Dublin City Council

Annual Report & Accounts 2010

Contents

Lord Mayor’s Welcome 2

City Manager’s Welcome 3

Members of Dublin City Council 4

Senior Management Co-ordination Group 5

Driving Dublin’s Success 7

Economic Development 11

Environmental Sustainability 17

Movement 23

Culture, Recreation and Amenity 27

Urban Form 35

Social Cohesion 39

Organisational Matters 47

Financials 55

Appendices 77
Lord Mayor’s Welcome

On 28th June 2010 I was honoured to be elected Lord

Mayor of Dublin. We are facing many challenges, both locally
and nationally, but we must face these challenges and
continue to serve and provide a quality service to the people The Dublin City Sustainable Energy Action Plan 2010 – 2020
of Dublin. was adopted in December. This vision shows how the
introduction of carbon neutral and low-energy buildings,
On the night of my election I gave a commitment to try and improvement in information technology and the development
create a business environment where it is easier for people of a low-carbon transport system will help Dublin reduce its
to create more jobs and to protect those jobs they already carbon emissions by 50%. I launched Dublin City Council’s
have. I worked with the Dublin City Enterprise Board and Sustainability Report 2010 in September. This report sets
FÁS to offer a number of ‘Start Your Own Business’ courses out how the City Council plans to increase the economic,
in the Mansion House. I met with business people in the social and environmental sustainability of Dublin city.
city centre and the villages of Dublin to make sure they are Kilbarrack Fire Station, through its Green Plan, was chosen
aware of the structured support network already available. as the Flagship Project for 2010. I hope this plan can be
I also set up the first website dedicated to the Office of the rolled out to other workplaces in the City Council.
Lord Mayor of Dublin www.lordmayorofdublin.ie to allow
members of the public to learn about and interact with the We celebrated sport in Dublin as Dublin was named
Office of the Lord Mayor. European Capital of Sport 2010. A range of events were
held to mark the year and all sporting organisations came
Dublin City Council adopted the Dublin City Development together to celebrate sport in Dublin.
Plan 2011-2017 in November 2010. This plan is central to the
development of Dublin over the next six years. I would like to thank my fellow Councillors for their support.
I would also like to acknowledge the great support given
One of my first engagements as Lord Mayor was to to me by John Tierney, City Manager, Vincent Norton,
announce Dublin as a UNESCO City of Literature. This Executive Manager and all their staff throughout my term of
honour was bestowed by the Director General of UNESCO office. I look forward to continuing to work with them all for
and recognises Dublin’s cultural profile and standing the benefit of Dublin.
as a city of literary excellence. There is big potential for
positive cultural and economic impacts as a result of this
designation.

Gerry Breen
Lord Mayor of Dublin

2
City Manager’s Welcome

The severity of the financial correction on a local, national

and international level continued unabated in 2010. The City
Council again re-examined all services and budgets to bring
them into line with available funding. This enabled us to meet Finalising the Draft Development Plan continued throughout
the financial challenge and still provide good quality services the year. Over 1,200 submissions were made (50% of which
to the citizens of Dublin. came via our web site) and 976 motions were put down
by the Elected Members. The motions were dealt with at
I would like to thank all the Elected Members for their help three special meetings of the City Council in July. Material
and support throughout 2010. I would also like to thank amendments were considered in November and the new
all the staff of Dublin City Council and acknowledge their City Development Plan 2011 to 2017 was made on 29th
dedication and hard work during a very difficult year for the November and came into operation from 22nd December
Council and for themselves at a personal level. 2010.

The country has endured two very harsh winters recently, On 4th February 2010, Dublin took over from Milan as the
particularly in early 2010 and again in December 2010. European Capital of Sport for 2010. The city used this
Temperatures reached record lows going back as far as designation to highlight the benefits of participating in sport
records began 150 years ago. This had an adverse effect on and leisure activities. The city also secured the UNESCO
movement of people and water supply in the Dublin Region. designation as City of Literature in July 2010, only the fourth
On each occasion, comprehensive reviews of the operation location in the world to achieve such a designation.
of services were carried out in the aftermath. Systems and
processes are continually being improved to help deal with The events on offer in the city also changed in 2010 with
such events. the opening of the Grand Canal Theatre in March, the Aviva
Stadium in July and the new National Convention Centre
Despite the very different financial situation we find ourselves in August. These wonderful venues have added to the
in, a number of schemes introduced by the City Council excitement and vibe in the city.
have made a significant difference to the attractiveness
of the city. For example, the success of the dublinbikes Our overarching aim is “to drive Dublin forward as a
scheme resulted in the number of bicycle stations having to creative and sustainable city and to be a place where
be increased to 44 with the opening of four new stations. family, community and the economy can prosper together”.
This is in addition to 100 extra bikes and 300 new bike Having such a vision was never more important. Despite
stands being provided. The 1 millionth journey (in a period the challenges at present, it is a privilege for us all, Elected
of 11 months) was taken on a dublinbike on 14th August at Members, staff and management, to have a role in making
7.30 pm. Dublin the best city it can be.

Our work on the ‘Smart Cities’ agenda flourished in 2010

and there will be a number of announcements in this regard
in 2011. We established the ‘Studio’ (an Innovation Hub)
within the City Council. We launched our first Sustainability John Tierney
Report and the Flagship Project – Kilbarrack Fire Station – Dublin City Manager
became the first carbon neutral Fire Station in the world.

3

Members of Dublin City Council

01 02 03 04 05 06 07 08 09 10 11

CENTRAL AREA 01 Emer Costello (Lab), 02 Mary Fitzpatrick (FF), 03 Aine Clancy (Lab), 04 Cieran Perry (Ind), 05 Mary O’Shea (FG),
06 Séamus McGrattan (SF), 07 Christy Burke (Ind), 08 Claire O’Reagan (Lab), 09 Nial Ring (Ind), 10 Ray McAdam (FG), 11 Marie Metcalfe (Ind)

01 02 03 04 05 06 07 08 09 10 11 12 13 14

NORTH CENTRAL AREA 01 Lord Mayor Gerry Breen (FG), 02 Andrew Montague (Lab), 03 Paddy Bourke (Lab), 04 Declan Flanagan (FG),
05 Julia Carmichael (FF), 06 Damian O’Farrell (Ind), 07 Larry O’Toole (SF), 08 Aodhán ó Riordáin (Lab), 09 Deirdre Heney (FF), 10 Naoise Ó Muirí (FG),
11 Sean Kenny (Lab), 12 Tom Brabazon (FF), 13 Killian Forde (Lab), 14 Pat Crimmins (FG)

01 02 03 04 05

NORTH WEST AREA 01 John Lyons (Lab), 02 Dessie Ellis (SF), 03 Dr. Bill Tormey (FG), 04 John Redmond (Lab), 05 Paul McAuliffe (FF)

01 02 03 04 05 06 07 08 09 10 11 12

SOUTH CENTRAL AREA 01 Michael Conaghan (Lab), 02 Bríd Smith (PBPA), 03 Vincent Jackson (Ind), 04 Louise Minihan (éirígí), 05 Eric Byrne (Lab),
06 Joan Collins (PBPA), 07 Henry Upton (Lab), 08 Ruairí McGinley (FG), 09 John Gallagher (Lab), 10 Rebecca Moynihan (Lab), 11 Clare Byrne (FG),
12 Críona Ní Dhálaigh (SF)

01 02 03 04 05 06 07 08 09 10

SOUTH EAST AREA 01 Kevin Humphreys (Lab), 02 Eoghan Murphy (FG), 03 Oisín Quinn (Lab), 04 Jim O’Callaghan (FF),
05 Mary Freehill (Lab), 06 Dermot Lacey (Lab), 07 Deputy Lord Mayor Edie Wynne (FG), 08 Mannix Flynn (Ind), 09 Maria Parodi (Lab),
10 Catherine Noone (FG)
Abbreviations: FF – Fianna Fáil, FG – Fine Gael, Lab – Labour, SF – Sinn Féin, PBPA – People Before Profit Alliance, Ind – Independent, éirígí

North Central
North West
DONAGHMEDE

ARTANE – WHITEHALL

BALLYMUN – FINGLAS

Central
CLONTARF

CABRA – GLASNEVIN

NORTH INNER CITY

SOUTH WEST INNER CITY SOUTH EAST INNER CITY

BALLYFERMOT – DRIMNAGH

CRUMLIN – KIMMAGE
PEMBROKE – RATHMINES

4
South Central
South East
Senior Management Co-ordination Group

John Tierney Philip Maguire Seamus Lyons Michael Stubbs

City Manager Deputy City Manager Assistant City Manager Assistant City Manager
(Culture Recreation and (Environment and (Planning and Economic
Amenity, Corporate Engineering and Development)
Services, Information Dublin Fire Brigade)
Systems and Managing
Director of Ballymun
Regeneration Limited)

Ciarán McNamara Michael Phillips Frank Kelly Kathy Quinn Ali Grehan
Assistant City Manager Director of Traffic and Head of Human Head of Finance City Architect
(Housing and Residential Dublin City Engineer Resources, Personnel
Services) Officer

Dick Gleeson Terence O’Keeffe Vincent Norton Michael Sands

Dublin City Planner Law Agent Executive Manager (City Senior Executive Officer
Manager’s and Corporate (Corporate Services)
Services)

5
Christchurch
Driving Dublin’s Success
Driving Dublin’s Success

D
ublin City Council is the largest Local Authority in National Climate Change Strategy, Smarter Travel – A
Ireland, covering an area of 11,761 hectares with Sustainable Transport Future, Regional Planning Guidelines
a resident population of 506,211 (Census 2006). for the Greater Dublin Area and Transport 21.
The City Council plays a pivotal role in providing
strong leadership for the Dublin City Region.

Our vision is to drive Dublin forward as a creative and Dublin: An International City
sustainable city where family, community and the economy
can prosper together. To achieve this vision, six themes have The City Council’s Office of International Relations and
been identified as encompassing key critical elements that Research continued to strengthen Dublin’s international
will drive the success of the city. links. It supported the annual strategic mission by the
Dublin delegation to our sister city of San Jose, California.
The themes are: The delegation, led by the Lord Mayor, included the City
Manager and representatives from the Dublin Chamber of
◆◆ Economic Development Commerce, Dublin Convention Bureau, Convention Centre
Dublin and IBM.
◆◆ Environmental Sustainability
Following the signing of a Friendship Agreement with the
◆◆ Movement City of Moscow in 2009, the Office organised the first
Russian Festival to be held in Dublin. The week long festival,
◆◆ Culture, Recreation and Amenity which was held in February included concerts, lunchtime
lectures, photographic and art exhibitions, a chess exhibition
◆◆ Urban Form and a Family Day event on Sunday the 21st February in
Meeting House Square, Temple Bar, which attracted over
◆◆ Social Cohesion 7,000 people. Moscow City Government sent an official
delegation and over 40 performers to Dublin to participate in
the festival.

Corporate Plan 2010-2014 The Office continued to support the Chief Scientific Adviser
to the Government’s Office in planning ahead for Dublin
Dublin City Council adopted its new Corporate Plan in being ‘European City of Science’ in 2012 and an official from
December 2009. The Corporate Plan is the main strategic the Office accompanied the Lord Mayor of Dublin to Turin to
business document for the operations of Dublin City Council accept the formal handover of this biennial event from the
for the 5 year term of the Council. It sets out the core Mayor of Turin. Turin was European City of Science in 2010.
values of the City Council, high level business objectives
to be achieved during the five year period of the Plan and The Office was also the lead partner in bringing the Globe
strategies for the delivery of the objectives. The Plan was Forum to the Convention Centre Dublin in November as
prepared following extensive consultation with a wide range part of the Dublin Innovation Festival. The theme of that two
of stakeholders of Dublin City Council. day major international conference, attended by over 600
delegates, was ‘Smarter and Greener – Innovation for a
Sustainable Future’.

City Development Plan 2011-2017 Work continued on compiling and updating the Dublin
city indicators. The International Office collaborated with
The new City Development Plan was approved by the a number of international organisations to help better
Council on the 24th November 2010 and came into effect understand Dublin’s position in global benchmarking
on the 22nd December 2010. The development plan sets rankings.
out the spatial framework for the city within the context of
the National Development Plan, National Spatial Strategy,

8
The following workshops were held in relation to this: rethink about what Dublin offers and what it can offer in the
future. The purpose of the research was to identify what is
◆◆ Mercer Quality of Living Benchmarking of the city. valuable about the city that its businesses, institutions and
May 2010. residents want to retain, that will attract investors, visitors
and talent, and that will make commentators and influencers
◆◆ Creative Industries Workshop – ‘Defining and Valuing recommend the city. The research was presented in a public
Dublin’s Creative Industries’. May 2010. exhibition as part of Innovation Dublin 2010, and will tour the
city region through the County Library network in March /
◆◆ Globalisation and the World Cities Network. Dublin’s April 2011. The Creative Alliance will consider Phase Two of
Position. University of Loughborough, January 2010. the project in early 2011.

◆◆ International Conference with speakers from

Helsinki, Incheon, South Korea, Rotterdam and
Dublin. “Location, Location, Location – Is your city International Event Bidding
smart enough?”
Dublin City Council takes a lead role in co-ordinating
◆◆ New York Innovation Exchange (innovation best targeted campaigns to bid for major international events that
practice exchange) will bring economic and social benefits to the city. 2010 was
a busy year on this front. Dublin was the European Capital of
The Office also hosted a number of foreign delegations Sport and the city received the honour of being designated
from the cities of San Jose, Budapest, Abu Dhabi, Bahrain, a UNESCO City of Literature, one of only four cities in the
Moscow, Gdansk, Suzhou and St. Petersburg. world to have this permanent designation. Preparations
are also ongoing for upcoming events, including the UEFA
Europa League final in 2011, the Tall Ships in 2012, and the
European City of Science 2012.
‘Your Dublin, Your Voice’
The City Council is also leading the Dublin local authorities
In 2010, the Office of International Relations and Research in a bid to achieve World Design Capital status for Dublin in
led a citizen engagement project called ‘Your Dublin Your 2014. A new website, www. pivotdublin.com, has been set
Voice’. Over 2,300 people joined an opinion panel to give up to allow people to submit their ideas, suggest events or
their views on living, working and studying in the city region. pledge their support for the bid.
People of all ages and backgrounds are represented on
the panel, reflecting the diverse, cosmopolitan nature of
Dublin – including representatives of all 32 counties in
Ireland and over 60 nationalities. Membership of the panel
will be ongoing. Panel members will be invited to participate
in regular ongoing surveys. This initiative was supported
by the Dublin Regional Authority and the other Dublin local
authorities.

Discovering Dublin’s Identity

Phase one of a Dublin brand initiative, ‘Discovering Dublin’s

Identity’, was developed in 2010. This was an active
research project, carried out using a collaborative approach
across marketing and design students of UCD Smurfit
Business School and DIT respectively, working with the
Economic Development Unit of Dublin City Council and The
Brand Union as the brand consultants, to give a focused

9
City Quays
Economic Development
Economic Development

The City Council plays a pivotal role in providing strong Creative Dublin Alliance
leadership for the Dublin City Region. In partnership with
South Dublin, Fingal and Dun Laoghaire-Rathdown county The City Council continued to be the driving force behind
councils, the Council continues to support a co-ordinated the Creative Dublin Alliance. The Creative Dublin Alliance
approach to economic development in the Dublin Region. was established in 2008 as a leadership alliance for
the Dublin region across its business, academic and
government bodies, who meet to discuss and implement
solutions in response to the challenges that Dublin faces
Economic Action Plan for Dublin City Region as an internationally competitive city region. The Alliance
supports a wide range of projects in different ways.
The Action Plan sets out the key priorities for the
development of Dublin as an internationally competitive They include:
region. The aim of the Plan is to position the Dublin City
Region as a significant hub in the European economy ◆◆ The Economic Action Plan for the Dublin City Region
through a network of spatial and sectoral clusters, providing
a magnet for creative talent and investment. The Plan is in ◆◆ Dublin Indicators and International Benchmarking
line with the government’s policy on the Smart Economy,
which recognizes the fact that the continued success of ◆◆ Innovation Dublin Festival
Dublin is critical to the performance and recovery of the
entire economy. The Economic Development Unit of Dublin ◆◆ Dublin Fifth Province – Citizen Engagement
City Council continues to co-ordinate, monitor and report on
the delivery of the Action Plan. ◆◆ Designing Dublin

In 2010, a seminar was held to review the Plan, chaired by ◆◆ UniverCities

Dr. Don Thornhill, Chair of the National Competitiveness
Council. The seminar, organised jointly by the Dublin local ◆◆ Discovering Dublin’s Identity – Brand Project
authorities and the Creative Dublin Alliance, heard that
delivery of the Plan was progressing well, with 60% of the 35 New priorities adopted in 2010 include the development
actions completed or established in 2010. of Smart City Projects, Sustainable Dublin Ventures and
research into the Creative Industries in Dublin. In 2010, the
Examples of actions include: Alliance also met with Mr. Frank Ryan, CEO of Enterprise
Ireland, and Mr. Barry O’Leary, CEO of the IDA, to discuss
◆◆ The development of strong leadership through the the support strategies for Dublin.
Creative Dublin Alliance

◆◆ The development of a brand vision for Dublin

(Discovering Dublin’s Identity project and exhibition) Business Support Unit

◆◆ The Innovation Dublin festival Dublin City Council continues to assist businesses on a
daily basis through many of its services such as planning,
◆◆ Embedding the concept of the innovation corridors licensing and infrastructure provision. The Business
in the City and County Development Plans for the Support Unit (BSU) was established in February 2010 to
region further enhance this service by co-ordinating information
and access to all council services relevant to setting up or
◆◆ The development of Smart City projects in expanding a business. The BSU also provides a free online
collaboration with Dublin’s multi-nationals and SME search facility on over 480 funding opportunities available
sectors and development of measures to support from European, Government, local, lottery and charitable
the development of economic clusters, diversity and sources, available at www.funding4dublincity.ie
quality of life in the city.

12
Smart Cities Projects It was initiated by a powerful alliance of businesses,
academic institutions and local authorities, including
Dublin City Council is directly involved in the ongoing Ballymun Regeneration Ltd (BRL), Dublin Airport Authority,
development and delivery of infrastructural projects. Dublin City University, Dublin Institute of Technology, Fingal
Lobbying for investment in the city’s infrastructure is key to County Council, Dublin City Council and North Dublin
the work of the Economic Action Plan. Ireland’s success Chamber.
in winning foreign direct investment and supporting
growth of indigenous enterprise over the coming decade In May 2010, South Dublin County Council launched
will depend heavily on Dublin emerging as an energy- the Naas Road Development Framework and ongoing
efficient, technology-driven and consumer focused smart collaboration is underway between South Dublin and Dublin
city. Dublin’s Smart City initiatives will enhance the lives City Council on this.
of citizens, encourage business to invest and create a
sustainable urban environment. In early 2010, the four Dublin
local authorities signed a memorandum of understanding
with IBM to share data and develop smart solutions for Innovation Dublin
core city operational systems such as transport, water and
energy in Dublin. This was followed in March 2010 with the Now in its second year, Innovation Dublin showcases the
announcement that IBM were locating their first Smarter innovation and creativity that is happening across the city’s
Cities Technology Centre in Dublin, creating up to 200 high researchers, entrepreneurs, innovators and creative thinkers.
value jobs in an IDA Ireland supported investment of up to It reinforces the city’s position as Ireland’s leading location
€66 million over the next three years. for entrepreneurship, Foreign Direct Investment, creative
thinking and modern living. Over twelve days in November,
Innovation Dublin 2010 hosted 394 events organised by
116 companies and organisations. This was almost double
Innovation Corridors the number of organisations that participated in 2009. This
shows that connecting people through collaboration is a key
Three Innovation Corridors were identified in the Dublin City strength of the festival. It is estimated that 69,738 people
Region and included in the City and County Development were involved in some way in Innovation Dublin 2010. Dublin
Plans: received 15 international delegations during the festival and
one of the key developments of the festival this year was
◆◆ Trinity – UCD Innovation Corridor its growth as a platform for promoting Dublin’s innovation
and entrepreneurial accomplishments internationally, with
◆◆ North Dublin Corridor five flagship international conferences showcasing the city’s
excellent conference venues, including the Convention
◆◆ Naas Road Corridor Centre Dublin, Croke Park and the Aviva Stadium.

