Generally, the chamber in Bray Municipal District is quiet during our monthly district meetings. Occasionally a spectator or two is in attendance if there is an item on the agenda that sparks an interest but never much of a crowd.
I’m a Councillor since May 2019, now in my second term and last nights Bray MD meeting had the largest crowd in attendance I have ever seen. One item had caught the attention, a presentation from the relatively new formed Alliance of Bray Residents (ABR). More on that to follow.
We are now well into the new term. Different committee positions have been agreed. The upcoming general election, with its date yet unknown, is on the minds of some as they strive for media coverage and headlines to build their brand. A normal part of politics but something that can be a little frustrating as it takes away from local issues while such individuals debate national matters in a forum where they can only issue a letter or shout their distain or outrage.
The constant suggestive language from some corners, implying something underhand or undemocratic, without actually stating it or having a shred of evidence, but still securing their desired media coverage must be very wearing on the officials. I recall my own time working in the public service and securing a disabled parking bay for a local community group who had lobbied tirelessly for many months, only to see an article in the local paper by a public representative with whom I had never had any contact from. The work of so many can go unknown, at times its not what you do but what you say you do, and what gets printed.
Double Yellow Lines
Following normal protocol such as attendance and approval of minutes from the last meeting, the first item on the agenda was to discuss the recently installed double yellow lines on the Putland Hill. There was a request by one member, to have these lines removed in full, the member felt that he (and all Councillors) had not been consulted as public representatives. The request was to have such lines removed and to require the Council to seek permission from Councillors for the installation of any future double yellow lines or traffic calming measures in the district.
A ‘Section 140’ had been used, a statutory process generally used for the most serious of situations and available to Councillors to call on the Chief Executive to carry out an action that can be lawfully done in the course of their duties. It had been submitted by Cllr. Joe Behan co-signed by Cllr. Ian Neary and Cllr. Malachi Duddy.
I have become familiar with Section 140’s appearing at Wicklow County Council as this Councillor has used the process before. Normally, they do not come to the District and they are normally for really serious matters. A discussion took place on the validity of the use of a Section 140, the role of the Garda and Engineers in deciding where double lines should be place. A detailed report was provided by the Engineer outlining the work that had gone into considering these lines, feedback from the Garda, the number of school children using the area, the issues raised with the Council from residents and pedestrians who cannot safety walk on the roads.
Various views where shared. I believed the request to remove these lines was outrageous. For years I and others have been highlighting the challenges with this road, the impact on families bringing children and school children themselves travelling to school. The access issues being created by inconsiderate parking and the need for proper pedestrian crossings which we have only just secured and is not yet operational.
I believe that wider consultation with those living in the area should have been carried out and should be the norm in such situations. However, the views of the Gardaí and the Engineers on road safety and impacts on the wider community are also paramount.
I do not believe that our engineering staff or Council officials should be asking my permission to conduct their work. It is the reason that in local government we have executive and reserved functions. Executive functions are the responsibility of the Council staff and Reserved functions the responsibility of elected members.
I will strongly stand against any desire to revert back to days of old where Councillors dictated what they wanted, based on their own personal desires. Where meetings took place in the Chamber, but decisions really took place in the pub afterwards. We have thankfully moved on and although I have my own frustrations with the systems and structures, we are in a better and more transparent space.
Following the discussion and commitments from the Engineer to consult more in the future and meet with the business owner on the Putland Hill who raised concerns, the Section 140 was withdrawn. The double yellow lines will not be removed, consideration may be given to a short term set down area at the location and suggestions on how they may increase their parking within their own premises.
Engineers Report
The next item for discussion was the Engineers report. Some details included.
· Confirmation that €100,00 has been secured from development levies to carry out path upgrades which will include path dishing at Seapoint Road – Duncairn Ave, Seapoint Road – Main Street and Marine Terrace – Strand Road. Money will also be spent on an upgrade of the path at Marine Terrace – Strand Road.
· Proposed road improvement works on Meath Road and Cuala Road are dependent on undertaking drainage works on these roads. Capital funding has been confirmed and tenders for works are currently being evaluated.
· Vegetation clearance works was carried out in the last week of September along the banks of the River Dargle between Glenwood and Waterside Mews. These were essential works in the interest of maintaining flood protection along the River Dargle. Inland Fisheries were consulted, and the works were carried out in accordance with the environmental protection measures stipulated.
· Proposals for traffic calming measures were advertised on the 17th of January 2024 for public consultation in accordance with Section 38 of the Road Traffic Act at the following locations: Berryfield Court–Monastery Grove: Junction Realignment, Greenpark Road-Pearse Road: Speed Control and safety Improvements, Albert Avenue-Meath Road: Pedestrian safety Improvements. The Engineer will now review the submissions, 18 in total, and come back with proposals.
· Ballywaltrim Recreational Field Masterplan - Sports capital funding of €153,648 for Ballywaltrim Recreation Park Phase 1 was recently announced. Work is proceeding in preparation of tender for drainage works required on the sand-based pitches is near completion and will be issued shortly.
