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Dublin Live
01-07-2025
- Business
- Dublin Live
Finglas apartment plans on proposed Luas route withdrawn following community pushback
Our community members are treated to special offers, promotions and adverts from us and our partners. You can check out at any time. More info Plans to develop over 600 apartments on a site along the proposed Finglas Luas route have been withdrawn following serious concerns from the local community. The plans for 607 residential units within five blocks were intended for the KSG Group Site on McKee Avenue with heights of up to 10 storeys. The plans were submitted as a singular application despite the Jamestown masterplan for the area. This planning application was submitted for a site that was earmarked in the masterplan for primarily three but up to eight storeys. While a reason for withdrawal was not forthcoming through Dublin City Council planning, the application received considerable pushback from the community. Dozens of observations were submitted on the planning application from locals, resident groups and politicians, primarily objecting to the proposal in its current form. Issues raised included traffic concerns, overdevelopment of the site against the master plan, the need for the Luas and the overcapacity of the local water and sewage network. Fianna Fail councillor Keith Connolly raised concerns surrounding the lack of alignment with the masterplan for the area. He said: "The Masterplan clearly requires that developments be brought forward in a phased, coordinated manner, including the provision of surface water management infrastructure, green space, and community facilities. "This application appears to be a standalone development with no demonstrated coordination with adjacent landowners or a comprehensive Surface Water Management Plan(SWMP). There has been no evidence of a holistic approach to the side or any engagement with surrounding landowners, particularly those on the Jamestown Road side of the masterplan." While his party colleague, TD Paul McAuliffe added: "The Jamestown Masterplan, as adopted by the elected members of Dublin City Council,provides the agreed framework for development in this area. It is essential that all applications adhere to its principles to ensure a sustainable, inclusive, and well-serviced community." While people Before Profit Cllr Conor Reddy said that the proposal "moves further away from the goal of a sustainable, mixed community rather than private rental". One of the adjacent land owners also had concerns about an access road planned for the their site and the lack of access to the proposal site for construction due to no agreement or engagement. They claimed that the applicant created a "ransom strip" with the proposal. Join our Dublin Live breaking news service on WhatsApp. Click this link to receive your daily dose of Dublin Live content. We also treat our community members to special offers, promotions, and adverts from us and our partners. If you don't like our community, you can check out any time you like. If you're curious, you can read our Privacy Notice. For all the latest news from Dublin and surrounding areas visit our homepage.
Irish Independent
23-06-2025
- Business
- Irish Independent
‘Completely inappropriate' – Dozens of objections lodged against proposed 24-hour gambling arcade in Ballymun
The planning application seeks permission to change the use of a retail unit to a 24-hour gaming and amusement arcade at Unit 3, The Goulding, Santry Cross, Ballymun, Dublin 9. Lodged by applicant Peter McNally on May 12, the proposal has attracted more than 50 third-party submissions from concerned individuals and groups. Among the objectors are local TDs including Fianna Fáil's Paul McAuliffe and Social Democrats TD Rory Hearne, both citing the proposal's inconsistency with the Dublin City Development Plan 2022-2028. Deputy McAuliffe called for the application to be refused, pointing to the 'overconcentration of gambling-related businesses, and the importance of preventing further clustering of such uses'. Deputy Hearne echoed these concerns, warning that the arcade would normalise gambling among young people. 'As has been rightfully pointed out by the Gambling Regulation Authority, problem gambling is a major issue in Ireland,' he said. 'A recent ESRI study estimates that approximately one in 30 adults in Ireland suffers from problem gambling. 'There are also direct links between childhood exposure to gambling and problem gambling in adulthood. 'I share concerns that a gaming and amusement arcade will normalise gambling, particularly for younger people. 'The development of an arcade including slot machines and casino gambling is an unwelcome one in this context.' ADVERTISEMENT Learn more He added: 'It should be noted that the proposed arcade would be located near schools and local youth centres.' The Ballymun proposal follows a similar gaming arcade approved by Dublin City Council in Finglas in April despite strong local opposition. That Finglas arcade has since become a focal point for complaints about anti-social behaviour and gambling-related harm, with an appeal now before An Bord Pleanála. There is already a 24-hour casino and gaming arcade at the Omni Shopping Centre, 2.5km from the proposed site. Local youth charity Ballymun Regional Youth Resource (BRYR) warned that another gambling arcade would conflict with its mission to support young people's well-being and resilience. 'Main Street is heavily trafficked by youths accessing school, transport, and local amenities. A gambling arcade would provide convenient access for under-18s and undermine efforts to educate and safeguard vulnerable youth,' wrote youth services manager Geraldine Comerford. The HSE Addiction Service in Ballymun also lodged a strong objection. D. Ashmore, of the service, highlighted research showing gambling has a 'serious impact' on working-class and low-income communities. 'It's what we call a hidden addiction, leading to family breakdowns, debt, and in many cases, domestic violence, homelessness, and suicide,' Ms Ashmore said. 'So, putting a 24-hour gambling arcade in the heart of our community is a flashing red light for anyone in recovery from gambling. 'Most families here are already under financial pressure, so the presence of a 24-hour gambling arcade in a deprived area like Ballymun is exploitative. It targets people at their most vulnerable to addiction. 'We can't have a two-tier system where an HSE Addiction Service clinic is located directly across from a 24-hour gambling arcade — it defeats the purpose of us being here.' 'So, I strongly object to this gambling arcade and respectfully ask that this application be fully rejected,' she added.