The Trinity – UCD Innovation Alliance has been in

development throughout 2010 and of particular note was the
launch of the Innovation Academy in November 2010 as part Wood Quay Venue
of Innovation Dublin.
The Wood Quay Venue, located in Dublin City Council’s
In November 2010, An tSlí Ghlas – The Green Way – was Civic Offices, is an imaginative and exciting new
launched by the EU Commissioner for Research, Innovation development incorporating the City Wall Space and the
and Science, Ms. Máire Geoghegan-Quinn. The goal of MyCity Exhibition. The City Wall Space is a spectacular
An tSlí Ghlas – The Green Way is to position Ireland as a state-of-the-art conference/meeting and exhibition/
centre of Cleantech innovation and enterprise, which will link performance facility, featuring a piece of the original Hiberno
business to investors and develop trade partnerships with Norse City Wall dating from 1100AD. The City Wall Space
other major international green corridors such as the US is available to hire for a wide range of events. The Venue
East Bay Green Corridor Partnership and Lahti Cleantech hosted 262 events during 2010 and had 14,250 visitors to
Science Park in Finland. the My City Exhibition.

13
Economic Development

Lord Mayor’s Commission on Employment

The Lord Mayor’s Commission on Employment was

supported by the City Council’s Economic Development
Unit in 2010. The Commission received 132 submissions
from people and organisations all over Dublin. In January,
it hosted two workshops on Promoting Dublin as an
International Student City and Promoting the Cultural
and Creative Industries. A Conference entitled ‘Dublin
– A City that Works’ was organised in April in the Croke
Park Conference Centre and was addressed by the EU
Commissioner for Research, Innovation and Science, Ms.
Maire Geoghegan-Quinn. The final report of the Commission
was launched in June 2010 and makes recommendations
on the development of Dublin as a working city, a learning
city, a creative city, an open city, a global city and a liveable
city.

Many of the report’s recommendations fed into the

preparation of the City Council’s new City Development
Plan 2011-2017. Key initiatives supporting enterprise and
employment in Dublin city include:

◆◆ €10 million City Enterprise Support Fund – Ulster

Bank, the Economic Development Unit of Dublin
City Council and Dublin City Enterprise Board set
up a Business Support Programme for start up
businesses in Dublin. A key aspect of the initiative
is to provide a business finance package at
competitive interest rates to support new business
start ups, coupled with a mentoring service.

◆◆ CESBEM II (Competence Enhancement in

Sustainable Building through European Mobility)
– The Economic Development Unit, in partnership
with Tipperary Institute and Leargas, secured 20
places for unemployed craft workers in Dublin
City Council’s administrative area on this exciting
project. The training provides upskilling in the field of
energy efficiency in buildings. This project received Image Captions
European funding under the Lifelong Learning, 01 Advertising campaign for Innovation Dublin 02 Pictured are delegates at the Globe
Leonardo Da Vinci (People in the Labour Market) Forum conference at the Convention Centre Dublin 03 Ali Grehan, City Architect,
pictured at the launch of the bid for Dublin to become World Design Capital 2014 (Photo:
Programme. Jason Clarke Photography) 04 Pictured are finalists at the IBM Smartcamp 05 Pictured at
the Mansion House for the announcement of the ‘Your Dublin Your Voice’ survey are Lord
Mayor Gerry Breen, Minister for the Environment Phil Hogan, Peter Coyle (Chairperson
Dublin Region Authority), Lettie McCarthy (Cathaoirleach Dun Laoghaire Rathdown
County Council) and the mayors of Fingal and South Dublin County Councils Ken Farrell
and Marie Corr (Photo: Fennell Photography) 06 Lord Mayor Councillor Emer Costello
presents the Lord Mayor’s Commission on Employment report to Conor Lehihan TD
(Photo: Jason Clarke Photography)

14
01 02

03 04

05 06

15
The Green Route along the Grand Canal
Environmental Sustainability
Environmental Sustainability

The City Council is committed to maintaining and improving Kilbarrack Fire Station goes green
the high quality environment it has provided for its citizens
through the delivery of a wide range of services. These Dublin Fire Brigade has created a Green Plan for Kilbarrack
include waste management, water supply, flood protection, Fire Station, which aims to create the world’s first carbon
management of parks and open spaces, waste water neutral Fire Station. To date, the fire station has introduced
treatment and disposal, water, air, noise pollution and a rainwater harvesting system, a new heat management
control. system, and a biodiversity action plan. The Fire Station was
chosen as the flagship location for sustainabiity in the City
Council in 2010.

Sustainable Council

In 2010, Dublin City Council, in association with Dublin’s Sustainability Awards

energy agency Codema, developed and adopted a
sustainable action plan for Dublin city – ‘Dublin City Dublin City Council was awarded the Repak ‘Local Authority
Sustainable Energy Action Plan 2010-2020’. The Action of the Year Award 2010’. The award recognises the efforts of
Plan analyses the city’s current energy and carbon dioxide the Council in the area of waste packaging prevention, reuse
emissions and sets how we can reduce energy consumption and recycling. Judging is also based on other criteria such
in areas such as planning, transport, residential and as the recycling infrastructure in the local authority area and
commercial dwellings, along with options for renewable participation in local and national environmental initiatives.
energy.
The 2010 Chambers Ireland Award for Local Authority
As a signatory to the Covenant of Mayors in 2009, Dublin Efficiencies was awarded to the Council’s National
city has joined over 2,000 cities and towns in a commitment Transfrontier Waste Management Shipment Office.
to the principles of best energy policy, while going beyond
the EU targets of a 20 per cent reduction in carbon Ballymun won the ‘Green Community of the Year Award’ for
emissions by 2020. The City Council aims to reduce energy the second year running. This competition was open to any
consumption by 33 per cent during the life time of the plan. village, town, city or local community in Ireland. Ballymun
received the award for success in embedding sustainability
The City Council produced 63,602.53 tonnes of CO2 projects in the regeneration of the area. These range from
in 2010. To reduce energy consumption, the Council recycling projects to the creation of wildlife habitats.
introduced a number of successful cost and energy saving
initiatives, including the ‘Eco-friendly Driving’ campaign
and the ‘Switch Off’ campaign. In 2010, the ‘Switch Off’
campaign resulted in a drop of 9% in energy consumption in Water Supply for Dublin
the Civic Offices.
The current average daily requirement for drinking water
The Council has also undertaken to offset the carbon tax for the 1.5 million people in the Dublin Region (water supply
on foreign business travel carried out by Elected Members area) is 550 million litres. It is anticipated that this will rise to
and Council staff against green initiatives carried out by approximately 800 million litres by 2031 for an estimated 2.2
our Culture, Recreation and Amenity Department. In 2010, million people.
€1,284 was used for roadside tree planting.
The effects that severe weather events can have on the
The first sustainability report was published by the City water supply network were clearly demonstrated during the
Council in 2010. The report sets out the principles, vision period of cold weather in 2010. While supplies were restored
and actions for increasing the economic, social and to consumers due to the hard work and dedication of Water
environmental sustainability of Dublin city. Services staff, supported by those from other City Council
divisions and the Civil Defence, the events highlighted the
need for a continuous programme of rehabilitation of the
city’s ageing water distribution network. With the support of

18
Central Government, this work will continue during 2011 with North Docklands Infrastructure Project
a commitment to begin replacing a further 200 kilometres of
the network. 2010 saw the completion of two contracts under the
North Docklands Sewerage Scheme. The Liffey Services
During 2010, significant progress was made on the Installation Contract provides vital and unique drainage,
expansion of the water treatment plant in Ballymore Eustace, water, district heating, ESB and telecoms connectivity
which will increase treatment capacity to 318 million litres between the north and south docklands. The other contract
per day. provides the drainage link between the Spencer Dock
Pumping Station, which is soon to commence construction,
Dublin City Council has been appointed by the Department and the Main Lift Pumping Station in Ringsend.
of the Environment, Heritage and Local Government to
carry out studies on behalf of the six Dublin Region Local Following approval from the Department of the Environment,
Authorities on how best to provide adequate drinking water Heritage and Local Government and the Office of Public
supplies for the region into the future. Works (who are the co-funding agencies) tenders were
invited in 2010 for the construction of the North City Water
During the Strategic Environmental Assessment Phase Supply Scheme Phases 1 & 2 and the Clontarf Flood
1, an expanded range of options were identified. Phase Protection project. Construction is anticipated to get
2 of the assessment saw 10 of the options being further underway in the second half of 2011.
investigated and put to public consultation during 2008 and
2009. Following feedback from this consultation process, a
shortlist was prepared and more detailed work was carried
out. The final preferred option has been identified as the Waste Management
proposal to draw water for treatment from the river Shannon
at Lough Derg to a new Eco Park facility to be constructed Following the closure of the Arthurstown Landfill in late 2010,
in the midlands, where it will be stored and treated for an alternative facility was secured following a rigorous public
supply to consumers in the midlands and eastern regions. procurement process. The landfill site in use at present is
This option will now progress through a statutory planning the Bord na Móna site at Drehid, County Kildare. In addition,
process, including the preparation of an Environmental a two year Brown Bin Contract for the recycling of organic
Impact Assessment, which will be overseen by An Bord waste was also awarded. As a result of this, 16,000 tonnes
Pleanála. of material was processed, reducing the amount of material
going to landfill.

During 2010 over 90 tonnes of compost was distributed

Easter River Basin District Plan to Bring Centre customers. 144 tonnes of Christmas trees
were accepted free of charge and composted at 14 different
The EU Water Framework Directive commits all member locations throughout the city.
states to prevent deterioration and achieve at least
good status for our rivers, lakes, estuaries, coastal and During the same period, 156 (70% of total) primary and
groundwater by 2015. Ireland is divided into eight river basin 58 (67% of total) secondary schools were involved in
districts. Dublin City Council has been designated as the environmental campaigns and 81 primary, 12 secondary and
co-ordinating authority for the Eastern River Basin District. 4 special schools were awarded the Green Flag status.
The Eastern District has a population of 1.6 million, covers
a land area of 6,300km2, has 350 km2 of marine waters The Council, in association with other local agencies, were
and incorporates all or part of twelve local authority areas involved in a number of recycling and ‘green’ initiatives
along the east of the country. The River Basin Management during 2010, including the Dublin City Marathon, which went
Plan for the Eastern District, adopted in November 2009 by ‘green’.
Dublin City Council, is now being implemented by the 12
Local Authorities. An Implementation Report was completed 20 WEEE public collection days were organised and 16
at end of 2010. Local Agenda 21 Projects were also funded.

19
Environmental Sustainability

Green Bin Collection/Materials Recovery The route has opened up one of the country’s most scenic
Facility waterways to the public. It has some unique features to
ensure that it will get maximum use and give pleasure to a
The amount of materials collected in the green bin continued variety of users.
to increase in 2010, with over 29,000 tonnes of material
collected in Dublin city. This material is processed at the These include:
Dublin Local Authorities Materials Recycling Facility (MRF)
and exported to manufacturing plants/paper mills across ◆◆ Lighting – over 300 lights are placed along the
Europe & China. Following on from the commissioning of the route. The lights are computer monitored and have
Materials Recovery Facility in 2009, a household recycling the latest dimming systems.
rate of 43% was achieved during 2010.
◆◆ Security – 66 cameras have been installed, along
with a 24 hour CCTV monitored system.

Anti Litter ◆◆ Leisure – fishing points, boating and berthing areas

and seats are provided to encourage access to the
Education and awareness form an integral part of the City Grand Canal.
Council’s Litter Management Plan 2008 – 2011, which aims
to achieve consistent levels of cleanliness across the city, ◆◆ Natural Environment – the project is the first in
comparable with the highest European standards. As part Europe to dim lights to accommodate nocturnal
of the ongoing implementation of the plan, the City Council species. Native trees and shrubs have been planted
undertook a major awareness initiative in 2010, targeting along the route to encourage biodiversity.
all litter types as well as behavioural attitudes towards
litter. The City Council was supported in the campaign ◆◆ Signage – information signs are placed along the
by the Department of the Environment, Heritage & Local route, outlining its history and details of the flora and
Government and Fáilte Ireland. fauna to be found in the area.

Blue Flag and Green Coast Awards Dublin Fire Brigade

Dublin City Council retained its Blue Flag and Green Coast Dublin Fire Brigade provides a fire and emergency response
Award for Dollymount Strand, while Merrion Strand in service for the city and county of Dublin. It also provides an
Sandymount received a Green Coast Award for the first emergency ambulance service. There are also two retained
time. To achieve a Blue Flag, 27 conditions in total have fire stations, which are staffed on a voluntary, part time
to be met. These range from environmental management, basis. In 2010, Dublin Fire Brigade responded to 37,413 fire
to beach management and compliance with EU bathing and rescue mobilisations and 79,406 emergency ambulance
water quality standards. Green Coast Awards are given to mobilisations.
beaches, which also have excellent water quality. The Blue
Flag scheme is administered in Ireland by An Taisce. An external review of Dublin Fire Brigade was carried out in
2010. Dublin City Council accepted the recommendations of
that review regarding the future development of the service.
A Development Board was established to oversee the
Grand Canal Way Green Route implementation of the recommendations.

The Green Route, an 8.5km pedestrian and cycle route, Under the Community Fire Safety Programme and initiatives,
opened along the Grand Canal in June 2010, running from there were 141 school visits and 203 separate community
the 3rd Lock, Inchicore, to the 9th Lock, Lucan. The project fire safety initiatives. 133 pre fire plans and 148 emergency
was carried out using an inter-agency approach between exercises were completed. Dublin Fire Brigade retained the
Dublin City Council, South Dublin County Council, ESB ISO 9001: 2008 current standard accreditation.
Networks and Waterways Ireland.

20
01 02

03 04

05 06

01 Council wins Repak ‘Local Authority of the Year Award’. Pictured (l-r) David Farrelly, Business Development Officer Rehab Glassco Ltd, City Manager John Tierney, John Gormley TD,
Sandra Smith, Environmental Awareness Officer and Andrew Hetherington, CEO Repak 02 Pictured at the launch of the City Counci’s Sustainability Report are (l-r) Mark Bennett, Green
Business Officer, Lord Mayor Gerry Breen and fire fighter Neil McCabe. (Photo: Jason Clarke Photography) 03 The Gillick family present a plaque to fire fighers in Phibsboro Fire Station
for saving their new born twins (Photo: Jason Clarke Photography) 04 Pictured at the North Docklands drainage scheme are (l-r) Steven McNamee (Project Manager, J.Murphy and Sons)
Michael Phillips (City Engineer and Director of Traffic), Tom Leahy (Executive Manager, Engineering), Geoff Radcliffe, Michael Davitt, Fintan Doherty and Tom Killilea (Nicholas O’Dwyer
Consulting Engineers) and Ger Brady (Executive Engineer, Project Management Office) 05 Launch of Anti-Litter Awareness campaign 06 Sandymount Beach

21
Launch of ‘Buzy Streets’ Road Safety programme
Movement
Movement

There has been considerable success in the provision of various locations. Works were also completed on the Howth
public transport for commuting over the past 10 years. Road quality bus corridor. Construction work commenced
However, the demand for travel and movement of goods on the Premium Cycle Route linking Portobello with the
will continue to expand. There is little, if any, opportunity to Samuel Beckett Bridge.
expand the city street network and it is therefore crucial that
use of the existing network is optimised. Dublin City Council
is committed to improving both mobility and accessibility in
the city. Transportation Asset Management Project

Dublin City Council manages transportation assets with a

replacement value of over €2.35 billion. The assets include
Bridging the City 1,200km of roads and footpaths, 147 bridges and an array
of traffic and public lighting infrastructure. The annual
In 2010, the City Council invited tenders for the construction investment in maintenance and improvement of these assets
of a new public transport bridge across the Liffey at is €80 million. The Roads and Traffic Department is currently
Marlborough Street. Construction of this bridge will developing a transportation asset management system,
commence in mid 2011. Work also commenced on the which is a strategic and systematic process of maintaining,
construction of improvements to the Anna Livia Bridge at upgrading and operating physical assets effectively. The
Chapelizod. This involved the addition of two footbridges. system will involve improved management processes
supported by appropriate software and hardware.

Environmental Improvement Schemes

Dublinbikes
A number of environmental improvement works were carried
out on Macken Street, Cardiff Lane and the approach roads Launched in September 2009, the dublinbikes scheme
to the Samuel Beckett Bridge on the South side of the Liffey. comprises 450 bikes with 40 stations strategically located
across the city centre. The scheme, which is operated,
Improvement works to extend the plaza at Smithfield also maintained and managed by JCDecaux on behalf of Dublin
commenced in 2010 and will continue into 2011. Road City Council, is a fully integrated transport alternative that
improvement works also started on Blackhorse Avenue, allows people to take bikes from automated self-service
involving footpaths, public lighting improvements and stations. The scheme is a convenient, cost effective,
carriageway upgrades. environmentally friendly means of getting around the city.

To date there are in excess of 54,000 subscribers, with

approximately 1.7 million journeys completed since the
Intelligent Transportation Systems scheme was first introduced. On average, there are about
5,000 journeys recorded per day, with Thursday 24th March
Work commenced on the roll out of real time passenger 2011 witnessing 5,874 journeys recorded in one day on
information signs for bus users. This project will continue to dublinbikes. During the past 6 months, the scheme has
be rolled out in 2011 and will be extended to Cork city. been expanded to provide for an additional 4 new stations
and 100 extra bikes, while 20 of the existing stations have
also been extended.

Accessibility in the City The bike scheme has received acclaim both nationally
and internationally and has received a number of awards,
The Roads and Traffic Department continued to upgrade including;
pedestrian crossings in the city to full MID (Mobility Impaired
Disability) standards. These works involved the introduction ◆◆ Winner of the 2010 Chambers Ireland Excellence
of new units with directional sound beacons, lowering of in Local Government Awards – Sustainable
kerbs, provision of tactile paving and audio tactile units at Environment Award

24
 01

◆◆ Winner of the Public Relations Institute of Ireland

Award for the Best Public Information Campaign for
the launch of the dublinbikes scheme

◆◆ A paper prepared by the City Council on the

scheme won best paper at the European Transport
Practitioners Conference in July 2010

The scheme is now recognised as one of the most

successful public bike rental schemes globally and the
Planning Department has had queries and requests for
information about the scheme from cities all over the world,
including Tel Aviv, Brisbane, Colorado, London, New York
and Stockholm.
02

03

Image captions

01 Clarendon Street closed to traffic as part of European Mobility Week 02 Pictured (l-r)
Joanne Grant, Managing Director of JCDecaux (Ireland), Lord Mayor Gerry Breen and
Joe Murray, who was the one millionth user of the Dublinbikes Scheme (Photo: Jason
Clarke Photography) 03 Traffic Control Centre, Civic Offices (Photo: Con O’Donoghue)

25
Pictured are Gerard and Keith Ashmore, Jake Sullivan and Charlie Murphy
enjoying the Halloween Festival in Finglas
(Photo: Jason Clarke Photography)
Culture, Recreation and Amenity
Culture, Recreation and Amenity

Dublin is internationally renowned for its cultural richness This facility is operated on behalf of Dublin City Council by
and artistic excellence and in recent years this natural Dublin City Sports and Leisure Services Ltd. and had over
creative energy has been greatly enhanced by visitors, 57,000 visits to the centre in its three months of opening in
workers and residents from other countries engaging in 2010.
the arts and the cultural life of the city. Dublin City Council
continues to lead and support the development of culture Swan Leisure currently has 1,880 members with a further
and arts, sport and the physical recreation of the city. 282 members over the age of 65 and 308 Passport for
Leisure members. Swan Leisure also has 10,276 associate
members that use the facility on a pay as you go basis.

