the 2009 European Election, and I am delighted to have the opportunity now, to succeed Proinsias as MEP. I am looking forward to taking up the challenge of serving the people of Dublin. I believe that my experience as a City Councillor and particularly as former Lord Mayor of Dublin will be invaluable in representing Dubliners’ interests in Europe. In particular I look forward to taking up the place on the European Parliament Employment and Social Affairs Committee, and bringing to it, the benefit of my own experience from the Lord Mayor’s Commission on Employment which I established in 2009.

Chaos as Dublin City Council hands over Waste Contract to Greyhound

2012-01-16T20:00:00.008Z

The Dublin City Council bin service is being handed over to Greyhound Recycling from the week beginning 16th January. The Labour group on the City Council opposed the privatisation of this service, but under the Protection of the Environment Act 2003, which was enacted by Fianna Fail, the decision to privatise the service was within the power of Dublin City Council management. The Council voted on a number of occasions to oppose the privatisation, but our wishes were ignored by the Council management.
With a drip feed of information to both Councillors and residents, there has been significant problems with the bin service today and there is likely to be further confusion. If you are experiencing problems with your service you can contact to Greyhound Recycling directly on 1890 98 99 98 by email dublincity@greyhound.ie Please copy the email to me at emer.costello@dublincity.ie
City Councillors were dismayed at the January City Council meeting to learn of the arrangments or lack of arrangements which had been put in place.
(See Evening Herald Report: Outrage over upfront fee in bins shake-up)
Please find below a list of key details relating to the changeover which you may find helpful.
Payment to Greyhound
You have 30 days from 16 January to pay the standing charge which remains at the 2011 price. After 15 February, Greyhound will not collect bins from households who have not paid the Annual The Labour Group on Dublin City Council is putting forward proposals to the City Manager seeking a phased payment in relation to the standing charge.
Service Charge
The current annual service charge is:
240 litre Black Bin - €100
140 litre Black Bin - €80
Price Per Lift
240 litre Black Bin - €6
140 litre Black Bin - €3.60
Brown Bin - €2
Please note that Greyhound is proposing to operate a pre pay system. You are required to ensure that your Greyhound account has .sufficient funds to meet the current cost of each black and brown bin lift. If you do not have sufficient funds in your account for the cost of a Black or Brown bin, you will not have your bin collected. You can top up - On-line at http://www.greyhound.ie/, at local shops using Payzone or at any post office
Green Bins
You will receive a bar-coded label for your green bin once you have paid the Annual Service Charge. Once you place this label on your green bin, you will have your green bin collected free of charge. Green bins presented for collection without the bar-coded label will not be collected.
Bag Collection Tags
If you use bag collection tags Greyhound will continue to provide this service for areas that have no bins. Your Dublin City Council tags will still be valid until 16th March 2012. After this you can buy Greyhound issued tags from your normal outlets. The cost for bag labels will remain unchanged for an initial period of at least 6 months.
Green bags can continue to be used in conjunction with the waste collection. Greyhound will continue to print and deliver their own green bags in bag areas.
Waivers
Any customer who had a waiver of the standing charge approved by the City Council at 9th December 2011 will continue to benefit from a waiver with Greyhound for 2012.
As a waiver customer you are not required to pay the annual charge for 2012.
If your account is in credit
Any credit that you may have on your account will not transfer to Greyhound Recycling. Refunds will be considered on application to the Revenue Unit of Dublin City Council accompanied with proof of who made the initial payment.
Outstanding Charges
Dublin City Council operated a system of quarterly payments. You will receive a bill to cover the period 1st October 2011 to the 16th January 2012. The bill will be issued by Greyhound Recycling who will be collecting outstanding monies on behalf of Dublin City Council.
Arrears
If you currently have arrears on your account after 16th January 2012, customers pay Greyhound directly for any outstanding monies owed.
Dublin City Council Recycling Centres
Dublin City Council’s Recycling Centres will continue to operate as normal. Bagged household domestic waste will continue to be accepted at both Ringsend and North Strand Recycling Centres. A charge of €4 applies for each 80 litre bag of domestic waste disposed of.
bFurther information can be obtained from the FAQ page on the Dublin City Council website

Good News Stories for the North Inner City

2012-01-14T18:29:00.007Z

It is heartening despite the current difficult times to see a number of local and national strategic projects being carried out in the North Inner City.
Work is due to commence on the €650 million Children's Hospital on Eccles Street this year.
The Luas BXD which will run from St Stephen's Green to Broombridge via Grangegorman and linking the two existing Luas lines will go ahead as planned.
The Smithfield Enhancement Project is a €5.2 million Project funded jointly by Dublin City Council and the European Union is almost complete. The first two phases are complete and the work is due to be complete by Summer 2012.
The Lighthouse Cinema on Smithfield is set to reopen and will play host to events for the Jameson Dublin International Film Festival.
Dublin City Council has ambitious plans for the redevelopment of the Fruit and Vegetable Market as a Food Retail Hall along the lines of the English Market in Cork.
Work is progressing apace on the replacement Mental Health Facility for St Brendan's Hospital at Grangegorman. Work commenced in July 2011 and is due to be complete by October 2012.
Plans are proceeding to deliver DIT Campus at Grangegorman the project on a phased basis.
Work on the long awaited Fairview Park and Playground commenced on 12 December and is due to be complete by summer 2012.
Dublin City Council recently secured funding for a Multi User Games Area (MUGA) at Augrhrim Street/Drumalee. which is due to be opened shortly.
Plans are continuing for the redevelopment of O'Devaney Gardens and Dominick Street.
Dublin City Council has agreed to sell a site at Dominick Street (subject to planning permission) for a replacement school for Colaiste Mhuire Primary School currently located at Parnell Square.

Smart Cities Need to Maximise Use of New Technology during Emergencies

2011-11-08T00:37:00.005Z

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

2011-10-18T10:54:00.006+01:00

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!

2011-09-13T01:22:00.001+01:00

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

2011-09-07T22:45:00.001+01:00

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 HospitalPhotomontages 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

2011-08-26T17:52:00.005+01:00

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

2011-08-13T00:16:00.002+01:00

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

2011-07-21T18:56:00.002+01:00

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

2011-06-26T19:18:00.005+01:00

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

2011-06-21T23:46:00.006+01:00

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

2011-06-19T20:42:00.004+01:00

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

2011-06-12T17:09:00.005+01:00

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,

2011-06-01T20:29:00.004+01:00

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)

2011-05-18T11:00:00.003+01:00

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

2011-05-16T23:30:00.004+01:00

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

2011-05-14T14:42:00.001+01:00

Jedward , a set on Flickr.

Getting into the spirit of Eurovision!!!

Grangegorman Update

2011-05-04T23:52:00.012+01:00

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

2011-03-11T01:02:00.002Z

Training Opportunities for Dublin Craftworkers

2010-11-24T23:57:00.002Z

An initiative of the Lord Mayor’s Commision on Employment coming to fruition.

The Lord Mayor’s Commission on Employment successfully joined forces with Tipperary Institute to secure 20 places for unemployed craftworkers in the Dublin City Council Administrative Area in an exciting project CESBEM II (Competence Enhancement in Sustainable Building Through European Mobility).
The CESBEM II Project has received European funding under the Lifelong Learning, Leonardo Da Vinci (People in the Labour Market) Programme.
CESBEM II is aimed at those in the construction Sector and provides upskilling in the field of energy efficiency in buildings. Training will be hosted by *KOMZET Germany, Centre of Vocational Excellence in Energy Efficiency in Buildings, with a special emphasis on timber construction. The training in Germany is planned to last for 2 weeks. Twenty people from Dublin will participate in the project which will commence in February 2011. Preparation for participants will consist of approximately 40 hours training in German language and culture.

Application forms are available from the Economic Development Department, Floor 3, Block 4, Civic Offices, D8. ( Tel : 222 0100 or email : edu@dublincity.ie ) or can be downloaded here

The closing date for completed applications is 13th December, 2010.

Support Provided
The following support will be provided to participants ;

‐ Travel Costs
‐ Accommodation and Subsistence Costs
‐ Language and Cultural Training
‐ Technical Training Costs

Tipperary Institute will provide all travel documents (tickets etc.) and work with KOZMET to arrange accommodation and subsistence facilities. Participants will NOT be able to make their own travel or accommodation arrangements as these will all be managed by
Tipperary Institute and KOZMET.

Benefits
The CESBEM Programme exposes the participants to all aspects of sustainable building construction. As a result of completing the programme the participants will ;

• Acquire new theoretical and practical knowledge in energy efficiency in buildings,
• Have been upskilled so that they can apply the new construction techniques in line with new buildings regulations and the Energy Performance of Buildings Directive(EPBD).
• Be in a position to maintain or develop new employment opportunities in the construction sector in Ireland.
• Participants will receive a Certificate of Completion from Tipperary Institute, the Europass Mobility Document and the German partner’s Certificate of Completion in sustainable Building.

Training Programme
• Technical training ( delivered in English) will occur over a two week period. Training will be a mixture of lectures, practical skills and site visits. The following subjects will be covered ;
• Timber construction systems – common methods and standards
• Air tightness – theory and practical demonstration and blower door testing
• Timber and earth construction methods
• Computer applications and simulation tools
• Timber product quality
• Building Physical and biology – thermal bridges, condensation
• Heating and ventilation Systems
• Design Principles
• Insulation Materials

Importance of Energy Efficiency and Opportunities
The 2008 FAS Irish Labour Market Review noted “the construction sector has seen the largest number of job losses” and that training was required to upskill people in this field. Energy Rating of Buildings is now a part of construction sector in Ireland, so increased knowledge in the area represents a benefit.
Announced in the Government’s Infrastructural Investments 2010 – 2016 the National Retrofit Programme is a national priority and aims to deliver energy efficiency upgrades to one million residential, public and commercial buildings in Ireland and could create up to 32,000 building industry jobs and help drive economic recovery..

The need for upskilling in the field of sustainable building is driven by :
• Ireland committed to 20% savings in energy consumption by 2020. Highly efficient buildings will be needed. Over 1 million existing houses will require upgrading in terms of efficiency.
• New Building Regulations require highly efficient buildings, therefore good construction techniques are vital. By 2013 Building Regulations will require houses to meet the Passive Haus standard.
• The significant levels of unemployment in the construction sector requires personnel to upskill and develop new areas of expertise.
• Energy Rating of Buildings is now a part of construction sector in Ireland.

Further information
Training Programme overview and terms and conditions are available at the following link or from the Economic Development Department, Floor 3, Block 4, Civic Offices, D8.
( Tel : 222 0100 or email : edu@dublincity.ie

Link to CESBEM Website

Aung San Suu Kyi Release Welcome

2010-11-14T18:10:00.005Z

Lord Mayor Cllr Emer Costello with Burmese National, Wai Yan Maung, at the opening of the Book of Solidarity for Aung San Suu Kyi in City Hall. 17 August 2009

The release of the Burmese, Pro-Democracy Leader, Aung San Suu Kyi is very welcome. It is a cause for celebration all across the world, and particularly in Dublin as Aung San Suu Kyi was bestowed with the Freedom of Dublin City in 2000 by the then Lord Mayor, Cllr Mary Freehill. Hopebully, she will shortly be in a position to travel to Dublin to sign the Roll of Freemen in person.

One of my first acts as Lord Mayor of Dublin last August was to open a Book of Solidarity to protest against the decision of Military Junta to continue her detention under house arrest for the most spurious of charges.

I said on that occasion that for me "Aung San Suu Kyi is a global icon of heroic and peaceful resistance in the face of military repression, and she takes her rightful place in history amongst other great civil rights leaders like Martin Luther King and Mahatma Ghandi who I know inspired her."

It is clear since her release that the campaign for democracy in Burma must continue. The Burma Action Support Group in Ireland have done great work in Ireland in highlighting the injustices to the people of Burma. I wish them well at this time, and pledge my support for their ongoing campaign for democracy in Burma.

I look forward to the day when Aung San Suu Kyi signs the Roll of Freemen of the City.

Phizzfest 2011 - Building on Success of 2010

2010-11-09T00:38:00.002Z

Notice from the organising committee of Phizzfest

The Bohemian Lounge is booked for the first public meeting of Phizzfest 2011.
If you want to be a part of this exciting venture come along on

Wednesday 17th November

at 8.30pm

Mc Geoughs Bohemian Lounge (NCR)

Phizzfest 2010 wouldn’t have been the huge success it if it hadn’t been for so many getting involved in one way or another. – But we could have done with twice as many volunteers.

Phizzfest 2011 will not happen without you – we need your input to make it happen.

Make sure you don’t miss this important meeting

Sean McDermott Street Swimming Pool Saved

2010-11-09T00:33:00.002Z

I am delighted that the three Dublin City Council swimming pools that were under threat of closure, Sean MacDermott Street, Crumlin and Coolock, have been saved. Dublin City Council has secured €600,000 from the Department of Tourism, Culture and Sport. This is very welcome news.
The survival of the pool in Sean McDermott Street is due to the commitment of the residents of the North Inner City who campaigned to keep their swimming pool open. During my term as Lord Mayor of Dublin last year, I prioritised saving the three swimming pools and together with Joe Costello TD we worked with local residents and groups to come up with solutions to save the pools. Indeed, I have even taken up swimming with Ger Toner's SOS Acqua Aerobics class.

The prospect of the pool at Sean McDermott Street having a secure future is wonderful news for the community.

The SOS Aqua Club which played such a vital role in saving the pool in Sean McDermott Street continues to operate and offers the following activities in Sean McDermott Street Swimming Pool:
Adult Swimming Classes: Mondays, 8.00 p.m. – 9.00 p.m. (€6 per class or 6 classes for €30)
Aqua-Aerobics: Tuesdays, 9.00 p.m. – 10.00 p.m. (€5 per sessions)

O'Devaney Gardens and Dominick Street Updates

2010-11-09T00:24:00.003Z

It is now almost two and a half years since the proposed Public Private Partnership Regeneration Projects in O’Devaney Gardens and Dominick Street to be developed by McNamara collapsed (May 2008). Since then, Dublin City Council has been working to develop new plans to bring about much needed regeneration for the area. The City Council hopes to submit the final Environmental Impact Statements along with planning applications for the first phase to An Bord Pleanala for both projects in November.

Four blocks in O’Devaney Gardens were demolished in 2008. At its September meeting, Dublin City Council commenced the process for the demolition of a further five blocks in O’Devaney Gardens which will pave the way for the first phase of the new development to be carried out.
This will include the construction of 91 residential units (social and private housing) as well as the provision of a public park. The next stage of the development will be a mixed use commercial zone including a neighbourhood supermarket, smaller shop units, office space and community facilities and 29 residential units. The final phase of the project is for the development of 240 private residential units on the southern side of the site.

The overall height of the development will range from two to six storeys. It is anticipated that the first planning permission will be granted by late 2011, and that construction should start in 2012 with completion of the first residential units by 2013. I am a member of the O’Devaney Gardens Regeneration Board.

Joe and I are committed as both local residents and local public represenatives to continue to work with residents from the surrounding community and the residents of O’Devaney Gardens 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.

The proposal for Dominck Street is to replace the current flat complex with a high quality mixed use development, to include approximately 180 residential units and community facilities, along with a variety of commercial uses. The height of the development will range from 3-6 storeys in total (or 2-5 storeys over ground level non residential/commercial use). The site will be developed in two phases. The first phase will be the development of 66 residential units including a community/neighbourhood centre on the cleared site on the eastern side of the street. The second phase will develop the remainder of the site with a mixture of private and social housing and commercial / non residential units.

It is hoped that the first phase will commence in 2011/12 and will be completed by 2014. The combined planning and construction timescale for the second phase is estimated to be from 2014 to 2019.

In the meantime we are working with Dublin City Council to resolve the issue of the continued employment of the Regeneration Workers on these projects to ensure that the valuable work of social regeneration can continue alongsie the physical regeneration.

Grangegorman: Extension of Deadline for Submissions (7th December)

2010-11-08T23:17:00.004Z

The Government decision in September to proceed with the Grangegorman Project was most welcome. I am a member of the Grangegorman Development Agency and Joe Costello TD is a member of the Consultative Group. We have been working together for over ten years to help promote this project.

The deadline announced for submissions was originally 9th November. the Grangegorman Development Agency has issued a notice stating that "A number of wordprocessing errors in the Environmental Report accompanying the draft Strategic Plan have come to the attention of the GDA, and we have prepared a corrected version of that Report. In light of the above, the GDA has decided to put the draft Strategic Plan on public display for inspection with the associated Environmental Report, the corrected version of that Report, together also with the Appropriate Assessment Screening Report, for an extended period, during which interested parties continue to be, and are, invited to make written submissions or observations (or, if you have already made submissions or observations, further, or other, written submissions or observations), in relation to them others."

The new date for receipt of submissions is now 7th December .

Submissions can be made in writing to: Grangegorman Development Agency, St Brendan’s Hospital, Grangegorman, Dublin 7 or by email to communications@ggda.ie

Despite the many false starts and delays, some progress has been made: I was delighted to officiate at the opening of the new (temporary) school for D7 Educate Together at the end of my term as Lord Mayor of Dublin in June 2010. Also, planning permission has been granted for the replacement mental health facility in the Northwest corner of the site, at the North Circular Road. Enabling works had commenced on the site. However, the contractor for this development was Pearse Ltd who have recently gone into liquidation and therefore new contractors will have to be appointed.

Further information on the project is avaialbe at www.ggda.ie

Flood Warning: Risk of Coastal Flooding in Dublin this weekend – 7th and 8th November 2010

2010-11-04T23:20:00.002Z

Press Release from Dublin City Council 4th November 2010

Motorists and property owners should be aware that there is a risk of coastal flooding in Dublin this weekend, advises Dublin City Council Local Flood forecasting agency. Dublin City Council has put in place a flood contingency plan to address this risk, in accordance with the City’s Emergency Plan. Car parks on the seafront at Clontarf and Sandymount will be closed from Sunday 7th until the evening of Monday 8th November. Motorists are advised not to leave cars in these areas, as they may be at risk from flooding, due to wave action. Local Road closures may be required and these will be identified closer to the weekend as more reliable weather forecasting is available.

The best available weather forecasts, in conjunction with the City’s tidal surge early warning system, suggest a severe low pressure off the west coast of Ireland in combination with southerly/easterly winds of 70km per hour gusting to 100km per hour over the coming days. This combination of high tides and low pressure increase the possibility of coastal flooding, particularly at high tide around midnight on Sunday 7th November and midday on Monday 8th November.

Normal high tides are predicted from Thursday 4th November to Tuesday 9th November. These high tides will not normally cause a coastal flooding risk unless accompanied by extreme weather.

Dublin City Council will start today to deploy temporary flood defences in potential at risk areas. Alerts will be issued through the radio and other media when more information becomes available.

Further reports will issue when more information is available. Advice on local flood protection for householders and businesses can be sourced from OPW at www.flooding.ie

Dublin City Council will continue to monitor weather predictions and update risk assessments in the coming days. The City Council is in close contact with Met Eireann, the Gardai and Health Service Executive so that all available information may be shared and necessary actions taken in accordance with inter agency emergency plans.

Ends

CITY COUNCIL MUST RETAIN REGENERATION WORKERS

2010-10-05T00:20:00.001+01:00

Cllr Emer Costello has called on Dublin City Council to reverse its decision to terminate the employment of the two`local part-time Regeneration Workers at O’Devaney Gardens and one part time regeneration worker at Croke Villas, Ballybough, Dublin 3 by ceasing funding to the Regeneration Agency Community Technical Aid (CTA).

Speaking at the City Council meeting this evening, Cllr Costello stated that Dublin City Council had treated the workers, the Regeneration Board and the community with contempt. The Regeneration Board had not been consulted in relation to that decision. As Dublin City Council’s own representative on the O’Devaney Gardens Regeneration Board, she was stunned to learn second-hand of the decision to terminate the employment of the Regeneration Workers. Cllr Costello raised the issue at the September Central Area Committee and proposed the motion for the October City Council meeting calling on the City Manager to reverse the decision terminating the employment of the Regeneration Workers.

Cllr Costello stated that the Regeneration Workers provide an invaluable service to the communities. They provide essential linkages between the community and Dublin City Council. Following the collapse of the Public Private Partnership in May 2008, the Regeneration Workers from O’Devaney Gardens played a major role in calming the very volatile situation that existed there at the time. In addition, they worked with the local community to ensure the delivery of a viable new plan. Residents of Croke Villas, who were completely devastated by the collapse of that PPP, were not as fortunate as to have an alternative plan in place. However, Dublin City Council had agreed to develop a Local Area Plan for the area and the services of the Regeneration Officer in the community consultation would be pivotal in developing an inclusive and democratic plan. Over the past six years, the Regeneration Workers have devoted their lives to their communities, and in contrast the City Council’s treatment of them is completely cold and ruthless.

Cllr Costello stated that the figures in relation to costs of the workers produced by the City Manager were inaccurate. It was also very worrying that no effort had been made to negotiate with either CTA or the Workers on the costs involved prior to the decision being made. She called on the City Manager to withdraw the letter terminating the funding and to enter into negotiations with CTA, the Regeneration Board, the workers and the local councillors.

Cllr Costello completely rejected the Manager’s report that the work of the Regeneration Workers in O’Devaney Gardens is now complete as the Masterplan had been developed and a planning application would be sent to An Bord Pleanala in the coming weeks. She argued that the work of the Regeneration Workers at this crucial juncture was need more than ever. It would be crucial that the Regeneration Workers remain in place to guide the residents of O’Devaney Gardens through the public consultation process.

Moreover, the Regeneration Workers in both Croke Villas and O’Devaney Gardens made substantial inputs into the social regeneration necessary for the communities and that this work is still very essential in the communities.
The motion calling on the manager to reverse the decision to terminate the employment of the workers, proposed by Cllr Costello, was adopted overwhelmingly by the City Council. Cllr Costello is now calling for an Emergency Meeting of the O’Devaney Gardens Regeneration Board so that negotiations with the City Council can take place in a meaningful environment.