Irish Independent
19-06-2025
- Business
- Irish Independent
‘It is wrong' – Ceann Comhairle urged to meet Oireachtas broadcast staff working on ‘contract basis'
In a letter, party whip Paul McAuliffe suggested she meet the Oireachtas staff who manage broadcasts of Dáil, Seanad and committee proceedings as soon as possible to resolve their grievances. He said he was writing on behalf of Fianna Fáil Oireachtas members in relation to the workers' pay and conditions and an upcoming contract review for their employer, PI Communications. Political pressure has ramped up for the workers who claim some earn around €12,000 a year and have no income during summer and Christmas breaks. In the letter sent on June 17, Mr McAuliffe said members of the Dáil were asked to sign a petition to support this group of 'essential workers'. 'It seems extraordinary that this group are only employed on a contract basis,' he said. 'It is not as if their work is temporary as it is through their good work that all of the Dáil's deliberations, debate and discussions get communicated to all of the public. 'This is crucial work for every elected representative and goes to the core of our democracy.' He said it is crucial and 'only fair' that their grievances are addressed as soon as possible. Mr McAuliffe told the Irish Independent it is up to the Houses of the Oireachtas Commission to make a decision, as it tenders for the service, and the ceann comhairle is the chair. 'I believe it is wrong that these staff are not on the same terms as other who contribute to the parliamentary community, including ushers and catering staff,' he said. ADVERTISEMENT A PI Comms spokesperson said it provides a range of video and streaming services to public and private sector organisations of which the Houses of the Oireachtas is one. He said the company is contracted on a pay per public minute model for coverage of live proceedings and can only bill for broadcasts that are capable of public transmission. The spokesperson said all part-time employees in this group have a guaranteed entitlement to a fixed amount of work each full sitting week, certainty of income for their contracted work, and are free to work on other projects or for other employers. He said they earn substantially more than the national living wage, with attractive bonus arrangements, and get paid leave and sick pay. They are eligible to enrol in pension schemes, have collective agreements that are recognised, and are provided with training and other staff benefits, he added. 'Furthermore, all salaries and payments are regularly benchmarked and are commensurate with roles, skills, experience and responsibilities,' he said. He said the company is currently engaged in trade union negotiations with the assistance of the Workplace Relations Commission. 'We operate in a very competitive sector and are immensely proud of both the service and value we provide our clients and the access, opportunity and supports we provide to our valued staff, many of whom are also engaged in roles for other employers,' he said. 'We are surprised and disappointed that some who have commented on our operations did not first fact-check the accuracy and veracity of ill-founded claims.'
RTÉ News
20-05-2025
- Health
- RTÉ News
Assessment of needs important step in children's lives
Parents who know their child requires a bit more support to navigate everyday life never forget the contrasting emotions when their needs are crystallised. In the Dáil this evening, Fianna Fáil TD Paul McAuliffe said it has been described to him as both the best and most difficult day of their lives. It is a big statement, but it unflinchingly captures the magnitude of that moment. There is an awareness that a mountain lies ahead, but when it is done well an assessment of need provides a map to help the child and their family find their footing. It is not the end by any means, but it is an important step. But by the end of this year, there could be up to 25,000 children waiting for that assessment even though the law states that it should be provided within six months. All this against the backdrop of indisputable evidence that early interventions are essential for a child's development. As disability rights campaigner, teenager Cara Darmody, began her 50-hour protest at Leinster House to highlight this issue, she called on Government to declare this a national emergency. She will sleep outside the national parliament tonight to urge the Government to do more. There is an acceptance in Government that the current system is broken. Minister for Children Norma Foley is going to pare back the central place of the assessment when it comes to accessing services. "Making these therapies far more accessible is seen as the key to resolving this seemingly intractable problem." Already it is not a requirement for most health services and from now on it will not be needed for the Domiciliary Care Allowance. There will be more therapists hired, and funding will be made available to have assessments carried out by private operators. The fundamental change though is a planned altering of the current legislation. It is not clear if the six-month deadline will be amended but it seems certain that the number of hours taken to complete the process will be cut. This currently ranges from 37 to 90 hours per assessment and there is a view in government that expert therapists could be better deployed helping children directly. And making these therapies far more accessible is seen as the key to resolving this seemingly intractable problem. But it is not without risk given that a child usually has just one chance to have their needs accurately measured. Anything that looks like a watering-down of that process will no doubt draw the ire of the opposition. More importantly it could leave children and parents with a needlessly incomplete guide to living a life where they hope challenges can be overcome and potential can be actualised.
Irish Independent
29-04-2025
- Business
- Irish Independent
Food-delivery drones could require regulation, says Taoiseach
Drones have been permitted to carry out food delivery flights, leading to swarms over suburbs on weekends in particular as families order take-out. Paul McAuliffe, Fianna Fáil TD for Dublin Northwest, said drones were operational in terms of food deliveries, "but obviously the application could be extended". "The issue was raised with me because it's a very unregulated area," he said, and there were issues with intrusion and safety. There is a commitment in the Programme for Government for drones to come under the newly established Air Navigation Division section of the Irish Aviation Authority. The issue of invasion of privacy, safety and noise nuisance from drone deliveries of fast food and even coffee, taking place in particular around west Dublin has been hotly debated on RTÉ Radio One's Liveline in recent days. Residents in his own area are concerned, Mr McAuliffe told the Dáil. "They have come to me, and it highlights the absence of regulation in this area. There are reasonable concerns around hours of work, the safety of the drones themselves, and how safe they are to fly above residential areas,' the TD said. He said his constituency bordered Dublin Airport and there was the question of the impact of the airport and boundaries. "It's an area where we shouldn't stifle innovation, but we should have regulations," he said. The Taoiseach said he "would be definitely inclined to agree, because this is an area of development." "We are all endeavouring to try and comprehend drones flying left, right, centre, performing various functions," Micheál Martin added. "It does raise the question of a regulatory framework to govern all of that, and a safety framework as well. I think that point is well made." He suggested a Dáil committee could take the matter up, examining all the issues in greater detail.
