Cllr. Punam Rane

At today’s Council meeting, I raised an important question regarding Housing Adaptation Grants for older people and people with disabilities, with a focus on how applicants with life-limiting or serious medical conditions are prioritised.

🏠 These grants are vital in helping people remain safely in their own homes and communities by funding essential adaptations.

📍 Council Response – Key Points

The Council confirmed that there are three main grant schemes:
▪️ Housing Adaptation Scheme
▪️ Mobility Aids Scheme
▪️ Housing Aid for Older People

⚕️ Priority is given where medical need is urgent, based on:
✔️ A doctor’s certificate
✔️ An Occupational Therapist (OT) report

🚨 Priority cases include:
▪️ Terminally ill applicants
▪️ Individuals primarily dependent on a carer
▪️ Situations where adaptations support discharge from hospital or residential care

⏱️ Timelines
▪️ Priority applications are typically processed within 1–3 weeks for inspection
▪️ Other applications may take 4–6 weeks depending on urgency and assessment

📊 My Focus
I raised this issue to ensure that:
▪️ People with serious or life-limiting conditions are clearly prioritised and fast-tracked where appropriate
▪️ The process is as efficient and compassionate as possible
▪️ Vulnerable applicants and families are not delayed in accessing essential supports

These schemes play a crucial role in allowing people to live with dignity in their own homes, and it is essential that the system continues to operate with both speed and sensitivity.

I will continue to follow this closely to ensure supports reach those who need them most, without unnecessary delay.



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Dublin City Council
Dublin City Council Kimmage Rathmines Area Office

At today’s Council meeting, I sought greater clarity on the scale, delivery, and oversight of Active Travel schemes across Dublin City, which are being funded through the National Transport Authority’s programme.

🚲 These schemes include walking and cycling infrastructure projects across the city, many of which are already completed, in progress, or at design and consultation stage.

📍 Council Response – Key Information

The Council confirmed that:

✔️ A full master list of Active Travel schemes is publicly available on the Dublin City Council website
✔️ An interactive map is also available showing locations, project status, and timelines for all schemes across the city
✔️ The most recent programme update is contained in the Quarterly Active Travel Programme Report (Q1 2026)

💰 Funding
Project funding details are set out in the National Transport Authority Active Travel Investment Grants 2026, which outline allocations across all schemes nationally and locally.

🏗️ Delivery Partners

The Council also outlined the main external partners involved:

📐 Design consultants include:
▪️ Roughan & O’Donovan
▪️ Scannell Emerson Associates
▪️ Arup
▪️ Jacobs
▪️ DBFL
▪️ Atkins

🚧 Contractors involved include:
▪️ Cairn Construction
▪️ Circet Networks
▪️ Clonmel Enterprises
▪️ Jons Civil Engineering

🤝 Delivery is supported through multiple agencies including:
▪️ Uisce Éireann
▪️ ESB Networks
▪️ Office of Public Works

📊 My Position
While I welcome the availability of this information online, I believe it is important that:
▪️ Delivery is transparent and easily accessible in one consolidated format
▪️ Residents can clearly understand what is happening in their own area and when
▪️ There is continued oversight of timelines, contractors, and coordination across utilities

Active Travel investment is transforming how people move around our city—but it is essential that it is delivered clearly, efficiently, and with strong public accountability.

I will continue to monitor progress and seek greater transparency on delivery timelines across all schemes.



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Dublin City Council
Dublin City Council Kimmage Rathmines Area Office

At today’s Council meeting, I raised a detailed question regarding gully cleaning and drainage maintenance across Dublin City, following ongoing concerns from residents about flooding and surface water issues in several local areas.

🌧️ Residents have highlighted repeated problems in locations such as:
▪️ Moyne Road / Dunville Avenue
▪️ Leinster Road
▪️ Lower Rathmines Road (including the gully at No. 62)
▪️ Castlewood Avenue
▪️ Liffey Street
▪️ Georges Street
▪️ Aungier Street

📍 Council Response – Key Points

The Council confirmed that gully maintenance is carried out under a structured, risk-based programme, with different schedules depending on location:

✔️ General Programme (12–18 months cycle)
Applies to lower-risk streets such as Liffey Street, George’s Street, and Aungier Street

✔️ Rotational Area Programme (every 3–4 months)
Applies to Moyne Road/Dunville Avenue, Leinster Road, Lower Rathmines Road, and Castlewood Avenue

✔️ Priority Programme (every 4–6 weeks)
Applies to areas with known flooding or high-risk drainage issues

The Council also outlined that in addition to routine cleaning, there is a targeted repair and upgrade programme for damaged or repeatedly problematic gullies.