Costellos seek radical changes to railway order for Dart Interconnector to protect East Wall residents

2010-09-02T16:06:00.001+01:00

The Labour Deputy for Dublin Central, Joe Costello TD and Cllr. Emer Costello have raised a number of issues that are of concern to the residents of East Wall in a submission to An Bord Pleanála in relation to the railway order for the dart interconnector.

“We accept the principle of linking the mainline railway with the DART and LUAS lines and the proposed METRO. While we do not oppose the Interconnector project we have serious concerns about aspects of the proposals as detailed in the Railway Order.

“The Interconnector will cause major disruption at three points along its route – Inchicore, St. Stephen’s Green and East Wall.

“It appears that no consultation has taken place locally regarding St. Stephen’s Green; that minimal consultation has taken place with the community of East Wall and that Iarnród Éireann engaged in full and frank consultation with the residents of Inchicore.

“Indeed the original proposal for tunnelling along the route had been presented as tunnelling from both Inchicore and East Wall. Yet to the consternation of the residents of East Wall the public assertions of Iarnród Éireann were altered and the Railway Order applied for in July 2010 sought to tunnel only from East Wall.

“Thus East Wall will become the hub of the Interconnector Project and bear the brunt of the works for the entire duration of the project.

“The proposed development will take almost a decade to complete. East Wall will be visited with disruption from spoil removal, noise, dust and traffic congestion for the duration of this major development.

“In return East Wall will receive absolutely no benefit – not even a DART station to improve public transport which is woefully inadequate in the East Wall area.

“East Wall is a small, urban community of about 3,500 people. The original houses are almost entirely two storey, built on land reclaimed from the sea. East Wall lies within the curve of the railway line and is isolated from the rest of the City.

“Due to its low-lying location it has been subjected to flooding, the most recent being last year, 2009. Householders find it difficult and expensive to get home insurance.

“East Wall needs sensitive treatment from planners and community benefit from major projects that impact on the area.”

Deputy Joe Costello and Cllr. Emer Costello in their submission today appeal to An Bórd Pleanála for a fair hearing for the East Wall community

Copy of Full Submission on Dart Interconnector to An Bord Pleanala

2010-09-02T16:00:00.000+01:00

Dear Sir/Madam,

We accept the principle of linking the mainline railway with the DART and LUAS lines and the proposed METRO. While we do not oppose the Interconnector project we have serious concerns about aspects of the proposals as detailed in the Railway Order.
The Interconnector will cause major disruption at three points along its route – Inchicore, St. Stephen’s Green and East Wall.

It appears that no consultation has taken place locally regarding St. Stephen’s Green; that minimal consultation has taken place with the community of East Wall and that Iarnród Éireann engaged in full and frank consultation with the residents of Inchicore.

Indeed the original proposal for tunnelling along the route had been presented as tunnelling from both Inchicore and East Wall. Yet to the consternation of the residents of East Wall the public assertions of Iarnród Éireann were altered and the Railway Order applied for in July 2010 sought to tunnel only from East Wall.
Thus East Wall will become the hub of the Interconnector Project and bear the brunt of the works for the entire duration of the project.

The main tunnelling works will initiate in East Wall; the spoil will be excavated and transported from there; the operational Control Centre, Management Suite and traction sub-station and Intervention shaft will all be located there if the Draft Railway Order is approved in its present form.

The proposed development will take almost a decade to complete. East Wall will be visited with disruption from spoil removal, noise, dust and traffic congestion for the duration of this major development.
When complete it will create a visual intrusion on the landscape and an extra volume of noise from the increased activity along the new Interconnector and old mainline railway.

In return East Wall will receive absolutely no benefit – not even a DART station to improve public transport which is woefully inadequate in the East Wall area.
It is a bleak prospect, and no wonder the closely knit residential East Wall community is angry and feels discriminated against by Iarnród Éireann.
East Wall is a small, urban community of about 3,500 people. The original houses are almost entirely two storey, built on land reclaimed from the sea. East Wall lies within the curve of the railway line and is isolated from the rest of the City.
Due to its low-lying location it has been subjected to flooding, the most recent being last year, 2009. Householders find it difficult and expensive to get home insurance.

In 2004 wishing to be considered as a distinct community within the Dublin Docklands and impatient with the lack of community gain from the burgeoning Docklands development the East Wall Area Action Plan was drawn up with the Dublin Docklands Development Authority.

Most recently in the present Draft Dublin City Development Plan (2011 – 2017) East Wall succeeded in persuading the City Council that it should be granted a Local Area Plan (LAP). When complete the LAP will provide East Wall with a statutory framework for future development. This plan will enable East Wall to protect its amenities, heritage and character and establish appropriate height and density for future developments.

The Railway Order is silent on both plans for East Wall and Iarnród Éireann has not included them in any way in the Interconnector Project.
East Wall needs sensitive treatment from planners and community benefit from major projects that impact on the area.

In our submission today we appeal to An Bórd Pleanála for a fair hearing for the East Wall Community.

We wish to raise the following issues of concern to the residents of East Wall.

A project as large as the DART Underground Interconnector requires an oral hearing so that citizens, communities and businesses along the route can express their views and concerns.

The residents of East Wall have already incurred substantial costs in preparing their submission and will incur ongoing costs for the duration of the project. Iarnród Éireann should pay the bill for all reasonable costs incurred by communities along the route.

The Interconnector will benefit the people of Dublin. However, it will seriously discommode the people of East Wall and Inchicore during its construction. It is unreasonable that the benefit of a local station should accrue to Inchicore while East Wall will suffer a double whammy of not getting a local station but becoming the tunnelling hub of the entire project. East Wall should be provided with a local station and the tunnelling should be shared equally between both Inchicore and East Wall. Moreover, if four Tunnel Boring Machines (TBMs) were employed instead of two, the work could be carried out much more quickly and efficiently and with far less adverse impact on both communities.

A comprehensive survey of the health and homes of people in the vicinity of the tunnel should be carried out prior to tunnelling. Damage to health and property should be monitored throughout the duration of the project.

There are serious question marks about the entire alignment along West Road. It is unclear why the new proposed bridge needs to be taller and wider than the old bridge; why a cycle lane is part of the proposal; what purpose the so-called “emergency”/evacuation footbridge at West Road serves; and why a permanent retaining wall is necessary.

The proposed works at and behind Abercorn Road are substantial and would impact heavily on the local residents particularly in relation to truck movements. The backup travel route proposed to the rear of Abercorn Road and Irvine Terrace should not be permitted, as it would cause noise, dust and disturbance.
Likewise Blythe Avenue, Hawthorn Terrace and Church Road are likely to experience disruption and disturbance during the construction and tunnelling phase with residents’ enjoyment of their homes being severely curtailed.

An Independent Arbitrator should be appointed to resolve any dispute that might arise with the main contractor during the lifetime of the project.

The main contractor for the project must produce in consultation with Iarnród Éireann the following documents: The Construction Code of Practice, A Noise and Vibration Plan, An Environmental Management Plan, A TBM Mitigation Plan, A Traffic Management Plan, and a Dust Minimisation Plan. These documents should be supplied to the residents as soon as possible and included in an agreement with the contractor. This should be a condition of the Railway Order.

There should be a Charter of Rights drawn up between the residents of East Wall and Iarnród Éireann. It would be enforced by the Independent Arbitrator.

A liaison committee should be established between the East Wall Action Group and Iarnród Éireann for the duration of the project to monitor progress and to address potential crises or emergencies.

The East Wall community should benefit from a local employment clause of 20% of the workforce and apprenticeships and should also benefit from Community Gain funding for local community-based projects and scholarships during the construction period and the subsequent operation of the Interconnector.

The spoil from the tunnelling should be transported out of the area by means of the existing mainline railway so as to minimise pollution and road traffic disruption.

Car and truck parking for the large number of on site workers should be planned in such a way that the streets of East Wall and North Strand would not be clogged with vehicles for years to come.

Hours of working should be determined by An Bórd Pleanála and should be in accordance with the wishes of the residents.

The proposed Operational Control Centre, Management Suite and Eastern Intervention Shaft should be located outside of East Wall as they would be visually intrusive.

Flooding has taken place as recently as last year in East Wall. The Railway Order should include a comprehensive plan to deal with the low water table and the likely
flooding of the tunnel during construction and the eventuality of flooding in the tunnel and in East Wall in the future.

Finally, when the project is complete Iarnród Éireann should provide a thorough landscaping of all the areas affected with a view to reducing adverse visual impact and improving the environment. This should be a condition of the Railway Order, as on a previous occasion in 2002, Iarnród Éireann failed to carry out its commitment to landscape its property in the North Strand Area.

In conclusion, we support the submission made by the East Wall Community through the East Wall Action Group.

They have requested an oral hearing and we earnestly request that it be granted.
Should it be granted we would welcome the opportunity of making an oral submission.

Making a Strong Vision Statement for Dublin City - The Dublin City Development Plan 2011 - 2018

2010-07-30T17:29:00.007+01:00

The Dublin City Development Plan (2011-2017), currently being finalised by the City Council, sets out strategies to protect and enhance sustainable residential communities, to foster and enhance the city’s culture and heritage, to develop Dublin as a clean, green connected City, to revive the City’s economy in order to create conditions to generate new jobs and protect existing employment and to establish Dublin City as the premier retail venue in the country.

Dublin City Council met on 26, 27 and 28 July to consider the submissions from the public and the City Manager’s recommendations. The Labour Group on Dublin City Council took on board the many public submissions and proposed progressive motions and amendments to the Draft Plan. Issues such as height, density and plot ratio, the creation of Statutory Local Area Plans, the protection of the City’s heritage, green spaces and environment, zoning, the restriction of certain uses within residential areas, and the development of a vibrant Core City Centre, were at the heart of Labour Party amendments to the City Manager’s proposals.

The amendments adopted by the City Council at the meetings in July will be on public display until the 15th of September in the Civic Offices, Dublin City Library and on the City Council website www.dublincity.ie. Submissions will be invited from
the public. The submissions and City Manager’s recommendations will be considered at a final meeting at the end of October before the plan comes into effect in January 2011. Vigilance will be required to ensure that there is no attempt to row back on the hard-won community gains.

COMMUNITY ISSUES

Off-licenses: A very important Labour Party motion was adopted to prohibit the further expansion of off licenses or part off-licenses except in areas where a compelling case can be made. Any application for an off-license must include a map of all the off-licenses located within a 1km radius of proposed development.

Institutional Lands Zoned Z15: The Labour motion to delete residential development on institutional lands as a use which could be “open for consideration” was adopted. Moreover, any future development of institutional lands must “have regard to the prevailing height” in the neighbourhood.

Vacant Lands: Labour Party motions and the recommendations of Cllr Emer Costello’s Lord Mayor’s Commission on Employment have led to the adoption of a new policy in relation to temporary use of vacant properties/sites for creative/cultural/social entrepreneurs/ community sectors.

Homeless & Social Services: These will require detailed planning applications to avoid a proliferation / concentration of institutional services in residential areas.

Public Realm/Advertising: The City Manager has agreed to put the public realm advertising strategy out to public consultation (e.g. JC Decaux street advertising).

LOCAL AREA PLANS (LAP’S):
Labour proposals for statutory Local Area Plans for the following areas were agreed:
-Manor Street/Stoneybatter/Smithfield Area
-East Wall
-Ballybough/Croke Park Area
-Pelletstown which will also include the Navan Road area

AREA SPECIFIC ISSUES

Dominican Convent Lands, Cabra:
The Labour motion rejecting the City Manager’s proposal to rezone part of the lands bordering Riverston Abbey from Z15 (institutional) to Z1 (residential) was adopted thus reinstating the Z15 zoning in accordance with the wishes of the residents.

Luas BXD line Royal Canal/ Broombridge:
Our proposal for a new policy was adopted: “That the proposed Luas BXD line in the vicinity of the Royal Canal and Broombridge will have full regard to the heritage and amenity value of the area and this should be reflected in any Environmental Statement”

Hendron’s Site, Broadstone:
The Labour proposed a motion to reject the City Manager’s proposal to rezone to Z10A (Inner Suburban) and the Z3 (neighbourhood use) zoning was adopted in accordance with the wishes of the residents.

Prussia Street:
The City Manager’s recommendation to rezone land on Prussia Street from Z6 (enterprise and employment) to Z4 (District Centre) was rejected and Z6 zoning retained pending adoption of Local Area Plan on foot of a Labour proposal.

Mount Bernard Park:
The lands north-west of Mount Bernard Park, Phibsborough, between the park and the Royal Canal were rezoned from Z1 {residential} to Z9 {amenity}. The extension of the park and the provision of a playground in the park were included on the insistence of Labour Councillors.

Mountjoy Square:
As a result of a Labour motion, the City Manager agreed to commence statutory assessment to designate Mountjoy Square an Architectural Conservation Area without delay

Lands at Alfie Byrne Road:
The Labour motion to reject the manager’s proposal to rezone these lands and the Z9 (amenity) zoning has been retained.

Castleforbes Road:
The Labour motion to commence procedure to remove Castleforbes Road from the Record of Protected Structures to allow resurfacing take place there, was agreed.

HEIGHT & DENSITY
The Labour Group ensured the curtailment of the City Manager’s proposals for high rise throughout the City. Under the current City Development Plan(2005-2011) there is no restriction on the permitted height of buildings in any part of the City. The new plan (2011 – 2017) sets out maximum limits for height across the City. Moreover, there is now a strict requirement that all proposed new buildings, two storeys or more, above the prevailing height in the area must be accompanied by a detailed Design Statement to justify the new height proposed. The draft height policies for the City are now as follows:

Low Rise:
Inner City Area
6 storey residential (19m)
7 storey office (29m)

Rail Hubs
i.e. within ½ kilometre(or 500 metres)of mainline train & Dart stations (but not including Luas stops)
6 storey residential (19m)
6 storey office (25m)

Outer City
4 storey residential (13m)
4 storey office (17 m)

Mid-rise & High Rise
A number of areas have been designated for mid-rise and high rise buildings. Labour Councillors insisted that in these cases a statutory Local Area Plan (LAP) must be in place before any high buildings can be granted permission and the areas treated as low rise areas pending the adoption of a LAP.

Areas designated as mid-rise (up to 16 residential and 12 Office – 50M max) include
Phibsborough, the Local Area Plan has been adopted and high building can only be located in areas designated for such under the LAP, e.g. Mater Hospital site.

Grangegorman, which is to be the subject of a special statutory Strategic Development Zone (SDZ) for the new unified campus for the Dublin Institute of Technology (DIT) and HSE Facility.

Pelletstown, which will be treated as a low rise area pending the adoption of a Local Area Plan.

Areas designated as High Rise – (Over 16 Storeys 50m) include 
Docklands- the City Development Plan must be consistent with the Dublin Docklands. Development Authority’s Masterplan and vice versa.

Connolly Station – a new Local Area Plan will be drafted for the area.

Photos from VIP Photoshoot - June 2010

2010-07-26T01:32:00.001+01:00

Interview with Valery Shanley, Sunday Tribune on Year as Lord Mayor June 2010

2010-07-02T23:56:00.003+01:00

Photo Mark Condren
It's late afternoon, but the working day is not over yet. Not by a long shot. Up for a meeting at 8am, Emer Costello has already met several groups of visitors, from the 'swop your heels for hammers' women involved in a new Habitat for Humanity project, to the descendants of Daniel O'Connell, who had never before stood in Dublin's Mansion House where their ancestor became the first Catholic mayor of the city back in 1841. Our interview with the capital's 340th lord mayor is for one hour only because she has an exhibition to attend at 6pm, then, donning her Dublin city councillor hat, there's a meeting about the city's swimming pools, before heading back to the house for 7pm to welcome the lord mayor of Lisburn, and then a 'Macushla' evening – described as "a nifty fifties dance club" – for senior citizens, which will go on well into the wee small hours.
For the moment though, calm reigns as we sit in the Victorian drawing room, dominated by huge portraits by noted English painters Joshua Reynolds and George Romney. Their subjects are former 18th-century lord lieutenants of Ireland, resplendent in ceremonial brocade and ermine robes, complete with silk stockings and ribbon garters.

Underneath, the woman in the simple black Karen Millen suit, only the seventh female in the position of lord mayor since its creation in 1665, talks of her 12 months living in the Mansion House. Her BlackBerry constantly rings throughout, while Richie, one of house staff members, brings tea but also a gentle reminder that the clock is ticking towards the next appointment. I had been warned, also with a smile by another staff member, that along with her many other talents, the lord mayor "can talk for Ireland". Those descendants of 'The Liberator', to whom she has just waved goodbye, dominate the early part of our conversation – both she and husband, Labour TD Joe Costello, are passionate about history, national and local. She speaks of building bridges between north and south over the past year, welcoming people from Northern Ireland, some of whom had never visited the Republic before.

"They are so surprised that we have portraits of these guys up on the wall," says Costello, referring in particular to the huge portrait of George IV dominating the hall staircase. "Then we have the portrait of Daniel O'Connell wearing the mayoral chain with the image of William of Orange on it. Ironically, the Belfast lord mayor's chain is inscribed with 'Erin Go Brath'. But it's still a big thing for many of those on the unionist side of the political divide to come down here. We had a group last week from Portadown who would generally be staunchly unionist, real hardliners, but they were keen to engage in discussion about our shared history. We had the usual tea and coffee, but I knew some of them were dying for something stronger. So I went out the bar and they were looking at me askance, seeing this picture of the lord mayor of Dublin pulling them a pint."

Welcoming north to south is part of the job, but what was it like for her and Joe, honorary northsiders, to move from their home in the north inner city to the salubrious southside on Dawson Street?

"That was a big move in many ways. I was a bit homesick. It was daunting. But Joe is in his element here," she laughs. "He's settled in, no problem. For me, it's like living over the shop, and you don't always have a sense of the prestige because you are so busy all of the time. But the house is everyone's house really. It's always open."

The 8am meetings ensure there is always plenty of activity throughout a working day, which invariably overlaps into the next. While the rest of the city is putting out the cat, Costello's last act before bed is to lock away the mayoral chain of office in the safe. But there is a temptation too to switch on the computer and check emails, she adds.

"There is a lot of writing, and conferences to prepare for. So there's been a bit of sleep deficiency this year. You might be exhausted at the end of the evening, but still want to sort out other work. Some nights it's just three or four hours' sleep as you're late going to bed and then up really early. And I've found that I haven't slept that well here. No, it's not ghosts. It's just that your mind is racing all the time. But I'm pretty refreshed when the day actually starts, and every day is something of an adventure."

Being married to the job begs the question as to how that affects her marriage to Joe. She doesn't use the word 'workaholic' but says they've always been a couple to burn the midnight oil and they "kind of complement each other". They married in 2003, in the Aughrim Street church just across the road from their period terrace house, but have been together as a couple for 21 years.

Back in l987, Emer Malone, as she then was, was at a crossroads in her life – deciding whether to emigrate or stay in recession-struck Ireland. She had moved to live in Dublin, while back in her native Blackrock, outside Dundalk, her father "was going ballistic at the thought of me moving to live in Japan on an exchange programme". But it was a Fás placement officer's advice that brought out the contrarian in her, when he told her: "you know, Birmingham is closer to Dublin than Cork is". She was definitely staying put, but "incensed".

"I was part-time teaching at the time, on only 10 hours a week, and it was terrible. But the suggestion was that my best option was to go to England for work. I said 'is this the best you can do? Is this official Fás policy?' I had moved to live on Rathlin Road in Drumcondra at the time and was sharing with my housemate Laura, who was a Labour party member. So I said, 'get me an application form'."

And from that, love blossomed with Joe Costello – in a roundabout fashion. He wasn't, apparently, a candidate for Mr Right when they first met, as she recalls with a smile.

"The very first time we met was when he called to the house in Drumcondra. And I don't know – I probably shouldn't say – but I didn't quite like the look of him. I wouldn't let him in. I said something like, 'just hold on there for a minute', closed the door over and went back in to Laura saying, 'there's a man at the door I'm not sure about'. She started laughing and said I'd better let him in as he was our local Labour representative. I still kind of slag Joe about it – that he was slightly dodgy looking and I wouldn't let him cross the doorway," she laughs.

They knew each other for a long time before getting romantically involved, she adds. Initially, it was simply a work relationship and he asked her to organise his Senate campaign. It wasn't until they went on a holiday in l989 to the Antrim coast that she says she realised they were a 'match'.

"When he asked me to work on the campaign, I was kind of 'gosh, I don't think I can do this'. But he had faith in me, he trusted me. He doesn't get fazed by anything. He's someone you can bounce ideas off. He's someone who's there, whose constant. I can be quite excitable, whereas he's calm. I suppose I can get worked up over things, and he can be a very solid influence." The age difference between them – Emer is in her mid-40s, Joe is 64 – is not something that bothers her either, but has been commented on during campaigns.

"It doesn't make any difference but I suppose from that point of view, he's quite a steadying influence. But it's hilarious at times during elections with people coming up to me and saying, 'I know your father'. And I go (she pulls a sad face), 'He's not my father, he's my husband'. I laugh, and sometimes it kind of drives him mad, but he takes it with a grain of salt. Plus, I think I'm probably more youthful looking that I actually am."

Reflections on year as Lord Mayor of Dublin 2009/10

2010-07-01T15:13:00.008+01:00

This time last year I was deeply honoured to be elected the 340th Lord Mayor of Dublin (and just the seventh woman to hold the position). I was elected unanimously by the City Council The night I was elected I stated that my priority was to help make Dublin a cultured, vibrant and sustainable City that is safe and secure for young and old; a city that is clean and green; an accessible City with a decent public transport system; an inclusive City that cherishes the many diverse communities living within its boundaries; a City whose citizens are gainfully employed and whose businesses flourish; a City that inspires pride in its inhabitants and a positive experience for its visitors. I said that I wanted to play my part in working with the members of the City Council in making Dublin to be the jewel in the crown of European cities and to provide the civic leadership that the people had voted for in the recent local elections.