Sports and Leisure Services

In 2010, 1,194,000 people visited Dublin City Council sports European Capital of Sport 2010
and leisure centres and facilities. The 19 centres managed
by the Sports and Leisure section offer a range of activities The designation of Dublin City as the European Capital
for the young to the old including swimming, running, indoor of Sport 2010 offered an opportunity to celebrate the
and outdoor football facilities, indoor bowling, rowing, involvement in sport by all sectors of society. Over 50
sailing, basketball, gym facilities and get fit classes. Leisure citywide events were held to promote sport and physical
Centre staff and Sports Development officers provided activity in the city. Highlights included:
coaching in the various sporting activities.
◆◆ The staging of an international city centre cycle race
The 3 swimming pools at Sean McDermot Street, Crumlin on the cobbles of Temple Bar
and Coolock remained opened in 2010 and new revised
opening hours and operational procedures were agreed in ◆◆ A Tri Nations Amateur Boxing Competition hosted by
2010 to ensure that they remain open in 2011. the Lord Mayor in Dublin’s Mansion House

The new all weather facility at Clontarf Road opened in ◆◆ The delivery of an All Island Sport and Physical
September 2010 and is fully operational and already very Activity Conference for sport administrators,
well used with all peak time hours booked. politicians, representatives of governing bodies of
sport
Swan Leisure Rathmines opened to the public on the 27th of
September 2010. This new state of the art leisure centre has ◆◆ The development of a dedicated website to assist
been built to the highest standard and contains excellent local clubs and event organisers in the promotion of
facilities for all the community including: their activities

◆◆ 25 metre swimming pool with a six lane deck level The City Council, in partnership with the Football
moveable floor Association of Ireland, successfully bid for the rights to host
UEFA’s prestigious Europa League Final in Dublin city in May
◆◆ A fully equipped gym 2011. This event will bring over 30,000 visitors to the city and
showcase Dublin to a global TV audience of circa 30 million.
◆◆ Aerobics studio

◆◆ Spinning studio
Parks and Landscape Services
◆◆ Steam room and sauna
While the ongoing economic downturn impacted on
◆◆ Indoor sports hall for basketball, 5-a side soccer, the planning of new parks projects, significant progress
volleyball and badminton was made in 2010 on the completion of a number of
infrastructural projects in the city, particularly in the provision
of outdoor sports and recreation facilities.

28
The development of an All Weather Pitch Complex at
Clontarf Road on the site of the old Traffic School continues
to be a major benefit to all sporting codes on the North side
of the city and also those on the Dart Line given its proximity
to Clontarf Dart Station. 2010 also saw the completion of top
quality pavilion buildings at Fairview Park, Eamonn Ceannt
Park and the conversion of the old Traffic School buildings
to changing rooms for the All Weather Complex. Planning for
new changing rooms at both Johnstown Park and upgraded
facilities at Kildonan was completed in 2010 and works will
commence in 2011. It was also possible during 2010 to meet
the need for motorbike scrambling in the North Inner City
Area by providing a new scrambling track in association with
Motor Cycling Ireland on lands at Alfie Byrne Road. Rathmines Leisure Centre

Significant improvement works were carried out in a number

of parks in 2010 including the park at Chancery Street,
ongoing improvement works at St. Anne’s Park along the
James Larkin Road boundary; the commencement of works
at St. James’s Graveyard and the completion of planning for
major works at Pelletstown along the Tolka Valley.

Improvement works were also carried out at the playground

at Poole Street, Dublin 8 and a new playground was opened
in Grattan Crescent in Inchicore.

The promenade car parks at Clontarf and Sandymount

were upgraded and paid parking introduced to regulate their
usage. The income generated has been used generally in
citywide parks services. New playground at Grattan Crescent, Inchicore

To meet the increasing interest in garden allotments, two

schemes were initiated during 2010. A major scheme at
St. Anne’s Park, Raheny, which has proven to be very
successful, and a smaller scheme at Ringsend Park, which
is also fully subscribed. The policy of providing allotments
on suitable areas of parkland will continue as opportunities
arise.

In the context of the Council’s responsibility for the

city’s natural environment and the implementation of the
Biodiversity Action Plan, initiatives were taken to develop
further Management Plans for some of our major parks
during 2010, in addition to completing a Butterfly Survey
and ongoing works in the protection of priority species and
habitats. The City Council and the FAI team up to promote the Airtricity League as part of the
European Capital of Sport (Photo:Jason Clarke Photography)

29
Culture, Recreation and Amenity

The Arts Office

Dublin City Council’s Municipal Arts Centre, The LAB,

provided rehearsal rooms and facilities for over 70 theatre,
film and dance companies and 3rd level courses throughout
2010. It also curated 8 visual arts exhibitions throughout
the year and supported an award winning installation and
theatre piece as part of Dublin Fringe Festival.

Our partnerships with other agencies supported significant

arts development work with the over 50s age group and
with young people from 15 youth projects across Dublin.

The Dublin Writers Festival continued to provide unique

access to the best of international writers across genres.
2010 saw the participation of such luminaries as Ian
McEwan and Yann Martel as well as the finest Irish writers,
such as playwright Tom Murphy and songwriter Paul Brady.

The Arts Office continued to support local festivals through

its direct programming, such as the Northside Music
Festival, which sees free world music performances in
community parks and facilities throughout August, and
our support for volunteer led emerging festivals across
the city like the Five Lamps, Ranelagh, Phibsborough and
Kilmainham festivals.

Our city-wide schools programme for primary and

secondary schools supports training for teachers, artist
residencies, augmented by workshops and performances in
the classroom and in local arts facilities. Dutch author Gerbrand Bakker wins International IMPAC DUBLIN Literary Award
(Photo: Jason Clarke Photography)

Dublin City Gallery The Hugh Lane

Dublin City Gallery The Hugh Lane continued to celebrate

the birth of Francis Bacon with the exhibition ‘Francis Bacon:
A Terrible Beauty’. It was one of the major European cultural
events of 2009/2010, attracting over 70,000 visitors to the
gallery.

The gallery also held a number of other exhibitions during

the year including:

◆◆ Sir John Lavery: Passion and Politics – this exhibition

documents the life of the portrait artist Sir John Pictured are some well known Irish writers and poets at a ceremony to celebrate Dublin’s
Lavery designation as a UNESCO City of Literature (Photo: Jason Clarke Photography)

30
 ◆◆ The Collection Revealed – the aim of this series of
exhibitions was to give visitors the opportunity to
view unseen artworks from the Gallery’s collection

In 2010, the gallery joined the Heritage Council’s Museum

Standards Programme for Ireland (MPSI) for the first time.
The MPSI is a five year programme, which involves reaching
specific standards in all aspects of gallery operations from
governance and conservation to visitor services.

Dublin City Public Libraries

Pictured are Vikings in battle during the Dublin Viking Festival

Dublin’s Library Service consists of twenty-one branch

libraries, special services including a business library, music
library and mobile libraries, free WIFI access to the internet
and services for schools and young people. In 2010, a total
of 1,165,941 books and other items including CDs and DVDs
were loaned to members of the public and 560,879 internet
sessions were availed of.

Dublin City Public Libraries submitted a successful

application for designation as a UNESCO City of Literature.
The designation, recognising Dublin’s rich literary heritage,
was formally announced by Lord Mayor Gerry Breen on 26th
July, 2010. Dublin is the 4th city in the world to receive this
permanent designation.

The Dublin: One City One Book initiative continued to

encourage Dubliners to read a Dublin-related book during
the month of April. ‘The Picture of Dorian Gray’, written
by Dubliner Oscar Wilde, was the chosen book for 2010. Daniel Martin wins international city centre bike race in Temple Bar
The press and media coverage of this year’s project has
firmly positioned the initiative in the annual calendar of
Dublin’s literary and cultural events. The online response
was also phenomenal, with website hits recorded from 19
countries outside Ireland: The United Kingdom, The United
States, Germany, Canada, Spain, France, Italy, Belgium,
Austria, Brazil, Japan, The Netherlands, Australia, Finland,
Switzerland, Russia, Denmark, China and Sweden.

At home, programmed events were very well attended

and the public response to the wide range of activities
was supportive and encouraging. The presence of Merlin
Holland, Oscar Wilde’s grandson, at the exhibition launch
was a big attraction for Dorian enthusiasts and the exhibition
itself drew favourable comment from viewers: ‘…I love the
use of multi-media, Oscar would have loved the textures Pictured is Catherina McKiernan with children from Glasnevin and Harold’s Cross
and colours…’ – ‘extremely well researched and presented schools at the launch of the World Harmony Run in City Hall

beautifully… the whole exhibition is to be recommended’ –

31
Culture, Recreation and Amenity

‘…wonderful exhibition…. attention to detail in each aspect’.

The ‘Magic of Music’ company organised a successful
series of events in which children in 32 primary schools
around Dublin were read Oscar Wilde’s, ‘The Selfish Giant’
– and using sound beams, percussion instruments and
singing to create their own version of the story.

The project drew together a number of disparate partners

across the city: The Irish Times (media partners) led with
in-depth editorial content: Penguin Ireland, (publishing
partners) took responsibility for leaflet and poster production
– and the distribution of specially designed editions of
Dorian Gray – their contribution in terms of access to
booksellers was invaluable – and both Dublin Tourism and
Dublin City Bids assisted as sponsors. Strong contributions
were made by various sections of the City Council including
Events, the Wood Quay venue and the Press Office team.
Many other partners around the city supported the project:
The National Library, The Irish Film Institute, the Chester
Beatty Library, Dublin City Gallery the Hugh Lane (who gave
pride of place to the project in the ‘Art and the Classroom’
feature in The Irish Times), Marsh’s Library and Temple Bar
book market, together with many individual contributors, too
numerous to mention.

The winner of the 2010 International Dublin IMPAC Literary

Award was Dutch author Gerbrand Bakker for his novel ‘The
Twin’. The Award is managed by Dublin City Public Libraries
and is the world’s richest literary prize. Nominations are
submitted by libraries throughout the world and a total of Dublin’s GPO is lit up with a 3D light projection show as part of the Christmas Tree
157 libraries participated in the 2010 Award. Lighting Festival (Photo: Jason Clarke Photography)

Dublin City Public Libraries won two NDA ‘Excellence

through Ability’ Awards in 2010. These awards recognize the
level of achievement reached by organizations who integrate
accessibility into the provision of services to the public. Both
Dublin City Library & Archive in Pearse Street and Cabra
Library were awarded ‘quality’ level.

Dublin City Public Libraries were also winners of the

Learning, Development and Progression category at the
2010 O2 Ability Awards. Dublin City Public Libraries were
nominated as an Ability Company and also short listed in the
category of Customer Service.

Dublin City Public Libraries continued to support many

initiatives throughout 2010 including, International Women’s Passion and Politics exhibition
Day, Bealtaine, Seachtain na Gaeilge, The Dublin Book
Festival, Children’s Book Festival, Science Week, Innovation
Dublin, Heritage Week and Culture Night.

32
Events in Dublin

Dublin City Council, through its Event Partnership

Programme and sponsorship, continued to support,
encourage and promote events in the city that sustain the
economic wellbeing of the city through the animation of the
public space.

Events supported in 2010 included:

◆◆ Temple Bar Tradfest

◆◆ St. Patrick’s Festival

◆◆ Dublin Shakespeare Festival

◆◆ Dublin Fringe Festival

◆◆ Culture Night

The Summer in Dublin, autumn and Christmas programmes

continued to provide free entertainment throughout the
year for residents and visitors in our parks, public spaces
galleries and libraries. Highlights included the Street
Performance World Championships, the Northside Music
Festival, the Dublin Viking Festival, Halloween Festivals
in Ballymun and Finglas and the Christmas Tree Lighting
Ceremony.

33
Aviva Stadium
(Photo: Donal Murphy, courtesy of Scott Tallon Walker Architects)
Urban Form
Urban Form

Urban form is concerned primarily with the physical city,

looking at how individual buildings, streets and urban
spaces generate local character and neighbourhood and
how these local areas together contribute to the overall
character and identity of the city. The manner in which the
built city responds to and protects the natural setting of river,
sea and mountains is also a key concern.

The challenge for the City Council is to develop and

communicate a vision for the city which marries the inherited
legacy of Dublin’s past identity and heritage with a modern
contemporary city.

City Development Plan 2011-2017

The new City Development Plan was approved by the City

Council on 24th November 2010 and came into effect on
22nd December 2010. This is the first City Development
Plan to contain a core strategy and a framework for a
sustainable Dublin, in addition to a Strategic Environmental
Assessment and an Appropriate Assessment under the Courts of Criminal Justice
Birds and Habitats Directive.

The City Development Plan is the culmination of more than

two years of preparation by the Elected Members, involving
consultation with citizens, the business community, and
many sectoral groups and service providers.

The year began with the public consultation of the Draft City
Development Plan for 12 weeks up to 12th March 2010 and
a second public consultation on the material amendments in
the autumn. Both these consultations attracted over 1,300
submissions, which were included in the Managers Reports
for consideration by the Elected Members. In addition, over
1,200 Motions were submitted by Elected Members. Convention Centre Dublin and Samuel Beckett Bridge (Photo: Ronnie Norton)

A dedicated website for the review of the Dublin City

Development Plan was established in 2010 to open new
channels of communication with the public on future plans
for the city, the first such interactive site amongst local
authorities in Ireland.

The site was developed to make the Development Plan

understandable to the public and present it in an accessible
way. Working with an outside web-development company,
the Planning Department developed video, graphics, the site
and other on-line features that translated the Development
Plan into terms that showed how the Plan would directly
affect the city and its communities. Grand Canal Theatre

36
The site also allowed for submissions and observations
to be made on-line and news and discussion threads
were posted to generate debate amongst the on-line
community. The site became the main means by which
people interacted with the Plan throughout the 2 year review
process and the majority of submissions on the Plan were
received via the web-site. The site generated more than
11,000 hits and over 50% of submissions from the public
came through the website and dedicated e-mail address.
The site was short listed for the 2010 Irish Web Awards Best
Government and Council Website.

Local Area Plans

The new City Development Plan lists 15 Local Area Plans

and a similar number of Village Improvement Plans, to be
completed over the next 6 years. These plans have been
prioritised in accordance with the Core Strategy and work
has started on preparing the Local Area Plans for the North
Fringe, Connolly, George’s Quay and Naas Road.

These plans have been prioritised on the basis of the

contribution to economic recovery and regeneration. In
addition, work has begun on the Grangegorman site, the
proposed new DIT campus.

The Planning and Housing Departments collaborated in

the preparation and submission of Strategic Infrastructure
Applications to An Bord Pleanála in December 2010, for the
regeneration of O’Deveaney Gardens and Dominick Street
Lower.

Dublin City Council also received the Irish Planning Institute’s

overall Planning Achievement Award 2010. The award was
presented to the City Council for the Phibsboro/Mountjoy
Local Area Plan, which was prepared jointly by the City
Council and consultants Paul Keogh Architects and John
Spain Associates.

This is the first statutory Local Area Plan adopted by the City
Council. It sets a very high standard and has increased the
understanding and acceptance of the benefits of local area
planning in creating sustainable communities. The extent of
involvement of the local community and local interest groups
was particularly important in preparation of the Local Area
Plan and resulted in a strong sense of ownership within the
community of the Plan.

37
Amy Yin Zhang at the launch of Chinese New Year Festival
(Photo: Jason Clarke Photography)
Social Cohesion
Social Cohesion

The role of the City Council is to contribute to the well-being

and quality of life for all people living in the city. To do this
we will continue to deliver a range of quality and sustainable
housing options through our Housing Regeneration
Programme and Action Plan. We will also actively promote
a whole city approach to social inclusion through strategic
partnerships and interagency co-operation.

Building Communities

The Housing and Residential Services Department plays

an important role in building the type of communities
where people are happy to live. This is achieved through
the provision of social and affordable housing and by a
programme of works aimed at regenerating flat schemes in
areas of high density social housing.

In 2010, the City Council completed 105 new units of social

housing. They included developments at Bunratty Road
Phase 1, Edenmore and the Patrick Heeney complex at the
former Lourdes House flat scheme. In addition the Council
acquired 60 units, which is a combination of new build and
second hand units (plus an additional 9 through the Part V
scheme).

Under Part V of the Planning and Development Acts

2000-2002, the Council, in its role as enabler, oversaw the
provision of 59 Part V social housing units, of which 9 were Diwali, ‘the festival of lights’ is celebrated by the Indian community in Dublin
retained by the Council and 50 went to the voluntary and (Photo: Jason Clarke Photography)

co-operative sector. In addition, 75 Part V affordable units

for home ownership were provided under the affordable
housing programme. The notable schemes in these
categories were in Belmayne and Heuston Square.

The Council also provided 51 affordable units for home

ownership on its own lands under the 1999 scheme. A
minority of affordable units intended for sale to first time
buyers were unsold and it became clear that the problems in
the housing market were also affecting take up of affordable
units. As a result, the Council allocated 94 units to a pilot
‘Rent to Buy’ scheme in September 2010.

During 2010, approximately 101 units of accommodation

were provided by the voluntary and co-operative sector at
various locations throughout the city, including 50 units at Snooker player Fergal O’Brien keeps his eye on the ball at a snooker event in the Civic
Donore Avenue/Cork Street provided by the Iveagh Trust. Offices during Social Inclusion Week

40
A number of precinct improvement projects were also Dublin.ie
completed in 2010, including George Reynolds House and
Chancery House. Work is also nearing completion in Whelan The Dublin.ie web unit continued to work in partnership with
House and O’Rahilly House and improvement works have agencies to provide ICT hardware and training to community
commenced in St Audeon’s House. organisations and groups under the council’s Digital
Inclusion Programme. During 2010, direct assistance was
The de-tenanting of St. Michael’s Estate was completed in provided to 6 projects in the Dublin city area which were
2010. This will allow for the demolition of the empty blocks chosen due to the recognised lack of ICT infrastructure.
in 2011. Work commenced on Phase 1a of the new build in
December 2010. This will involve the erection of 10 social Dublin.ie is primarily an information resource for those who
houses, 64 apartments (32 social and 32 affordable), a live in, work in or visit the city. It provides a comprehensive
crèche and an estate office. This project will run for 2 years. guide to community services and organisations as well
as information on the environment, transport, education,
The City Council adopted a new Anti-Social Behaviour culture, business, etc. In order to enable and encourage
Strategy for all its housing estates and complexes in 2010. communities to get on-line, the website provides free
The Strategy was developed through consultation with An services including e-mail, events calendars and discussion
Garda Síochána, the Health Service Executive (HSE) and the fora. More than 20,000 people now have a dublin.ie e-mail
Joint Policing Committee. account, of which approximately 3,500 use their accounts
on a daily basis. Dublin.ie is the number one website
returned when searching for “Dublin” and receives in excess
of 200,000 visits per month.
Integration of Communities

In 2010, a corporate social inclusion group was established

within the Council to promote a commitment to a whole city Homelessness
approach to social inclusion through strategic partnerships,
interagency co-operation and the implementation of the Life Dublin City Council is a member of the Homeless Agency
Cycle national inclusion policy through the development Partnership, which aims to reduce and eliminate long-term
of an annual social inclusion plan. A Poverty Impact homelessness and the need for people to sleep rough in
Assessment was carried out to identify social inclusion Dublin.
content of the new City Development Plan. This work will
inform the development of Area Plans for Dublin city in 2011. In 2010, progress was made on the implementation of the
Pathway to Home model. The model has three inter-related
2010 was the European Year for Combating Poverty and and mutually dependent elements to its structure, namely;
Social Exclusion. This European Year was highlighted by
Dublin City Council with two Social Inclusion Weeks, which ◆◆ Interventions and services that prevent
focused on people who are excluded in society. Community homelessness
events, exhibitions, seminars and a publicity campaign were
held to demonstrate who and how many people can be ◆◆ Temporary accommodation and homeless services
excluded from participation in society.
◆◆ Housing with supports
The Office for Integration continued to promote the active
participation of immigrant communities in the political, The following outlines some of the changes that took place
economic, social and cultural life of the city. It launched a in the provision of homeless services in Dublin as a result of
new key initiative called One City One People to combat the implementation of the model and the reconfiguration of
racism and discrimination, which featured across all public homeless services in 2010:
transport networks and in the public domain.
◆◆ Support to Live Independently (SLI) – this
scheme is operational in all Dublin local authority
areas.

41
Social Cohesion

◆◆ Assessment, Placement and Freephone document. Consultations were ongoing with all Departments
Service is fully operational in Dublin City Council’s in the Council to provide action plans for inclusion in the new
area (Capel Street) and is being rolled out in each of Implementation Plan.
the County Council areas (Dun laoghaire-Rathdown,
Fingal and South Dublin). A 24 hour freephone
Homeless Helpline is now fully operational on 1800
707 707 Access Business Directory

◆◆ PASS (Pathway Accommodation Support The directory is available on www.accessdublin.ie. The

System), the shared client case management directory continues to expand and there were 1,066
system, was initiated. premises listed at the end of 2010. Work continued on
re-development of the directory. Access audit software was
◆◆ Regional Outreach Team for rough sleepers, developed and is nearing completion and it is hoped that
provided by the Dublin Simon Community and Focus the final format will go live in early 2011. Access auditors and
Ireland Outreach Teams, commenced operation in architects have been engaged by the Access Unit to recruit
the Dublin Region. An assertive approach underpins businesses for the directory. Meetings were held with other
the model of outreach, with a particular emphasis on Dublin local authorities to explore/pursue the expansion of
working with entrenched rough sleeping – or those the directory. School and business DVDs were produced to
known to be service resistant. promote accessibility awareness and the Business Directory.

