Monday, March 12, 2007

DEPUTY MAYOR WELCOMES CITY COUNCIL DECISION TO ISTALL FULL LENGTH CYCLE LANES ON O'CONNELL STREET

The Deputy Lord Mayor of Dublin, Cllr Aodhan O Riordain, has welcomed the proposal from Dublin City Council Traffic Advisory Group to introduce cycle facilities over the full length of O’Connell Street.

The report is be ratified at the meeting of the Central Area Committee tomorrow (Tuesday 13th) 'I have been campaigning for the full introduction of cycle lanes for O'Connell Street since its refurbishment and I am delighted that the City Council have finally agreed to install them.' Cllr O Riordain said.

'If we are to create a cycle-friendly city, than our main street needs to take the lead. The installation of cycle lanes is an important safety issue and also an essential symbolic gesture.' he continued.

'I am delighted that this issue has finally been laid to rest with a positive outcome', Cllr O Riordain concluded.

DOCKLANDS STATION WELCOME BUT RESIDENTS CONCERNS HAVE BEEN OVERLOOKED

The opening of the new Docklands station is indeed a welcome addition to the infrastructure in the North Inner City. However the arrival of this new line has resulted in numerous residents complaining to me that assurances given to them by senior Irish Rail management have not materialised.

Assurances from one of the project managers were given that the ground under the tracks would dampen vibrations. However residents say that the rumble is worse than they remember when the track was last in use by freight trains. A difference in noise level is also noticeable and the height of the train is such that commuters will be able to look into houses on Ossary Road, North Strand.

There have been several residents meetings about this issue with CIE and public representatives and residents had decided against a perspex noise-barrier and/or fencing as these would not solve the problems expected and would create problems of their own. Expectations are now realised with the vibrating caused by the train and this issue must be addressed as a matter of urgency.

Residents in the North Inner City have patiently put up with a lot of developments as they understand that they will improve the quality of life of the local area and the entire city. However assurances given by developers, in the private or public sector, must be realised.

Sunday, March 11, 2007

'RIGHT TO READ CAMPAIGN' DELIVERS EXTENDED LIBRARY HOURS FOR DUBLINERS

Deputy Lord mayor of Dublin, Cllr Aodhan O Riordain has welcomed the announcement that several Dublin libraries are to begin a six day week starting on March 23rd.
This is as a direst result of the Deputy Mayor's Right to Read campaign and the €1 million that was invested in the library system.
Cllr O Riordain said: 'Saturday opening for North Strand and Drumcondra libraries will commence on Saturday 24th March and Friday opening for Marino and Phibsboro libraries will commence on Friday 23rd March.The provision of Saturday opening for Kevin Street library and Friday opening for Ringsend and Inchicore libraries will begin after Easter.
Following roll out of this schedule for 7 named branches; all Dublin City Public libraries will provide 6-day service. This is a fantastic achievement for the Right to Read Campaign and one that I am extremely proud of'.
The Right to Read Campaign is seekig improvements in three key areas, homework clubs, library services and housing policy. For more information log onto www.righttoread.ie.