I stated all of this conscious in the knowledge that the power of Local Councillors is limited but in the hope and expectation that I could stretch the role of Lord Mayor to achieve these ambitions. I have since found the role of Lord Mayor to be both challenging and fulfilling. The Lord Mayor can exert influence in all spheres of City life that can transcend the limitations of the office. Certainly being Lord Mayor opens doors and presents opportunities to the incumbent – the challenge is how to maximise those opportunities.

Lord Mayor's Commission on Employment Plots a Course for Economic Renewal
From the outset I stated that economic renewal in the City, specifically dealing with the increasing problem of unemployment would be the focus of my term as Lord Mayor. The stark figures showed that urgent action was needed - 71,000 jobs lost to the city between June 2007 and June 2009. In June 2009 100,000 people were on the live register and 1 in 4 were considered long term unemployed. At the same time, the greater Dublin region accounts for four out of every ten jobs and half of all goods and services produced in Ireland. Dublin is the engine of the national economy and it must become the engine of national economic recovery. The City Council as the Local Authority, can and must play a major role to play in stimulating the local economy.

With this in mind, one of the first actions I took was to establish the Lord Mayor’s Commission on Employment to promote economic renewal in the City. In September 2009 the Lord Mayor’s Commission (LMCE) put out a public “Call for Ideas” in a bottom up approach to invite the public to tell us their experiences and their proposals to generate economic activity in the City. The Call for Ideas really caught the imagination of the public as in a short space of time, we received over 130 submissions, with many innovative and creative ideas for boosting the City’s economy and improving our competitiveness. The Commission set to work immediately in September and worked hard there 24 meetings of the Commission and its working groups. The Commission held two successful workshops in January – Promoting the Creative and Cultural Industries and Promoting Dublin as an International Student City. The Commission also organised a very successful major conference in Croke Park in April with the European Commissioner for Research Innovation and Science. The report of the Commission was launched on Tuesday 15th June – and there are many actionable recommendations.
Through the public consultation process the Commission on Employment has developed exciting ideas for creating employment and looking at growth areas – finding alternative and creative uses for much of the vacant retail and industrial space, promoting the creative and cultural industries, developing and implementing sustainable energy policies, developing retail and restaurant and food strategies, seeking solutions to the financial crisis to ensure that businesses have access to capital to start, grow and develop their businesses, and promoting Dublin as an International Student City. Three immediate notable outcomes from the Commission are:

Firstly, the LMCE has liaised with Ulster Bank who will partner with Dublin City Council to provide a dedicated Business Support Programme for new Start Up businesses in Dublin. The Programme includes a €10m fund to support Start Up enterprises, and will provide support in the form of business planning and mentoring aids and other aspects of start up assistance as appropriate to the individual business.

Secondlty he LMCE has successfully joined forces with Tipperary Institute to secure 20 places for Dublin in an exciting project CESBEM (Competence Enhancement in Sustainable Building Through European Mobility) II, which is a european funded project under the Lifelong Learning, Leonardo Da Vinci (People in the Labour Market) Programme. The CESBEM II Project is aimed at those in the construction Sector and provides upskilling in the field of energy efficiency in buildings.

Thirdly, following work by the LMCE a study is now being carried out to identify the location of vacant commercial properties in the entire City Centre area initially along the Quays and Thomas Street. It is intended to database that information and match vacant units with persons or groups in the cultural and artistic arena seeking temporary premises. This would have the dual effect of uplifting areas with high vacancy levels while giving emerging cultural groups access to high visibility shop fronts.

These are just three tangible outcomes of the Lord Mayor's Commission. I will continue to work towards the implementation of all of the recommendations in the Commission Report.

Developing an Inclusive City
Since last June I have travelled the length and breadth of the City, I have met with a huge range of groups and organisations including residents associations, community groups, youth groups, senior citizens’ day-care centres; women’s organisations, men’s support groups. I have visited schools, colleges, universities and also education and training organisations who work with young people whom our educational system has failed and who have found the courage to start again through alternative pathways. I have also had the privilege to visit and meet with a range of organisations working with and supporting those at most at risk in our society including drug addicts, homeless people, prisoners and ex-prisoners. I have supported equality campaigners from disability groups, ethnic minorities, lesbian and gay rights organisations. As someone who is passionate about the heritage and culture of our City, I have worked with a range of statutory voluntary and commercial creative and cultural organisations to promote and develop cultural activity in the City. I have supported the work of City business associations such as the Chamber of Commerce, the DCBA and BIDS along with some of the locally based business groups throughout the City . As Dublin has been designated Capital of Sport, I have had the great pleasure to collaborate with numerous sporting organisation such as the GAA, the FAI and the IRFU and Athletics and with their grass roots local clubs. I have also worked supported other sporting bodies and events including the Liffey Swim, the Dublin City Marathon and the Table Tennis Championships. Each of these experiences has informed my work as a civic leader and policy maker for the City.

Global City - International Co-operation
My own professional background is in international co-operation in education. As I aimed to make Dublin the jewel in the crown of European Cities, I also sought to create and develop transnational links between Dublin and other cities. My role as Lord Mayor involves meeting with Ambassadors to Ireland and helping to promote and develop links between our countries. I have engaged with our twin cities of Barcelona and San Jose. Last year Dublin signed a friendship agreement with Moscow and later this year we will sign a agreement with St Petersberg. The City Council has invested heavily in the promotion of international cultural festivals in Dublin such as the Chinese New Year Festival, the Festival of Russian Culture and Experience Japan. . I have been happy to play my part in fully supporting these events. I have worked with embassies on a range of events and believe that co-operation between the City and the Diplomatic Corps to be crucial for the City Indeed, the Lord Mayor’s Commission on Employment has identified the promotion of Dublin as an International Student City as a key priority for economic renewal in the City and I have championed this idea.

City Council Providing Civic Leadership
As Chairperson of the City Council, I have steered the Council through many challenges over the past year. Following intense debate over four meetings of the City Council, the Draft Dublin City Development Plan (2011 – 2018) has been put on public display. The challenge for the Development Plan is to ensure that Dublin can pitch itself as a dynamic competitive city, open for business and capable of attracting inward investment while at the same time ensuring that we protect the quality of life our culture, heritage and identity. The document on display is a proposal and we need the input of the citizens of the City to ensure we get it right.

Other challenges which faced the City Council this year included the controversial introduction of the Bus Corridor at College Green and the extension of the 30K speed limit in the City Centre. The debates on these matters both in the Council Chamber and in the media shows that the City Council has the maturity to discuss these issues and act in the best interest of the citizens.

Weather events also dominated. The year started with floods in July, the snow and ice in January to be followed by severe water shortages and outages which caused huge distress to citizens of the City. Members of the City Council played a major role in communicating the problems with the public and have made constructive recommendations on how the City Council communicates with the public during a time of crisis.

Personal Moments
There have also been many highlights this year, for the City and for me personally. Our City skyline has been changed forever by the arrival of the Samuel Beckett Bridge which I have no doubt will become an icon for Dublin in future years. The Luas to the Docklands area has greatly enhanced our transport infrastructure and will bring much needed footfall to the area. Dublin was designated European Capital of Sport for 2010. The Dublinbikes scheme has proven to be an unprecedented success. The Innovation Dublin Festival, in November, held almost 500 events showcasing innovation in the City, proving Dublin to be a creative, smart outward and forward looking 21st Century City.

My year as Lord Mayor has flown by. It is an honour and privilege to be the First Citizen of Dublin. When the dust settles I hope I will have made some small contribution to the wellbeing of the City and its citizens.

C

D7 Educate Together's New School Opening on Bloomsday

2010-07-01T14:22:00.001+01:00

D7 Educate Together's New School Opening - 16.06.10, originally uploaded by Lord Mayor of Dublin.

‘I am tomorrow, or some future day, what I establish today. I am today what I established yesterday or some previous day.’

James Joyce

This year, while the traditional Blooms day (16th June) celebrations take place in Dublin, tucked away behind an historic stone arch, hundreds of children will be taking part in the official opening of their new inner city school. James Joyce would surely have approved this brand new Educate Together School building with its well stocked library and city centre location.

Joining the children to celebrate the occasion and to cut the ribbon will be Lord Mayor of Dublin, Cllr. Emer Costello. Emer actually took office on this day in 2009 and so Bloomsday is a significant anniversary for her as well.

Lord Mayor Cllr Emer Costello said “I am delighted to help celebrate this wonderful day with Dublin 7 Educate Together National School. I am a member of the school board and know all the hard work and effort that has gone into making this day come to pass. I am especially pleased that I am celebrating one year as Lord Mayor with all the children, parents and staff of Dublin 7 Education Together. The opening of the school is also a significant milestone for the Grangegorman Development Agency (of which I am also a member). The site at Grangegorman has been earmarked for the unified DIT Campus at Grangegorman, new health care facilities for the HSE, a new public libarary, new arts, cultural and recreational and public spaces to serve the community and the City and a new Educate Together Primary School.”

In common with all other Educate Together schools Dublin 7 Educate Together is a multi denominational, co-educational, child centred and democratically run school. It was founded by a group of parents in 1999.

Initially located in a rented Georgian house in Henrietta Street, the school started out with 47 pupils and 3 teachers. Due to its expanding numbers it quickly outgrew this accommodation and moved in 2002 to temporary accommodation in St. Joseph's School for the Deaf on the Navan Road.

On September 24th 2009 the school moved to its current premises, a 16 classroom purpose built school on Fitzwilliam Place North.The school has now grown to almost 250 pupils and a staff of 23 and conyinues to grow. The proposed location of D7ET’s permanent building remains a site on the new DIT campus as part of the Grangegorman redevelopment plan.

Today, not a million miles from the home of Molly and Leopold Bloom on the northside of the city, preparations under the arch are in full swing. The children are learning songs for the occasion, the parents and children have planted out the grounds so the school looks its best. The opening promises a glimpse at a new kind of school community located in the heart of Joyce’s city on what is a very significant day.

The official opening will take place at noon.

For further information/interview please contact :

Acting School Principal, Louise Coffey

Chairman of the Board, John McDaid 087 6597358

Dublin Pride - June 2010

2010-06-29T23:49:00.001+01:00

Dublin Pride Parade - 26.06.10
Originally uploaded by Lord Mayor of Dublin

The Lord Mayor of Dublin, Councillor Emer Costello led Dublin City Councillors at City Hall to review the Dublin Pride Parade.

Speaking at the parade the Lord Mayor stated "I am delighted to lead the review of the Dublin Pride parade this year. I want to congratulate the Grand Marshall Lydia Foy on her recent victory for legal recognition of her gender. which is a significant breakthrough for transgendered people.

Last year the Dublin Pride Festival was one of my first official functions as Lord Mayor of Dublin and I am delighted to have the unique opportunity to be here again for a second time.

I stated the night I was elected Lord Mayor that it is my intention to work towards making Dublin an inclusive City that cherishes the many diverse communities living within its boundaries.

I congratulate the organisers on a wonderful and successful programme - with over 20,000 participating in the parade this year Dublin Pride certainly has taken its place an important festival for the City

The

Wheels in motion for new Alfie Byrne Park motocross track- Turning the Sod at Scrambling Track, East Wall - 28.06.10 158

2010-06-29T22:46:00.001+01:00

Launch of Scrambling Track, East Wall - 28.06.10 158
Originally uploaded by Lord Mayor of Dublin

The Lord Mayor of Dublin, Councillor Emer Costello, will perform a sod turning ceremony at the long awaited motocross track in Alfie Byrne Park on Alfie Byrne Road, Dublin 3 at 11 a.m. on Monday 28th June 2010.

Speaking about the facility the Lord Mayor said “I know how welcome this new motocross track will be in the north inner city area where the demand for this leisure activity is great. The track will be a wonderful resource for young people in the area and a very valuable social and sporting outlet. When the track opens young people will be able to practise motocross in a controlled and safe environment. The project is the result of extensive co-operation between local communities, Dublin City Council and the Gardai and has the full support of all.

Alfie Byrne Park will have the first motocross track in Dublin city and I am delighted to be able to set this project in motion, especially as it is one of my final tasks as Lord Mayor of Dublin. I wish all those who may use this facility well and I know it will bring much enjoyment to the youth of this area.”

The use of the motocross track will be organised through Dublin City Motocross Club and any enquiries should be made directly to Brian Hart at 086 3853407. It is anticipated that the track will be ready to hold a first event in mid-July 2010.

ENDS

Annual Irish Classic & Vintage Motor Show - 25.06.10 279

2010-06-26T00:27:00.000+01:00

Joe & Emer - looking for an exit strategy from the Mansion House!!!

Annual Irish Classic & Vintage Motor Show - 25.06.10 279, originally uploaded by Lord Mayor of Dublin.

Lord Mayor Performs 522 Year Old "Castin of the Spear Medieval Ceremony at Dublin Port

2010-06-21T22:29:00.003+01:00

Medieval Tradition Re-Enactment by Admiral of Dublin Port Highlights Significant Commercial and Cultural Links between the City and the Port

Monday, 21st June, 2010: The Lord Mayor of Dublin and Admiral of Dublin Port, Cllr. Emer Costello, today performed the 522 year old “Casting of the Spear” ceremony at Dublin Port.

The “Casting of the Spear” dates as far back as 1488 when the then Lord Mayor, Thomas Mayler set out on his horse to ride the city’s boundaries. Historical records show that he rode out onto the strand as far as a man might ride and from there he cast a spear into the sea. At that time, casting the spear demonstrated the extent of the city boundaries eastwards. From that day onwards each year the Lord Mayor of Dublin re-enacts this medieval ceremony.

The ceremony was re-enacted this morning when the Lord Mayor travelled out into Dublin Bay onboard a Dublin Port tug boat and launched a spear deep into Dublin Bay’s cold waters, and once again marked the position of the city boundaries eastwards.

Dublin Port, as an organisation, has a long and remarkable history also, dating back over 300 years. There have been many famous moments and famous visitors in that time.

Captain William Bligh (of "Mutiny on the Bounty" fame) has left a lasting legacy on the port and city. Bligh conducted a study of the tidal flows in Dublin Bay, which led to the construction of the Great South Wall. This construction has resulted in the formation of the present Bull Island, which did not exist in 1800. This amenity is now home to among other amenities two golf courses and an internationally renowned bird sanctuary.

Another interesting historical link with Dublin Port is the tale of the ‘Ouzel Galley’, an Irish merchant ship that set sail from Dublin Port in 1695. After failing to return for three years it was presumed lost at sea. In 1698 a panel comprising the city’s most eminent merchants was set up to settle the question of insurance. The panel’s ruling was that the ship had indeed been lost and that its owners and insurers should receive their due compensation. The galley’s complement of thirty-seven crew and three officers were declared dead and the insurance was paid out.

However, after a further two years had elapsed, she mysteriously reappeared with her full complement of crew and a valuable cargo of spices and exotic goods. By this stage the insurance had been paid out on the in some cases the ‘widows’ of the sailors ‘lost’ at sea had remarried!
Speaking at the ceremony to mark the tradition of ‘Casting the Spear’ Lord Mayor of Dublin and Admiral of its Port, Cllr. Emer Costello, said: “It’s a tremendous honour, as admiral of Dublin Port, to take part in such a treasured, time-honoured local tradition. Over the course of the last 500 years, Dublin Port has played an instrumental role in the development of our capital city. Having Ireland’s biggest port so close to the city, in the heart of our capital, adds a great competitive advantage. As a gateway to European and international markets, Dublin Port continues to play a central role in supporting the country’s return to economic growth”.

Responding to the Admiral of the Port, Dublin Port Company Chief Executive Mr. Enda Connellan said: “Dublin Port is immensely proud of its heritage, its long links with the City and the contribution it has played in the life of this city and country. This ceremony reminds us of where Ireland’s largest city has come from over the last 500 years and how the port has played its role in its development, facilitating €35 billion of trade per year and supporting 4,000 real jobs.”

For further information:

Brenda Daly, Dublin Port Company – 01 887 6846 or 087 915 3965
Niall Quinn, Gibney Communications – 01 661 0402 or 086 827 4829

Notes to the Editor:

About Dublin Port Company:
Dublin Port Company is a self-financing, private limited company wholly-owned by the State, whose business is to manage Dublin Port, Ireland’s premier port. Established as a corporate entity in 1997, Dublin Port Company is responsible for the management, control, operation and development of the port. Dublin Port Company provides world-class facilities, services, accommodation and lands in the harbour for ships, goods and passengers. The company currently employs 162 staff.

Located in the heart of Dublin City, at the hub of the national road and rail network Dublin Port is a key strategic access point for Ireland and in particular the Dublin area. Dublin Port handles over two-thirds of containerised trade to and from Ireland and 50% of all Ireland’s imports and exports, making it a significant facilitator of Ireland’s economy. Dublin Port also handles over 1.3 million tourists through the ferry companies operating at the port and through the cruise vessels calling to the port.

About the Ouzel Galley:
The Ouzel Galley was an Irish merchant ship that set sail from Dublin in the late seventeenth century and was presumed lost with all hands when she failed to return within the next three years; after a further two years had elapsed, however, she mysteriously reappeared with her full complement of crew and a valuable cargo of spices, exotic goods and, it is said, piratical spoils. The ship has entered Irish folklore, and her unexplained disappearance and unexpected reappearance are still the subject of a number of conspiracy theories.

The facts, so far as they can be ascertained, are quite straightforward. In the autumn of 1695 a merchant galley called the Ouzel sailed out of Ringsend in Dublin under the command of Capt Eoghan Massey of Waterford. Her destination, it was supposed at the time, was the port of Smyrna in the Ottoman Empire (now İzmir in Turkey), where the vessel’s owners - the Dublin shipping company of Ferris, Twigg & Cash - intended her to engage in a trading mission before returning to Dublin the following year. The Ouzel, however, did not return as scheduled; nor was she seen the year after that. When a third year passed without any sign of her or her crew, it was generally assumed by the people of Dublin that she had been lost at sea with all hands.

In 1698 a panel comprising the city’s most eminent merchants was set up to settle the question of insurance. The panel’s ruling was that the ship had indeed been lost and that its owners and insurers should receive their due compensation. The galley’s complement of thirty-seven crew and three officers were declared dead and the insurance was paid out.

Two years later, however, in the autumn of 1700, the Ouzel made her unexpected reappearance, sailing up the River Liffey to scenes of both disbelief and wild jubilation. Capt Massey later described how the ship had fallen victim to Algerian corsairs on its outward journey. The crew were taken to North Africa, where they were forced to man the ship while their new masters engaged in acts of piracy against merchant vessels returning from the Caribbean or plying the lucrative Mediterranean shipping lanes. After five years of captivity, however, Capt Massey and his men took advantage of a drunken carousal to free themselves and retake the Ouzel, which they then promptly sailed back to Dublin, its hold still full of the pirates’ booty.

It was not long before rumours were circulating around Dublin to the effect that the trading mission to Smyrna had been a blind all along and that it was Capt Massey and his crew who had been engaged in piracy on the high seas. The tall story of Algerian corsairs and a five-year captivity in North Africa, not to mention the fortuitous escape of the entire crew, was considered too far-fetched to be true.

In the late eighteenth century it was illegal for Irish ships to trade in the West Indies, so it is quite possible that Smyrna was falsely declared as the ship’s destination and Capt Massey sailed to the Caribbean with every intention of trading honestly. In those days the West Indies was notorious for its piracy, and Irishmen are known to have engaged in the practice, both willingly and unwillingly.

Whatever the truth of the matter, the ownership of the Ouzel’s cargo became a matter of dispute. As plunder, it could not be legally divided amongst the crew. The arbitration body which had settled the question of insurance in 1698 was reconvened to inquire into the matter. Later accounts recall how the panel decided that all monies remaining after the ship’s owners and insurers had been properly compensated should be set aside as a fund for the alleviation of poverty among Dublin’s “decayed merchants”.

For several members of the crew this outcome only exacerbated the straitened circumstances in which they found themselves, for many had returned to Dublin only to discover that in their absence their wives had remarried, or their estates had been divided among their next-of-kin. It is even said that some of the returning shipmates found new children awaiting them at home. To this day in Ringsend, children born in unorthodox circumstances are referred to as “ouzelers”

Burma Action Reception to mark 65th Birthday of Aung San Suu Kyi

2010-06-19T18:34:00.002+01:00

Burma Action Reception to mark 65th Birthday of Aung San Suu Kyi
Originally uploaded by Lord Mayor of Dublin

On the day Aung San Suu Kyi, the Leader of Burma’s National League for Democracy, celebrates her 65th birthday, Dublin’s Lord Mayor, Councillor Emer Costello has called on the Military Junta in Burma, to immediately release Aung San Suu Kyi, Freeman of the City of Dublin, Nobel Peace Laureate, from house arrest.

The Lord Mayor, Councillor Emer Costello, met with representatives from Burma Action Ireland at the Mansion House this morning, where she presented Burma Action with a Mayoral Scroll in support of Aung San Suu Kyi and the people of Burma.

According to the Lord Mayor, “Aung San Suu Kyi is a global icon of heroic and peaceful resistance in the face of military repression, and she takes her rightful place in history amongst other great civil rights leaders like Martin Luther King and Mahatma Ghandi who I know inspired her. As Lord Mayor of Dublin, I am calling on the Military Junta in Burma to immediately release Aung San Suu Kyi from house arrest. ”

I, like, many people throughout the world was outraged when I learned of the outcome of the Kafkaesque showtrial in Burma last year, where she was sentenced to three years hard labour which was subsequently commuted to eighteen months house arrest for a non-existent crime.

Last year, one of my first actions as Lord Mayor was to open a Book of Solidarity as Dublin’s response to Aung San Suu Kyi own powerful plea to people around the world to join the struggle for freedom in Burma when she said ‘Please use your freedom to promote ours’.