· Update sought on installation of bollards at new crossing on the seafront – these are in stock; however, contractor is awaiting additional steel bollards to replace those that have been damaged and will be installing all at the same time.
Housing Report
Huge work has been carried out in the area of housing with a strong focus by the team on vacant homes and getting these back into stock. With several offers already out, if accepted Bray MD will be close to having only 2% of their homes vacant which is a massive achievement.
On the 24th of September the team organised a multiagency approach and surveyed Bray Head to identify any individuals sleeping in tents following issues raised in the Chamber. Five tents were identified, one not in use which will be removed. Of the 4 remaining, one individual outlined that they were camping and were not homeless. Three other individuals have been provided with the necessary supports and advised hat spaces are available for them in our homeless accommodation. Homeless is a difficult issue and ultimately it is up to the individual if they wish to avail of supports but it is essential that we ensure that they are aware of the supports available.
FCA Land Rockbrae - Surveying consultant appointed to check structural viability of the building, to begin in next month. Investigation into design and planning ongoing. 2 designs for site being developed to submit to department.
Fassaroe New Homes - Contractor appointed. Development of 13 new homes to begin in next 3 months
Lack of Out of Hours Support – I have been raising this issue for some time and a lot of work has been done by staff locally, despite this we continue to have no set procedure or guidance from Wicklow County Council to assist with constituents who contact us out of hours looking for support because they are homeless. When you call Dublin homeless numbers, they advise that you need to go to Wicklow. Wicklow homeless centre requires a referral from the Council, who are naturally closed outside of normal hours. As we move to the Winter months it is not acceptable that a system has still not been put in place. As such I called for immediate action from Wicklow County Council, my thanks to my colleagues who supported this request.
The Alliance of Bray Residents (ABR)
Clare O’Connor representing the Alliance of Bray Residents gave an articulate, informative and powerful presentation to the Council members. For those unaware of who ABR are, the are a network of over 27 residents’ groups in Bray who have joined together to address common issues of concern. They have two key priorities Traffic & Policing in the town. Their email address is allianceofbrayresidents@gmail.com if anyone would like to get in touch with them or indeed bring their residents association on board.
Clare outlined the issues in the town such as traffic congestion, parking illegally and the lack of adequate provision, public transport and general mobility around the town such as cycle lanes that don’t continue and cars parking blocking pedestrians. The future growth of the town was also outlined and although the group are not anti-housing, they are calling for a plan to manage the traffic issues as we continue to grow.
The ask of the Bray Members from the Alliance was clear. Lead on the development of a comprehensive Traffic, Transport and Mobility Plan for the whole town, within the next 12 months that will outline how the issues identified can be addressed. Be the champions and drivers of this plan. Bring the community around the table to discuss the plans development and implementation and ensure that it is a collaborative process.
Challenges were also discussed. The Council has long experienced objections to proposals and plans, which has resulted in them not being implemented. It was clear that the Alliance understood some of the challenges and were not suggesting that it would be easy. They were however willing to work with their residents, to find areas for compromise, if there was a clear long-term vision that everyone could work towards.
Personally, I really welcomed the presentation and the strong attendance from groups across the district and agree that a clear plan is what is need. I outlined to Clare and those in attendance that I had raised this matter in the Wicklow County Council Chamber before the election and along with the colleague Cllr. Melanie Corrigan had got a motion passed to establish a group to look at the traffic issues in Bray. This is a significant milestone already achieved and will pave the way to moving this forward.
While the Alliance call is to Bray Councillors to lead this, and we will, I believe we must have the NTA, TII, Wicklow County Council and neighbouring local authorities at the table too.
Our proximity to the new developments such as the one in Shankill means that my children and others will look to buy in this development to try and stay close to home. They will travel in and out from Shankill to Bray, as people do from Kilcoole, Greystones and other neighbouring areas. We cannot resolve Brays issues without also looking at where the traffic is coming from.
Clare did a fantastic job in representing the Alliance and making the call extremely clear. There should be no misunderstanding on what the people of Bray are seeking, and I look forward to working with them over the next 12 months and beyond.
Cathaoirleach Reception
The next item on the agenda was to approve the hosting of a reception to honour the Paris Olympians which was agreed by all.
€3000 Discretionary Funding reallocation
The final item on the agenda was the approval of a reallocation of €3,000 from Discretionary Funding (which is made available through Local Property Tax) to the recent international charity event which saw Fire Fighters from New York join with our Wicklow Fire Service and cycled from Dublin to Kinsale, raising money for charity and also marking 9 11 and there fellow fire fighters who lost their lives and those who continue to lose their lives from health conditions as a result of their work on the day. Discretionary Funding is generated each year through Local Property Tax and generally used to carry our improvements within the community that would not otherwise be funded, as well as contributing towards things like Christmas lights. Generally, it is not given to charities or causes, this contribution will be used to cover the costs of the event and was agreed by members due to the nature of the event and its local connections.
I hope his report helps to keep you informed on what is happening in the District. Views are my own and it in no way is meant to represent a full account of all matters discussed and items addressed but hopefully it will give you a sense of what occurred. As always please do not hesitate to contact me if you have any questions or queries and I will do my best to try and help.
Aoife
Comments