📊 These are informed by:
▪️ Service requests from residents
▪️ Staff inspections and observations
▪️ Flooding events and rainfall patterns
▪️ Ongoing monitoring of problem locations

⚠️ My Key Concern
While I welcome the structured approach, residents continue to report recurring blockages and localised flooding, which suggests that some issues require long-term engineering solutions rather than repeated cleaning alone.

I will continue to follow up to ensure:
✔️ Persistent problem gullies are properly upgraded
✔️ Repeatedly reported issues are escalated effectively
✔️ Maintenance is matched with real-world conditions during heavy rainfall

If you are experiencing drainage issues in your area, please feel free to contact me.



We love Rathgar Village
I Love Terenure
Your future in Terenure
LOKRA
Dublin City Council
Dublin City Council Kimmage Rathmines Area Office

I raised concerns at today’s Council meeting regarding the proposed relocation of postal counter services in Rathmines and the wider implications for this important community facility.

📮 Residents have expressed concern about:
▪️ The move of services from the existing post office premises to a nearby retail unit
▪️ The loss of a dedicated, purpose-built post office space in the area
▪️ The long-term future of the current building

I have requested clarity on:
✔️ The rationale for the proposed relocation and whether it aligns with previous commitments on modern postal provision
✔️ The suitability, accessibility, and safety of the proposed retail location
✔️ Whether alternative options were fully considered to retain a dedicated post office facility in Rathmines
✔️ The future use of the existing building and whether it will remain vacant

📍 Council Response
The Council has confirmed it will engage directly with An Post to seek clarity on the proposal.

Importantly, it was also agreed that:
▪️ Dublin City Council and An Post will explore “meanwhile use” options for part of the existing building once relocation takes place in June
▪️ Site visits have already taken place with the City Architects and Conservation Office to assess potential interim uses, while respecting heritage and planning constraints

I will continue to follow this closely to ensure that postal services remain accessible, fit for purpose, and that this key civic building is not left underused or vacant unnecessarily.

If you have views on this issue locally, please feel free to contact me.

We love Rathgar Village
I Love Terenure
Your future in Terenure
LOKRA
Dublin City Council
Dublin City Council Kimmage Rathmines Area Office

I brought forward a motion at today’s South East Area Committee meeting to address ongoing illegal dumping and antisocial behaviour in Poddle Park—issues that have been consistently raised by local residents.

🌳 Poddle Park is a valued community space, but concerns around littering, dumping, and safety are impacting its use and enjoyment.

Through this motion, I have called on the Council to:

✔️ Introduce appropriate and sensitive public lighting to improve visibility and safety
✔️ Assess the feasibility of CCTV at key access points, in line with data protection requirements
✔️ Implement targeted anti-dumping measures, including increased monitoring, enforcement, and clear signage in known hotspot areas

Importantly, I have emphasised that any lighting solutions must be ecologically sensitive, protecting biodiversity and minimising impact on nocturnal wildlife.

With ongoing flood alleviation works in the park, this is an opportunity to take a joined-up, long-term approach to improving safety, protecting the environment, and enhancing the overall amenity of the space.

The Council is currently reviewing this matter, and I will receive a detailed update ahead of the May meeting.

I will continue to work with residents and the Council to ensure Poddle Park remains a clean, safe, and welcoming space for everyone.

If you have experienced similar issues in the area, please do get in touch.



We love Rathgar Village
I Love Terenure
Your future in Terenure
LOKRA
Dublin City Council
Dublin City Council Kimmage Rathmines Area Office

Traffic congestion and safety at the junction of Aideen Avenue and Kimmage Road Lower continue to be a concern for many local residents, and I raised this at today’s South East Area Committee meeting.

🚗 Current Situation
The Council has confirmed that traffic assessments have been carried out in the area, including peak-time surveys. While vehicle speeds are reported to be within acceptable limits, daily congestion and access difficulties remain a real issue for residents.