Aung San Suu Kyi was conferred with the Freedom of Dublin City on March 18th 2000, by former Lord Mayor, Councillor Mary Freehill. She has yet to sign the Roll of Freemen of the City, where a space has been left for her to sign.

Ends
For further information contact Emer Costello 086 3831805
Photo available at
http://www.flickr.com/photos/lordmayor

LMCE Report Launch - 15.06.10 251

2010-06-18T16:17:00.001+01:00

LMCE Report Launch - 15.06.10 251
Originally uploaded by Lord Mayor of Dublin

“THE REPORT OF THE LMCE MAKES PROPOSALS ON HOW ECONOMIC RENEWAL AND EMPLOYMENT GROWTH IN THE CITY CAN BE BETTER PROMOTED BY A RANGE OF AGENCIES INCLUDING DUBLIN CITY COUNCIL”…

Lord Mayor’s Commission on Employment
Tuesday 15th June 2010: The Lord Mayor of Dublin, Cllr. Emer Costello, will present the Report of her Lord Mayor’s Commission on Employment (LMCE) to Mr. Conor Lenihan T.D., Minister for Science, Technology, Innovation and Natural Resources today at 1.45 p.m. in the Mansion House. During her term as Lord Mayor, it was a priority of the Lord Mayor “to ensure that the Members of Dublin City Council play a pivotal role in the development and promotion of economic recovery and job creation in the City.”

Lord Mayor, Cllr. Emer Costello, says “I established the Lord Mayor’s Commission on Employment in September 2009 to examine how Dublin City Council can facilitate growth in the economy by protecting existing employment and creating new job opportunities. I am delighted with the outcome of many months of hard work by all those dedicated individuals who, collectively, have made this report possible. I look forward to seeing the recommendations contained in the Report implemented in the future.”

Mr. Conor Lenihan, Minister for Science, Technology, Innovation and Natural Resources, says “I am delighted to receive this Commission Report from the Lord Mayor”. The Minister added “the past ten months has witnessed the Commission engage in extensive research and public consultation by taking submissions, meeting with organisations and communities, visiting projects and holding workshops to come up with innovative and creative ideas for boosting the City’s economy, protecting and creating employment and improving our competitiveness.”

The Report being launched today highlights the main findings of the LMCE in the course of the last ten months work. Recommendations have been put forward under the interlinked themes of Dublin city a Working city, a Learning city, a Creative city, an Open city, a Global city and a Liveable city with three key outcomes being announced as follows:

The LMCE has successfully joined forces with Tipperary Institute to secure 20 places for Dublin in an exciting project CESBEM (Competence Enhancement in Sustainable Building Through European Mobility) II, which is a european funded project under the Lifelong Learning, Leonardo Da Vinci (People in the Labour Market) Programme. The CESBEM II Project is aimed at those in the construction Sector and provides upskilling in the field of energy efficiency in buildings.

The LMCE has liaised with Ulster Bank who will partner with Dublin City Council to provide a dedicated Business Support Programme for new Start Up businesses in Dublin. The Programme includes a €10m fund to support Start Up enterprises, current account and ancillary services, business planning and mentoring aids and other aspects of start up assistance as appropriate to the individual business. Ken Murnaghan, Regional Director Business Banking at Ulster Bank said; “We are delighted to partner with Dublin City Council in this valuable new enterprise support initiative and endorse the Lord Mayor’s Commission on Employment’s series of recommendations.”

Following work by the LMCE a study is now being carried out to identify the location of vacant commercial properties in the entire City Centre area initially along the Quays and Thomas Street. It is intended to database that information and match vacant units with persons or groups in the cultural and artistic arena seeking temporary premises. This would have the dual effect of uplifting areas with high vacancy levels while giving emerging cultural groups access to high visibility shop fronts.

The Report will be distributed at today’s launch and will be available to view on www.dublincity.ie from Wed. 16th June or phone 01 222 6200 to request a copy.

ENDS

For more information

Dublin City Council Press Office: (01) 2222170/086 8150010
Notes to the Editor:
The LMCE is comprised of Councillors on a cross-party basis, external advisors and officials from Dublin City Council. The LMCE met on eight occasions and undertook fieldtrips across Dublin City as well as to Limerick and Tipperary looking at models of best practice. In addition two working groups have assisted the LMCE with its work. A public ‘Call for Ideas’ was issued in 2009 and over one hundred submissions were received. In January 2010 the LMCE hosted two workshops entitled ‘Promoting the Cultural and Creative Industries’ and ‘Promoting Dublin as an International Student City’ and the output from these workshops have been incorporated into the Report.

In April 2010 the LMCE organised a one-day Conference in Croke Park entitled ‘Dublin – A City that Works’ to bring together Dublin’s key players to frame a plan of action for Dublin’s economy. Speaking at the Conference Maire Geoghegan-Quinn, European Commissioner for Research, Innovation & Science said “It is very clear to me that Dublin City Council is taking the issue of innovation very seriously and that this is a central component of your future jobs strategy. We need to innovate if we are going to create smarter, cleaner and greener jobs into the future”.

LMCE Members are:

Cllr. Paddy Bourke, Cllr. Mannix Flynn, Cllr. Mary Freehill, Cllr. Paul McAuliffe, Cllr. Ruairi McGinley, Cllr. Rebecca Moynihan, Cllr. Eoghan Murphy, Cllr. Aodhan O’Riordan, Cllr. Maria Parodi and Cllr. Nial Ring.

Outside Agencies include Mary Began FÁS, Fiona Corke Leargas, Edel Flynn Digital Hub Agency, Philip O’Connor Dublin Employment Pact, Dr. Declan Redmond UCD., Dermot Ryan DHR Communications, David Treacy CDVEC.

Dublin City Council Officials – Michael Stubbs, Declan Wallace, Lorna Maxwell, Kieran Rose, Paul Kearns, Nial Dully, Helen O’Leary and Jamie Cudden.

Benefits of the CESBEM II PROJECT

As a result of completing the programme the participants will;

Acquire new theoretical and practical knowledge in energy efficiency in buildings,

Have been upskilled so that they can apply the new construction techniques in line with new buildings regulations and the Energy Performance of Buildings Directive(EPBD).

Be in a position to maintain or develop new employment opportunities in the construction sector in Ireland.

Participants will receive a Certificate of Completion from Tipperary Institute, the Europass Mobility Document and the German partner’s Certificate of Completion in sustainable Building. Further support will be provided through a specific CESBEM Web Portal where follow on support and information will be provided to participants.

Mexico Celebrates 200 Years Of Independence

2010-06-04T18:46:00.002+01:00

The Lord Mayor of Dublin, Cllr Emer Costello, in the presence of Alicia Kerber Palma, Chargeé d’affaires for Mexico, at 11am on Friday 4th June in the Mansion House, will unveil a plaque celebrating the Bicentennial Anniversary of the Independence of Mexico and the Centenary of the Mexican Revolution.

“Ireland has a long association with Mexico dating back to 1642 when William Lamport from Wexford helped to establish the Independent Mexican state. In more recent times Captain John Riley from Galway led the St. Patrick’s Battalion in the Mexican-American war. It is a privilege to be associated with the unveiling of the plaque celebrating Mexico’s Independence and Revolution” said Lord Mayor Cllr Emer Costello.

“Mexico is a young country but a very old nation. Our roots go back thousand’s of years. However, 2010 is an especially significant year for Mexico. On the 16th of September, we will celebrate 200 years of being proudly Independent and proudly Mexican, while on the 20th of November we will be celebrating the Centenary of the Mexican Revolution a Revolution whose ideals of Justice and Democracy shaped the destiny of current Mexico. The Embassy of Mexico is deeply grateful for the recognition that the City of Dublin gives to these important dates” said Alicia Kerber Palma, Chargeé d’affaires for Mexico.

Plaque Unveiling for Bicentenary Mexican Independence- 4.06.10 065
Originally uploaded by Lord Mayor of Dublin

.

Speech by Lord Mayor of Dublin Cllr Emer Costello

Your Excellency, distinguished guests it gives me great pleasure to welcome you here on this glorious sunny morning to the garden of the Mansion House. We gather to honour a nation and a people and to acknowledge the bonds that connect us. The nation is Mexico and today as we unveil this plaque donated to the City of Dublin by the people of Mexico we celebrate with Mexico the bi-centennial of their independence.
Although Ireland itself only gained independence less than 100 years ago, Irish men and women have been key actors in the independence of many nations across the globe. People who have left our shores have built new lives in nations from the Americas to Asia . They have played an important role in the educational, political, civil and military lives of their adopted lands. This year marks the 200 years of independence for many Latin American Nations. I am proud of the role that the Irish played in the independence of the nations of Latin America. From the River Plate in Argentina to the Rio Grande on the Mexican-US border many Irishmen fought for independence . . I am certain that they inspired those who gathered here to proclaim Ireland’s independence in 1919.
We are bound together by shared history written in the lives of those who left our shores . . Today Mexico has the sixth largest Irish Community in the world. I understand that there are over 300,000 people of Irish descent living in the capital city of Mexico alone. In the Northern states of Chihuahua, Nuevo Leon, and Durango, Irish names such as Bay, Lamport, Byrne, Walsh, Foley, Hayes, and O'Leary are very common,
Probably the most famous Irishman in Mexico was William Lamport, better known to most Mexicans as Guillen de Lamport, precursor of the Independence movement and author of the first proclamation of independence in the New World. In fact I believe he was the inspiration for Johnston McCulley's Zorro,
Of course every Mexican knows of the St Patrick’s Brigade and their brave contribution to Mexico’s freedom. The San Patricios have entered Mexican folklore. The bond that they forged in blood between our people has found expression in music. The musical souls of our two nations, have been entwined through the music of the Chieftains album San Patricio. Music is a shared bond between us. Today Dublin is the home for the Mexican guitar virtuosos Rodrigo y Gabriela who played for President Obama (another Irishman) in the White House
I have to mention also three more recent people of Irish descent who contributed to Mexico namely ;
Álvaro Obregón (O'Brien) who was president of Mexico in 1920 and who has a city and airport named in his honour.
Actor Anthony Quinn ..
And the recent Mexican President Vicente Fox who visited Dublin in 2002 when the sculpture “Waiting for the Sailors” was unveiled in Sandymount .
Today we are linked not by war and freedom battles, but by the blood of previous generations and through the links between our economies. and our people. Mexico today is Ireland’s 19th largest trade partner, with total trade valued at €938.2m.
So it is both timely and appropriate that we unveil this commemorative plaque in honour of Mexico’s 200 years of freedom. On behalf of the Ireland’s capital I thank the Mexican Embassy and people for honouring us through this plaque. Let it stand for all time here at the home of Dublin’s first citizen in testimony to the friendship between our nations and people, and in the hope that we will grow closer over the coming years.

Irish Human Rights Commission Lecture, Oak Room - 1.06.10 044

2010-06-02T23:45:00.001+01:00

Irish Human Rights Commission Lecture, Oak Room - 1.06.10 044
Originally uploaded by Lord Mayor of Dublin

Lord Mayor Attends Protest Against Gaza Flotilla Attack

2010-06-01T22:13:00.003+01:00

Protest March for Palestine - 31.05.10 017
Originally uploaded by Lord Mayor of Dublin

The Lord Mayor of Dublin Cllr Emer Costello has expressed her horror at
the attack on a flotilla which was carrying humanitarian aid to Gaza.
The Lord Mayor will be attending and speaking at the protest this
evening.

“I will be joining my voice with that of the citizens of Dublin to
express my outrage at the unprovoked attack on the flotilla. I extend my
sympathies to the families who lost loved ones and to those who were
injured. I was extremely concerned to learn Irish citizens were on the
flotilla and our thoughts and prayers are with them. Investigations by
the EU and UN need to be completely as quickly as possible and it makes
the search for a permanent solution to the middle-East crisis all the
more compelling and urgent.”

Female Genital Mutilation Event - Africa Centre 28 May 2010

2010-05-31T23:41:00.001+01:00

FGM Event - 28.05.10
Originally uploaded by Lord Mayor of Dublin

TV Now Awards

2010-05-23T18:43:00.003+01:00

John Hartnett - Irish Technology Leadership Group - Address to Conference of Lord Mayor's Commission on Employment Dublin a City That Works

2010-05-03T22:58:00.001+01:00

Speech by Lord Mayor of Dublin to Conference of Lord Mayor's Commission on Employment "Dublin - A City that Works" Croke Park, 23 April 2010

2010-04-26T22:15:00.002+01:00

Good morning and welcome to the Conference of Lord Mayor’s Commission on Employment. It is encouraging to see such a large and indeed distinguished audience attending here today and I thank you all for your interest and your attendance.
I would like to congratulate the European Commissioner for Research, Innovation and Science Maire Geoghegan Quinn on her appointment to the post. This is a key position in the European Commission and will play a seminal role is setting the future direction of Europe, particularly in setting targets and delivering the Smart Economy. I would also like to thank her for taking time out of her very busy schedule to deliver the keynote address at this conference here today. I am particularly delighted that she chose this as her first public engagement in Dublin since her appointment as Commissioner.

I became involved in politics back in the 1980s. I had just graduated and at the time I was faced with a stark personal choice – emigrate and leave family, friends and home to create a new life in a new country or stay and try to find work against a backdrop of deepening economic recession. I opted to stay but many of my friends made the decision to leave. I resolved back then to become active in political life to make a contribution so that future generations would not be faced with the choices that I had to make.

I made the right decision. The 1980s were dismal but the 1990s saw recovery lead to unprecedented growth. During the period from 1995 to 2007 the Dublin region enjoyed one of the highest rates of employment growth across European cities and capitals. In 2007/8 the situation began to change radically. The statistics are indeed dramatic.

Nationally, unemployment rose from 4.3% at the end of 2007 to 12.7% at the end of 2009, (Well above the EU27 average of 9%)
Between 2007 and 2009 the net loss of employment in Dublin was 76,400.
Today, nationally, the number signing on the live register stands at 436,000 - Dublin accounts for 104,000 of those -
In 2009 there were almost 77,000 redundancies nationally an increase of 90% on 2008 Almost 16,000 of these were in the Dublin City Council area that is almost 21% of total national redundancies. Certain postcodes in the Dublin City Council area were particularly badly affected – Dublin 1, Dublin 2 and Dublin 12 suffering the highest numbers of redundancies.
The problem continues. In the first three months of 2010 there were 3,932 redundancies in the Dublin City Council area. .
Nationally there are 85,000 young people under the age of 25 on the live register one quarter of whom are in Dublin.
Youth unemployment in Ireland is 32% - the third highest in Europe.
Last year there was 40,000 net emigration from Ireland. The ESRI estimates it will be 60,000 in 2010. This is back to the worst years of the 1950s a period to which nobody ever expected we would be returning.

Unemployment, particularly youth unemployment will have devastating long-term social consequences if it is not dealt with a degree of urgency.
And so the night I was elected Lord Mayor of Dublin in June 2009, I stated that job creation and the protection of existing employment in the City would be my priority for my term in office. I established the Lord Mayor’s Commission on Employment to examine ways in which the local authority can develop policies to promote employment and economic renewal in the City. We want to provide whatever support we can to entrepreneurs and employers in the city to establish and retain jobs that are sustainable long into the future.

The Commission comprises Members of the City Council and experts. I specifically want to thank the members of the Commission who participated not only in our 8.00 am monthly meetings but also participated in the two working groups – education and training and employment/entrepreneurship and finance.
Last September the Commission issued a “call for ideas” for people to come on board to help get Dublin’s economy, its communities and its people all working again. The call for ideas really caught the public imagination and the numerous submissions are evidence of the wealth of talent, ideas and energy throughout the City. It is clear that the citizens of Dublin are looking for good strong political leadership to harness that energy and drive that agenda.

For the past nine months the Commission has engaged in a widespread public consultation. We have travelled the length and breadth of the City – we have listened to the human stories behind the appalling statistics: we visited communities devastated by unemployment, we have met unemployed construction workers, young people who were mid-way through apprenticeships and now had no way of completing them, young highly skilled qualified engineers, architects and teachers – new graduates and those who had limited work experience and who are being encouraged to leave the country; self employed people in micro businesses or SMEs who told us that the difficulty in accessing finance was crippling their businesses and that they were facing ruin.

And we met people who told us since losing their job that they had lost their sense of identity, their sense of self-worth. People who struggled to pay their normal household bills and still many of those people feared paying the ultimate price of losing their home if they couldn’t pay the mortgage.
But we also heard from people whose focus has shifted from having a job to doing work that makes a positive contribution to a changing society. There is an entrepreneurial spirit in communities across Dublin right now that is creating enthusiasm, motivating people to get excited about their life and giving a sense of pride and that they are contributing to their family and the wider community.

Since we started our work nine months ago, we have had some fantastic results. Kieran Rose will outline the findings in more detail this afternoon but I’d like to share some of the progress we’ve made with you to demonstrate what can be done and in a relatively short time.

Earlier this month, in just one week Dublin hosted announcements of more than 400 jobs for the city between IBM, eBay, and LinkedIn – all in the technology sector. The City Council is not just talking the talk about developing Smart Cities – we’re walking the walk it is particularly noteworthy in the case of the largest announcement, the IBM Smart Technology Centre, that Dublin City Council is centrally involved in the opening up of its data systems and working with IBM to make Dublin a smarter city. These announcements build on an emerging internet cluster that is making Dublin a location of choice for the international headquarters of companies like Google, Facebook, and Gala Networks. I was delighted to read in the SiliconRepublic online news service an article that named Dublin “the internet capital of Europe”. This is a cluster we in the Commission have identified as one with strong future economic growth potential, both for our growing indigenous SME sector and the already strong base of foreign owned companies.

The creation of an energy-smart city will also present huge opportunities for renewal and job creation. Sustainable renovation and retrofitting will be key factors in stimulating future job growth. For example, Codema the City Council’s Energy Agency, has set up the Energy Smart Community scheme which allows homeowners to join together in clusters to improve the energy performance of their homes. The scheme also enables contractors to join an expert panel to tender for these works and will create employment in this area.

However, to become an energy-smart city, we must also look to our European neighbours for stimulation and innovation of the green economy. Codema has partnered with countries in North-Western Europe to create a network of sustainable renovation suppliers under the GREENOV project funded through the European Regional Development Fund.

Along with investment and ideas, training is key to bringing Dublin into the clean green smart economy. We have also joined forces with Tipperary Institute of Technology and applied for funding under the Lifelong Learning, Leonardo Da Vinci (People in the Labour Market) Programme to send up to 20 people from Dublin on a two week placement programme on Energy Efficiency in Buildings hosted by KOMZET Germany, Centre of Vocational Excellence in Energy Efficiency in Buildings with a special emphasis on timber construction. We hope to be recruiting those places in the near future.

Another initiative that has drawn the attention of the Lord Mayor’s Commission is the International Student sector. In January the Lord Mayor’s Commission hosted a seminar on this subject. The seminar heard that international education sector contributes €900 million to the Irish economy each year and supports thousands of Irish jobs, yet this is less than 1pc of the international students who travel abroad to study. International student numbers are expected to rise by 300% over the next 15 years. Dublin City Council is supporting the Irish third level colleges by allowing them to market their scholarship programmes as The Lord Mayor of Dublin Scholarships. We also need a City Strategy to optimise benefits for the city and for students. This must involve all the stakeholders such as the education providers, Immigration authorities, and student bodies. Dublin City Council could be a broker to facilitate this collaboration.

The promotion and development of the Creative and Cultural Industries offers significant potential for job creation. In January of this year, the Commission hosted a workshop on this subject and the subsequent report has many concrete proposals for the development of these sectors. I welcome the participation of Cathal Gaffney from Brown Bag Films, which has been nominated for two Academy Awards, on the panel here today. Brown Bag has already created 50 jobs in the Smithfield area of the City and is expanding. The report from the January workshop and its recommendations is available here at the conference and can be downloaded from the Internet.

The development and protection of the retail core of the City Centre is a major challenge for the City. As Lord Mayor I am facilitating dialogue between the City Centre retailers and the Members and Executive of the City Council to develop a retail strategy for the City.

The proliferation of vacant and abandoned buildings are a major problem and challenge for the City. The Commission is looking at the issue of vacant buildings in the city centre to identify possible alternative uses for them that could support emerging growth sectors such as the creative industries, green business, social entrepreneurs. We are taking a pro-active approach to find innovative solutions such as meeting the needs of new business while addressing the growing number of empty properties on the streets.

On the issue of finance for new enterprise, the Commission is working with the Ulster Bank and other key players to develop a support package for new business start-ups in Dublin. Access to finance and other important supports are the crucial element to entrepreneurs considering starting a business today and we are working on a package that would meet this need in a holistic and targeted way. Full details will be announced on this soon.

These are just some of the concrete actions being developed by the Commission in a very short space of time. The Commission is also trying to shape national and City policy

We have identified the need for the Government to continue investment in its capital programme – rolling out broadband capability, developing transport and communications infrastructure and using the downturn in the property market and the over-supply of labour in the construction industry to develop a stimulus package that could include a programme for new school buildings, community facilities and help kick-start the failed and long-promised regeneration projects.
We are making representations to national Government particularly in relation to the education and training needs of the City for the future. Central to this is a commitment for the development of the new DIT unified campus at Grangegorman, funding for upskilling workers and access to education and training opportunities for the unemployed.

In terms of shaping City policy we have made submissions to the Dublin City Development Plan, the Regional Planning Guidelines and the City Council’s Culture strategy.

Good transport planning, connections between different parts of the city, road signage, cycling and footpaths are all important. Keeping the city looking good through street cleaning, street lighting, landscaping are all part of the bigger picture of Dublin City Council’s role in showcasing our City to potential investors.