◆◆ Localisation of homeless services took place with a

proportion of services moving out of the city centre,
in order to better support people in their own local Capital Works
areas, rather than people continually using services
in the city centre. The changeover has commenced Progress on capital works has been greatly hampered due
in the Dublin city area, with one existing service to significant reduction in funding in 2010. Works Carried out
becoming a Supported Temporary Accommodation in 2010 included:
(STA) service, in addition to two STA’s confirmed in
the Fingal area, one STA provided in Dun Laoghaire Buildings: Library upgrades in Pembroke and Drumcondra
– Rathdown and one STA confirmed in the South were completed and Rathmines is due for completion in
Dublin area. 2011.

Roads & Streets: Mobility improvement works carried

out including signalised pedestrian crossing facilities, audio
Access works, road dishings, bus stop upgrades and repair of tree
trip hazards.
In 2008, Dublin City Council produced an Implementation
Plan (IP) as required under the Disability Act 2005. The Plan Parks: 8 entrances/car parks, 3 new footpaths, 3
was revised in 2009 and a review of Council services in the accessible swings and access to one sports pavilion
context of accessibility was carried out. On the provision upgraded. 1 new park opened. Designs/tenders prepared
of services, O’ Herlihy Access consultancy carried out a for works to 4 parks. General resurfacing of car parks,
services review and produced a report which will form part paths, playgrounds, tree pruning was carried out and
of the new Implemenatation Plan for 2011. removal of tree trip hazards.

The Access Unit of Dublin City Council continued to work All maintenance/routine work and any new developments
on a Disability Proofing Strategy to examine all areas of are complying with existing Access Audits and are being
communication from a accessibility perspective. A number designed/carried out to best practice in accessibility.
of workshops and pilot projects were completed in 2010
in the area of communications, promotion of the Access
Unit and disability proofing of the Public Realm Strategy

42
 Regeneration of Ballymun

The regeneration of Ballymun continued in 2010.

A significant milestone was achieved by Ballymun
Regeneration Ltd. (BRL), with more than three quarters
of the project completed. Throughout 2010, continued
progress was made on a myriad of projects which form part
of the Ballymun Regeneration Completion Strategy 2010
– 2014.

The final social housing units in the Balcurris scheme were

completed and all tenants had moved in by April 2010.
Number 38 Belclare Drive, Ballymun’s first new generation
Patrick Heeney Crescent Summerhill eco home, was completed in September and the final
Phase 4 Social Housing programme commenced, with
work starting in Shangan in August on the construction of
93 housing units. Environmental works also started on the
upgrade of Balcurris Gardens. 1,638 replacement homes
have been completed and twenty three of the thirty six flat
blocks have been demolished up to the end of 2010.

The city’s newest park, Poppintree Park was opened in July

2010. The park is located in the North West Area of the city.
It provides a wide range of recreational facilities for the local
communities of Glasnevin North, Finglas East and Ballymun.
The park was provided by Ballymun Regeneration (BRL),
and will be maintained by Dublin City Council.

A new neighbourhood centre was also opened in Sillogue

in September. The centre is a multi-use building; it includes
Pictured are members of Woodlawn Residents Association – overall winners of the Clúid’s senior citizen’s accommodation, retail units and
Dublin City Neighbourhood Awards offices. There are also two large meeting rooms which are
available for all local community groups to use.

In 2010, under the auspices of Safer Ballymun Forum,

the new Ballymun integrated CCTV system, which is a
network of over fifty cameras situated throughout the
neighbourhoods of Ballymun, was launched as a crime
prevention measure. The system, along with the Safer
Ballymun website, was launched by the Minister of Justice
and Law reform in October as part of Safer Ballymun Week.

BRL also launched the ‘Review of West Ballymun

Neighbourhood Action Area Plans 2009’. The review
describes in detail all that has been achieved in creating
sustainable neighbourhoods in west Ballymun since the
original plans were produced in 2000 and 2001.
George Reynolds House Irishtown

43
Social Cohesion

Neighbourhoods

Lord Mayor Gerry Breen announced the Woodlawn

Residents Association as the overall winners of the Dublin
City Neighbourhood Awards 2010, at a ceremony held in
Croke Park. Woodlawn is located in Santry in the heart of
the North Central Area of Dublin. The Residents Association
was set up over seventeen years ago when the estate was
built. It is seen as a means of bringing neighbours together
and building a community spirit in the estate.

Image captions

1 Pictured at the launch of Dublin ‘One City, One People’ campaign are Missan Yulori,
Dublin Bus, Leaticia Njirima, Luas, Stephen Hamilton, Irish Rail, Prince Noskahare, Bus
Éireann, and Jakob Chmielewski, JCDecaux. (Photo: Jason Clarke Photography)
2 Pat Liddy and Cllr John Gallagher at launch of Social Inclusion Week 3 Launch of
Chinese New Year Festival (Photo: Jason Clarke Photography)
4 International Women’s Day (Photo: Jason Clarke Photography) 5 Africia Day

44
01

02 03

04 05

45
Coat of Arms detail on mosaic floor in City Hall
Organisational Matters
Organisational Matters

Dublin City Council is the largest local authority in ◆◆ Financial Review Statement
Ireland and employs over 6,000 people across a range
of areas in professional, technical, administrative and ◆◆ Discussion of budget, budget review
management roles. There are 52 democratically elected
public representatives on the Council, the only body with a ◆◆ Draft City Development Plan
democratic mandate to lead the development of the city.
◆◆ City Council Communications and Citizen
Engagement

City Council Meetings held: ◆◆ Training and Development programme for

Councillors
Monthly Meetings 11
Special Meetings 6 ◆◆ Parking charges and Financial Review Statement
Annual Meeting 1
Budget 1 ◆◆ The Croke Park Agreement
Protocol Committee 10
◆◆ Discussion of Draft Budget for 2011

Corporate Policy Group

Payments to Members of Dublin City
The Corporate Policy Group (CPG) comprises the Council
Lord Mayor, the 6 Chairpersons of the Strategic Policy
Committees (SPCs) and is supported by the City Manager. Annual Councillors’ Expenses € 362,264
The role of the CPG includes advising and assisting the
Elected Council in the formulation, development, monitoring Allowance paid to Chairpersons
and reviewing of policy for Dublin City Council. However, full of Strategic Policy Committees € 36,000
decision-making authority remains with the Elected Council.
The CPG may also make proposals for the allocation of Allowance paid to Chair of City
business between Strategic Policy Committees and for the Development Board € 6,000
general co-ordination of such business.
Lord Mayor’s Allowance € 66,562
There were 12 meetings of the CPG in 2010. Items
considered by the CPG included: Deputy Lord Mayor Allowance € 5,000

◆◆ Updates by the Chairpersons of the SPCs on the Members’ Representational Payments € 849,670
business of their strategic Policy Committees
Training, Conference Travelling
◆◆ Council agendae and Subsistence € 68,169

◆◆ Manager’s reports

◆◆ Attendance at Conferences, Seminars and Courses Bye-Laws

◆◆ Departmental Business Plans, overview and The following Bye-Laws were made by Dublin City Council
subsequent review 2010 in 2010:

◆◆ Information / Communications Strategy ◆◆ Dublin City Council – Control of Horse Bye Laws
2010 (Amendment of Control of Horses Bye Laws
◆◆ I.T. update 1999)

48
 ◆◆ Dublin City Council Special Speed Limit Bye Laws also included the City Manager and representatives from the
2009 (came into effect on January 31st 2010) Dublin Chamber of Commerce, Dublin Convention Bureau,
Convention Centre Dublin and IBM.
◆◆ Dublin City Council Parking Control Bye-Laws 2010
Following the signing of a Friendship Agreement with the
City of Moscow in 2009, the International Office organised
the first Russian Festival to be held in Dublin. The week long
Lord Mayor’s Awards festival, which was held in February, was a great success.

These awards were presented to: The Lord Mayor Gerry Breen led a small group of councillors
to Liverpool in July 2010 to exchange views and best
◆◆ Jimmy Magee in recognition of his illustrious career practices on a number of issues, common to both cities.
as a sports commentator and his tireless work on Dublin twinned with Liverpool in 1997.
behalf of charities.
Dublin City Council decided at its monthly meeting in
◆◆ Sylvia Meehan for her pioneering and campaigning December to enter into a formal Twinning Relationship with
work through her lifelong pursuit of equality for Beijing.
women in the workplace and for empowering older
people. The expenditure incurred under this budgetary heading in
2010 was €20,800 approx.
◆◆ Paddy Doyle for his tireless and passionate work
on behalf of the marginalised in our society and his
contribution to literature and education.
International Women’s Day
◆◆ Janette Byrne for her courage in fighting her own
cancer, in challenging the health system and in International Women’s Day, held annually on the 8th March,
championing the cause of hospital patients. is an international day of celebration where thousands of
events are held throughout the world to inspire women
◆◆ Capuchin Day Centre for the caring and and celebrate their achievements. Dublin City Council’s
compassionate work carried out by Brother Kevin Working Group, which was established in 2007, continued
Crowley, his staff and the Centre’s many volunteers. to promote the role played by women in the political,
cultural and social life of Dublin city. The goal of the Working
◆◆ East Wall Water Sports Group for their Group is to integrate the international day of celebration
contribution in fostering a love of water and water into the calendar of the city. The City Council celebrated
sports among thousands of young people from the contribution of women to the life of the city with a
across Dublin city. programme of events in March 2010. A wide range of
historical, cultural and community events were arranged
The presentations were made on Wednesday 19th May at a along with a guided historical tour of the city. A pilot
dinner hosted by the Lord Mayor, Councillor Emer Costello competition for transition year students with International
in the Round Room, Mansion House. The cost incurred in Women’s Day as its theme was undertaken. An awareness
relation to these awards was €31,094.08. of the day was created with banners and flags flying along
the quays and streets, in addition to a dedicated on-street
poster campaign, using the JCDecaux advertising sites and
a web presence.
Twinning

In March 2010, the Lord Mayor Councillor Emer Costello

led the annual strategic mission by the Dublin delegation to
Dublin’s sister city of San Jose, California. The delegation

49
Organisational Matters

Customer Service The City Council website, www.dublincity.ie, had 2,068,752

visits in 2010. The most popular pages visited were the
The customer base of Dublin City Council continues to Home Page, Traffic Cameras, Libraries and Motor tax.
change. Dublin City Council is committed to delivering the
highest quality service to our customers, through whichever Dublin City Council launched its new interactive mapping
channel they find most convenient. The Council continues to application; Dublin City Community Maps (www.dublin.ie/
work to improve access to our services by having effective maps) in November 2010. The purpose of the application
strategies and systems in place and by being accountable is to electronically map and provide basic information on
through an open and transparent approach to our work. community and public facilities within the municipal area
of Dublin city. Information on more than 2,500 facilities is
In 2010, The Customer Services Centre answered almost presented using Google Maps and a unique combination
435,000 calls. 75% of the calls were resolved at first point of two important additional features, Microsoft Bird’s Eye
of contact. 7,585 application forms were posted out to View and Google Street View. Dublin City Council is the first
customers and 275 were emailed. In addition, over 38,000 local authority in the country to use such advanced features
service requests were raised. The Customer Services whereby a map location is augmented by aerial photography
Centre provided additional frontline support for both the and on-street views which allow users to orientate
Roads and Traffic Department and the Public Lighting themselves to exactly where a facility is located.
Section.
The application is available in five languages and users
The centre processed over 48,000 payments in the Cash can search the database in a number of different ways.
Office and 22,500 transactions over the phone. Nearly Feedback is also possible through features which allow
20,000 Resident’s Parking Permit applications were users to submit details of facilities that are not listed and
processed. The value of these payments was in excess of to suggest changes to existing data. All searches made
€55m. on the application are monitored to evaluate what facilities
users are seeking and whether or not their searches are
In April 2010, Dublin City Council introduced online reporting successful. This is very important to assist the ongoing
where issues such as abandoned vehicles, graffiti, illegal development of the application and to ensure accuracy in
dumping and problems with roads and footpaths can be the data presented.
reported. The most popular Dublin City Council application
forms can also be requested using this facility. Over 750 In its first weeks of operation, more than 4,000 searches
requests for service were submitted by the end of the year. were made on the application. A promotional campaign to
advertise Dublin City Community Maps using JCDecaux
During 2010, with the assistance of the Equality Authority, metro poles was launched in December 2010 and an iPhone
the Customer Services Centre piloted half day workshops version of the application will be available for download
‘Equality in Service Delivery: an Introduction’. Fifty staff in 2011. It is also proposed to make all data held on the
attended the workshops and the feedback was very application available to other organisations through an
positive. electronic link.

Following on from the ‘Q-mark’ Award for quality service

in 2009, the Customer Services Centre went on to be
nominated for awards in the categories of ‘1st Time Freedom of Information requests 2010
Participants’ and ‘Government Services’ in 2010. At a
ceremony in September 2010 the Centre won both of these Number of live cases at 31/12/2009 12
prestigious awards.
Number of requests received in 2010 210
Dublin City Council continued to build on the success of the ➤ Personal 110
e-planning service. In 2010, 274 applications were submitted ➤ Non-personal 96
electronically. Half of these applications would be architects ➤ Mixed 4
using the service for the first time the other half would be
Number of requests processed in 2010 214
repeat users.
Requests granted 101

50
 Requests part-granted 76 implementation of the first twenty two proposals under
Requests refused 22 this Action Plan commenced. The majority of these were
fully implemented in under two months. This challenging
Requests transferred 0
programme of work resulted in considerable cost savings
Requests withdrawn 5 and productivities.
Requests withdrawn and handled outside of 10
FOI
Requests for Internal Review received 23
Partnership
Appeals to the Information Commissioner 6
Number of live cases at 31/12/2010 8 During 2010, the Corporate Partnership Forum and The
Financial Arrangements Group, chaired by the City Manager,
continued to operate. The workplace partnership process
remains the principal communication channel for workplace
Source of requests information and consultation.

Press 29
Business 29
Training and Development
Oireachtas 3
Staff 6 The Training and Development Unit continued to develop its
Clients 143 focused training programme to maximise the varied skills,
experience and expertise of employees. In 2010, a total of
Other 0
3,240 training days were delivered (excluding Fire Brigade).

The innovative training course, ‘Building Towards Your

Future’ continued in 2010. This course is a project based
Staff Relations team exercise, which gives participants the opportunity to
research and develop a work based project and present
In the challenging national and local economic climate of their work to Senior Management. These courses were
2010, the Human Resources Department continued to designed for Clerical Officers and Assistant Staff Officers
support managers and employees in achieving efficient and and participation was on a voluntary basis.
effective delivery of the Council’s corporate objectives.
A further programme entitled “Developing Your Skills”
The continuation of the Government moratorium on offered a wide range of focused training opportunities to
recruitment impacted further on staff numbers. The meet specific training needs. These courses are designed
Human Resources Department continued to work with line to cover a wide range of topics and were delivered in
managers in order to ensure that critical vacancies were two hour modules. Some of the popular courses were
filled within existing numbers. A total of 209 employees Time Management, Understanding Access and Disability,
retired in 2010 with only limited recruitment taking place, on Presenting with Style and The Motivation Clinic. The main
foot of sanction from the Department of the Environment, aim of this programme is to provide targeted training on a
Heritage and Local Government. range of subjects to assist staff in developing their skills and
improving efficiency/effectiveness in the area concerned.
The key challenge facing the Council’s Employee Relations Since the courses were introduced, over 1,400 employees
Unit in 2010 was the management of the significant increase have completed a selection of the various modules. A
in demand for high levels of service delivery with diminishing further 1,000 employees attended the Microsoft 2007 suite
financial and human resources. Following the acceptance of training courses covering Powerpoint, Excel, Word and
of the Croke Park Agreement, the Employee Relations Outlook.
Unit worked closely with all Departments to develop and
implement the City Council’s Action Plan to achieve the
targets outlined in the Agreement. In November 2010,

51
Organisational Matters

The Return to Learning project had another successful year The Human Resources Department continued in 2010
with 28 staff completing the course. 14 staff completed the to facilitate a range of Work-Life Balance measures. The
4 core modules of the new pilot FETAC level 3 course. 11 of Shorter Working Year scheme, which recognises the needs
these participants will continue to study in 2011 to attain a of some employees to balance their work and personal
full FETAC level 3 qualification. commitments, was availed of by 214 employees in 2010.

During 2010, the structures for the management of the

PMDS system in the Council were reconfigured for greater
effectiveness and this led to the assignment of permanent
PMDS facilitators in the larger Departments, with a central
coordinating role now located within the HR Training Unit.

Health and Safety

In 2010, the City Manager, in conjunction with HR

management, instigated a range of initiatives relating to
performance of Safety, Health and Welfare within the City
Council. These initiatives strengthened the Council’s Safety
Management System and improved progress on critical
aspects.

Among the initiatives undertaken by the Health Promotion

Officer in 2010 were the Marathon Charity Challenge and the
Healthy Backs Programme. The Marathon Charity Challenge
was a joint venture with the Sports Unit of the Culture,
Recreation and Amenity Department, which recruited and
trained a group of 48 employees to participate in a series
of organised runs, culminating in the 2010 Dublin City
Marathon. As well as the health benefits to the participants,
the challenge raised a significant amount of money for the
Irish Cancer Society.

The aim of the Healthy Backs Programme was to assess

the role of a supervised physical therapy and psychological
support programme in preventing the recurrence or
reducing the severity of work related back injuries. 36
employees took part in the programme, which was deemed
to be a great success.

The ‘Cycle to Work’ Scheme attracted 260 applicants. A

total of 572 employees have availed of this scheme since
its introduction. 550 employees availed of the Travel Pass
Scheme. These schemes encourage staff to use sustainable
transport methods to and from work.

The Council continued the provision of a confidential

counselling and support service, which is available to any
employee through self-referral or by line manager referral.

52
01 02

03 04

05 06

01 Council wins Public Relations Institute of Ireland (PRII) Award for Best Public Information Campaign. Pictured (l-r) Anne-Marie O’Sullivan, Chairperson of the Public Relations Consultants
Association, Michael Sands, Communications Manager, Michael Stubbs, Assistant City Manager, Mary Murphy, Rps Mary Murphy Associates and Micheál Martin TD
02 Dublin City Libraries wins O2 Ability Award: Pictured (l-r) are Angela Cassisdy, Sheila Kelly, Batt O’Keeffe, Minister of Enterprise, Miriam Leonard, Caroline Casey, founder of O2 Ability
Awards, Margaret Hayes, Dublin City Librarian, Danuta Gray, Chief Executive of Telefonica Ireland and Ciaran Kelly, consulting partner PwC 03 Council’s National Transfrontier Shipment
Office wins Chambers Ireland Award. Pictured (l-r) are Ian Talbot CEO, Chambers Ireland, John Gormley TD, Evelyn Wright, Senior Executive Officer and Hugh Kennedy, Brief Counsel Ltd
04 Council wins Chambers Ireland Award for Dublinbikes Scheme. Pictured (l-r) are Ian Talbot, CEO Chambers Ireland, Michael Stubbs, Assistant City Manager, John Gormley TD, Joanne
Grant, JC Decaux, Jim Keogan, Executive Manager and Elaine Brick, AECOM 05 Customer Services Centre receives Q Mark award. Pictured (l-r) back row: Mark L’Estrange, Tony Kiernan,
Siobhán Brazil, Karol O’Donovan, Martin Roper, Technical Director, EIQA, Rory Richardson, Martin Daly. Front row (l-r): Amy O’Neill, Brian O’Gorman and Martina Campbell 06 Pictured are
recipients of the Lord Mayor’s Awards (Photo: Jason Clarke Photography)

53
Financials
Financials

56
Introduction we work. It will assist in further service reviews over the
course of 2011 and beyond. These effective controls have
I am pleased to present the Annual Financial Statements enabled Dublin City Council to bring forward the advantage
of Dublin City Council for the financial year ended 31st of once off issues, such as additional income, that arose
December 2010. Comparative figures are given for 2009. with regard to the non principal private residence charges.
Dublin city is the economic hub of the Dublin region, which During 2010, loan charges were lower than estimated at the
in turn is the economic hub of the State. Dublin city has a end of 2009. The Department of the Environment, Heritage
diverse economy, which is a source of employment and and Local Government amended their calculation of the
income for an area well beyond the city itself. Dublin is a pension levy deduction, which resulted in a net gain for the
centre for retail, financial, higher education, medical, cultural authority. Entry Year Property Levy secured an additional
and entertainment activities. income. Savings in pay were achieved across salaries and
wages through controls on overtime and recruitment.