Key points from the update:
▪️ On-street parking is contributing to restricted traffic flow, while also acting as a speed-calming measure
▪️ Some safety improvements have been implemented, including road markings and signage
▪️ The issue of illegal turns has been raised with An Garda Síochána for enforcement
▪️ Nearby roads are also being assessed, with upgrade works planned on Derravaragh Road this year

⚠️ Ongoing Concerns
Despite these measures, residents continue to experience:
▪️ Regular gridlock at peak times
▪️ Difficulty accessing and exiting their estates
▪️ Safety concerns for both drivers and pedestrians

I have emphasised the need for:
✔️ Continued monitoring with a focus on congestion, not just speed
✔️ Consideration of practical short-term measures, including parking management and junction improvements
✔️ Stronger enforcement where required
✔️ A clear plan for how future projects, including BusConnects, will address these issues

Ensuring safer and more efficient movement through our local roads is essential for the community, and I will continue to push for solutions that make a real difference on the ground.

If you are experiencing issues in this area, please do get in touch.



We love Rathgar Village
I Love Terenure
Your future in Terenure
LOKRA
Dublin City Council
Dublin City Council Kimmage Rathmines Area Office

I raised the issue of Bushy Park Market and the proposed café/tearoom facility at today’s South East Area Committee meeting, following significant concerns from residents and local traders.

📍 Bushy Park Market
The Council has confirmed that the tender process is nearing completion, with an operator expected to be appointed in the coming weeks.

However:
▪️ The delay has been attributed to the complexity of the procurement process
▪️ No interim arrangements have been put in place, despite the market’s importance to the community

I highlighted that the absence of the market is being strongly felt and stressed the need for timely delivery and better contingency planning in future.

☕ Tearoom / Café in Bushy Park
▪️ The project is currently under review in 2026
▪️ It may be considered for the Capital Programme in 2027, subject to funding
▪️ No major planning constraints have been identified

While this is a positive step, it does mean that delivery is still some time away. I emphasised the importance of progressing this amenity to enhance the park experience for all users.

🌳 Bushy Park is a vital community space, and it is important that key amenities like the market and café are restored and developed in a timely and thoughtful manner.

I will continue to follow up to ensure progress is made and that the needs of the community remain front and centre.



We love Rathgar Village
I Love Terenure
Your future in Terenure
LOKRA
Dublin City Council
Dublin City Council Kimmage Rathmines Area Office

I raised concerns at today’s South East Area Committee meeting regarding tree maintenance and recent footpath works in the Laurelton and Meadowbank areas.

Residents have contacted me about:
🌳 Overgrown trees on the grass verges outside Nos. 1–3 Laurelton and Meadowbank, impacting sunlight into homes and solar panel efficiency
🚶‍♂️ The quality and standard of recent footpath works carried out in the area

I have formally requested:
✔️ A full assessment of the condition of these trees
✔️ Clarification on maintenance and pruning schedules
✔️ An inspection to determine if any works are now required
✔️ A clear timeline for any necessary pruning or arboricultural works

In addition, I have asked for:
✔️ Confirmation that footpath works meet Dublin City Council standards
✔️ A post-completion inspection update
✔️ Details of any defects identified and timelines for remedial works

The Council has confirmed that this matter is currently under review, and I will receive a detailed response ahead of the May Area Committee meeting.

I will continue to follow up to ensure that residents’ concerns are addressed and that both public spaces and infrastructure are maintained to a high standard.

If you are experiencing similar issues in your area, please feel free to get in touch.



We love Rathgar Village
I Love Terenure
Your future in Terenure
LOKRA
Dublin City Council
Dublin City Council Kimmage Rathmines Area Office

Pedestrian safety in Terenure remains a key concern raised by many residents, and I brought this forward at today’s South East Area Committee meeting.

I specifically highlighted issues at:
▪️ Templeogue Road / Rathfarnham Road – where some crossings currently have no pedestrian signals
▪️ Rathdown Park – a wide crossing without pedestrian lights
▪️ Rathfarnham Road / Dodder Park Lower – where concerns have been raised about crossing time

While the response referenced future improvements under the BusConnects project, I emphasised that residents need safer crossings now—not years down the line.

I have called for:
✔️ A full safety review of these crossings
✔️ Installation of pedestrian signals where missing
✔️ Assessment of crossing times and layouts, especially for older people, children, and those with mobility needs
✔️ Interim safety measures to be put in place without delay

I also raised the need for coordination with South Dublin County Council where responsibilities overlap.

Creating a safer, more walkable, and family-friendly Terenure is essential—and I will continue to push for practical, timely improvements.
If you have experienced issues at these or other crossings locally, please do get in touch.


We love Rathgar Village
I Love Terenure
Your future in Terenure
LOKRA
Dublin City Council
Dublin City Council Kimmage Rathmines Area Office