So it is not just the private sectors that have to be innovative in these times. The Council has to maintain funding to keep these services at the levels required and it is a growing pressure because of course, rates and planning levies are greatly reduced. But we are determined to succeed and the Council is committed to playing its important role in getting Dublin’s economy back on track and to supporting new employment opportunities

For sure, much has been achieved that we can be proud of, but there is plenty more to be done. Today will be a sharing of ideas that will hopefully inform us all in what we need to do to assist in generating more Employment opportunities in the long run. The outcomes from today’s conference will inform the final report of the Commission which will be presented to the City Council at its May meeting. Today’s outcomes will also, hopefully, provide additional direction for the Commission as it moves into its next phase after my term as Lord Mayor. Indeed, I look forward to continuing the work of the Commission on Employment and the implementation of our recommendations long after I cease to be Lord Mayor.

I am looking forward to hearing from the European Commissioner for Research, Innovation and Science and to the following speakers’ and panel discussions . I would like to thank all our panellists for giving their time and sharing their expertise with us.

We have two panels packed with dynamism and ambition, and loads of good ideas too, and we have speakers from wide ranging backgrounds. I look forward to being inspired and to our Commission being fuelled with even more energy, initiative and ideas, to keep moving forward for Dublin’s economy.

I stated the night I was elected Lord Mayor of Dublin that I wanted to help make Dublin the “jewel in the crown of European Cities”. I believe that the work of the Commission on Employment will go a long way towards achieving that aim.

Dublin - A City that Works: Conference of the Lord Mayor's Commission on Employment

2010-04-24T11:47:00.002+01:00

RTE News Report 23 April 2010

Speech by Lord Mayor of Dublin to Conference of Lord Mayor's Commission on Employment "Dublin - A City that Works" Croke Park, 23 April 2010

Good morning and welcome to the Conference of Lord Mayor’s Commission on Employment. It is encouraging to see such a large and indeed distinguished audience attending here today and I thank you all for your interest and your attendance.
I would like to congratulate the European Commissioner for Research, Innovation and Science Maire Geoghegan Quinn on her appointment to the post. This is a key position in the European Commission and will play a seminal role is setting the future direction of Europe, particularly in setting targets and delivering the Smart Economy. I would also like to thank her for taking time out of her very busy schedule to deliver the keynote address at this conference here today. I am particularly delighted that she chose this as her first public engagement in Dublin since her appointment as Commissioner.

I became involved in politics back in the 1980s. I had just graduated and at the time I was faced with a stark personal choice – emigrate and leave family, friends and home to create a new life in a new country or stay and try to find work against a backdrop of deepening economic recession. I opted to stay but many of my friends made the decision to leave. I resolved back then to become active in political life to make a contribution so that future generations would not be faced with the choices that I had to make.

I made the right decision. The 1980s were dismal but the 1990s saw recovery lead to unprecedented growth. During the period from 1995 to 2007 the Dublin region enjoyed one of the highest rates of employment growth across European cities and capitals. In 2007/8 the situation began to change radically. The statistics are indeed dramatic.

Nationally, unemployment rose from 4.3% at the end of 2007 to 12.7% at the end of 2009, (Well above the EU27 average of 9%)
Between 2007 and 2009 the net loss of employment in Dublin was 76,400.
Today, nationally, the number signing on the live register stands at 436,000 - Dublin accounts for 104,000 of those -
In 2009 there were almost 77,000 redundancies nationally an increase of 90% on 2008 Almost 16,000 of these were in the Dublin City Council area that is almost 21% of total national redundancies. Certain postcodes in the Dublin City Council area were particularly badly affected – Dublin 1, Dublin 2 and Dublin 12 suffering the highest numbers of redundancies.
The problem continues. In the first three months of 2010 there were 3,932 redundancies in the Dublin City Council area. .
Nationally there are 85,000 young people under the age of 25 on the live register one quarter of whom are in Dublin.
Youth unemployment in Ireland is 32% - the third highest in Europe.
Last year there was 40,000 net emigration from Ireland. The ESRI estimates it will be 60,000 in 2010. This is back to the worst years of the 1950s a period to which nobody ever expected we would be returning.

Unemployment, particularly youth unemployment will have devastating long-term social consequences if it is not dealt with a degree of urgency.
And so the night I was elected Lord Mayor of Dublin in June 2009, I stated that job creation and the protection of existing employment in the City would be my priority for my term in office. I established the Lord Mayor’s Commission on Employment to examine ways in which the local authority can develop policies to promote employment and economic renewal in the City. We want to provide whatever support we can to entrepreneurs and employers in the city to establish and retain jobs that are sustainable long into the future.

The Commission comprises Members of the City Council and experts. I specifically want to thank the members of the Commission who participated not only in our 8.00 am monthly meetings but also participated in the two working groups – education and training and employment/entrepreneurship and finance.
Last September the Commission issued a “call for ideas” for people to come on board to help get Dublin’s economy, its communities and its people all working again. The call for ideas really caught the public imagination and the numerous submissions are evidence of the wealth of talent, ideas and energy throughout the City. It is clear that the citizens of Dublin are looking for good strong political leadership to harness that energy and drive that agenda.

For the past nine months the Commission has engaged in a widespread public consultation. We have travelled the length and breadth of the City – we have listened to the human stories behind the appalling statistics: we visited communities devastated by unemployment, we have met unemployed construction workers, young people who were mid-way through apprenticeships and now had no way of completing them, young highly skilled qualified engineers, architects and teachers – new graduates and those who had limited work experience and who are being encouraged to leave the country; self employed people in micro businesses or SMEs who told us that the difficulty in accessing finance was crippling their businesses and that they were facing ruin.

And we met people who told us since losing their job that they had lost their sense of identity, their sense of self-worth. People who struggled to pay their normal household bills and still many of those people feared paying the ultimate price of losing their home if they couldn’t pay the mortgage.
But we also heard from people whose focus has shifted from having a job to doing work that makes a positive contribution to a changing society. There is an entrepreneurial spirit in communities across Dublin right now that is creating enthusiasm, motivating people to get excited about their life and giving a sense of pride and that they are contributing to their family and the wider community.

Since we started our work nine months ago, we have had some fantastic results. Kieran Rose will outline the findings in more detail this afternoon but I’d like to share some of the progress we’ve made with you to demonstrate what can be done and in a relatively short time.

Earlier this month, in just one week Dublin hosted announcements of more than 400 jobs for the city between IBM, eBay, and LinkedIn – all in the technology sector. The City Council is not just talking the talk about developing Smart Cities – we’re walking the walk it is particularly noteworthy in the case of the largest announcement, the IBM Smart Technology Centre, that Dublin City Council is centrally involved in the opening up of its data systems and working with IBM to make Dublin a smarter city. These announcements build on an emerging internet cluster that is making Dublin a location of choice for the international headquarters of companies like Google, Facebook, and Gala Networks. I was delighted to read in the SiliconRepublic online news service an article that named Dublin “the internet capital of Europe”. This is a cluster we in the Commission have identified as one with strong future economic growth potential, both for our growing indigenous SME sector and the already strong base of foreign owned companies.

The creation of an energy-smart city will also present huge opportunities for renewal and job creation. Sustainable renovation and retrofitting will be key factors in stimulating future job growth. For example, Codema the City Council’s Energy Agency, has set up the Energy Smart Community scheme which allows homeowners to join together in clusters to improve the energy performance of their homes. The scheme also enables contractors to join an expert panel to tender for these works and will create employment in this area.

However, to become an energy-smart city, we must also look to our European neighbours for stimulation and innovation of the green economy. Codema has partnered with countries in North-Western Europe to create a network of sustainable renovation suppliers under the GREENOV project funded through the European Regional Development Fund.

Along with investment and ideas, training is key to bringing Dublin into the clean green smart economy. We have also joined forces with Tipperary Institute of Technology and applied for funding under the Lifelong Learning, Leonardo Da Vinci (People in the Labour Market) Programme to send up to 20 people from Dublin on a two week placement programme on Energy Efficiency in Buildings hosted by KOMZET Germany, Centre of Vocational Excellence in Energy Efficiency in Buildings with a special emphasis on timber construction. We hope to be recruiting those places in the near future.

Another initiative that has drawn the attention of the Lord Mayor’s Commission is the International Student sector. In January the Lord Mayor’s Commission hosted a seminar on this subject. The seminar heard that international education sector contributes €900 million to the Irish economy each year and supports thousands of Irish jobs, yet this is less than 1pc of the international students who travel abroad to study. International student numbers are expected to rise by 300% over the next 15 years. Dublin City Council is supporting the Irish third level colleges by allowing them to market their scholarship programmes as The Lord Mayor of Dublin Scholarships. We also need a City Strategy to optimise benefits for the city and for students. This must involve all the stakeholders such as the education providers, Immigration authorities, and student bodies. Dublin City Council could be a broker to facilitate this collaboration.

The promotion and development of the Creative and Cultural Industries offers significant potential for job creation. In January of this year, the Commission hosted a workshop on this subject and the subsequent report has many concrete proposals for the development of these sectors. I welcome the participation of Cathal Gaffney from Brown Bag Films, which has been nominated for two Academy Awards, on the panel here today. Brown Bag has already created 50 jobs in the Smithfield area of the City and is expanding. The report from the January workshop and its recommendations is available here at the conference and can be downloaded from the Internet.

The development and protection of the retail core of the City Centre is a major challenge for the City. As Lord Mayor I am facilitating dialogue between the City Centre retailers and the Members and Executive of the City Council to develop a retail strategy for the City.

The proliferation of vacant and abandoned buildings are a major problem and challenge for the City. The Commission is looking at the issue of vacant buildings in the city centre to identify possible alternative uses for them that could support emerging growth sectors such as the creative industries, green business, social entrepreneurs. We are taking a pro-active approach to find innovative solutions such as meeting the needs of new business while addressing the growing number of empty properties on the streets.

On the issue of finance for new enterprise, the Commission is working with the Ulster Bank and other key players to develop a support package for new business start-ups in Dublin. Access to finance and other important supports are the crucial element to entrepreneurs considering starting a business today and we are working on a package that would meet this need in a holistic and targeted way. Full details will be announced on this soon.

These are just some of the concrete actions being developed by the Commission in a very short space of time. The Commission is also trying to shape national and City policy

We have identified the need for the Government to continue investment in its capital programme – rolling out broadband capability, developing transport and communications infrastructure and using the downturn in the property market and the over-supply of labour in the construction industry to develop a stimulus package that could include a programme for new school buildings, community facilities and help kick-start the failed and long-promised regeneration projects.
We are making representations to national Government particularly in relation to the education and training needs of the City for the future. Central to this is a commitment for the development of the new DIT unified campus at Grangegorman, funding for upskilling workers and access to education and training opportunities for the unemployed.

In terms of shaping City policy we have made submissions to the Dublin City Development Plan, the Regional Planning Guidelines and the City Council’s Culture strategy.

Good transport planning, connections between different parts of the city, road signage, cycling and footpaths are all important. Keeping the city looking good through street cleaning, street lighting, landscaping are all part of the bigger picture of Dublin City Council’s role in showcasing our City to potential investors.

So it is not just the private sectors that have to be innovative in these times. The Council has to maintain funding to keep these services at the levels required and it is a growing pressure because of course, rates and planning levies are greatly reduced. But we are determined to succeed and the Council is committed to playing its important role in getting Dublin’s economy back on track and to supporting new employment opportunities

For sure, much has been achieved that we can be proud of, but there is plenty more to be done. Today will be a sharing of ideas that will hopefully inform us all in what we need to do to assist in generating more Employment opportunities in the long run. The outcomes from today’s conference will inform the final report of the Commission which will be presented to the City Council at its May meeting. Today’s outcomes will also, hopefully, provide additional direction for the Commission as it moves into its next phase after my term as Lord Mayor. Indeed, I look forward to continuing the work of the Commission on Employment and the implementation of our recommendations long after I cease to be Lord Mayor.

I am looking forward to hearing from the European Commissioner for Research, Innovation and Science and to the following speakers’ and panel discussions . I would like to thank all our panellists for giving their time and sharing their expertise with us.

We have two panels packed with dynamism and ambition, and loads of good ideas too, and we have speakers from wide ranging backgrounds. I look forward to being inspired and to our Commission being fuelled with even more energy, initiative and ideas, to keep moving forward for Dublin’s economy.

I stated the night I was elected Lord Mayor of Dublin that I wanted to help make Dublin the “jewel in the crown of European Cities”. I believe that the work of the Commission on Employment will go a long way towards achieving that aim.

Chancery Park Opening - 14.04.10 036

2010-04-15T21:11:00.001+01:00

Chancery Park Unveiling - 14.04.10 036
Originally uploaded by Lord Mayor of Dublin

Lord Mayor Cllr Emer Costello officially opened Chancery Park and unveiled plaque in honour of DCC Chief Architect 1935 Herbert G. Simms at Chancery House, to mark the completion of the Precinct Improvement Project (PIP)

Dublin IMPAC Literary Awards Short List - 12.4.10 475

2010-04-12T22:29:00.000+01:00

Dublin IMPAC Literary Awards Short List - 12.4.10 475
Originally uploaded by Lord Mayor of Dublin

The shortlist of 8 titles was selected from a total of 156 novels nominated by 163 public library systems in 123 cities worldwide and includes Netherland by Irish author Joseph O’Neill. The International IMPAC DUBLIN Literary Award is the world’s most prestigious literary prize nominated by public libraries world-wide.

The Lord Mayor of Dublin and Patron of the Award, Cllr. Emer Costello, officially confirmed the titles on this year’s shortlist, nominated by public libraries in Ireland, Austria, Estonia, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Poland, Russia, The Netherlands, South Africa, Brazil, the USA and Canada.

Once again an Irish title has been shortlisted, proof, if it were needed, that Irish contemporary fiction can hold its own on the worldwide stage. John Banville, Sebastian Barry, Ronan Bennett, Michael Collins, Patrick McCabe, Colum McCann and John McGahern have all been shortlisted since 1996. Colm Toibín has been shortlisted twice, and was the winner in 2006 for The Master.

The short listed titles are:

The Twin by Gerbrand Bakker (Dutch) in translation. Harvill Secker
The Elegance of the Hedgehog by Muriel Barbery (Moroccan / French) in translation. Europa Editions, USA, Gallic Press, UK
In Zodiac Light by Robert Edric (British) Doubleday, UK
Settlement by Christoph Hein (German) in translation. Metropolitan Books
The Believers by Zoë Heller (British). Fig Tree
Netherland by Joseph O’Neill (Irish) Fourth Estate, HarperCollins, UK, Pantheon Books, USA
God’s Own Country by Ross Raisin (British) Viking
Home by Marilynne Robinson (American) Farrar, Straus & Giroux, USA, HarperCollins, Canada

• This year is the turn of the British, with three authors on the shortlist, Robert Edric, Zoë Heller and Ross Raisin.
• Three of the shortlisted novels are in translation from the original Dutch (The Twin), French (The Elegance of the Hedgehog) and German (Settlement)
• Two of the shortlisted titles are first novels, The Twin by Gerbrand Bakker and God’s Own Country by Ross Raisin.
• The 2010 shortlist is a real mix of books. Some of them are very well known and have already received awards, e.g. Marilynne Robinson received the Orange Prize for Home, Joseph O’Neill’s Netherland was long listed for the Man Booker Prize in 2008; two are first novels, and one, Settlement by Christoph Hein, published in the USA, has not previously been seen in the bookshops in Ireland and so will gain a new audience.
The five member judging panel, chaired by Hon. Eugene R. Sullivan, will select one winner from the short list which will be announced by The Patron of the Award, The Lord Mayor of Dublin, Cllr. Emer Costello on Thursday June 17th 2010.

*************************************************************

The International IMPAC Dublin Literary Award is managed by Dublin City Libraries, on behalf of Dublin City Council. It is sponsored by IMPAC, an international management productivity company with its European headquarters in Dublin.

The Award is presented annually with the objective of promoting excellence in world literature. It is open to novels written in any language and by authors of any nationality, provided the work has been published in English or English translation in the specified time period as outlined in the rules and conditions for the year. Nominations are submitted by library systems in major cities throughout the world.

All the novels nominated can be viewed on www.impacdublinaward.ie.

Recent previous winners of the International IMPAC Dublin Literary Award include:
Man Gone Down by Michael Thomas (2009), De Niro’s Game by Rawi Hage (2008), and Out Stealing Horses by Per Petterson (2007)

Experience Japan Day - Farmleigh 11 April 2010

2010-04-11T23:38:00.000+01:00

Invitation to Dublin A City that Works - Conference of the Lord Mayor's Commission on Employment

2010-04-03T16:21:00.004+01:00

Croke Park Conference Centre
Friday 23 April 2010 8.30 a.m. to 3.30 p.m.

On the night I was elected Lord Mayor of Dublin, I stated that job creation and the protection of existing employment in the City would be the priority for my year in office. I immediately established the Lord Mayor’s Commission on Employment to promote employment and economic renewal in the City. The Commission comprises Councillors from all groups within the City Council as well as a number of people with specialist knowledge.

Since last July the Commission has been engaging in widespread public consultation, holding workshops and undertaking fieldtrips to come up with real and tangible actions. In September 2009 the Lord Mayor’s Commission put out a public “Call for Ideas” in a bottom up approach to invite the public, business and community-based, to tell us their experiences and their proposals to generate economic activity in the City. The “Call for Ideas” really caught the public imagination and in a short space of time we received over 120 submissions, with many innovative and creative ideas for boosting the City’s economy, creating employment and improving our competitiveness. In January the Commission organised two seminars: the first on promoting Dublin as an International Student City and the second on promoting the creative and cultural industries in Dublin. Both seminars were well attended and highly successful. A number of key recommendations those seminars are now being actively pursued by the City Council. (Seminar Reports can be downloaded here)

The Commission is now finalising its report and recommendations for the future. To this end we are holding a Conference “Dublin – A City that Works” with keynote speaker Maire Geoghegan Quinn, European Commissioner for Innovation, Research and Science. The Conference will take place in the Croke Park Conference Centre on Friday 23rd April from 8.30 a.m. to 3.30 p.m.

This conference will present and engage the public further on the key themes and ideas emerging from the work of the Commission to address current challenges in employment, enterprise, innovation and education for the future sustainability of Dublin’s economy. In her first speaking engagement in Dublin since her appointment as Commissioner, Maire Geoghegan Quinn will address the conference on the theme of “Cities Innovating for Future Growth.

Dowload the invitation, programme and registration form in respect of the Conference of the Commission on Employment. There is no fee for attending the conference, but anyone interested in attending should register before 16 April 2010. Information on the Conference and the work of the Lord Mayor’s Commission on Employment is also available on the City Council website: www.dublincity.ie

Earth Hour at the Mansion House

2010-03-28T16:50:00.000+01:00

Earth Hour 2010 - 27.3.10 379
Originally uploaded by Lord Mayor of Dublin

Joe and Emer Costello outside the Mansion House during the Blackout!

My Holidays - Irish Times Article

2010-03-28T15:22:00.004+01:00

Interview with the Irish Times travel supplement on holiday memories 27 March 2010

Lord Mayor of Dublin and Labour councillor for the North Inner City electoral area, Emer Costello, tells GENEVIEVE CARBERY about her holiday memories...

What’s your earliest holiday memory? I remember coming to Dublin with my mother when I was about four. It wasn’t quite a holiday, as my sisters – twin babies – were getting their tonsils out. We stayed with my aunt in Glasnevin, and it was a huge adventure. But for family holidays my father had an obsession with Bundoran, in Donegal, so we never went on holiday anywhere else except there.

What was your worst holiday? Shortly after I got married I was looking for a last-minute summer holiday. I rang an internet travel agent, looking for a special offer, and this lovely girl on the phone offered us a place in Cyprus. It sounded like a remarkable deal for two weeks in Ayia Napa, but alarm bells should have rung. It was a real party town for young people, where they are up all night and asleep all day. When I arrived I got sick and was in bed for a week. But after the antibiotics kicked in we hired a car and drove around Cyprus for our second week. It was wonderful. It’s a fabulous island, so full of history and archaeology.

What was your best holiday? It was kind of a working holiday, but the first time I went with an observer mission for elections in Cambodia was a remarkable experience. The election was really gruelling, and there was no infrastructure or electricity. We stayed in a Japanese army camp and also slept in the polling station for a few nights. After that Joe came over, and we travelled around Thailand. We spent a few days in Bangkok and went to Phuket and Chiang Mai. It was brilliant.

If budget or work were not a restriction, what would be your dream holiday? I’d love to travel east and see India and China, and then go somewhere like Bali and down to Australia.

If you had your pick, who would you bring on holiday with you? I’d have to bring Joe. We get on brilliantly on holidays.

What’s your favourite place in Ireland? The Giant’s Causeway and up around the Antrim coast. I love the sense of history and nature you feel on the Giant’s Causeway.

Your recommended holiday reading? We are awful, but we always buy the latest political book in the airport. Last year it was The Reluctant Fundamentalist by Mohsin Hamid. But I like to read short stories on the beach by authors such as Alice Munro, because you can read them in one sitting.

Where will you go to next? My term of office is finished in June, so I could do with a holiday, but I’d rather take a break in Ireland to recharge my batteries than have a big holiday abroad. I’ll probably go somewhere I know, like Kenmare or Antrim.

Lord Mayor launches Initiative to protect retail traders in Dublin City Centre from exorbitant commercial rentsb

2010-03-19T21:21:00.001Z

The Lord Mayor of Dublin Councillor Emer Costello hosted a meeting at the Mansion House this morning (15th March 2010) with representatives of the Grafton Street Traders, Dublin City Business Association (DCBA), Dublin Business Improvement District (Dublin BIDS) and a number of councillors across the political spectrum. The meeting was called in an effort to support the traders who are facing upward only rent reviews and whose businesses are being seriously threatened by the spiralling rents.

The Lord Mayor stated that ‘it is important that we support the city traders who are experiencing difficulties with upward only rent reviews. It is imperative that we help keep the retailers in the city and keep the footfall high in the city. The city centre retailers are at the heart of the City and the City Council must act to protect the retail core of the City Centre.