Review of Dublin City Council’s financial

performance in 2010 Accounting statements, notes and
appendices
Dublin City Council’s bank position at the end of 2010 was
a credit balance of €77.9m. This position represents an The aim of the Annual Financial Statement is to fairly
improvement on the financial position at the end of 2009. present the financial position of Dublin City Council as at
The improved financial position was due to the payment of the end of 2010. This is achieved through the production
outstanding government claims on a number of projects, of Statements, Notes and Appendices, as required by the
borrowing of funds to finance capital projects in early 2011 regulatory accounting framework set by the Minister for the
and prepayment of grants for capital projects and Voluntary Environment, Community & Local Government. The purpose
Housing Bodies loans. During 2010, Dublin City Council of each of these documents is set out in the glossary.
operated in overdraft for 258 of 365 days.

Dublin City Council took actions over the course of 2010 and
continues to into 2011 to adjust and match both operational Changes to accounting policies
day to day spend and its long-term capital investment
programme with available funding and resources. The 2010 Annual Financial Statements have been prepared,
incorporating some small changes in accounting policies as
Central to all of Dublin City Council’s services is the objective advised by the Minister. These changes are set out in the
to maintain and support business and households through Accounting Polices and relate to the following issues:
the provision of quality value driven services.
◆◆ Fixed Assets Revaluation

◆◆ Pensions
Financial management measures 2010
◆◆ Affordable Housing
Over the course of 2010, Dublin City Council has managed
the resource base effectively. Since the commencement In addition to these policy changes the way we report on
of the economic downturn, the City Council has put in VEC pensions has been changed. From AFS 2010 onwards,
place a programme of prudent expenditure controls, VEC pensions and gratuity will no longer be included in
strengthened debt collection measures, limited exposure to payroll expenditure but will be included in Agency Services
capital projects and accelerated a review process of work and show in Appendix 1 to the AFS.
practices and resource demands. This programme will
continue into the future. It has been a key enabler in the City Some other minor presentation changes were introduced.
Council’s capacity to limit the impact of reduced resources All of the changes are listed at the end of this report.
on services to the relatively low level that has occurred. The
programme is critical to continuing to make changes in how

57
Financials

Revenue expenditure Accounting policies

During 2010, Revenue (i.e. day to day operations) The accounting policies used in the preparation of the AFS
Expenditure amounted to €848.7m, with income of are set out in the Statement of Accounting Policies. Dublin
€854.3m, giving an excess of income over expenditure of City Council is fully compliant with the regulatory accounting
€5.6m. (See Table 1). This demonstrates an increase of framework as determined by the Department of the
€0.2m on the 2009 values. Environment, Heritage and Local Government.

€M
Revenue Expenditure on City Council Service 848.7
Revenue Income 854.3
Statutory audit
(Government Grants, Service Charges & Rates)
Dublin City Council undergoes an annual audit, required
Balance 5.6 by statute, carried out by the Local Government Audit
Table 1: Revenue Expenditure 2010 Service (LGAS). The audit for the financial year 2010 is
scheduled to commence in March 2011. This audit provides
an independent review to help assure a fair presentation of
Dublin City Council’s financial position. Dublin City Council is
Transfers to Reserve Fund also subject to audit in relation to EU funding, NRA funding,
tax compliance and audits with a Value For Money objective
As required by the regulatory accounting framework set through the LGAS.
by the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local
Government, expenditure shown in the 2010 Income and
Expenditure account is net of transfer to reserves, i.e.
transfer to reserves are excluded. Note 15, “Transfers to and Capital expenditure
from Reserves”, provides greater detail on these transfers.
The movement from gross expenditure to net expenditure Expenditure on capital projects and investment net of
indicated in the AFS is set out in Table 2. internal transfers and before loan advances in 2010 was
€334.2m. This spend forms part of the Capital Programme
€M 2010 to 2012 of €900m. This expenditure of €334.2m was
Expenditure 817.5 funded through income net of transfers of €300.8m, leaving
a surplus of expenditure over income for the year of €33.4m.
Transfers to Reserve 31.2
The value of capital expenditure in 2010 is reduced by
Final Expenditure 848.7 €219.4m or almost 39% on 2009 levels.
Table 2: Movement from Gross to Net Expenditure 2010
€M
Income is also expressed in the AFS net of transfers to Opening Balance (Credit) 14.9
reserves, as presented in Table 3.
Expenditure as at 31st December 2010 334.2
€M Income 300.8
Income 488.0 Net Transfers (€19.9 – €0.6) 19.3
Rates Income 282.0 Closing Balance 31st December 2010 (Credit) 0.8
Local Government Fund 64.7 Table 4: Capital Account
Pension Levy 19.0
Income before Transfers 853.7 The key movements in capital were in housing, water and
the assignment of Development Contributions.
Plus Transfers from Reserves 0.6
Final Income 854.3

Table 3: Movement from Gross to Net Income 2010

58
Development Contributions Rates are based on rateable valuations of properties as set
by the Commission of Valuation, and the annual rate on
Section 48 of the Planning and Development Act 2000 valuation (the multiplier) is determined each year by reserved
enables Dublin City Council, when granting a planning function of the elected members of Dublin City Council (see
permission under Section 34 of the Act, to include Table 6).
conditions requiring the payment of a contribution. This
contribution is in respect of public infrastructure and facilities 2007 2008 2009 2010
benefiting development in the area of the planning authority €M €M €M €M
and that is provided, or that is intended will be provided by
Commercial 5.06 5.17 5.31 5.49
or on behalf of a local authority (regardless of other sources
Rateable
of funding for the infrastructure and facilities). Dublin City
valuation of city
Council’s Development Contributions Scheme under the
2000 Act came into operation on 1st January 2004. The ARV (multiplier) 59.52 61.87 63.91 62.63
Annual Financial Statement for the financial year 2010 Rates Receipts 282.40 296.60 307.50 296.50
includes values for development contributions as set out in
Table 6: Rates
Table 5.

€M Trading conditions for business in 2010 involved many

Development Contributions outstanding at the 33.5 pressures. Difficulties in the banking sector, the impact
Year End of the recession on trading and purchasing patterns and
reduced confidence were all evident in the latter half of 2010.
Development Contributions subject to phasing 104.2
Rates forms the largest single income source of Dublin City
arrangements
Council’s day to day activities. The rate collection in 2010
Total 137.7 performed robustly in the context of a weakening economic
Table 5: Development Contributions environment (see Table 7).

Phasing arrangements for payments of development €M

contributions are in place where considered appropriate. Rates Income 324.1
Site developments are subject to inspection to confirm that
Bad Debt Provision 42.1
building works have commenced. The value of debt owed
to Dublin City Council by way of development contributions Income after Bad Debt Provision 282.0
will be reviewed continuously over 2011. Enforcement As per Adopted Budget 282.0
actions in respect of development sites, where development Difference 0.0
contributions are due and remain unpaid, include site
inspections, warning letters, enforcement notices and legal Table 7: Rates 2010

proceedings.

Financial Management
Rates

Rates are a local property tax levied by Dublin City Council

on the occupiers and owners (in some cases) of commercial System of internal controls
properties in Dublin city. Rates income in 2010 amounted
to €282.0m, 33 % of Dublin City Council’s funding for The Executive of Dublin City Council acknowledges its
day-to-day services. responsibility for systems of internal control in Dublin
City Council, including putting in place processes and
procedures for the purpose of ensuring that control systems
are effective. These systems can provide reasonable and
not absolute assurance that assets are safeguarded,
transactions authorised and properly recorded, and that

59
Financials

material errors or irregularities are either prevented or ◆◆ Strict policies and procedures for the receipt,
detected in a timely period. Effective internal control systems recording and control of monies. These procedures
enable Dublin City Council to meet its responsibilities for the are regularly reviewed and audited.
integrity and accuracy of its accounting records.

Dublin City Council has taken steps to ensure an appropriate

control environment is in place by: Internal Audit

◆◆ Clearly defining and documenting management The primary role of Internal Audit is to provide assurance to
responsibilities and powers Senior Management and to the Audit Committee that the
various risks facing the Council have been identified and
◆◆ Strengthening a strong culture of accountability appropriate internal controls are in place to manage those
across all levels of the organisation risks.

◆◆ The work of Internal Audit Internal Audit is a key player in the Corporate Governance
process and makes a valuable contribution to the effective
◆◆ The work of the Central Procurement office management of Dublin City Council. The concepts of
accountability and transparency are important principles
◆◆ The work of the Risk Management Unit in responsible governance, implying openness to scrutiny
and a requirement to report on performance. Internal Audit
◆◆ The work of the Ethics Officer facilitates this process by providing an independent review
function to management, to assure that services are being
◆◆ The work of the Audit Committee provided in an efficient, effective and economic manner and
by conforming to legal requirements. In 2010, eleven reports
◆◆ External audit and scrutiny through many channels were issued, covering a wide range of issues.

Financial management reporting in Dublin City Council is

robust and thorough. A rigorous system of monthly financial
monitoring ensures that any significant budget variances Management and staff
are identified and appropriate actions are taken to minimise
any adverse financial impact. The system of internal financial Dublin City Council acknowledges the committed work
control is based on a framework of regular management of our staff. The high quality of our services, projects and
information, administrative procedures including segregation interaction is due to their dedication and tremendous
of duties, and a system of delegation and accountability. In contribution. Dublin City Council is fully committed to the
particular it includes: development of our staff. Dublin City Council wishes to be
considered as a destination employer, attracting the best
◆◆ A comprehensive budgeting system with an annual staff to achieve our vision for Dublin City and is an equal
budget, which is reviewed and agreed by the elected opportunities employer. The Finance Department and others
members operate a Continuing Professional Development support
scheme for staff to assist in retaining and developing
◆◆ Regular financial reviews; weekly, monthly and professional skills and knowledge.
quarterly financial reports, which indicate financial
performance against forecasts on both expenditure
and income and variance analysis evaluation
Finance Strategic Policy Committee
◆◆ Setting targets to measure financial and other
performances The Finance Strategic Policy Committee provides leadership
and direction on key areas relating to the financing of Dublin
◆◆ Clearly defined capital investment control guidelines City Council. Key topics pursued during 2010 were:

◆◆ Formal project management disciplines

60
Labour redeployment Development and Finance. The aim of the initiative would be
that the SPC would develop a set of indicators, which will
Frank Kelly, Head of Human Resources, provided a report to map the status and direction of the property market, both
the Committee on the following areas: commercial and residential, in Dublin city.

◆◆ Staff numbers

◆◆ Management of payroll costs Bonds

◆◆ Workforce planning The issue of bonds was discussed in detail during 2010 by
the Committee. The initial report provided the Committee
◆◆ Employee Relations and Industrial Relations with information on Dublin City Council’s capacity to
issue bonds. It further provided an overview of bonds,
◆◆ Current work to rule acknowledged the current financial environment and
considered options that may be available to the Council.
◆◆ National sectoral discussions
Following the submission of a motion to the City Council,
further consideration was given to a municipal bond being
issued to fund the refurbishment of void housing units and
Dublin city Revaluation other infrastructural projects throughout the city. In the
existing financial and economic climate, the Department
The Valuation Office commenced preparatory work on the of Finance declined to extend the issue of bonds for these
Dublin city revaluation in 2010. The revaluation, which is purposes.
scheduled to commence in 2011, will bring greater equity
and transparency to the rating system in Dublin city. The
revaluation will result in a redistribution of the commercial
liability between rate payers. Unauthorised car parks in Dublin city centre

A report issued to the Committee providing information on

a number of unauthorised car parks in the city area. Further
VAT on local authority services detail was provided on the enforcement status of the sites
and the rating liability of same.
Following the issuing of the Finance Bill 2010 on 4th
February 2010, the Committee were updated on a regular
basis on the proposals that Local Authorities and other
public bodies would be made accountable for VAT on the Dublin Business Innovation Centre
supply of certain goods and services. The introduction of – Presentation
VAT for public bodies resulted from a Judgement issued
in July 2009 by the European Court of Justice, which A presentation was made to the Committee by John Phelan
found that Ireland had not correctly transposed the EU VAT to highlight the work of the Dublin Business Innovation
directive is so far as it relates to the application of VAT to Centre’s (DBIC) and the Guinness Enterprise Centre’s (GEC)
goods and services supplied by public bodies. contribution to the start-up enterprise sector in Dublin.

Consideration of system to monitor key

property market indices

A briefing report was presented by the Chair of the Finance

SPC Cllr. Killian Forde on this matter following meetings
and discussions with officials from Planning, Economic

61
Financials

Finance Risk Register 2010 and finance Housing rent arrears – Presentation
related elements of Corporate Risk Register by Housing and Residential Services
Department
A report was presented to the Committee detailing the
progress to June 2010 on the risks identified in the Finance A presentation was made to the Committee covering the
Department’s Risk Register for 2010. Further information following issues:
was provided on the finance related risks identified in the
Corporate Risk Register. ◆◆ Rent arrears

◆◆ Rent assessment

Actuarial valuation of the accrued pension ◆◆ Arrears management

liabilities of Dublin City Council
➤➤ Transfers policy 2010
A follow-up review of an actuarial valuation of accrued
pension liabilities of Dublin City Council, commissioned by ➤➤ Maintenance policy (July 2009)
the Finance SPC, was carried out by John Reilly, Actuary,
Department of Finance in 2010 and presented to the ◆◆ Plans for the future management of rents
Committee. The principal findings were:

◆◆ The pension liability at 31st December 2009 for

Dublin City Council amounts to €2.4bn, at a discount Overview of priorities for 2011
rate of 4%.
The Revenue Budget for 2011 was adopted by the City
◆◆ The evaluation concludes that pension liabilities will Council on 29th November 2010. The Budget provides for
steadily increase for Dublin City Council until 2035 the continuation of services vital to the effective functioning
and from then on reduce. of the city, while acutely aware of the impact of the cost of
service provision.
◆◆ Any increases in pension costs are unfunded by
Central Government. The sustained increases The Budget and consequent service provision for 2011 has
noted in the report would form a steadily increasing been framed reflecting the following matters:
demand on funds, which might otherwise fund
service provision/improvements. The Department of the Environment, Heritage and Local
Government has advised the City Council of a Local
◆◆ A copy of the report will be issued to the Department Government Fund Allocation for the year 2011 of €73.7m.
of Environment, Heritage and Local Government, This allocation represents a 12% reduction on the 2010
outlining the funding pressures arising from revised allocation, one of the highest reductions applied to
increasing pension liabilities. the local government fund allocation of a local authority. See
Table 8 below

2008 2009 2010 2011

Annual Report of Dublin City Council’s Audit Actual Actual Actual Estimate
Committee €M €M €M €M
Net 105.0 78.6 64.7 56.2
Under the provisions of Local Government legislation and
the Audit Committee Charter, the Audit Committee formally Actual Allocation 105.0 94.7 88.7 78.7
reports to the City Council each year on its activities and Pension levy 0.0 16.1 19.0 17.5
offers its advice and makes such recommendations as it deduction
considers appropriate. This report issued in 2010 covered 35% Pay Adjustment 0.0 0.0 5.0 5.0
the activities of the Committee since its establishment in
September 2008 to 31st December 2009. Table 8: Net Local Government Fund Allocation 2008 to 2011

62
Continuous Registration / Non-use to review the staffing complement of Dublin City Council and
declaration Cork City Council. This group has engaged with Dublin City
Council in forming a viable basis for the delivery of quality
Legislation is being drafted with the objective of services for Dublin City and the people who live in, work in
consolidating and updating all matters relating to vehicle or enjoy the city.
registration and taxation. One of the matters being
considered and which was recommended by the Local
Government Efficiency Review Group, is the removal of
non use declarations as it currently operates. This would Removal of exemption from commercial
have a significant positive impact on receipts to the Local rates
Government Fund (LGF) and therefore to Local Government
funding. Local Government has been the subject of reviews before,
in particular with regard to the financing of local government
The Declaration of Non-use, on the RF100A Motor Tax services. The Indecon report of 2006 recommended that
Renewal Form, is the method prescribed for dealing with Central Government should no longer benefit from an
periods of vehicle non-use. Essentially, it gives registered exempt status in relation to the payment of commercial
owners of vehicles the opportunity to make a declaration, rates. This recommendation has not been implemented thus
witnessed by a member of An Garda Síochána, that a far. In 2010, had the rates exemption been lifted, commercial
vehicle was not used on the public road for a given period, rates of €26.8m would have been payable to Dublin City
thereby eliminating the liability for motor tax for that period. Council by Government.
The declaration is not supported by any documentary
evidence as to why the vehicle was not on the public road.
The use of such declarations has increased sharply in recent
times. Charges set at economic price

A study by staff in Dublin City Council in 2009 of the Another recommendation of the Indecon review was to
practice of submitting non-use declarations identified set planning charges at an economic rate. Currently, a
€50m in income foregone annually. However, if calculations maximum price threshold applies to large applications, with
for change of owner situations, where gaps are the result that local authorities must assign considerable
common between vendor tax expiry and purchaser tax skilled resources to applications which is not met by way of
commencement are included, the figure is much greater. planning fee. Dublin City Council looks forward to changes
The limiting of non-use declarations will ensure that off the in the structure of the planning fee schedule.
road situations are appropriately addressed.

The introduction of the proposed legislation would have a

positive impact on the LGF. It would also assist in increased Severe weather events
use of the online system, which in turn would reduce the
number of staff now involved in direct customer interface. In January 2010, exceptional weather events caused
The City Council would be anxious that the necessary disruption across Dublin city and beyond, restricting
legislative change would be enacted as soon as possible. mobility and water supply. Severe weather occurred in late
It will benefit how business can be conducted at Motor Tax November and December 2010. We responded to that
Offices and strengthen compliance. situation by deploying many staff from across Dublin City
Council to deal with footpaths and roads. Actions were
required to be taken over a short period of time, which had
resource implications. I wish to acknowledge funding from
Local Government Efficiency Review the Department of the Environment Heritage and Local
Government in respect of specific costs incurred in these
The report of the Local Government Efficiency Review matters
Group issued in July 2010 provides proposals for change for
the Local Government Sector. A specific recommendation of
the group was the establishment of an independent group

63
Financials

Conclusion Pensions

Dublin City Council services critically support business, “Payments in respect of pensions and gratuities are charged
residential and visitor life in the city. Service demand to the revenue account in the accounting period in which the
remained high in 2010, notwithstanding economic payments are made. The cost of salaries and wages in the
pressures, and this remains the case in 2011. Dublin accounts includes deductions in respect of superannuation
City Council will continue to closely link service provision (including widows and orphans) benefits. Such receipts
with available resources. Notwithstanding movements in are credited as receipts to the Income and Expenditure
resources, services will be delivered to the highest quality Statement. The requirements of current accounting
and represent value for money. standards relating to pensions and their application to local
authority accounting is currently under review”.
I would like to thank the staff of all departments for their
co-operation and especially my colleagues in the Finance
Department for their work in producing the Annual Financial
Statement. In particular, I would like to thank Antoinette Treatment of Affordable Housing
Power, Head of Financial Accounting and the staff of
the Financial Accounting Unit for their work. I also wish The balances on Affordable Housing Capital Projects are
to thank the members of the City Council for their help included as part of Agent Works Recoupable in Note 5 of
and consideration in resolving the many financial issues, the Annual Financial Statements.
which arose during 2010. I would like to acknowledge the
contribution made by members of the Audit Committee and
its Chairperson, Tom McAleese.
Other changes
I would like to thank in particular the members and
Chairperson of the Finance Strategic Policy Committee, Cllr In appendix 2 – an additional line item ‘Transfers to/from
Killian Forde, for their contribution and commitment. Reserves’ to be included in each Division.