The Lord Mayor added that ‘the footfall in the Grafton Street and Henry Street area has fallen by 30% from the peak figures in late 2007. There are currently 22 units vacant in the Grafton Street area, with at least 6 of these on Grafton Street itself. ’

All political parties on the City Council are agreed on the urgency of the situation. The Lord Mayor on behalf of the City Council (Councillors and management), the Retailers, the DCBA and Dublin BIDS are now requesting a meeting with the Landlords, in particular the Institutional Landlords to try to resolve this situation.

The Lord Mayor stated that ‘it is more important for Dublin that the shops stay open for business than to have vacant shops. We need to get a solution to this situation immediately before more people are added to the dole queues and adversely affecting Dublin’s economy.’

The Lord Mayor is calling on the Government to review the recent legislation that banned future upward only rent reviews to see if this legislation can be applied to existing leases.

The Lord Mayor stated ‘today we have started a process to help resolve this very difficult situation and I suggest that rent reviews should be linked to the Consumer Price Index as a means to resolve this situation’.

Lord Mayor congratulates Richard Baneham on Oscar win

2010-03-19T21:19:00.001Z

Dublin’s Lord Mayor Cllr Emer Costello has offered her warmest congratulations to Ballyfermot College graduate Richard Baneham on his Oscar win in the ‘Best Visual Effects’ category.

Lord Mayor Costello says “The Oscar win is a well-deserved triumph for Richard and the visual effects teams he worked with on the magical film ‘Avatar’. It is also a world-wide recognition for Ballyfermot College and for the technical knowledge and expertise that exist in Ireland.”

Lord Mayor Costello also congratulated the other Irish nominees whose work was recognised with Academy Award nominations. These included the team behind the animated film ‘The Secret of Kells’, Brown Bag for ‘Granny O’Grimm’ the Bray-based Octagon Films for ‘The Door’ and Peter J. Devlon for his sound mixing work on ‘Star Trek’.

“The Irish nominees were all in cutting edge technical categories and three nominees came from just one place – Ballyfermot College, Dublin. It’s a fantastic opportunity for us to show-case our talents and shows how much innovation and creativity Ireland has.”

Lets be smarter and greener says Lord Mayor of Dublin Councillor Emer Costello

2010-03-19T21:17:00.000Z

bDublin’s Lord Mayor Emer Costello today called for the creation of a smart green city economy. Speaking at the annual Spirit of Ireland Awards in San Jose California she said : “Today we face significant challenges in terms of the economy and public services. But these challenges are also opportunities. The challenges of today can help us rethink the way in which we run our societies and our communities. We can “green” our communities and public services thus achieving efficiency, reducing cost but also securing a more sustainable future where our footprint on this planet is more in harmony with the needs of our delicate planet eco-systems.
We can be “ smarter” in how we apply technology in business, in public services, in the home, the school, the hospital and community. By being smart in how we do things we can be more efficient , pool expertise and knowledge, and create more time in a busy world for people to be with family and one another.By being smart in this sense we can improve the quality of our lives.”

The Spirit of Ireland Award went to Bob Hennessey of Co. Tipperary for his work over the last three decades in his adopted USA. Bob has worked tirelessly to promote conservation while at the same time create jobs, provide education and secure futures for thousands of high school dropouts. The Lord Mayor as Guest of honour at the event delivered the keynote speech. In her words she acknowledged the key role played by innovators such as John Harnett of the Irish Technology Leadership Group. She welcomed the establishment of an Irish Innovation Centre in San Jose which provides a gateway for new creative Irish companies to enter the Amercian and Silicon Valley markets.

Over the last few days the Lord Mayor has led a mission of civic and business leaders to develop opportunities for co-operation around the smart green economy and the cultural industries. The visit comes against the background of Oscar nominations for three Irish companies in the creative field of animated film. The Lord Mayor told some 400 business and Irish community leaders at the Awards that future economic and social progress lies in innovative colloboration between major cities around the globe. She remarked “The economic co-operation that has existed between our two countries has shaped the economic well being of both. Over the last 24 years your companies have created hundreds of thosuands of jobs in Ireland. When people work together it is a two way street and today we are proud of the fact that Irish entrpreneurs here in Silicon valley have helped create some 90,000 jobs here.”

San Jose is the 10 largest city in America and is the capital of California’s Silicon valley. The city has pioneered partnership agreements with companies in the clean tech and smart business areas allowing them to testbed their products within the city infrastructure. Dublin has just entered into similar agreements with companies in Dublin . The objective is to provide a practical problem focused opportunity within which new products and services can be developed and tested. These products help create jobs locally and provide global commercial opportunities.

St. Patrick's Festival - 17.3.10 022

2010-03-17T23:31:00.000Z

International Women's Day - DCC Events

2010-03-02T00:25:00.002Z

International Women’s Day, 8th March, is a global day of celebration where women from all countries and of different political, economic, social, linguistic and ethnic backgrounds
can join together to reflect on the struggle for equality over the past century, celebrate the achievements to date and identify the challenges for the future.
In July 2007 the Members of Dublin City Council unanimously passed a motion agreeing to initiate a City Council programme of activities each year to “promote women’s participation in the political, economic and social life of Dublin City” . An all-party steering committee was established to develop an annual programme from 2008.
This year’s impressive and exciting programme of events builds on the success of the previous two years. The Dublin City Council International Women’s Day Programme is now firmly embedded in the annual calendar of the City.
I would like to thank all those who have contributed to the extensive programme of events for 2010, the Members of the IWD Working Group, Dublin City Council staff from Dublin City Libraries, Community Development and City Manager’s Departments for their ongoing support and commitment to this project.

Download International Women's Day Programme

Bohemian Football Club Honoured by Lord Mayor

2010-03-02T00:23:00.001Z

Let your Tiger loose this Valentines Day at the Dublin Chinese New Years Festival Carnival

2010-02-14T23:59:00.002Z

Dublin’s Chinese New Year Festival Carnival takes place in Wolfe Tone Park, Jervis St, between 12 noon and 7pm on Sunday 14th of February. This year’s Chinese New Year marks the Year of the Tiger and coincides with Valentine’s Day.

This vibrant carnival is a highlight of the Dublin Chinese New Year Festival (DCNYF) which runs from 12 to 21st February. Some of the Carnival attractions include:

Shanghai University dance troupe perform Chinese ribbon and sword dances
Chinese dragon and lion dances
Tai chi and martial arts displays
Sample a little bit of China at food and craft stalls, or even better, take part in the festival’s interactive art workshops
Ferris wheel and entertainment

Dublin’s Lord Mayor Emer Costello says “The Dublin Chinese New Year Festival Carnival is a great opportunity for the many Chinese people living in Dublin to showcase their unique and special culture and to celebrate their welcome place in Dublin society.”

Amy- Yin Zhang of DCNYF says “New Year is the most important festival for over 1 ¼ billion Chinese people all over the world. The Dublin carnival celebrates not just the fact that we are Chinese but also that we live here in Dublin and want to share our culture with other Dubliners. Zhong Guo Nian!’

ENDS

Notes to Editor:

Dublin Chinese Festival New Year’s Carnival is presented by Dublin City Council in association with Vodafone Ireland

Other festival highlights include:

Sino-Celtic Love – a century of fashion: 6th to 21st February, Treasury Holdings Building
Telling Images of China: 12th February to 2nd May Chester Beatty Library, Dublin Castle
A Dubliner’s Collection of Asian Art, National Museum of Ireland, Collins Barracks
Gallery of Photography Exhibition: Reading the Self, Reading the Others , 14th to 20th February
Reading the Self, Reading the Others: 14th to 20th February, 15-19 Essex Street West, Temple Bar (Photography exhibition and cross community conversation)

Dublin’s Lord Mayor Cllr Emer Costello has expressed her condolences on the death of former Lord Mayor of Dublin and politician Tomas MacGiolla.

2010-02-05T01:11:00.000Z

According to Lord Mayor Costello “Tomas Mac Giolla was Lord Mayor of Dublin from 1993-1994 and served the people of Dublin with distinction. Tomas ably served the people of Dublin West for ten years as a TD and represented the communities of Ballyfermot for almost two decades on Dublin City Council.
Tomas’ long political career was marked by his passionate engagement with the causes he believed in. Ireland’s independence and the promotion of equal opportunities for all our citizens were the causes he was most closely identified with. He was also keenly aware of the need to preserve our own language and heritage. He was active in the campaign to preserve 16 Moore Street (where the 1916 leaders made their last stand) and for the establishment of a commemorative centre on the site. Nos 14 – 17 Moore Street were designated a National Monument as a result of the campaign. Tomas continued to campaign on this issue until very recently.
“At this difficult time I would like to express my support and sympathy for Tomas’s wife Mae and all his family and many friends.”

Lord Mayor Appoints Eleven Ambassadors of Sport to Start Dublins Year as European Capital of Sport 2010

2010-02-05T00:56:00.004Z

Irish sporting representatives from national organisations and local clubs across Dublin, including boxer Bernard Dunne and Marco Tardelli, Assistant Manager of the Irish Soccer Team joined Lord Mayor Councillor Emer Costello to celebrate the start of “Dublin – European Capital of Sport 2010” today.

The Launch Ceremony took place in St Patrick’s Hall, Dublin Castle today where Cllr. Alan Christian Rizzi from Milan, Italy, holder of the 2009 City of Sport designation, presented the European Capital of Sport flag and trophy to Lord Mayor Councillor Emer Costello.

Lord Mayor Cllr Emer Costello announced the appointment of eleven ambassadors of sport from Dublin’s sporting communities to celebrate the achievements of the Capital and its citizens in winning the award. A delegation from the EU and the Association of European Capitals of Sport (ACES) organisation were in attendance along with representatives from the GAA, IRFU, FAI and a wide range of sporting organisations.

“Dublin City Council is delighted to partner with so many sporting organisations this year to promote sport and active living to more people,” said Lord Mayor Councillor Emer Costello. “During this Capital of Sport Year, I look forward to giving myself more time to get out and be active. I love walking and swimming and I hope to use the opportunity of the European Capitals of Sport year to take up new activities. I will be encouraging all those that I meet when I’m out and about to enjoy being active this year too and to make lifetime changes that will reap benefits long into the future.”

At the ceremony, the Lord Mayor of Dublin announced the eleven Dubliners who will join Bernard Dunne as “Ambassadors of Dublin Sport 2010” and present each with a piece of engraved Dublin Crystal. The eight men and three women were chosen from nominations by communities and sporting organisations across Dublin. They are from a wide range of sports - Karate, Boxing, Football, Athletics, Special Olympics Athletics, GAA, Volleyball, Fencing, Hockey, Orienteering and Softball – and include people who coach and referee, individuals who established sports clubs and those involved in running clubs and participating in sports at all levels.

“Our Ambassadors of Sport give an enormous amount of their time, energy and personal commitment in order to make Dublin the sporting city that it is. We commend them and are very grateful for all that they do. I hope that by highlighting how these individuals contribute to their sports and in turn help to strengthen communities, that others will be inspired by them to get involved in sport too,” said Lord Mayor Councillor Emer Costello.

“As a Dubliner, as a sportsman and as an avid supporter of all sports, I am delighted and honoured to be the Ambassador for Dublin European Capital of Sport 2010,” said boxer Bernard Dunne. “Along with all the clubs and sporting bodies in Dublin I aim to motivate people to be more active this year and get involved in some sporting activity. It doesn’t matter what sport they chose, so long as they start moving and enjoy being active and healthier.”

The “Dublin - European Capital of Sport 2010” dedicated website www.dublinsport.ie , provides details about what is happening during the Year, including sporting fixtures, photos and video from events, a map of sporting facilities and profiles of the Ambassadors of Sport. We are also using Twitter (http://twitter.com/dublinsport ), Facebook (http://short.ie/dubsport2010fb ) and Pix.ie (http://pix.ie/dublinsport ) to promote activities throughout the Year.

“We encourage all sporting organisations to publicise what they are doing on www.dublinsport.ie , and our vision is that this website develops and grows long after the Year to become a one-stop point where clubs can promote what they are doing and where spectators, participants and visitors to the Capital can go to check out information about all Sport fixtures and activities in Dublin,” said Karl Mitchell, Sport & Active Living Manager, Dublin City Council.

“We wish Dublin people an enjoyable and active Year. Dublin was chosen by the European Capitals of Sport Association (ACES) because of the huge participation by people in Dublin in all levels of sport, the variety of sports on offer in the city and the high level of volunteerism, from local clubs to stadium management,” said Gian Francesco Lupatelli, Association of European Capitals of Sport (ACES). “Dublin City Council’s partnership approach to sport and recreation and the importance that Dublin City puts on encouraging all sectors of society to get involved in sport and recreation were also impressive factors in designating Dublin as European Capital of Sport 2010.”

ENDS

Oscar nominations show creative potential can be key to city's economic recovery says Lord Mayor

2010-02-05T00:46:00.001Z

Dublin’s Lord Mayor Cllr Emer Costello would like to congratulate the three Ballyfermot College graduates who worked on projects which received Oscar nominations.

Lord Mayor Costello says “Nicky Phelan, Tomm Moore and Richard Baneham are obviously very talented and creative individuals and it is wonderful to see their work receive the recognition it deserves. Our talent and creativity is our international unique selling point and potentially our winning card when it comes to economic recovery.

The Lord Mayor’s Commission on Employment which I established last year identified the creative industries as having enormous potential as drivers of economic recovery. As part of the Commission’s work programme, we hosted a workshop on the ‘Creative and Cultural Industries & Innovation’ last week to discuss how best to harness the talent and creativity of our City.

We looked at how city leaders, entrepreneurs and creative people might create the right environment and infrastructure to support innovation in the entertainment and artistic industries here in Dublin and I believe that there are specific steps that we should now take in this regard.

These would include:

Using the IFSC model for creating an international hub in Dublin for the Creative Industries
Better sharing and dissemination of information on events and developments
Establishing a Rapid Taskforce to identify empty space and to match those with needs and opportunities in the sector

“Brown Bag Films” is a shining example of the potential of the animation and film industry with the creation of 50 jobs in Smithfield. It is my belief that their success will inspire and encourage confidence in the development of a vibrant creative industries sector in Dublin.

I also want to congratulate Ballyfermot College of Further Education for their pioneering work in the area of providing courses in animation – indeed it is not the first time graduates of the college have been given international recognition.

The Oscar nominations show just how much potential there is and I wish Nicky, Tomm and Richard well at Oscar Night in Hollywood

ENDS

Click here to read the workshop report:

Notes to Editor:

The Lord Mayor’s Commission on Employment was established in September 2009 to examine how Dublin City Council can facilitate growth in the local economy. It is working to identify and make recommendations on relevant issues of unemployment and employment; business, entrepreneurship and finance; education, skills and training; volunteering and the social economy.
In September a Call for Ideas from the public was also launched which has been tremendously responded to with over 100 submissions received from businesses, organisations and individuals. The Commission is currently working through these submissions but have identified two strong themes emerging in its work to date that warrant further and immediate dialogue with stakeholders to help inform it further, namely ‘Dublin as an International Student Destination’ and the ‘Cultural and Creative Industries and Innovation in Dublin’.
Two Issues Papers on these topics were prepared and following consideration of these the Commission organised two workshops to solicit further dialogue from all stakeholders and perspectives. Listed below is summary report and issue paper on “cultural and Creative industries and Innovation Workshop held on Tuesday 19th January 2010.

Update on Water Supply Situation 29th January 2010

2010-02-04T00:30:00.002Z

There has been a significant improvement in relation to the water supply situation throughout the Dublin Region over the last week. This is due to a combination of factors including a reduction in demand from consumers, finding and fixing leaks and the imposition of supply restrictions by the Local Authorities. Storage levels have recovered from the critically low levels of early January at all treated water reservoirs. At Stillorgan Reservoir, which is of vital strategic importance, levels have risen from a low of 402 million litres on January 15th to 640 million litres on January 29th 2010.

Dublin Lord Mayor stated "I would like to take this opportunity to express our appreciation to all of those who played a part in helping to resolve the unprecedented difficulties with water supply that have been experienced over the last 3 weeks. The understanding, co-operation and assistance of all of our customers was seminal in helping us to resolve the problems, together with the Elected Members, the City Council’s own staff from all departments, area offices, Civil Defence and Fire Brigade, our sister Local Authorities, the Department of Defence (Army), and companies like Diageo. The situation could have been much worse and the impact even greater to customers but for the efforts of all involved. We regret any inconvenience caused to the public as a result of pressure reductions, supply restrictions and the work involved in finding and fixing leaks. Further work needs to be done on the network and ongoing conservation measures taken by the public will greatly assist in bringing the water supply back to normal. It is a credit to all involved that the impact of a one in fifty year cold spell on the water distribution system will have been substantially dealt with in a period of four weeks.”

“The City Council has undertaken to conduct a full review of the challenges presented by the recent extreme inclement weather and to use the learning outcomes to help us tackle such events in the future. To this end I intend to have a further discussion on the matter next Monday night at the February Meeting of the City Council under Lord Mayor’s Business”, the Lord Mayor concluded.

Lord Mayor welcomes new high tech jobs for Dublin

2010-01-27T16:17:00.000Z

The Lord Mayor of Dublin Councillor Emer Costello was delighted to be present at the Digital Hub in Dublin this morning for the announcement by the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment, Ms Mary Coughlan, TD, that Gala Inc., a leading Japanese online gaming company, is to expand its European Headquarters in Dublin with the creation of 103 new, high-quality jobs. The company is located in Dublin’s Digital Hub and the expansion is facilitated by the Irish Government with the support of IDA Ireland.
'The jobs announced by Gala Limited today are exactly the kind of jobs that we need to create for Dublin. Last week I hosted two workshops as part of my commission on employment. The focus of the second workshop was promoting the cultural and creative industries and innovation in Dublin. Todays jobs are showing that Dublin is a city where creation and innovation can translate into real jobs. The jobs announced today require high skill levels as well as language skills.
Creative industries will be a key factor in our economic recovery. I congratulate Hyun Gur, CEO pf Gala Limited on today's announcement and wish him and his staff every success in the Digital Hub.'

Lord Mayor's statement on City Water Supply Problems

2010-01-20T22:41:00.002Z

'I wish to thank the people of Dublin for their continued conservation of water and for their co-operation during the current difficulties being experienced with regard to the supply of water in Dublin. The situation continues to be critical and I ask that people continue to be proactive in reducing water usage to ensure that supply is returned to all areas of the city as soon as possible.
Another briefing was arranged this evening for the Members of the City Council to fully update them on the current situation. The situation is continuing to receive the highest priority with every effort being made to get a supply to the worst affected areas.
Due to the critical shortage of treated water I would urge each and every one of us to be miserly in our use of water. Please do not use power hoses to wash windows, cars or clean the path. Please do not run the tap unnecessarily. It will take some time for the supply to return to normal. The more we all conserve water the quicker the supply will be restored to normal.
I would like to take this opportunity to publicly thank the staff of the City Council and the members of the Civil Defence forces who have worked so hard over the last number of weeks to help get the supplies to people and to repair the broken water mains.’
Information on the availability of water tankers is being continually updated on the City Council website www.dublincity.ie Click the icon for a tap.
Other mobile tankers are being deployed to assist with hospitals, nursing homes and schools.
The Lord Mayor also asked that those with special needs should contact 01 2220600 - available until 6 pm. The after hours number of 01 6796186 will be available after 6.00 pm.
Further statements will issue before the weekend to update the people of Dublin

Workshops to look at the new thinking that can kick-start recovery

2010-01-17T22:50:00.001Z

Workshops to look at the new thinking that can kick-start recovery
The arts and creative industries will be key factors in our economic recovery. And, by attracting foreign students here, we are making vital links with the business leaders of tomorrow.

These are the key messages in two exciting seminars Lord Mayor Cllr Emer Costello is hosting at the Wood Quay Venue as part of her Commission on Employment. The workshops take place on Monday 18th and Tuesday 19th January between 9.30am and 12.30pm.

Lord Mayor Costello says “I want these workshops to encourage people to think differently. For example, people sometimes think the arts merely receive money from central government. However, the new economy means we must harness resources we have that other countries don’t have. Our creativity is perhaps the most important resource we have in Ireland.

“Also, while foreign students contributed an estimated €5 billion to our economy in 2009 we should only see this as the tip of the ice-berg. Foreign students are the leaders of tomorrow and if Ireland is open to them we can place ourselves in a better position when they make the investment decisions of tomorrow.

Please support the Lord Mayor’s appeal on behalf of the victims of the earthquake in Haiti

2010-01-17T22:20:00.001Z

Like many people I was deeply touched by the images on our television screens in recent days documenting the exten of the tragedy following the earthquake in Haiti. I was persnally moved to launch an appeal and collection on behalf of the following charities – Trocaire, Concern, GOAL and the Irish Red Cross.

‘I believe the people of Dublin would welcome the opportunity to express their support for the families and relatives of people who died, were injured and were made homeless by this disaster’ said the Lord Mayor.

‘I am aware that the people of Dublin have suffered over the last year from the downturn in the economy with many people losing their jobs, with increases in taxes and of course the recent spell of bad weather. However I personally welcome the chance to do anything I can to assist the tremendous work being done by the aid agencies and to facilitate public support for their work.

I have arranged to have a facility to collect money at the Mansion House, Dawson Street, the Civic Offices, Wood Quay and City Hall, Dame Street. I would encourage others to arrange collections in work places, at church gates and in pubs and shops and any other place where people gather.’

The collection boxes will be open at the Mansion House, Civic Offices and City Hall at the following times:

Fri 15th January 2010 14.00 to 17.00
Sat 16th January 2010 10.00 to 17.00 (Mansion House and City Hall only)
Mon 18th January 2010 10.00 to 17.00
Tues 19th January 2010 10.00 to 17.00
Wed. 20th January 2010 10.00 to 17.00

Lord Mayor Statement on City Water Supply Problems

2010-01-14T23:07:00.004Z

The Lord Mayor Cllr Emer Costello has thanked the people of Dublin for their response to the conservation of water. She advises that the situation continues to be critical and she asked that people continue to be proactive in reducing water usage to ensure that supply is returned to all areas of the city as soon as possible.