Note 17 – an additional column to be included for ‘Transfers

to/from Reserves’.

Kathy Quinn, CPFA

Head of Finance
VEC pensions

The accounting treatment for VEC pension and gratuity

Changes to AFS 2010 costs has been changed. From AFS 2010 onwards VEC
pension and gratuity costs must be included under Agency
Services in Appendix 1 to the AFS.

Asset Revaluations Accounting Policy

“As set out in the Accounting Code of Practice it will be the Minor change to balance sheet format
policy to revalue assets where appropriate at intervals of not
more than five years. Due to their physical nature the vast The words ‘Financed By’ on the face of the Balance Sheet
majority of assets are unique to local authorities and are not would be replaced by the words ‘Represented By’
subject to disposal. Some of the remaining general assets
are subject to disposal and their valuation and the current NPPR receipts received by the LGCSB to 31st December
revaluation policy will be reviewed in 2011.” 2010 to be included.

Deferred income would be included under the category of

‘Other’ under ‘Creditors (amounts falling due after more
than one year)’. The purpose of this change is to align
deferred income with the treatment of the corresponding
development contribution debtors due after one year, which
64 are shown as long term debtors.
Statement of Accounting Policies 4.  Interest charges

Loans payable can be divided into the following two

categories:
1.  General
◆◆ Mortgage related loans
The accounts have been prepared in accordance with the
Accounting Code of Practice on local authority accounting, ◆◆ Non mortgage related loans
as revised by the Department of Environment, Heritage and
Local Government (DEHLG) at 31st December 2010.
4.1  Mortgage related loans
Mortgage related loans have a corresponding stream of
income from long term advances (i.e. monies lent by the
2.  Replacement of Programme Group local authorities to borrowers), for the purchase of houses.
Structure Only the interest element is charged or credited to the
Income and Expenditure Statement.
Prior to 2008 the Annual Financial Statement was presented
in a programme group structure. In 2008 it has been
replaced with a service-based structure. The comparison 4.2  Non mortgage related loans
between the programme and the new service structure is as Note 8 to the accounts sets out the types of borrowing
follows: under this heading. Loans relating to assets/grants, revenue
funding, inter local authority will not have a corresponding
Programme Structure New Service Structure stream of income. Bridging finance will eventually become
Programme groups Divisions part of permanent funding. Loans in respect of the other
headings will have a corresponding value in Note 3.
Programmes Services
Sub-programmes Sub-services

The new service structure is a more up to date presentation 5.  Pensions

of the key services provided by local authorities. Under
the programme group structure overheads were allocated Payments in respect of pensions and gratuities are charged
to programme group level. In the new service structure, to the revenue account in the accounting period in which the
overheads are allocated to each service and identify the full payments are made. The cost of salaries and wages in the
costs of the service. accounts includes deductions in respect of superannuation
(including widows and orphans) benefits. Such deductions
are credited as receipts to the Income and Expenditure
Statement. The requirements of current accounting
3.  Accruals standards relating to pensions and their application to local
authority accounting is currently under consideration.
The revenue and capital accounts have been prepared on
an accrual basis in accordance with the Code of Practice.

Development Levies are accounted for on the accruals 6.  Agency and other services
basis. When Development Levies are invoiced, but part
payment is agreed on a phased basis, the phased income Expenditure on services provided or carried out on behalf
is treated as Deferred Income and matched by Long Term of other bodies is recouped at cost or in accordance with
Debtor. specific agreements.

65
Financials

7.  Insurance subject to disposal. Some of the remaining general assets

are subject to disposal and their valuation will be reviewed in
The City Council is its own insurer for the following amounts: 2011 to comply with current revaluation policy.

◆◆ Liability Cover €314,000

9.5  Disposals
◆◆ Asset Cover €500,000 In respect of disposable assets, income is credited to a
specific reserve and is generally applied in the purchase of
Amounts in excess of the above are covered by a number new assets. Proceeds of the sale of local authority houses
of insurance companies. Our motor vehicles are covered by are to be applied as directed by the DOEHLG.
3rd party, fire and theft (driver excluded).

9.6  Depreciation
Under the current method of accounting, the charge for
8.  Provision for bad and doubtful debts depreciation is offset by the amortisation of the source of
funding the asset. This method has a neutral impact on
Provision has been made in the relevant accounts for bad Income and Expenditure and consequently the charge for
and doubtful debts. depreciation and the corresponding credit from amortisation
is excluded from the Income and Expenditure Statement.

The policies applied to assets subject to depreciation are as

9.  Fixed Assets follows:

Asset Type Bases Depreciation Rate

9.1  Classification of assets Plant and machinery
Fixed assets are classified into categories as set out in the
– Long life S/L 10%
balance sheet. A further breakdown by asset type is set out
in note 1 to the accounts. – Short life S/L 20%
Equipment/computers S/L 20%
Furniture S/L 20%
9.2  Recognition
Heritage assets Nil
All expenditure on the acquisition or construction of fixed
assets is capitalised on an accrual basis. Library books Nil
Playgrounds S/L 20%
Parks S/L 2%
9.3  Measurement
Land fill sites*
A balance sheet incorporating all of the assets of the
local authority was included for the first time in the Annual Water assets
Financial Statement for 2003. The assets were valued based Water schemes S/L Asset life over 70 years
on the ‘Valuation Guideline’ issued by the DEHLG. All assets Drainage schemes S/L Asset life over 50 years
purchased or constructed as from 1/1/2004 have been
included at historical cost. Accounting policies relating to The Council does not charge depreciation in the year of
leases are currently being developed and will be reflected in disposal and will charge a full year’s depreciation in the year
later financial statements. of acquisition.

* There are no land fill sites in Dublin City Council.

9.4  Revaluation
As set out in the Accounting Code of Practice, it will be the
policy to revalue assets where appropriate, at intervals of not
more than five years. Due to their physical nature, the vast
majority of assets are unique to local authorities and are not

66
10.  Government grants 15.2  Creditors
At the close of the financial year, creditors represent
Government grants are accounted for on an accrual basis. payments due in respect of goods received and services
Grants received to cover day to day operations are credited rendered but not yet paid.
to the Income and Expenditure Statement. Grants received,
relating to the construction of assets, are shown as part
of the income of work-in-progress. On completion of the
project the income is transferred to a capitalisation account. 16.  Interest of Local Authority in companies

The interest in the companies limited by guarantee listed

in Appendix 8 has not been incorporated in the financial
11.  Debt redemption statements. Interest in other associated companies is
included in Note 3.
The proceeds from the early redemption of loans by
borrowers are applied to the redemption of mortgage related
borrowings from the HFA and OPW.
17.  Accounting for affordable housing
capital projects

12.  Lease schemes The balances on affordable housing capital projects are
included as part of Agent Works Recoupable in Note 5 of
Rental payments under operating leases are charged to the the Annual Financial Statements.
Income and Expenditure. Assets acquired under a finance
lease are included in fixed assets. The amount due on
outstanding balances is shown under current liabilities and
long-term creditors.

13.  Stock

Stocks are valued on an average cost basis.

14.  Work-in-progress and preliminary

expenditure

Work-in-progress and preliminary expenditure is the

accumulated historical cost of various capital related
projects. The income accrued in respect of these projects is
shown in the Balance Sheet as ‘Income WIP’.

15.  Debtors and creditors

15.1  Debtors
At the close of the financial year, debtors represent income
due but not yet received.

67
Financials

Income and expenditure account statement for year ended 31st December 2010

City Councils

The Income and Expenditure Account Statement brings together all the revenue related income and expenditure. It shows the
surplus/(deficit) for the year.

Expenditure by division

Gross Expenditure Income Net Expenditure Net Expenditure

2010 2010 2010 2009
€ € € €

Housing and Building 198,353,426 160,527,386 37,826,040 46,922,389

Roads Transportation and Safety 73,006,638 44,554,470 28,452,168 30,512,235
Water Services 123,659,107 77,356,466 46,302,641 46,552,408
Development Management 28,559,419 6,561,209 21,998,210 24,753,089
Environmental Services 222,306,395 103,233,360 119,073,035 135,513,545
Recreation and Amenity 77,863,344 10,952,843 66,910,501 74,552,327
Agriculture, Education, Health and Welfare 66,829,426 64,103,321 2,726,105 2,748,867
Miscellaneous Services 26,905,263 20,727,288 6,177,975 11,284,903

Total Expenditure/Income 817,483,018 488,016,343 329,466,675 372,839,763

Net cost of divisions to be funded from rates and Local Government Fund

Rates 282,021,994 282,021,994 316,107,522

Local Government Fund – General Purpose Grant 64,672,297 64,672,297 78,621,795
Pension Related Deduction 19,009,978 19,009,978 16,126,818
Surplus/(Deficit) for year before transfers 36,237,594 38,016,372

Transfers from/(to) reserves (30,619,229) (32,576,628)

Overall surplus/(deficit) for year 5,618,365 5,439,744

General reserve @ 1st January 2010 9,765,759 4,326,015

General reserve @ 31st December 2010 15,384,124 9,765,759

68
Balance Sheet at 31st December 2010

2010 2009
€ €
Fixed Assets
Operational 6,745,668,004 6,397,350,936
Infrastructural 4,545,613,003 4,465,973,887
Community 275,311,323 275,103,167
Non-operational 284,211,743 397,444,923
11,850,804,073 11,535,872,913

Work in progress and preliminary expenses 899,327,297 837,136,104

Long term debtors 830,712,989 868,263,658

Current Assets
Stocks 4,869,523 4,758,099
Trade Debtors and Prepayments 226,325,709 338,097,007
Bank Investments 3,615,826 3,535,494
Cash at Bank 76,798,161 –
Cash in Transit 1,069,428 –
Urban Account – –
312,678,647 346,390,600

Current liabilities (Amounts falling due within one year)

Bank Overdraft – 28,534,987
Creditors and Accruals 267,798,193 281,270,684
Urban Account – –
Finance Leases – –
267,798,193 309,805,671

Net current assets/(liabilities) 44,880,454 36,584,929

Creditors (Amounts falling due after more than one year)

Loans Payable 921,257,895 952,566,208
Finance Leases – –
Refundable Deposits 3,615,826 3,535,494
Other 63,759,420 104,475,174
988,633,141 1,060,576,876

Net Assets 12,637,091,672 12,217,280,728

Represented by
Capitalisation 11,850,804,073 11,535,872,913
Income WIP 833,759,418 768,560,800
Specific Revenue Reserve – –
General Revenue Reserve 15,384,124 9,765,758
Other Balances (62,855,943) (96,918,743)

Total Reserves 12,637,091,672 12,217,280,728

69
Financials

Revenue accounts 2010 / Financial profile at a glance

2010
2009

m’s 0 50 100 150 200 250 300

Expenditure Expenditure
2010 2009
€ €
Housing and Building 198,353,426 219,062,481
Roads Transportation and Safety 73,006,638 75,689,253
Water and Sewerage 123,659,107 125,307,650
Development Incentives and Controls 28,559,419 32,009,963
Environmental Protection 222,306,395 252,541,226
Recreation and Amenity 77,863,344 86,466,902
Agriculture, Education, Health and Welfare 66,829,426 56,822,128
Miscellaneous 26,905,263 28,406,642

Total expenditure 817,483,018 876,306,245

70
Revenue Income 2010 2%
17%
Main sources of revenue income €
Grants and Subsidies 149,247,147
Contributions from other local authorities 92,512,364 33%
Goods and Services 246,256,832
11%
Local Government Fund – General purpose grant 64,672,297
Rates 282,021,994
Pension Levy 19,009,978

8%
Total Income 853,720,612
29%

Revenue Expenditure 2010 3%

6%
5%
Main categories of revenue expenditure €
Payroll Expenses 400,797,358
Operational Expenses 300,815,372
Administration Expenses 39,560,916
Establishment Expenses 49,355,522 49%
Financial Expenses 26,738,850
37%
Total Expenditure 817,483,018

Capital Income 2010 6%

6%
2%
Sources of Capital Income €
Government Grants 163,171,430 5%
Development Contributions 19,223,925
Borrowings 77,962,738
Property Disposals 14,114,841 51%
Car Parking Income 7,140,421 24%
Transfers to Reserves 19,869,751
Other 19,142,738

Total Income 320,625,844 6%

71
Financials

Capital income by service division 2010 150

€
Housing and Building 145,328,827
Roads Transportation & Safety 61,020,922 120
Water and Sewerage 44,857,398
Development Incentives & Controls 43,633,076
Environmental Protection 8,836,208
Recreation and Amenity 8,146,269 90
Agriculture, Education, Health and Welfare –
Miscellaneous 8,803,144
320,625,844
60

30

0
m’s

250

Capital expenditure by service division 2010 200

€
Housing & Building 201,754,325
Roads Transportation & Safety 61,278,966 150
Water & Sewerage 37,337,623
Development Incentives & Controls 18,692,577
Environmental Protection 5,849,482
100
Recreation & Amenity 7,403,852
Agriculture, Education, Health & Welfare –
Miscellaneous 2,489,398
334,806,223 50

0
m’s

72
Glossary of Terms Fair Value – The fair value of an asset is the price at
which it could be exchanged in an arm’s length transaction
Accruals (Matching) – The concept that income and less, where applicable, any grants receivable towards the
expenditure are recognised as they are earned or incurred, purchase or use of the asset.
not as money is received or paid.
Finance Lease – A lease that transfers substantially all
Capital Expenditure – Expenditure on the acquisition of of the risks and rewards of ownership of a fixed asset
a fixed asset or expenditure that adds to and not merely to the lessee. Such a transfer of risks and rewards may
maintains the value of an existing fixed asset be presumed to occur if at the inception of the lease the
present value of the minimum lease payments, including any
Community Assets – Assets that the local authority initial payment, amounts to substantially all of the fair value
intends to hold in perpetuity, that have no determinable of the leased asset.
useful life and that may have restrictions on their disposal.
Examples of community assets are parks and historic Fixed Assets – Tangible assets that yield benefits to the
buildings. local authority and the services it provides for a period of
more than one year.
Contingency – A condition, which exists at the balance
sheet date, where the outcome will be confirmed only on Going Concern – The concept that the authority will
the occurrence or non-occurrence of one or more uncertain remain in operational existence for the foreseeable future,
future events. in particular that the revenue accounts and balance sheet
assume no intention to curtail significantly the scale of
Corporate and Democratic Services – The corporate operations.
and democratic services comprise all activities, which local
authorities engage in specifically because they are elected, Government Grants – Assistance by government and
multi-purpose authorities. The cost of these activities are inter-government agencies and similar bodies, whether local,
thus over and above those which would be incurred by a national or international, in the form of cash or transfers of
series of independent, single purpose, nominated bodies assets to an authority in return for past or future compliance
managing the same services. There is therefore no logical with certain conditions relating to the activities of the
basis for apportioning these costs to services. authority.

Deferred Charges – Expenditure which may properly be Infrastructure Assets – Fixed assets that are inalienable,
deferred, but which does not result in, or remain matched expenditure on which is recoverable only by continued use
with, tangible assets. Examples of deferred charges are of the asset created. Examples of infrastructure assets are
expenditure on items such as preliminary expenses on highways and footpaths.
proposed capital schemes.
Investments – A long-term investment is an investment
Depreciation – The measure of the wearing out, that is intended to be held for use on a continuing basis
consumption, or other reduction in the useful economic life in the activities of the authority. Investments should be so
of a fixed asset, whether arising from use, effluxion of time or classified only where an intention to hold the investment for
obsolescence through technological or other changes. the long term can clearly be demonstrated or where there
are restrictions as to the investor’s ability to dispose of the
Exceptional Items – Material items which arise from investment. Investments, which do not meet the above
events or transactions that fall within the ordinary activities of criteria, should be classified as current assets.
the authority and which need to be disclosed separately by
virtue of their size or incidence to give fair presentation of the Investment Properties – Interest in land and/or buildings:
accounts.
(a)  in respect of which construction work and development
 xample – redundancies, uninsured damage, uninsured
E have been completed; and
structural failure of operational buildings, deficits arising on
the settlement of uninsured claims, cost of industrial action (b) which is held for its investment potential, any rental
and losses on investments. income being negotiated at arm’s length.

73
Financials

Long-Term Contracts – A contract entered into for the Prudence – The concept that revenue is not anticipated but
design, manufacture or construction of a single substantial is recognised only when realised in the form either of cash or
asset or the provision of a service (or a combination of of other assets the ultimate cash realisation of which can be
assets or services which together constitute a single assessed with reasonable certainty.
project), where the time taken substantially to complete the
contract is such that the contract activity falls into different Stocks – Comprise the following categories:
accounting periods. Some contracts with a shorter duration
than one year should be accounted for as long-term (a) goods or other assets purchased for resale;
contracts if they are sufficiently material to the activity of the
period. (b)  consumable stores;

Net Book Value – The amount at which fixed assets are (c) raw materials and components purchased for
included in the balance sheet, i.e. their historical cost or incorporation into products for sale;
current value less the cumulative amounts provided for
depreciation. Current value can be either “net current Useful Life – The period over which the local authority will
replacement cost” or “net realisable value” derive benefits from the use of a fixed asset.

Net Current Replacement Cost – The cost of replacing

or recreating the particular asset in its existing condition
and in its existing use, i.e. the cost of its replacement or of
the nearest equivalent asset, adjusted to reflect the current
condition of the existing asset.

Net Realisable Value – The open market value of the

asset in its existing use (or open market value in the case of
non-operational assets), less the expenses to be incurred in
realising the asset.

Non-Operational Assets – Fixed assets held by a local

authority but not directly occupied, used or consumed in
the delivery services. Examples of non-operational assets
are investment properties and assets that are surplus to
requirements, pending sale or redevelopment.

Operating Leases – A lease other than a finance lease.

Operational Assets – Fixed assets held and occupied,

used or consumed by the local authority in the direct
delivery of those services for which it has either a statutory
or discretionary responsibility.

Post Balance Sheet Events – Those events, both

favourable and unfavourable, which occur between the
balance sheet date and the date on which the AFS is signed
by the responsible financial officer.

Prior Year Adjustments – Those material adjustments

applicable to prior years arising from changes in accounting
policies or from the correction of fundamental errors.

74
75
O’Connell Street
Appendices
Appendices

78
Appendix 1.0 Members of the Strategic Policy Committees at December 2010
Appendix 2.0 Activities of the Strategic Policy Committees
Appendix 3.0 Members of Dublin City Development Board 2010
Appendix 4.0 Dublin City Council National Service Indicators for 2010
Appendix 5.0 Dublin City Council Development Contribution Scheme
Appendix 6.0 Conferences and Seminars 2010
Appendix 7.0 Gender breakdown for competitions
Appendix 8.0 Some of the publications published by the City Council in 2010
Appendix 9.0 Energy Usage Report
Appendix 10.0 Dublin City Joint Policing Committee

Appendix 1.0 Cllr Rebecca Moynihan (Lab)

Cllr John Lyons (Lab)
Cllr Mary O’Shea (FG)
Members of the Strategic Policy Committees at Deputy Lord Mayor, Cllr Edie Wynne (FG)
December 2010
Sectoral Interests
Economic Development, Planning and International Damian Nolan, An Taisce
Affairs Richard Guiney, Dublin City Business Improvement District
Chairperson: Councillor Mary Freehill (Lab) Annemarie Crowley, National Standards Authority of Ireland
Cllr Emer Costello (Lab) Conor Gouldsbury, Irish Business & Employers’
Cllr Dr Bill Tormey (FG) Confederation
Cllr Ruairí McGinley (FG) Ettienne Pople, Project Management Society of Engineers of
Cllr Sean Kenny (Lab) Ireland
Cllr Dermot Lacey (Lab)
Cllr Oisín Quinn (Lab) Transportation and Traffic
Cllr Críona Ní Dhálaigh (SF) Chairperson: Cllr Andrew Montague (Lab)
Cllr Paul McAuliffe (FF) Cllr Aine Clancy (Lab)
Cllr Eoghan Murphy (FG) Cllr Maria Parodi (Lab)
Cllr Michael Conaghan (Lab)
Sectoral Interests Cllr Henry Upton (Lab)
Valerin O’Shea, An Taisce Deputy Lord Mayor, Cllr Edie Wynne (FG)
Jeanette Mair, Construction Industry Federation Cllr Mary O’Shea (FG)
Mark Fielding, Irish Small & Medium Enterprises Association Cllr Eoghan Murphy (FG)
Dr. Paula Russell, School of Geography, Planning & Cllr Mary Fitzpatrick (FF)
Environmental Policy (GPEP) Cllr Larry O’ Toole (SF)
Dermot Ryan, South West Inner City Local Employment
Service Sectoral Interests
Conor Faughnan, AA Ireland
Environment and Engineering Fiona Kelty, National Council for the Blind of Ireland (NCBI)
Chairperson: Councillor Naoise Ó Muirí (FG) Frank Mulligan, Irish Road Haulage Association (IRHA)
Cllr Declan Flanagan (FG) Derek Peppard, Dublin Cycling Campaign
Cllr Pat Crimmins (FG) James Leahy, Environmental Pillar
Cllr Dessie Ellis (SF)
Cllr Joan Collins (PBPA)
Cllr Deirdre Heney (FF)

79
Appendices

Housing, Social and Community Affairs Finance

Chairperson: Councillor Eric Byrne (Lab) Chairperson: Councillor Killian Forde (Lab)
Cllr John Redmond (Lab) Cllr Paddy Bourke (Lab)
Cllr John Gallagher (Lab) Cllr Nial Ring (Ind)
Cllr Ray McAdam (FG) Cllr Ruairi McGinley (FG)
Cllr Clare Byrne (FG) Cllr Bríd Smith (PBPA)
Cllr Catherine Noone (FG) Cllr Kevin Humphreys (Lab)
Cllr Christy Burke (Ind) Cllr Dermot Lacey (Lab)
Cllr Louise Minihan (éirígí) Cllr Tom Brabazon (FF)
Cllr Paul McAuliffe (FF) Cllr Marie Metcalfe (Ind)
Cllr Mannix Flynn (Ind)
Cllr Kevin Humphreys (Lab) Sectoral Interests
Cllr Cieran Perry (Ind) Matt Moran, IBEC
Gina Quinn, Dublin Chamber of Commerce
Sectoral Interests Tom Coffey, Dublin City Business Association (DCBA)
Kathleen Cottier, Cluid Housing Association Eric Fleming, ICTU
Denise Charlton, Immigrant Council of Ireland Dr. Elaine Byrne, Department of Political Science, Trinity
Aideen Hayden, Threshold College
Paul Kelly, The Royal Institute of the Architects of Ireland
(RIAI)
Sonya Felton, Rehab Group
Lillian Buchanan, Disability Federation of Ireland

Arts, Culture, Leisure and Youth Affairs

Chairperson: Councillor Julia Carmichael (FF)
Lord Mayor, Cllr Gerry Breen (FG)
Cllr Henry Upton (Lab)
Cllr Aodhán Ó Ríordáin (Lab)
Cllr Vincent Jackson (Ind)
Cllr Claire O’Regan (Lab)
Cllr Séamas McGrattan (SF)
Cllr Damian O’Farrell (Ind)
Cllr Jim O’Callaghan (FF)
Cllr Michael Conaghan (Lab)

Sectoral Interests
John Costello, Dublin GAA County Board
Siobhan Bourke, Irish Theatre Institute
Noel Kelly, Visual Artists Ireland
Maurice Ahern, Irish Sports Council
Tania Banotti, Theatre Forum

80
Appendix 2.0 Environment and Engineering
Meetings Held: 6

Activities of the Strategic Policy Committees

Report on Activities:
Listed below is a report on the activities of the Strategic
Policy Committees for 2010. Water Supply:
The committee received a presentation outlining the current
position in relation to supply / demand for drinking water,
Economic Development, Planning and International storage of raw water / treated water, unaccounted for
Affairs water and issues which could affect future water supply.
Meetings Held: 5 The committee noted that metering of domestic water
supply was awaiting a direction from the Department of the
The Planning and Economic Development Department Environment, Heritage and Local Government and that a
continued to support the Economic Development, Planning major consideration in any proposal regarding charging for
and International Affairs Strategic Policy Committee in 2010. domestic water would be the conservation of supply.

Report on Activities: Drinking Water Strategy:

A strategic overview of drinking water was presented to
◆◆ Draft Development Plan 2011 – 2017 the committee, which included funding details in relation to
the Water Services Investment Programme, water leakage/
◆◆ Economic Development metering issues and the recommended option in relation
to the Dublin Region Major Water Sources in accordance
◆◆ International Relations with a Strategic Environmental Assessment. The committee
adopted the option as outlined in the non technical summary
◆◆ Dublin City Indicators of the Water Supply Project – Dublin Region Consultants
Report.
◆◆ Retail Rental Market

◆◆ Vacant Sites Regional Air Quality Management Plan:

A presentation was made to the committee on a draft
◆◆ City Centre Parking Regional Air Quality Management Plan for the Dublin
Region. Following consideration of the draft plan the
◆◆ Control of trees & hedges committee recommended adoption of the plan to the City
Council.
◆◆ National Assets Management Agency

◆◆ Building Control Ballymore Eustace / Ringsend Waste Water

Treatment Plants:
◆◆ Planning & Development Amendment Act 2010 The committee visited both plants during the year to assess
progress on improvements to facilities.
◆◆ Regional Planning Guidelines for the Greater Dublin
Area
Fire Services Review:
A Sub-Group of the Strategic Policy Committee was Presentation made to committee on review of Dublin Fire
established during the year to look at identifying practical Brigade.
ways to enhance Dublin’s retail, commercial and cultural
offer, as the capital city and an internationally competitive
city.

81
Appendices

Draft Waste Policy: its Dublin Bus Network Review, by the National Transport
Presentation made to the committee on the submission Authority (NTA) on its new role, and by GoCar, a private car
made to the Minister for the Environment, Heritage club.
and Local Government on behalf of the 4 Dublin Local
Authorities regarding the proposed Waste Policy.
Housing, Social and Community Affairs
A sub group of the Strategic Policy Committee prepared Meetings Held: 7
a submission on behalf of the committee regarding the
Waste Policy, which was submitted to the Minister for the
Environment, Heritage and Local Government. Report on Activities:

The principal issues debated and considered by the

Sustainable Energy Action Plan: Committee were as follows:
The committee recommended adoption of the Sustainable
Energy Action Plan to the City Council. ◆◆ Housing (Miscellaneous) Provisions Act 2009
Commencement Orders

Transportation and Traffic ◆◆ Regeneration Boards

Meetings held: 6
◆◆ Private Rented Accommodation – Local Authorities
Role
Report on Activities:
◆◆ Homeless Strategy
There were two special meetings held regarding the city
centre 30km/h zone and review of the Parking Control ◆◆ Tenants Handbook
Bye-Laws. There was also a one day parking workshop to
examine in detail parking issues in Dublin city. ◆◆ Capital Allocation

The Committee approved the Traffic Management Capital ◆◆ Social Leasing

Works Programme for 2010 and recommended to the City
Council the making of Dublin City Council Control of Horse ◆◆ Anti-Social Behaviour Strategy
Drawn Carriages Bye-Laws, revised Dublin City Council
Parking Control Bye-Laws and revised Dublin City Council ◆◆ Disability Inclusion
Special Speed Limit Bye-Laws.
◆◆ National Housing Strategy for People with Disabilities
The Committee also dealt with reports on revised Directions
for the Control and Management of Roadworks in Dublin ◆◆ Housing Maintenance
City; six month review of the 30 km/h zone in Dublin city
centre; review of the East Link Toll Rebate Scheme; approval A Sub-group of the SPC was set up to examine and make
of revised criteria for consideration of requests from the recommendations on the revised Terms of Reference of
public for disabled parking bays (outside private residences) Regeneration Boards. The first meeting of this sub-group
and for ‘caution children’ signage; setting up of a Public was held on the 11th June 2010. At this meeting it was
Transport Sub-Committee; environmental traffic cells/home agreed that the aim of this sub group of the SPC Committee
zones; the Canal Premium Cycle Route; Bike Week 2010; was to create a template for new regeneration boards. The
Canal Cordon Counts; European Mobility Week 2010 and committee agreed amendments to the April 2010 Draft
revision of turn restrictions for limousines. Terms of Reference. These amendments were circulated to
members of the sub group prior to the second meeting on
Various presentations were also made to the SPC during 23rd July 2010.
2010 on Dublin Bikes regarding its extension and longer
term strategy (separate presentations), by Dublin Bus on Following this second meeting of the sub-committee on 19th
August a revised version of the Draft Terms of Reference
was circulated to all Councillors who are members of the

82
regeneration boards and committees. They were invited to Finance
submit comments to Evelyn Hanlon or the Chair, Cllr. Eric Meetings Held: 6
Byrne. No response was received. Therefore it is deemed
that the work of this sub-committee is completed.
Report on Activities:

Arts, Culture, Leisure and Youth Affairs The following issues and reports were pursued during the
Meetings Held: 7 course of 2010:

◆◆ Labour redeployment
Report on Activities:
◆◆ Dublin City Revaluation
◆◆ Culture Strategy and Implementation Plan
◆◆ VAT on local authority services
◆◆ Outdoor Event Programme
◆◆ Consideration of system to monitor key property
◆◆ Improvements at Ashton Dog Pound market indices

◆◆ Future of swimming pools ◆◆ Bonds

◆◆ Commenced review of casual trading bye-laws ◆◆ Unauthorised car parks in Dublin city centre

◆◆ Established Dublin City Sports & Leisure Services ◆◆ Development Contributions Scheme (2004-2009)
Ltd.
◆◆ Dublin Business Innovation Centre – presentation
◆◆ Input to Dublin City Public Realm Strategy
◆◆ Finance Risk Register 2010 and Finance Related
◆◆ Public Art Programme elements of Corporate Risk Register

◆◆ European Capital of Sport 2010 ◆◆ Actuarial valuation of the accrued pension liabilities
of Dublin City Council
◆◆ Dublin UNESCO City of Literature designation
◆◆ Annual Report of Dublin City Council’s Audit
◆◆ Review of civil marriages in City Hall Committee

◆◆ Established Fochoiste na gCuimhneachán/ ◆◆ Housing Rent Arrears – presentation by Housing &

Commemorations Sub-Committee Residential Services Dept.

External presentations by: ◆◆ Statutory Audit Report 2009

Dublin Contemporary 2011

Dublin Flagship Festivals

Duffy’s Circus

83
Appendices

Appendix 3.0 Social Partners

Employers and Business

Members of Dublin City Development Board 2010 Patrick King, Dublin Chamber of Commerce
Dublin City Development board is a strategic partnership of
state, local government, community, business, trade unions Trade Unions
and local development. The aim of the Board is to enhance Tom Murphy, Irish Congress of Trade Unions
the coordination and integration of public service delivery,
while maximising the contribution of all stakeholders to the Community and Voluntary Organisations
betterment of the social, economic and cultural life of the Irene Bent, Berkeley Environmental Group
city. Ciaran Moore, Dublin Community Television

Other
Local Government Claire Wheeler, Environmental Pillar
Lord Mayor Gerry Breen, Dublin City Council Joe Rynn, Dublin City Childcare Committee
Cllr Eric Byrne, Chairperson Dublin City Development Board
and Chair Housing, Social and Community Affairs SPC
Cllr Killian Forde, Chair Finance SPC
Cllr Naoise Ó Muirí, Chair Environment and Engineering SPC
Cllr Mary Freehill, Chair Economic Development, Planning
and International Affairs SPC
Cllr Julia Carmichael, Chair Arts, Culture, Leisure and Youth
Affairs SPC
Cllr Andrew Montague, Chair Transport and Traffic SPC
Dick Brady, Assistant City Manager, Housing & Residential
Services, Dublin City Council

Statutory Agencies
Mary Beggan, Regional Director FÁS
Brian Chadwick, Regional Manager Department of Social
Protection
George Kiely, Enterprise Ireland
Concepta deBrun, Health Service Executive
David Treacy, Education Officer City of Dublin Vocational
Education Committee
Ciara Sugrue, Dublin Tourism
Inspector Paul Hogan, An Garda Siochána
Stephen Flavey, Department of Education and Science

Local Development

Partnerships
Ciaran Reid, Ballyfermot Partnership

City Enterprise Board

Pat Lynch, Chairperson Dublin City Enterprise Board
Greg Swift, CEO Dublin City Enterprise Board

84
Appendix 4.0
E: Environmental Services

Dublin City Council Waste Management

National Service Indicators for 2010
E3 % of households who receive a
waste collection service and are
provided with segregated waste
CP: Community Participation collection for dry recyclables 100

CP1 % of local schools and youth groups % of households who receive

involved in the local Youth Council a waste collection service and
/ Comhairle na n-Óg scheme. 28.32 are provided with segregated
waste collection for organics 71.95
CP2 Number of groups registered with the
Community and Voluntary Forum 767 E4 % of household waste collected from
kerbside, which is sent for recycling 36.46
C: Corporate Issues
Tonnage of household waste
C1 % of working days lost to collected from kerbside,
sickness absence through which is sent for recycling 45,177

Certified leave 3.51 Tonnage of household waste

recycled, which arises from waste
Uncertified leave 1.06 collected from recycling facilities 16,379

C2 Expenditure on training E5 % of household waste collected

and development as a % which is sent to landfill 63.54
of total payroll costs 4.22
Tonnage of household waste
collected which is sent to landfill 78,719
E: Environmental Services
E6 Total number of bring sites in
Water the local authority area 120

E1 Unaccounted for water (UFW) as a Total number of civic amenity

% of total volume of water supplied centres in the local authority area 2
under the water schemes that the
local authority is responsible for 41.36 Number of bring sites
for recycling glass 118
E2 % of drinking water analysis
results in compliance with Number of civic amenity
statutory requirements with EPA centres for recycling glass 2
regard to Public Schemes Return
Total number of facilities
Private Schemes (where appropriate) Not for recycling glass 120
Applicable
Number of locations per 5,000 of
population for recycling glass 1.19

85
Appendices

E: Environmental Services E: Environmental Services

Number of bring sites Number of bring sites for

for recycling cans 70 recycling other materials  11

Number of civic amenity Number of civic amenity centres

centres for recycling cans 2 for recycling other materials 2

Total number of facilities Total number of facilities for

for recycling cans 72 recycling other materials 13

Number of locations per 5,000 of Number of locations per

population for recycling cans 0.71 5,000 of population for
recycling other materials 0.13
Number of bring sites for
recycling textiles 72 Litter

Number of civic amenity E7 Number of full time litter wardens 23

centres for recycling textiles 2
Number of part time litter wardens 0
Total number of facilities
for recycling textiles 74 Number of litter wardens (both full
and part time) per 5,000 of population 0.23
Number of locations per 5,000 of
population for recycling textiles 0.73 Number of on the spot fines issued 4,656

Number of bring sites for Number of on the spot fines paid 1,795
recycling batteries 8
Number of prosecution cases
Number of civic amenity centres taken because of non payment
for recycling batteries 2 of on the spot fines 656

Total number of facilities Number of prosecutions secured 49

for recycling batteries 10
Number of notices issued – Litter 8
Number of locations per 5,000 of
population for recycling batteries 0.10 Total number of prosecutions
taken – Litter 798
Number of bring sites
for recycling oils 5 Total number of prosecutions
secured – Litter 85
Number of civic amenity
centres for recycling oils 2 E7 Percentage of areas within
the local authority that are:
Total number of facilities
for recycling oils 7 Unpolluted (i.e. litter-free) TES
Return
Number of locations per 5,000
of population for recycling oils 0.07 Slightly polluted with litter TES
Return

86
E: Environmental Services F: Fire Service

Moderately polluted with litter TES Average time, in minutes, to

Return mobilise fire brigades in part
time stations in respect of all
Significantly polluted with litter TES other emergency incidents 6.49
Return
F2 % of cases in respect of fire
Grossly polluted with litter TES in which first attendance is at
Return scene within 10 minutes 78.72

E8 Total number of cases subject % of cases in respect of fire in which

to complaints concerning first attendance is at scene after 10
environmental pollution (relating minutes but within 20 minutes 18.81
to waste, litter, water pollution,
noise pollution, air pollution) 5,392 % of cases in respect of fire
in which first attendance is at
Number of complaints investigated 5,392 scene after 20 minutes 2.47

Number of complaints % of cases in respect of all other

resolved where no further emergencies in which first attendance
action was necessary 5,296 is at scene within 10 minutes 78.80

Number of enforcement % of cases in respect of all

procedures taken 38 other emergencies in which first
attendance is at scene after 10
E9 % of schools participating in minutes but within 20 minutes 17.96
environmental campaigns
% of cases in respect of all other
Primary schools 75.00 emergencies in which first attendance
is at scene after 20 minutes 3.24
Secondary schools 66.67
F3 Total number of fire safety
certificate applications received 508
F: Fire Service
Total number of fire safety
F1 Average time, in minutes, to certificate applications processed
mobilise fire brigades in full time (including cases deemed invalid) 475
stations in respect of fire 1.4
Total number of applications
Average time, in minutes, to deemed invalid 24
mobilise fire brigades in part
time stations in respect of fire 7.0
H: Housing
Average time, in minutes, to
mobilise fire brigades in full H1 Total number of dwellings
time stations in respect of all in local authority stock 26,875
other emergency incidents 1.44

87
Appendices

H: Housing H: Housing

Total number of dwellings, H7 Total number of new local

excluding those subject to major authority tenants 483
refurbishment projects 24,856
% of new LA tenants who
Overall % of dwellings that are empty 3.13 have been offered pre-tenancy
familiarisation courses 62.94
% of empty dwellings
unavailable for letting 47.81
L: Library Services
% of empty dwellings
available for letting 52.19 L1 Average number of opening hours
per week for full-time libraries 39.6
H2 Average time taken from date of
vacation of dwelling to the date when Average number of opening
all necessary repairs are carried hours per week for part-time
out which are deemed necessary libraries (where applicable) 20
to re-let the dwelling (weeks) 28.29

Average time taken from completion % of full time-time libraries that

of the repair works to the date have lunchtime openings 95.8
of the first rent debit (weeks) 4
% of full time-time libraries that
H3 Number of repairs completed have evening openings 83
as a % of the number of valid
repair requests received 86.88 % of full time-time libraries that
have Saturday openings 95.8
H4 Total number of traveller families
accommodated as a % of the L2 Number of visits to full-time
targets set in Local authority libraries per 1,000 population 4,865.16
accommodation programme 55.56
L3 Annual expenditure on stock
H5 Total number of registered tenancies 101,004 per head of population 3.69

Number of dwelling units inspected 1,312 L3 Number of items issued per

head of population for
Number of inspections carried out 2,310
(a) Books 3.41
Number of dwellings inspected
as % of registered tenancies 1.30% (b) Other items 0.77

H6 Average time taken (in weeks) to L4 Number of internet sessions

process applications under the provided per 1,000 population 660.64
Mobility Aids Grant Scheme 1.8

Average time taken (in weeks) M: Motor Taxation

to process applications under
Housing Adaptation Grant for M1 Number of motor tax transactions
People with a Disability 2.2 which are dealt with over the counter 460,870

88
M: Motor Taxation M: Motor Taxation

Number of motor tax transactions % of overall postal applications which

which are dealt with by post 145,176 are dealt with (i.e. disc issued) in over
5 days from receipt of the application 3.03
Number of motor tax transactions
which are dealt with in other ways M3 Number of driving licence applications
(e.g. online, by telephone) 609,210 which are dealt with on the same
day as receipt of application 114,975
% of motor tax transactions which
are dealt with over the counter 37.92 Number of driving licence applications
which are dealt with on the second or
% of motor tax transactions third day from receipt of the application 30,479
which are dealt with by post 11.95
Number of driving licence applications
% of motor tax transactions which are dealt with on the fourth or
which are dealt with in other ways fifth day from receipt of the application 2,014
(e.g. online, by telephone) 50.13
Number of driving licence applications
M2 Number of postal applications which which are dealt with in over 5 days
are dealt with (i.e. disc issued) on the from receipt of the application 1,109
same day as receipt of the application 37,298
% of overall driving licence applications
Number of postal applications which are dealt with on the same
which are dealt with (i.e. disc day as receipt of the application 77.38
issued) on the second or third day
from receipt of the application 98,520 % of overall driving licence applications
which are dealt with on the second or
Number of postal applications third day from receipt of the application 20.51
which are dealt with (i.e. disc
issued) on the fourth or fifth day % of overall driving licence applications
from receipt of the application 4,954 which are dealt with on the fourth or
fifth day from receipt of the application 1.36
Number of postal applications which
are dealt with (i.e. disc issued) in over % of overall driving licence applications
5 days from receipt of the application 4,404 which are dealt with in over 5 days
from receipt of the application 0.75
% of overall postal applications which
are dealt with (i.e. disc issued) on the M4 Average number of opening
same day as receipt of the application 25.69 hours per week 28.38