“Given the ongoing water supply problems I have requested the City Manager to improve communications to the general public particularly in the most effected areas of the City.” Arising from this a briefing session has been arranged with members of the City Council this evening to fully update on the current situation.

The Lord Mayor said that “the situation is receiving the highest priority and every effort is being made to get a supply to the most affected areas.”

“I am also asking people to be extremely vigilant of bogus door-to-door callers, purporting to be operatives from the Water Services Division of the City Council. I urge people not to give anyone access to their homes, without having completely satisfied themselves as to the callers identity. This has been identified as a real problem, particularly in the Dublin 8 area of the City. There are however, some simple steps you can take to safeguard yourself, such as: request the callers’ name, proof of identity and their credentials; ask them for a City Council contact telephone number to verify their bona fides; check to see if there is a City Council vehicle, outside their home, with City Council branding and markings clearly indicating the City Council Department and Division to which it belongs. The Gárda.ie website contains very useful information on their homepage, clearly outlining the steps that should be taken by householders to protect themselves from bogus callers, and satisfy themselves as to the caller’s identity”, the Lord Mayor added.

Information on the availability of water tankers is being continually updated on the City Council website www.dublincity.ie Other mobile tankers are being deployed to assist with hospitals, nursing homes and schools.

The Lord Mayor also asked that those with special needs should contact 01 2220600 - available until 8pm. The after hours number of 01 6796186 will be available post 8pm.

Further statements will issue before the weekend to update the public.

Ends.

Should you wish to interview the Lord Mayor, please contact her directly at Tel: 086 3831805

Lord Mayor's Commission on Employment - Workshop Invitations

2010-01-13T11:15:00.005Z

Promoting Dublin As An International Student City
Workshop Date: Monday 18th January 2010; 9.30a.m – 1.00p.m, Wood Quay Venue, Dublin Civic Offices.

Panel
Dr. Robert Flood, Head of International Affairs, Dublin Institute of Technology
Mr. Paul Kearns, Senior Planner, Dublin City Council
Mr. Peter Mannion, President, Union Students of Ireland
Mr. Tom Boland, CEO, Higher Education Authority
Mr. Kevin O'Sullivan, Principal Officer, Dept of Justice, Equality & Law Reform
Ms. Sheila Power, Director, Irish Council for International Students
Mr. Frank Magee, CEO, Dublin Tourism
CHAIR: Mr. Michael Stubbs, Assistant City Manager, Dublin City Council

Promoting Cultural & Creative Industries and Innovation in Dublin’
Workshop Date: Tuesday 19th January 2010 ; 9.30a.m – 1.00p.m, Wood Quay Venue, Dublin Civic Offices.

Panel
Mr. Ned Costello, CEO, Irish Universities Association
Dr. Chirs Horn, Co-founder & former Chief Executive Officer, Iona Technologies & member of the Innovation TaskforceMr. Philip Maguire, Assistant City Manager, Dept. of Culture, Recreation & Amenities, Dublin City CouncilMs. Aibhlín McCrann, Board Member of the Arts Council
Mr. Sean McCrave, CEO, Institute of Advertising Practitioners in Ireland
Mr. Toby Scott, Director of Pentacle Ireland and Founding Director of the Centre for Design Innovation
Mr. Willie White, Director, Project Arts Centre
Mr. Frank Magee, CEO, Dublin Tourism
CHAIR: Mr. Declan McGonagle, Director, National College of Art Design

A background paper for each of the works is attached for your information.

Schedule for Workshop:
9.30 Registration, Tea & Coffee
10.00 Lord Mayor's Welcome & Outline of the Lord Mayor's Commission
10.15 Workshop opened by the Chair
10.30 Panel Discussion
12.00 Agree key conclusion & recommendations
12.30 Light Lunch

For further information please contact:
Lord Mayor Cllr. Emer Costello 086 3831805
Lorna Maxwell, Economic Development Unit, Tel: 087 9665708

Lord Mayor, Cllr Emer Costello to Prioritise Debate on Council’s Response to January Freezing Weather at City Council Meeting, Monday 11 January

2010-01-11T17:17:00.001Z

The Lord Mayor of Dublin, Cllr Emer Costello has requested the City Manager to draw up a comprehensive report on the City Council’s response to the freezing weather crisis in preparation for the City Council meeting on Monday 11 January. The Lord Mayor has announced she has prioritised the matter for debate under Lord Mayor’s Business at the Council meeting.
Speaking in advance of the City Council meeting on Monday evening the Lord Mayor stated that
“We have had an unprecedented period of winter weather, consisting snow and ice, indeed arctic conditions in the Capital City and throughout the country. There has been public frustration and confusion at the lack of Government co-ordination to the crisis. It is important too that we have an honest and full evaluation of the City Council’s performance during this period. Everything should be on the table: co-ordination at national and local level, the extent road gritting, the availability or non-availability of rock salt and gritting materials, communications both on an inter-agency basis and the public information systems which were in place, the deployment of staff, the provision of services to the public during the crisis and most importantly the impact of the cuts in our budget on our response to the crisis. We need to learn the lessons of this crisis and we need to ensure that we have systems in place to deal with any such event in the future.”
The Lord Mayor added that “we also have to appreciate what was achieved by our staff on ever-dwindling resources. I would like to thank the City Council staff who worked tirelessly to provide essential services. Seven teams of road-gritters worked throughout the City day and night to try to keep our streets clear. Other staff were redeployed to clear pavements with high pedestrian usage. Dublin City Council staff ensured that the pavements at senior citizen complexes were kept clear. While clearly there were many areas that were not reached or covered by these teams, the work of the Council staff is to be commended.
“I appreciated that following my representations to the Manager, shower facilities in the City Council inner city swimming pools at Sean McDermott Street and Markievicz Pool were made available to people who had no water and washing facilities.”
The Lord Mayor also paid tribute to members of the public for the remarkable civic and community spirit which has been so much in evidence throughout the City. Many residents and businesses rowed in with clearing the pavements outside their homes and premises. Hospital staff worked extra hours and those who lived outside the capital arranged to stay in Dublin with relatives or friends so that they could continue to provide their services. People made special efforts to donate blood and replete the dwindling supplies. Neighbours looked in on neighbours to ensure that those who were not as mobile were still had sufficient provisions to keep them over the cold spell.”
The Lord Mayor concluded that “ while there has been something of a thaw in recent days, the freezing conditions are not yet over. At least another week’s bad weather is predicted. We must continue to make every effort to maintain a high level of response to ensure the safety of our citizens. And it is important to have a full debate on the issues encountered so to ensure that the learning outcomes are taken on board and acted on for the future. “
Ends
Cllr Emer Costello, Lord Mayor of Dublin,
Tel: 086 3831805

Christmas and New Year with Lord Mayor Cllr Emer Costello

2009-12-24T19:24:00.000Z

As part of her Christmas schedule, the Lord Mayor of Dublin, Councillor Emer Costello, will attend a number of engagements with her husband, Joe Costello TD, on Friday 25th December, Christmas Day.
“Christmas is a joyful time when families gather to celebrate the wonderful festival. Unfortunately some people have to spend the Christmas period in hospital because they are ill. Others miss out on Christmas because they are homeless or alone. We should remember them at this time.
Because children are so central to the Christmas festivities and the Christmas message, I am delighted to have the opportunity of visiting the children who are patients in Temple Street and Crumlin Children’s Hospitals on Christmas Day morning. Also the Christmas Day Dinner for the homeless in the RDS organised by the Knights of Columbanus will be a highlight of the day as will the senior citizens Christmas Day Dinner in McKee Army Barracks on Blackhorse Avenue, Dublin 7.
I want to thank all those wonderful volunteers, nurses, firemen and Gardaí who will be out and about on Christmas Day providing food, essential services and security for the citizens of this City.
Finally I want to take this opportunity of wishing all the citizens of Dublin a wonderful, happy and safe Christmas.

Notes to the Editor
List of engagements
9:30 -10:15: Our Lady's Hospital for Sick Children, Crumlin
10:30 -11:15 : Temple Street Children’s Hospital, Dublin
11:30 -12:30: Christmas Day Dinner for the Homeless, RDS Ballsbridge
12:45 -1:45. Our Lady's Hospice, Harolds Cross
2:00 -3:00. McKee Barracks, Senior Citizens Christmas Dinner
3:00 -3:45. Mater Hospital

11:30 -12:30: Christmas Day Dinner for the Homeless, RDS Ballsbridge
12:45 -1:45. Our Lady's Hospice, Harolds Cross
2:00 -3:00. McKee Barracks, Senior Citizens Christmas Dinner
3:00 -3:45. Mater Hospital

Lord Mayor and National Women's Council Pay Tribute to Mary Robinson

2009-12-22T10:42:00.003Z

The Lord Mayor of Dublin, Cllr Emer Costello, welcoming Mary Robinson to City Hall
Originally uploaded by The Labour Party

Lord Mayor Councillor Emer Costello and the National Women's Council were delighted to host a reception in honour of Mary Robinson to celebrate the award of the Presidential Medal of Freedom on Thursday 17 December. The reception takes place at City Hall, Dame Street at 19.00hrs on Thursday 17th December.

Lord Mayor, Cllr Emer Costello said "Mary Robinson is an inspiration to so many people both in Ireland and all around the world. For many years she pioneered awareness of human rights in Ireland including, in particular, women's rights. Her election as Ireland's first female President was a genuinely historic moment in Irish history and signalled real change in our political and social landscape. Subsequently, as United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights from 1997 to 2002 she was a voice for the vulnerable and the marginalised all over the world. She has continued to be that voice in many different roles since then. This was recognised by President Obama when she was honoured with the Presidential Medal of Freedom in July this year, the highest civilian honour awarded by the US.”

Lord Mayor's Gala Christmas Concert

2009-12-20T00:24:00.000Z

Lord Mayor's Gala Christmas Concert
Originally uploaded by Lord Mayor of Dublin

Lord Mayor of Dublin, Councillor Emer Costello, hosted the annual Lord Mayor’s Christmas Concert on Sunday 20th December 2009 at 3pm in the Round Room of the Mansion House, Dawson Street, Dublin 2.

The event was a magical, festive and entertaining mix of Gospel Choir singing, beautiful Orchestral Music provided by secondary school students and readings from Christmas poetry. The evening was in aid of the “Mansion House Fuel Fund” which is the Lord Mayor’s only personal charity and can trace its roots back to 1870 and is thus one of the oldest charities in Dublin. The Mansion House Fuel Fund helps charities such as the SIMON Community, St. Vincent DePaul and the Rialto Social Centre to name but a few.

“It gives me great pleasure to be hosting this years’ Christmas Concert at the Mansion House. I know that the money raised tonight will go directly to charities that will ensure that those most in need will receive the assistance and care they require in a dignified and sensitive manner. I want to thank everyone who has participated this evening in making this event possible, from the kind people who have attended to the performers who have entertained us with their musical and poetic talents, your support is much appreciated” said the Lord Mayor.

Ends Notes to the Editor:Listed below are Charities whom the Mansion House Fuel Fund currently assist during the winter Months:Abbey Presbyterian Church Hamper Fund Dublin Parochial Society Little Sisters of the Assumption, Finglas Rialto Social Centre St Agatha’s Parish (Daughters of Charity, North William Street) St Mary’s Pro-Cathedral St. Vincent DePaul St. Thomas the Apostle Parish, Jobstown, Tallaght SIMON Community

Background:Dublin City Council’s archives show that the Mansion House Fund for Relief of Distress in Ireland can trace its roots back to the 1870’s Ireland was beset by harvest failure during the 1870’s and in 1880 Famine threatened the country. To prevent this the Mansion House Fund was set up to collect money from Irish Emigrants all over the world Mansion House Fuel Fund, as we know it today, was set up by Sir John Arnott in 1891. It was originally set up to assist the needy during a particularly hard winter. At the end of that winter the surplus was carried over to the next year and the Mansion House Fuel Fund has continued to aid the needy in Dublin since. It is one of the oldest charities in Dublin The Lord Mayor is Chairperson of the Fund and is assisted by the Secretary and Treasurer. The committee meets twice a year with the Lord Mayor to determine the level of grants to be allocated to the recognised Charitable Bodies during the winter months Mansion House Fuel Fund distributes cash grants through a number of Charitable Societies, without any distinction of creed. It was one of the first truly Ecumenical Charities in the City There are no paid staff running the Charity and all donations go the needy. The only costs incurred are postage and administration costs Preas Eisiúint

Filipino Christmas Lantern - 18.12.09 091

2009-12-19T01:56:00.000Z

Filipino Christmas Lantern - 18.12.09 091
Originally uploaded by Lord Mayor of Dublin

The Philippines Ambassador H.E. Mr. Ariel Y. Abadilla presented a ‘Parol’ (traditional Filipino Christmas lantern) to Lord Mayor Cllr Emer Costello.

The lantern shines in the front window of the Mansion House for the Christmas period and is a symbol of home to all Philippinos living in Dublin.

Presenting the parol to the Lord Mayor Ambassador Abadilla said: “As a symbol of the Filipino people’s friendship and gratitude to the City of Dublin and the Irish people, the first resident Embassy of the Philippines in Ireland is delighted to mark the historic significance of its establishment in June of this year by presenting to the Lord Mayor, a ‘parol’ or traditional Philippine Christmas lantern. The lantern that we present to the Lord Mayor is the most recognizable Christmas ornament for Filipinos wherever in the world they may be. The “parol” is intricately designed and handmade with “capiz” or shells. The ‘parol’ reminds Filipinos of the star of Bethlehem that guided the Magi on their way in search of the Infant Jesus,”

Accepting the Lantern on behalf of the people of Dublin, the Lord Mayor Cllr Emer stated "One of the things I’ve most enjoyed about being Lord Mayor is meeting people from every walk of life and from all parts of the city. People from all over the world now live in Dublin and the Filipino community are very prominent in social, cultural, business and community circles. It’s a pleasure to accept this beautiful lantern which says to the many Filipinos here that although they are far from their birth home this Christmas they have a home here in Dublin,”

Samuel Beckett Bridge Opening - 10.12.09 096

2009-12-15T23:48:00.003Z

Samuel Beckett Bridge Opening - 10.12.09 096
Originally uploaded by Lord Mayor of Dublin

Fellow Dubliners, Fellow City Councillors, Ministers, Members of the Oireachtas, City Manager, Members of the Beckett family and other Distinguished Guests, you are all very welcome here today to the Opening of the Samuel Beckett Bridge.

This wonderful feat of architecture and engineering was officially named the Samuel Beckett Bridge by resolution of Dublin City Council in April 2006, to formally mark the centenary of the Nobel Laureate’s birth. Fittingly, this month marks the 20th anniversary of his death.

Bridges have held a special place in the hearts of Dubliners for many centuries. Even our City’s name –Baile Atha Cliath – the town of the ford of the hurdles derived from an ancient crossing over the river Liffey. In fact, the City grew around the first river crossing at Church Street over a thousand years ago. Since the beginning of the new millennium, Dublin has seen the opening of 4 new landmark bridges with Samuel Beckett is the latest of these to be added to our impressive inventory of Liffey Bridges, leaving a lasting legacy for future generations to enjoy.

It goes almost without saying that Dublin is first and foremost a literary city. Dubliners are justifiably proud of their writers - and in the city’s recent submission for designation as a UNESCO City of Literature, under the heading ‘Honouring Literature’, much play has been made of Dublin’s cultural profile – with its monuments and its many streets named after our illustrious authors. In dedicating this architectural and engineering icon to one of the 20th century’s literary giants, Samuel Beckett, Dublin is maintaining a tradition of publicly honouring some of its greatest writers in a very tangible and practical way.

The Samuel Beckett Bridge is the second bridge to be designed by Dr Calatrava, the other being the James Joyce Bridge in 2003, on the west side of the City at Blackhall Place. I’m sure that both James Joyce and Samuel Beckett would indeed have been very gratified to have two enduring icons indelibly etched on Dublin’s landscape in their memory, especially since both were exclusively designed by such an internationally acclaimed artist, architect and engineer.

It gives me great pleasure to welcome Micael (pronounced ‘meek-hile’) Calatrava, Dr. Calatrava’s son, who is representing his father here today, bearing witness to the fruits of the challenge that designing such a signature Bridge presented to the great Designer. I know that Dr. Calatrava has gone on record as saying that while working on the James Joyce Bridge, he developed a deep affinity for the people of Dublin, and he wanted his next bridge to celebrate that connection. I also know it was his sincere hope that the Samuel Beckett Bridge would serve as a monument to Dublin, honouring its past, present and future.

To me bridges are among the most powerful and important symbols in human society – symbols of connection, of cooperation and of harmony. It is the construction of bridges, metaphorically and literally, that marks our progress. The Docklands area has undergone immense regeneration and change in the past 12 years, thanks to a very strong and active sense of community and engagement, north and south of the Liffey, and the Samuel Beckett Bridge pays fitting homage to the efforts of all those that have made a contribution.

As I stand on this beautiful structure, I take great pride at the inspiration behind Dr. Calatrava’s design - the image of the harp on the back of an Irish coin, reflecting the shape of our national emblem. The challenges of its construction were solved by practical means, just as its purpose, here, is solidly practical to provide easy access to and from Guild Street on Dublin’s northside with Sir John Rogerson’s Quay on the southside. But practical does not necessarily have to fall victim to the banal, dull or routine, as this icon of unmistakable modernity and unique character amply attests.

Finally, the Beckett Bridge is now a central part of our transport infrastructure and will, no doubt, have a huge role to play on easing the impact of traffic in the City centre, by improving traffic circulation, and in facilitating future modes of public transport and light rail. It will also promote and enhance the pedestrian environment in the City centre. This is the second great transport project to open this week in the East Inner City Area, of course the other being the opening of the extension of the Luas Red Line on Tuesday from Busáras to the O2. Now Dubliners, Commuters and Visitors alike, will be able to easily traverse the City from east to west and back again. I would like to thank all the staff and joint venture partners Graham-Hollandia who together with the entire Project Team, have brought Dr. Calatrava’s wonderful design to life.

It is a huge privilege for me as Lord Mayor to open Beckett Bridge.

End.

Address to ICTU National Jobs Summit

2009-12-05T01:36:00.001Z

ICTU Conference - 26.11.09
Originally uploaded by Lord Mayor of Dublin

I would like to thank the Irish Congress of Trade Unions for inviting me to open this important conference on jobs and employment. As Lord Mayor of Dublin it is my great pleasure to welcome those of you who have travelled from different parts of the country and indeed from other European countries, to Dublin (and may I suggest that you spend some time here in the capital city availing of the fabulous winter programme we have arranged and also supporting our own local employment initiatives by using the opportunity to do your Christmas shopping while you are here!)
I am delighted that Congress has organised this Jobs Summit. It is certainly most timely. As the Government focused almost exclusively on the financial crisis and saving the banks and it has neglected the vital area of jobs. Now that the NAMA legislation has been passed and the banks seem to be somewhat on the road to recovery, (due o €7 billion in cash to date of taxpayers money and more in guarantees), the priority must shift to jobs.
Employment – the retention of existing jobs and the creation of new jobs must our No 1 priority. It is not just the devastating impact which it has on individuals and their families, but on society as a whole. There is the economic cost and there is the huge social cost. There is lost output, lost taxes, the waste of human potential, and loss of self esteem and much more.
I am also conscious that since I was elected Lord Mayor, I have too often found myself with workers on the picket line workers who were fighting to protect their jobs, including companies such as Thomas Cooke and Direct Holiday, MTL and Coca Cola or fighting against proposed compulsory redundancies in the public sector as was being proposed in UCD.