% of overall postal applications

which are dealt with (i.e. disc P: Planning
issued) on the second or third day
from receipt of the application 67.86 P1 Number of applications decided
for individual houses 104
% of overall postal applications
which are dealt with (i.e. disc Number of decisions decided within
issued) on the fourth or fifth day 8 weeks for individual houses 77
from receipt of the application 3.41

89
Appendices

P: Planning P: Planning

Number of decisions which Average length of time taken (in

required the submission of further days) to decide an application where
information for individual houses 27 further information was sought
for new housing development 78
Number of decisions where an
extension of time was agreed to by % of applications granted for
the applicant, under section 34 (9) new housing development 72.12
of the Planning and Development
Act 2000 for individual houses 0 % of applications refused for
new housing development 27.88
Average length of time taken (in
days) to decide an application % of cases where the decision
where further information was was confirmed, with or without
sought for individual houses 75 variations, by An Bord Pleanála
for new housing development 70.00
% of applications granted
for individual houses 73.08 % of cases where the decision
was reversed by An Bord Pleanála
% of applications refused for new housing development 30.00
for individual houses 26.92
Number of applications decided for
% of cases where the decision other categories: not requiring EIA 1,815
was confirmed, with or without
variations, by An Bord Pleanála Number of decisions decided
for individual houses 65.71 within 8 weeks for other
categories: not requiring EIA 1,576
% of cases where the decision
was reversed by An Bord Number of decisions which required
Pleanála for individual houses 34.29 the submission of further information
for other categories: not requiring EIA 239
Number of applications decided
for new housing development 52 Number of decisions where an
extension of time was agreed to by the
Number of decisions decided within 8 applicant, under section 34 (9) of the
weeks for new housing development 27 Planning and Development Act 2000
for other categories: not requiring EIA 0
Number of decisions which required
the submission of further information Average length of time taken (in
for new housing development 25 days) to decide an application where
further information was sought for
Number of decisions where an other categories: not requiring EIA 75
extension of time was agreed to by
the applicant, under section 34 (9) % of applications granted for other
of the Planning and Development categories: not requiring EIA 87.36
Act 2000 for individual houses 0
% of applications refused for other
categories: not requiring EIA 12.64

90
P: Planning P: Planning

% of cases where the decision Total number of cases subject to

was confirmed, with or without complaints that were dismissed 461
variations, by An Bord Pleanála for
other categories: not requiring EIA 75.39 Total number of cases subject
to complaints that were resolved
% of cases where the decision was through negotiations 173
reversed by An Bord Pleanála for
other categories: not requiring EIA 24.61 Number of enforcement procedures
taken through warning letters 996
Number of applications decided for
other categories: requiring EIA 3 Number of enforcement procedures
taken through enforcement notices 154
Number of decisions decided
within 8 weeks for other Number of prosecutions 48
categories: requiring EIA 1
P3 Average number of opening
Number of decisions which required hours per week 35.7
the submission of further information
for other categories: requiring EIA 2 P4 Number of pre-planning
consultation meetings held 183
Number of decisions where an
extension of time was agreed to by the Average length of time (in days) from
applicant, under section 34 (9) of the request for consultation with local
Planning and Development Act 2000 authority to actual formal meeting
for other categories: requiring EIA 0 for pre-planning consultation 9

Average length of time taken (in P5 Buildings inspected as a % of new

days) to decide an application where buildings notified to the local authority 28.07
further information is sought for
other categories: requiring EIA 112 P6 Number of residential estates
for which planning permission
% of applications granted for has expired, in respect of which
other categories: requiring EIA 100 formal written requests for taking
in charge were in hand 7
% of applications refused for
other categories: requiring EIA 0 Number of estates that were taken
in charge in the year in question 3
% of cases where the decision
was confirmed, with or without Number of dwellings in respect
variations, by An Bord Pleanála for of estates that were taken in
other categories: requiring EIA 100 charge in the year in question 158

% of cases where the decision was % of estates for which the

reversed by An Bord Pleanála for planning permission has expired
other categories: requiring EIA 0 not completed to the satisfaction
of the planning authority in line
P2 Total number of cases subject to with the planning permission 57.14
complaints that were investigated 998

91
Appendices

P: Planning Rev: Revenue Collection

Number of estates not completed Housing Loans

to the satisfaction of the planning
authority in line with the planning Rev2 Amount collected at year end
permission in respect of which as a % of amount due 76.81
enforcement action was taken
in the year in question and/ % of arrears up to 1 month old 1.3
or the bond was called in 0
% of arrears 1-2 months old 2.3
Number of estates not completed
to the satisfaction of the planning % of arrears 2-3 months old 2.24
authority in line with the planning
permission in respect of which % of arrears more than 3 month old 94.16
works were undertaken by the
authority to bring the estate to Commercial Rates
taking in charge standard 0
Rev3 Amount collected at year-end
as a % of amount due 82.37
Rec: Recreational Services
Refuse Charges
Rec1 Number of children’s playgrounds
per 1,000 population directly Rev4 % of households paying refuse
provided by the local authority 0.22 charges (including waivers) at year end 95

Rec1 Number of children’s playgrounds Non-Domestic Water Charges

per 1,000 population facilitated
by the local authority 0.01 Rev5 Amount collected at year-end
as a % of amount due 50.89
Rec2 Number of visitors to local
authority facilitated leisure
facilities per 1,000 population 2,358.84 R: Roads

R1 The number of kilometres of local

Rev: Revenue Collection and regional roads improved and
maintained under the Restoration
Housing Rent Programme per annum 6.559

Rev1 Amount collected at year end R1 The number of kilometres of local

as a % of amount due 79.30 and regional roads constructed
under the specific improvements
% of arrears up to 4 weeks old 2 grants scheme per annum 0

% of arrears 4-6 weeks old 2

% of arrears 6-12 weeks old 6

% of arrears more than 12 weeks old 90

92
Appendix 5.0

Dublin City Council Development Contribution Scheme

The new Dublin City Council Development Contribution

Scheme 2010-2017, under Section 48 of the Planning and
Development Act 2000, came into effect on 1st January
2010 and applies to all planning permissions granted from
that date. This Scheme follows the one adopted by the City
Council for the period 2004-2009.

The following is a breakdown of development contributions

collected in 2010:

2010
Section 48 Scheme – Contributions received €15,852,124.98
Section 26 Contributions received (for Water and Drainage only) and Other pre-2004 special – €73,087.82
contributions (Parks, Roads, Traffic etc.)
Other, including Section 48(2) (c) and Section 49 Schemes €4,255,078.30
Total payments received €20,034,115.47

The Section 48 Contribution Scheme provides for the funds

raised under the scheme to be applied as follows:

Class of public infrastructural development % of contributions to apply to each class

Class 1 30%
Roads infrastructure and facilities
Class 2 50%
Water and drainage infrastructure and facilities
Class 3 4%
Parks facilities and amenities
Class 4 11%
Community facilities and amenities
Class 5 5%
Urban regeneration facilities and amenities

Section 48(2) (c) and Section 49 Schemes provide for

specific works which are identified as benefiting particular
areas and developments. They include, for example,
schemes for the provision of Metro North and for public
infrastructure at Heuston.

93
Appendices

Appendix 6.0

Conference and Seminars 2010

Event Location Councillors in attendance

A Guide to Child Protection Seminar Letterkenny 1

Waste Management & the Law Seminar Galway 6

Seminar on dealing with house repossessions Dublin 1

Planning Seminar for Councillors Limerick 2

Flood Management & Local Government Seminar Ennistymon 1

Telecomms, Tourism and Local Government Reform Seminar Tullamore 1

Association of Municipal Authorities of Ireland Spring /Summer Seminar Sligo 5

Visit to Co-operative Housing Project in operation in London London 1

Change Management in Local Government Seminar Westport 4

European Summit of Local Government Barcelona 1

Communications and Local Development Seminar Waterford 1

San Jose Twining Event & meeting in New York San Jose 3

Association of City & County Councils Annual Conference 2010 Tipperary 3

Training Seminar for Councillors Bunclody 1

Clonakilty Tourism Conference Clonakilty 1

Local Government Housing Service Conference Killarney 5

‘Better communication means better results’ Conference Killarney 3

Local Authorities Members Association Annual Conference Sligo 7

Seminar on Effect on Insurance Banking & NAMA Tralee 3

A Guide to Child Protection Seminar Waterford 1

Gael Linn Irish Course Dublin 1

Housing Practioners Conference 2010 Tullamore 1

94
Conference and Seminars 2010

Event Location Councillors in attendance

Local Government & the Environment Seminar Ennistymon 2

Roads & Transportation Seminar – The Smarter Travel Dublin 1

Supporting Renewable Energy Opportunities in South and East Regions Kinsale 1

Eurocities Social Affairs Forum Budapest 1

Velo City Conference Copenhagen 1

Handover of ESOF City of Science 2012 Turin 1

Roads and Transport Seminar Skibbereen 1

Media Skills For Councillors Seminar Rosscarbery 2

Twinning Trip to Liverpool Liverpool 4

MacGill Summer School Glenties 1

The need for urgent local authority & health service reform seminar Oranmore 5

Humbert Summer School Castlebar 2

Water Conservation Conference Westport 1

Association of Municipal Authorities of Ireland 97th Annual Conference Buncrana 5

Presentation Skills Conference Galway 1

Interreg IVB Project – Flood Resilience Project Paris 1

To represent the Lord Mayor at Canal Opening Event Longford 1

Getting a Grip Conference 2010 Killarney 5

To attend meeting of the Standing Committee of the Warsaw

Union of Capitals of the European Union (UCUE) 3

Local Authorities Members Association Annual Conference Listowel 3

IT Skills Seminar Killarney 2

A European Integrated Maritime Policy Seminar Wexford 1

Criminal Law Bill 2010 Seminar Galway 2

95
Appendices

Conference and Seminars 2010

Event Location Councillors in attendance

Eurocities Conference Zaragoza

– Spain 1

Respond Training Seminar Dublin 1

Irish Council for Social Housing Seminar Kilkenny 3

Council Budget Seminar Letterkenny 1

Tourism Conference Ennistymon 2

Urbact Conference Leige 1

Building Regulations, Renewable Energy Requirements, Home Ins Tralee 1

96
Appendix 7.0

Gender breakdown for competitions

During 2010, Dublin City Council held a number of

competitions. Listed below is a gender breakdown for some
of the competitions held. The breakdown shows the number
of males and females who applied for these positions and
subsequently the number of males and females who were
successful in obtaining a place on the panel.

Applicants Successful
Competitions Total Male Female Total Male Female
Rate Collector 25 15 10 4 3 1
Assistant Civil Defence Officer 99 86 13 5 5 0
Lifeguard (Dollymount Beach) 26 19 7 10 6 4
Relief Attendant Swimming Pools 126 77 49 77 49 28
Duty Supervisor Sports and Leisure Centres 68 55 13 14 11 3
Assistant Resident Engineer 7 7 0 5 5 0
Executive Housing Officer 108 48 60 16 8 8
Resident Engineer 10 7 3 5 4 1

97
Appendices

Appendix 8.0

Some of the publications published by Dublin City

Council in 2010

Corporate Publications

Annual Financial Statements 2009

Annual Report and Accounts 2009

Anti – Social Behaviour Strategy 2010-2015

City Development Plan 2011-2017

Corporate Plan 2010-2014

Dublin City Sustainable Energy Action Plan 2010-2020

Lord Mayor’s Commission on Employment

Sustainability Report 2010

Newsletters
Classmate – Dublin city primary schools newsletter

DCP Live – Dublin city Public Libraries newsletter

Firstpost – Staff newsletter

98
Appendix 9.0

Energy Usage Report

Overview of Energy Usage in 2010 Actions Planned for 2011

Dublin City Council consumed 150,422,214 kWh of energy In 2011, Dublin City Council intends to further improve our
during 2010. Some of the larger energy users include our energy performance by undertaking the following initiatives:
Swimming Pools and Leisure Centres, Waterworks and
Pumping Stations, Dublin City Gallery, The Hugh Lane and ◆◆ Ballymun Regeneration – Boiler Load Reduction –
the Civic Offices. Total saving of 22,738 MWh (Additional to 2010
reduction)
Our fleet consumed 2,799,664 litres of fuel during the year.
Our staff and councillors undertook 272 foreign trips and we ◆◆ Mansion House Refurbishment – Energy
offset the carbon tax on green initiatives. €1,284 was used Improvements – LED re-lamping light fittings, new
for roadside tree planting. gas-fired central heating boiler, photovoltaic and
solar thermal panels and thermostatic control
In 2010, Dublin City Council’s energy consumption consisted of heating system – Total saving of 47 MWh
of: (Estimate)

◆◆ 74,044,031 kWh of electricity, including Public Other actions planned with no energy estimations at
Lighting and Traffic Lights present:

◆◆ 76,378,183 kWh of gas ◆◆ Public lighting efficiency upgrades, car park lighting
upgrades
◆◆ 29,465 litres of renewable fuels
◆◆ Municipal building retrofit, waste water pumping
◆◆ 426,995 litres of fuel for heating purposes efficiency upgrades

Actions Undertaken in 2010

In 2010, Dublin City Council undertook a range of initiatives
to improve our energy performance, including:

◆◆ Civic Offices – Switch off behavioural campaign

throughout all City Council offices; Down lighter
efficiency upgrade in our main Civic Offices; Server
Virtualization – Total annual saving of 1,748 MWh

◆◆ Fleet – Eco Drive Campaign – Total saving of 863

MWh

◆◆ Ballymun Regeneration – Boiler Load Reduction –

Total saving of 26,423 MWh

◆◆ Kilbarrack Fire Station – World’s first carbon neutral

Fire Station – 1,500,000 litres of water saved in one
year, 80% reduction in gas and electricity, 50%
domestic waste converted to recycling

99
Appendices

Appendix 10.0 “Discussion Document No. 3 – Organised & White

Collar Crime”.

Dublin City Joint Policing Committee ◆◆ Reports on Local Drugs Taskforces operating in all
areas were circulated.
The Dublin City Joint Policing Committee is chaired by Lord
Mayor Gerry Breen and held 6 meetings in 2010, on 1st ◆◆ Workshops were held to discuss the Antisocial
February, 22nd March, 31st May, 5th July, 4th October and Behaviour Strategy, subsequently adopted at the
22nd November. November City Council meeting.

The following is the full list of membership of the Dublin City ◆◆ The feasibility of the introduction of Community
Joint Policing Committee: Courts was discussed. The Lord Mayor met with the
Deputy City Manager and two representatives of the
1. Councillors John Redmond, Marie Metcalfe, Bríd Courts Service to discuss.
Smith, Cieran Perry, Larry O’Toole, Eoghan Murphy,
Edie Wynne, Tom Brabazon, Mannix Flynn, Michael ◆◆ The inaugural meeting of the Dublin Local Business
Conaghan, John Gallagher & Eric Byrne Policing Forum was held in September. It comprises
representatives from Dublin City Council, An Garda
2. Deputies Aengus Ó Snodaigh, Maureen O’Sullivan, Síochána, Dublin’s Business and Tourism Sectors.
Thomas P. Broughan, Catherine Byrne, Cyprian
Brady & Seán Ardagh ◆◆ Presentation by Vincent Jennings of the
Convenience Stores & Newsagents Association to
3. Peter O’Connor (Community Policing Forum) & The discuss off-licences.
Archdeacon of Dublin, the Venerable David Pierpoint
& Mr. Tom Coffey, Dublin City Business Association ◆◆ Presentation by Enda Martyn, Centra, Dame Street.
(DCBA)
◆◆ Presentation by Valerie Gaughran, Mediation
4. Lord Mayor, Gerry Breen Co-ordinator, Northside Community Law Centre.

5. City Manager, Mr John Tierney ◆◆ Presentation by Anne O’Brien, Dublin City Council’s
Play Development Officer re cyber bullying.
6. Mr Philip Maguire and Mr. Dick Brady, Assistant City
Managers, Dublin City Council ◆◆ Presentation by Dr. Ann Hope, Trinity College Dublin
on Community Alcohol Strategy.
7. Garda Officials – Assistant Commissioner M. Feehan
and Chief Superintendent T. Conway ◆◆ Presentation by Seamus Whitty & Chris Barrow,
Kerry Life Education Ltd.
The following is a brief summary of some of the issues
raised and decisions taken in 2010:
The following is the detailed membership of each
◆◆ Head Shops: Contact was made with the Minister Area Joint Policing Committee: –
for Justice, Planning Department and a number of
agencies regarding substances available, labelling/ Central Area Joint Policing Committee
packaging/sale of such products, change to opening
hours etc. Legislation was enacted to eliminate some 1. Cllrs. Mary Fitzpatrick, Aine Clancy, Cieran Perry,
of this activity. Mary O’Shea, Séamas McGrattan, Marie Metcalfe,
Christy Burke, Claire O’Regan, Nial Ring,
◆◆ Department of Justice White Paper on Crime: Two Ray McAdam & Emer Costello.
Workshops took place in 2010:
2. Senators David Norris and Paschal Donohoe and
“Discussion Document No. 2 – Criminal Sanctions” Deputies Cyprian Brady and Joe Costello

100
 3. 2 Community Representative vacancies 6. Ms Máire Twomey, Area Manager, Dublin City
Council
4. Lord Mayor, Gerry Breen
7. Garda Officials – Chief Superintendents D. Byrne, P.
5. City Manager, Mr John Tierney Brehony and J Manley

6. Mr Charlie Lowe, Area Manager Dublin City Council

North West Area Joint Policing Committee
7. Garda Officials – Chief Superintendents M. Feehan
and P. Brehony 1. Cllrs. John Lyons, Dessie Ellis, Bill Tormey, John
Redmond & Paul McAuliffe.

North Central Area Joint Policing Committee 2. Deputy Pat Carey

1. Cllrs. Larry O’Toole, Andrew Montague, Paddy 3. Community Representatives – Antoinette Doyle &
Bourke, Declan Flanagan, Julia Carmichael, Damian Tony Byrne
O’Farrell, Gerry Breen, Aodhán Ó Ríordáin, Deirdre
Heney, Naoise Ó Muirí, Sean Kenny, Tom Brabazon, 4. Lord Mayor, Gerry Breen
Killian Forde & Pat Crimmins.
5. City Manager, Mr John Tierney
2. Deputies Tommy Broughan and Terence Flanagan
6. Mr Charlie Lowe, Area Manager, Dublin City Council
3. Community Representatives – Ms. Jenny Byrne
& (1 vacancy) 7. Garda Officials – Chief Superintendents P. Brehony
and G. Phillips
4. Lord Mayor, Gerry Breen

5. City Manager, Mr John Tierney South East Area Joint Policing Committee

6. Ms Celine Reilly, Area Manager, Dublin City Council 1. Cllrs Eoghan Murphy, Oisín Quinn, Jim O’Callaghan,
Mary Freehill, Dermot Lacey, Edie Wynne, Kevin
7. Garda Officials – Chief Superintendent G. Phillips Humphreys, Mannix Flynn, Maria Parodi & Catherine
Noone

South Central Area Joint Policing Committee 2. Deputies Ruairí Quinn, Lucinda Creighton and Chris
Andrews
1. Cllrs. Michael Conaghan, Bríd Smith, Vincent
Jackson, Louise Minihan, Eric Byrne, Joan Collins, 3. Community Representatives – Mr. Paddy Marron,
Henry Upton, Ruairí McGinley, John Gallagher, Ms. Mary Barnwell
Rebecca Moynihan, Clare Byrne & Críona Ní
Dhálaigh 4. Lord Mayor, Gerry Breen

2. Deputies Mary Upton, Catherine Byrne & Aengus Ó 5. City Manager, Mr John Tierney
Snodaigh
6. Mr Michael O’Neill, Area Manager, Dublin City
3. Community Representatives – Ms. Cliodhna Fogarty Council
& (1 vacancy)
7. Garda Officials – Chief Superintendents J. Twomey
4. Lord Mayor, Gerry Breen and J. Manley

5. City Manager, Mr John Tierney

101
A Dublin City Council Publication
Published June 2011