Over the course of the Local Election campaign, unemployment was the single biggest issue on the doorsteps. The human stories behind those workers losing their jobs came to the fore as people described their fears about losing their homes, being unable to provide for their families and despairing for their children's future and also losing their sense of self-worth because of losing their job.
Each job lost costs the state €20,000, of which around €13,000 is in welfare costs and the balance is in lost taxes. Thus there must be an imperative to retain jobs – to maintain peoples’ dignity and to use the opportunity to upskill them.
The greater Dublin area accounts for four out of every ten jobs and half of all goods and services produced in Ireland. Dublin is the engine of our economy. It must also be an engine of economic recovery. The priority must be job creation and the retention of existing employment.
Unemployment nationally stands at an all time high of 12.4% compared with 6.8% last year. Nationally, the number of redundancies this year to date, stands at almost 55,000 up 135% from this time last year. Dublin like the rest of the country has been haemorrhaging jobs. The stark figure of a 140% increase in the number of people signing on in the Capital in the past two years (from 42,000 in June 2007 to 101,000 in June 2009) tells its own story.
Dublin needs strong and creative leadership, with a clear vision for the future of the City, to get its economy moving again. We need to prioritise the protection of existing employment and the creation of new jobs.
To this end I have made the economy my priority as Lord Mayor of Dublin and have established the Commission on Employment to examine how Dublin City Council can facilitate growth in the local economy. It will examine the scope of the problem, identify the unemployment blackspots; it will meet with and take submissions from the key stakeholders in all relevant sectors; it will engage with local community groups, hold public workshops and take public submissions.
The Commission will focus on four thematic areas namely, a) employment and unemployment, b) education skills and training, c) business entrepreneurship and finance and d) volunteering and the social economy.
Through each of these themes we will work to develop policies and create conditions which will generate new jobs. We will identify issues and gaps in the education, skills and training systems to support Dublin’s performance as a hub in the Smart economy. We will identify existing or future opportunities for employment creation and enterprise growth. We will explore opportunities in potential growth sectors, for example, in the green economy, creative industries and cultural tourism heritage enterprise. We will ascertain mechanisms to support enterprise, particularly small to medium sized enterprise and will identify potential sources of funding. We will also examine the role of the voluntary and community sector and the potential benefits to the exchequer of people being employed through Community Employment and the social economy. We are currently planning a number of public and thematic workshops and detailed information is on the City Council website and I have also established a Linked In page which I invite people here to join.
Helping the unemployed back into work calls for creative and innovative approaches. I have launched a Call for Ideas/Actions and I am convinced that even at this early stage that there are a huge number of ideas out there that need to be tapped.
I was delighted to receive the Congress Document the 10 Point Plan for a Better Fairer Way which clearly shows that the Trade Union Movement has such innovative and creative ideas. Proposals such as a €1 billion Jobs Initiative and a National Recovery Bond to finance job creation are also sensible and practical. Many people are anxious to contribute to national recovery and this could be channelled by establishing a National Recovery Bond. With a high cost of borrowing increasing, a domestic National Recovery Bond could save the exchequer a lot of money. It could also be targeted at specific sectors such as school building or public transport, so people could see tangible gains and will kick-start renewal in local economies. Indeed the proposed unified campus for the DIT and primary Healthcare facilities at Grangegorman could benefit from such a scheme. I am very alarmed that the McCarthy Report is advocating scrapping this project and I strongly believe that this would be a completely retrograde step. The Agency has already published a report on the employment and training opportunities from the Grangorman Project. Dublin City needs a world class university campus such as is being proposed for Grangegorman and that the benefits to be accrued from investing in this capital project far outweigh any arguments against it.
Another innovative idea is the proposal for a Social Solidarity Pact as a better and fairer route to national recovery.
The social welfare system must be radically altered and integrated with skills enhancement, education and training. Employers should be helped to identify alternatives to redundancy, such as short term working weeks and other arrangements.
The high human and social costs of increased unemployment are most felt among the young. I agree with the stance taken by Congress that assistance must be targeted at the young, focusing in particular on strengthening active labour market programmes, expanding education, providing wage and employment subsidies, as well as incentives for hiring the young in public sector organisations. The embargoes have cut off these opportunities for the young unemployed.
Another question which is exercising the national psyche is how the €4bn “Adjustment” is to be made. I would agree with the line adopted by Congress that these “savings” should not be all at the expense of reductions and cuts in public services. That type of action will I believe ultimately prove to be deflationary, prolong the recession and increase unemployment. Part of the adjustment must come from increased taxes, particularly from those who can best afford to pay.
Today you have brought three important speakers who will share their views on how this is being done successfully in three European countries. The quality of the speakers and the programme you have today are testimony to the weight you attach to the whole subject of job creation and retention.
I wish you well in your deliberations. I have no doubt that the debate will be interesting and I look forward to receiving a report on the proceedings of the Conference.

Conference Report available at http://www.getupstandup.ie/learnmore/jobssummit.html

The Big Switch on of The Christmas Tree Lights

2009-11-28T00:44:00.002Z

O'Connell St Xmas Lights - 22.11.09 489
Originally uploaded by Lord Mayor of Dublin

On Sunday 22 November I swithced on the Christmas lights on O'Connell Street. I had a bit of help this year from the Irish Guidedogs Assocation as Clive an Assistance Dog for autistic children was there with his wonderful owner Murray. The day was very special to Murray and Clive who keep a blog of their adventures:
http://assistdogautism.blogspot.com/

As Lord Mayor of Dublin I am working hard to encourage people to come to Dublin this Christmas and discover the thousands of shopping opportunities, the wealth of entertainment venues and the great places to eat. The events Program has a fantastic range of family friendly activities many of which are offered free of charge and cater for everybody from kids to grandparentsb
A complete Program List can be viewed here

Louis O'Flaherty Book Launch - 17.11.09 052

2009-11-23T00:18:00.001Z

Louis O'Flaherty Book Launch - 17.11.09 052, originally uploaded by Lord Mayor of Dublin.

Dublin Fire Brigade Passing Out Parade to mark official opening of The Chapel of the O’Brien Institute

2009-11-23T00:14:00.001Z

DFB Passing Out Parade - 18.11.09 156, originally uploaded by Lord Mayor of Dublin.

The Lord Mayor, Cllr. Emer Costello, with Minister for Housing and Local Services, Michael Finneran T.D., officially opened the Chapel of the O’Brien Institute, at the Dublin Fire Brigade Training Centre , Marino, on Wednesday, 18th November 2009.
Thirty new Dublin Fire Brigade recruits, who have successfully completed their training, will participated in the Recruit Passing-out Parade.

Lord Mayor Costello says “I would like to congratulate these newest members of Dublin Fire Brigade after an arduous selection and training proramme and it is a very proud day for them, their families and friends. In Dublin we are very fortunate to have an exceptional fire service staffed by dedicated people that provide a valuable and often selfless service to the community and I wish the recruits every success in this new and demanding career for them.

“ The O’Brien Institute has been magnificently restored and will be a valuable asset to Dublin Fire Brigade, other fire and emergency services, the fire Service Council and the new National Directorate”, the Lord Mayor added.

USI Mental Health Awareness Week - 9.11.09_23

2009-11-16T00:41:00.002Z

USI Mental Health Awareness Week - 9.11.09_23Originally uploaded by Lord Mayor of Dublin

Address to North Inner City Community Policing Forum Conference "Reform and Renewal" Bettystown 7 November 2009

2009-11-15T20:21:00.003Z

I am delighted to be here at the CPF Conference, Reform and Renewal. It is a particular source of pride for me to be here not just in my capacity as a local public representative but also as Lord Mayor of Dublin.

The North Inner City Community Policing Forum was the first forum ever to be established and is used as a template for other Policing Fora which have since been established.

I am conscious that this is the first conference we have had since the untimely death of Tony Gregory. The CPF was established initially through the Drugs Task Force. Tony was one of the founding members of the CPF and one of the greatest anti-drugs campaigner the country has ever known. He worked tirelessly on behalf of the people of the North Inner City and was the greatest advocate against crime, particularly drug related crime. His legacy remains strong and
I have no doubt that he will be remembered well with fondness and respect over the course of the conference.

As a local public representative I am keenly aware of the importance of the work of the Community Policing Forum in dealing with the issues facing our community. Drug related crime and anti-social behaviour continue to scourge our communities and while issues related housing, urban regeneration and civic management are significant factors contributing to the problems and issues in our communities. I want to acknowledge the work of Dublin City Council staff under the Area Manager, Charlie Lowe in their contribution to the work of the Forum, in working with the community to resolve the problems the City Council can address.

The alarming increase in unemployment is also a significant issue for the people of the North Inner City. While the North Inner City did not benefit from the excesses of the Celtic Tiger, it now appears that it is the people from this area who are the first to pay the price for problems which were not at all of their making. There is a link between areas which suffer from high levels of unemployment and crime levels in those areas. I have therefore made employment my priority for my term of office as Lord Mayor of Dublin. Many of you will be aware that I have established the Lord Mayor’s Commission on Employment and I have recently issued a Call for Ideas and Actions to give expression to the fear anger frustration of the ordinary citizen on the one hand while enabling and empowering all citizens to be part of the solution. I would welcome submissions form individuals and organisations present here today.

I want to pay special tribute to the work of the Gardai in the North Inner City, Store Street, Fitzgibbon Street, the Bridewell and Mountjoy. The Gardai in the Central Area under the stewardship of the Chief Superintendent, Mick Feehan, understood the importance of community policing and embraced it. The community was welcomed into the Garda Station where regular meetings were held and the joined forces with the Gardai in combating crime.
I was delighted to learn of Mick Feehan’s recent elevation to Assistant Commissioner for Dublin and look forward to working with him in the future. I have already had a meeting with the newly appointed Assistant Commissioner for Dublin and have outlined my concerns regarding crime in the City. We have also discussed the possibility of the Gardai making a submission to the Development Plan, to ensure that the communities we design for the future, take full cognisence of crime prevention measures from the outset.

The theme of the Conference “Reform and Renewal” is particularly timely and important. After ten very successful years, it is important to take stock and to evaluation successes, identify continuning blockages and map out a route forward for the next decade and beyond. This is particularly important and timely with new legislation coming into force regarding the operation of the Joint Policing Committees which operate through the Local Authorities. I also want to welcome Chief Superintendent Pat Leahy who has done fantastic work with the Central Area Joint Policing Committee in terms of ensuring it retains a strong focus on the real issues facing the City.

One of the successes of the CPF is how it has engaged the support of all of the public representatives from the Central Area. The contribution of all public representatives to this process cannot be understated. It would not be an exaggeration to state that Dublin Central has the best public representatives in the country, all of whom work together for the benefit of their community. It has often been remarked how much co-operation there is between the councillors from all parties and none, and indeed the party affiliations are not at all distinguishable at Area Committee meetings.

As I mentioned at the outset, the North East Inner City Community Policing Forum was the first of its kind in the country and has been used as a template for other models of community policing throughout the country. The many achievements of the CPF can be traced back to the work and dedication of the staff of the Forum and the work of the voluntary Board of Directors who support them. Marie, Peter and Sheila have given two hundred per cent to their work and deserve a special vote of thanks from all of us for that.

Finally, the Community of the North Inner City who bought into the process of Community Policing and who give of their time voluntarily to attend the meetings, engage with the Gardai, public representatives and staff of the City Council to improve and develop their own communities are the mainstay of the CPF in the North Inner City. Without the level of community spirit and pride of place in their communities, our job as public representatives, staff of Dublin City Council and the Gardai would be so much more difficult.
I thank you all for your contribution to our community and our City and I wish you well with your deliberations for this conference. I am confident that the CPF will continue to grow from strength to strength and I look forward to the next ten years and beyond in that development.

Launch of "My Mother Always Used to Say" by Valery Bowe

2009-11-05T00:47:00.001Z

Lourdes Youth & Community Service Book Launch - 5.11.09 045
Originally uploaded by Lord Mayor of Dublin

Lourdes Youth and Community Service Book Launch - 5 November 2009

Trinity College Exhibit - Dublin, The College and the City - 5.11.09_10

2009-11-05T00:45:00.001Z

Trinity College Exhibit - Dublin, The College and the City - 5.11.09_10 Originally uploaded by Lord Mayor of Dublin

Habitat for Humanity Global Village Volunteers Nght - 6.11.09_11

2009-11-05T00:42:00.001Z

Humanity Global Village night - 6.11.09_11 Originally uploaded by Lord Mayor of Dublin

IMPAC Long List Announcement - 2.11.09 342

2009-11-03T00:10:00.002Z

IMPAC Long List Announcement - 2.11.09 342
Originally uploaded by Lord Mayor of Dublin

The Impac Long List was announced this morning at Pearse Street Library.

Further information from

www.impac.ie

Launch Winter Programme of Events - 1.11.09_109

2009-11-03T00:08:00.001Z

Photocall, Launch Winter Programme of Events - 1.11.09_109
Originally uploaded by Lord Mayor of Dublin

Dublin City Council in association with the Dublin City Centre Business Association and BIDs launched an exciting winter programme of activities.
The aim of the programme is to encourage families to travel to the City Centre and to enjoy the many family oriented cultural activities on offer. Whether your interests are in the arts, culture, heritage, music or drama or simply in good shopping and market experiences there must be something in the programme to interest you.
Brighten up these dreary winter days by visiting the City Centre and experiencing the City at its best.
Further information from:

http://www.dublincity.ie/RecreationandCulture/Events/SummerInDublin09/Documents/DUBLIN%20CITY%20COUNCIL%20WINTER%20PROGRAMME.pdf

Halloween Antics Photocall

2009-11-02T23:59:00.002Z

Halloween Antics Photocall - 28.10.09_47
Originally uploaded by Lord Mayor of Dublin

Songs from the North Lotts, Book Launch - 23.10.09_21

2009-11-02T23:57:00.001Z

Songs from the North Lotts, Book Launch - 23.10.09_21
Originally uploaded by Lord Mayor of Dublin

Songs from the North Lotts is a fabulous collection of songs written and performed by Paul O'Brien, who grew up in East Wall and who now lives in the Netherlands.
Paul's songs are beautifully crafted words and music based on the strong traditons of the community of East Wall and North Dock.

East Wall is a wonderful community wedged between the city & the sea. The maritime tradition and labour history of the area and community are celebrated in the songs and images of this work thus preserving the previously undocumented history of Dublin’s East Wall.

I would like to extend my congratulations to Paul and the local community for their very successful collaboration in this fine production.

More information available at www.paulobrien.eu

Twelve Days in May - The last days of James Connolly

2009-11-02T23:44:00.001Z

SIPTU Centenary Theatrical Group - 26.10.09_15
Originally uploaded by Lord Mayor of Dublin

Twelve days in May is a play by Frank Allen, and will be staged in the Liberty Hall Theatre from 9th to 28th November. I recently hosted a pre-publicity launch for the play in the Mansion House.
The play is directed by Peter Reid and has an impressive cast of professional actors.
This play is a must for anyone seriously interested in Labour History. The play also provides an important insight into the development of women's rights in the early 20th century.
I would urge everybody to make it their business to attend this play.

Dublin Lord Mayor Welcomes End of MTL Strike and Praises Workers and Local Community

2009-10-25T19:38:00.002Z

The Lord Mayor of Dublin, Cllr Emer Costello, has welcomed the end of the fifteen week long MTL strike at Dublin Port. The Company, Peel Holdings, has agreed to the Labour Court recommendations on job retention and redundancies. A meeting will take place today, (Friday, 23rd October) to negotiate the return to work.
Dublin Port area has become a 21st century success story for our city and its people. The citizens of Dublin, and particularly the local communities take great pride in this success and also in the strong traditions of Dublin Port. For that reason I was, along with the workers and local community, deeply concerned and alarmed at the situation which had developed at MTL as the dispute continued week on week.
I visited the MTL workers at the Port during the strike and I agreed with them and their union representatives that the best way to resolve the matter was through the tried and tested dispute resolution machinery of the State rather than court actions and legal threats. It is a source of great relief to all those who were involved in the dispute that MTL has accepted the Labour Court recommendation.
I wish to pay tribute to the workers for the dignity and resolve they displayed throughout the dispute and also to the local community for their support. I hope that the differences of the past can now be set aside and we look to the future of ensuring that Dublin Port remains the success story that it is for the country’s imports and exports.
It is also a salutary lesson that the best means of resolving such disputes is to fully utilise the State’s industrial relations machinery.
ENDS.

Dublin, European Capital of Sport Launch - 29.09.09 216

2009-10-04T22:06:00.001+01:00

Dublin, European Capital of Sport Launch - 29.09.09 216, originally uploaded by Emer Costello.

http://www.dublincity.ie/RecreationandCulture/SportsFacilities/Documents/dublinsport_final_web.pdf

Dundalk Town Awards Night -

2009-09-23T00:49:00.001+01:00

Dundalk Town Awards Night - 17.09.09, originally uploaded by Emer Costello.

On Thursday 17 September, I was deeply honoured to receive a Civic Welcome in Dundalk Town Hall from the Town Council.
Members of my family and my good friend Joanne Cartwright were persent for the occasion which made it all the more special.

Central Area City Neighbourhood Awards - 9.09.09

2009-09-23T00:40:00.001+01:00

Central Area City Neighbourhood Awards - 9.09.09, originally uploaded by Emer Costello.

Lord Mayor Cllr Emer Costello with Residents from De Courcey Square, overall winners of the Central Area Dublin City Neighbourhoods Competition 2009 -
“I would like to extend my congratulations to residents, businesses and schools within the Central Area who have dedicated so much time and effort into working together to improve and enhance their local area and the results of their work is obvious for all to see. It is their collective commitment to these Awards that really ensures that our City is a great place to live and work in” said the Lord Mayor.

Women & the EU, Meeting with Margot Wallstrom Vice President ofEuropean Commission

2009-09-10T21:35:00.000+01:00

Labour Women Event - EU, Margot Wallstrom - 10.09.09 014, originally uploaded by Emer Costello.

Margot Wallstrom the Vice-President of the European Commission was in Dublin today. I had the honour of chairing a discussion forum with her on the theme of "Women in Europe".

The Commissioner outlined the successes of Europe on a wide range of issues from waste management to workers' rights and from gender equality to insitutional reform of the European Union.

The meeting was attended by Proinsias de Rossa MEP, Nessa Childers MEP, Susan O'Keeffe, and Cllr Niamh Bhreathnach.

Farewell Mass & Reception for Fr. Ivan Tonge - 10.09.09

2009-09-10T20:33:00.001+01:00

Farewell Mass & Reception for Fr. Ivan Tonge - 10.09.09, originally uploaded by Emer Costello.

I attended the Farewell Mass for Fr Ivan Tonge, the Parish Priest of St Lawrence O'Toole Parish, North Wall.

There was a huge turnout to pay tribute to the man who served his community with dedication commitment and love, and who will be missed by all. The participation of the local schoolchildren in the ceremony made it all the more special.

I had the great honour today of presenting Fr Tonge with a Civic scroll commemorating his nine years service to the Sheriff Street Community.

The Kilmainham Gaol Annual Eccumenical Service, Sermon by Archdeacon David Pierpoint in St. Werburgh's Church, 6th September 2009

2009-09-10T09:57:00.009+01:00

On Sunday 6th September I attended the Annual Eccumenical Service for Kilmainham Gaol in St. Werburgh's Church. The Sermon delivered by Archdeacon David Pierpoint was inspiring and is certainly worth publishing. I include the full text of his sermon below.

Today, here in St Werburgh's Church, we gather in the context of Christ’s Last Supper to remember and give thanks for those who believed that what they were doing was right for the cause of justice and Irish freedom acknowledging the fact that all who suffered incarceration and death in Kilmainham Gaol were in their day, men of high ideals and principles.

This building is dedicated in honour of Jesus Christ who was always ready to side with the down-trodden and marginalised, as well as people, respected in the community. He was always much more interested in the one lost sheep than in the ninety-nine in their cosy places. It was Christ who said to the leaders of the community in his day, when they were about to stone a woman who had been caught in the act of adultery, “Let those who are without sin, cast the first stone”.

In many ways, the people we remember today were similar in that they wanted freedom from those whom they considered the oppressor. But not only freedom, but justice and peace. And this morning’s service is not a memorial for them, but rather a time of ecumenism and peace. And it is that peace and unity which I would like to address this morning.

Throughout the years, many songs have been written and performed about peace. Well I want to remind you all that we don’t build peace just by singing about it - or carrying flowers in a precession,- or lighting candles or floating away in a haze of drugs or alcohol. Peace is made of greater things than these. It is only really born out of great cost, the cost of discipleship and sacrifice.

Martin Luther King, shot by an assassin’s bullet in Memphis, Tennessee. Dietrich Bonhoffer, hung on the gallows in Hitler’s concentration camp at Flossenburg. Mother Teresa, who slaved away among the poor in the slums of Calcutta. They all gave peace a chance, but it cost them. They all had to give so much of themselves in order to achieve their goals.

The people we remember today did not give their lives for peace. They had them snatched away from them on the gallows or by firing squad in Kilmainham Gaol or outside our sister church of St Catherine’s in Thomas Street. Those executions reminds us of the senselessness of violence - and I don’t just mean murder or terrorism, but the violence of beaurocrats, of governments and those who use wealth, politics or religion to get the better of other people. But if we are helped to see the destruction of the misuse of power whenever and wherever it is misused, then that gallows in 1798 or any subsequent death in prison was not totally without meaning.

It is strange that the central symbol of the Christian faith should be the cross - itself, an instrument of violence. It might just as well have been the gallows, the firing squad, the electric chair, a lethal injection or some other form of capital punishment. But, Jesus took the cross on himself, willingly and with eyes open. He knew that to give peace a chance was worth everything - even the sacrifice of his life.

Here in St Werburgh’s Church, which is a sad sight in its present condition of disrepair and indeed is in danger of closing due to health and Safety issues, this Church and many other churches in this wonderful city of ours has seen its parishioners die for what they believed in. Some are recorded on plaques and memorials while others remain unknown. Some are notable for their part in the fight for the freedom of our land like Robert Emmet who was originally buried in the graveyard of our sister church of St Michan but whose body was removed and now lies in some unknown place. We remember John and Henry Sheares whose bodies rest in the vaults of St Michan's. Of Oliver Bond, the son of a Unitarian minister from Derry, who like the Sheares brothers is buried in the graveyard of St Michan's. He was one of the first members of the Dublin branch of the Society of United Irishmen who first met in the Eagle Tavern just around the corner from here in Exchequer Street in 1791. Found guilty of treason, he was sentenced to death by hanging but died in mysterious circumstances in Newgate jail before the sentence could be carried out. Dr Charles Lucas founder of the Freeman's Journal is also buried in the graveyard of St Michan's.

Among the many other Irishmen who died was one Napper Tandy. A Dublin Politician, volunteer and leader of the United Irishmen. The bell in the centre of the aisle bears his name.
Then of course we think of Edward Fitzgerald whose life and death is well chronicled and who lies in the vaults under this church, where just above him in the graveyard is the grave of his assassin, Town Major, Sirr.

All who down the centuries have died for the cause of peace and freedom knew themselves that to be implicated in something treacherous might mean their lives, and while not wanting to die, they were not prepared to give up on their principles. They knew the consequences but were undeterred in their actions and words. As Christians in today’s society, we too must remain constant in our efforts for peace throughout the world and on this island. It will demand great courage, and possibly even ridicule by some, but if we are steadfast in our principles, then I believe that peace will be given a chance and by our words and deeds we might have a small part to play in its continuance.

When we look at each other, we see different traditions and histories. Nothing can alter or change the past. The only thing which will bring the churches, despite differences in worship and governance - to the unity which is God’s will, is if all Christians become close to Christ. The closer we get to Him, the nearer we will find ourselves to one another.

If we as fellow Christians accept the inheritance which Christ left us all, we should have peace in our lives, our homes and with our neighbours of every denomination or none. Something which I feel certain those whom we remember today would have wished if they had lived. I hope and pray that as we move forward, we can carry out the wishes and prayers of Christians throughout history and achieve peace and unity among all people.