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Ongar Community Council - Annual General Meeting 22nd March 2010
Samantha Dooley, OCC Chairperson, started the meeting thanking Residents and Councilors for attending. Samantha informed the group that the OCC is a non-profitable organisation with over 300 database members. Membership of OCC is an anual payment of 20€, which will be reduced to a one off payment when sponsorship comes through. With new members, revenue will increase and more community activities can be implemented as well as aid to groups within the community in need.
The Newsletter had its first issue this year and is managed by the Committee. Printing is paid for by Cloncilla Credit Union and printed by Hadleigh printing in Coolmine Industrial estate. A report of OCC finances is available to all members.
The agenda for the meeting consists of items brought up by Residents, not included in the newsletter, which was circulated prior to the AGM.
Ÿ Roads/Pedestrian Crossings for Schools Ÿ Soundproofing issue
Ÿ Elections Ÿ Supporting local business (Prizes from both the bottle shop and the butches in Ongar where donated and 2 lucky residents won these prizes, which were drawn by 2 of the councillors that were present.
The playground and the problems with gangs in and around Ongar Park were also discussed and the councillors advised they would bring our concerns to Finga Co. County meetings.
After three years as Chairperson for OCC, Samantha Dooley announced that she would be stepping down and the role is to be taken up by Gerard Sheehan.
Sledjan Kutijevac, is the Treasurer for OCC and has dealt with the day to day expenses since June 2008.
Fergal Ladley has been deputy Chairperson for the OCC since 2007 and continues to maintain this position.
The secretary position has been changed 4 times in the last 3 years and its clear the position needs more then 1 secretary due to the capacity of the role - we will be seeking to resolve this matter.
If anyone is interested who has administration, email skills to an intermediate - advanced level, we will be delighted to hear from you.
Roads/Pedestrian Crossing
There are requests from Residents for Speed Ramps in Lilly’s Way, Hayward Mews, Hayward Drive and in front of School and a Zebra crossing on Main Street.
Fingal County Council (FCC) has indicated it is possible to put in a crossing at the school. Manor Park Homes are to give a portion of the roads, under license, to FCC to allow this to happen. A “Lollypop Person” is also requested. This is being worked on by a member of Fingal Community And Volunteer Forum, Which Samantha was elected onto for our area. It has not been approved at this stage - suggestions of how and what can be done where mentioned at it remains in the hands of the ~Roads department in FCC.
Anyone interested in this issue should feel free to contact FCC roads department directly in regards to a pedestrian crossing for both Educate Together And St Benedicts, which share the same site in Ongar Green.
It was pointed out that there was no signage at the school to inform traffic as they approach the school.
Councillors present and past councillors promised they would look into the needs of the school.
Councilor Ruth Coppinger informed the group that Fingal County Council is waiting to take control of the roads. The issue was raised at a council meeting over six month’s ago, however, the developers have not submitted drawings to date. The Developer and School Manger need to meet. This was due to happen tomorrow and has been transferred to April 18th 2010.
Fergal Leady reported that there was a partition signed by 166 residents for the pedestrian, earlier in the year and handed to FCC roads department and FCC manager And still nothing was done by FCC.
In 2008 both Samantha and Fergal, under the leadership of Ongar/Castaheany Community Council requested Hansfeild road to close. This was objected by Cllr Micheal O'Donovan.
In 2009 Sladjan designed a petition and meeting to close the old Hansfield road again, this time from just Ongar Community Council, without affiliated councils. This request was accepted and the road is now closed.
Soundproofing
Over half of those present at the meeting put up their hands when asked if they had soundproofing issues with their property. It was agreed that any soundproofing tests done to report on the quality of housing should not be done by Manor Park Homes, but by an independent party.
Samantha Dooley informed the group that six apartments had failed tests performed.
Soundproofing issues will be coming up at the next Dublin 15, Fingal Forum Meeting and in future FCC meetings.
Over 200 complaints of sound proofing problems was reported to Samantha Dooley via writing from Fingal Building Control after the Ongar Village Sound Proof committee requested the ombudsmen to interven with the councils work regarding fixing or investigating sound proofing problems.
This investigation is still on going and anyone with sound proofing problems (not antisocial neighbours) should contact the Manager of FCC by writing registered post and then the ombudsmen if they have not had a reply or suitable reply.
Other Business
Samantha Dooley reported that the playground, in Ongar Park, was burnt down recently. This has raised security issues, as the grounds do not appear to be built to safety standards. A need for lighting in the area is required. The tarmac area has no markings or any direction for its purpose. These factors lead to anti-social behavior.
Also reported that the All Weather Pitch was destroyed last week by vandals.
A resident suggested that if the fence around the playground was raised by a few feet and the bench removed (used by drinkers in the evenings) this would make a big difference.
Ruth Coppinger informed the group that there is a Fingal Forum meeting (Ongar/Castaheany) tomorrow.
Samantha reminded the attendees that Ongar/Castaheany is not Ongar and none of their committee live in Ongar. Items should be raised by residents of Ongar and followed through by them.
Residents living near Ongar House, Main Street have reported noise disruption when the security loud, designed to alert trespasser entering the grounds at night. The last incident was on the evening of 17th March (St Patrick’s Day).
Samantha Dooley reported that on a Friday and Saturday night there is a plain clothes Garda in the Ongar area, to deter anti-social behavior. A resident added that the Gardai have said that approximately twenty-three people have been processed by the Gardai, as a result of the Gardai activeness in the area.
Councilor Pat Nulty Stated that there is only one Community Garda in Ongar. There is a need for more.
Note put in October 2010 - There is currently no community Gardai for Ongar. Both the new Chairperson and Samantha have left messages with the Blanchardstown Superintendent, to no avail.
The PRTB, or the court system, or FCC environment deptartment under the environmental Ministers new legislation can be used by residents for complaints by Residents for anti-social behavior. The Developers also need to take responsibility for the development of the green areas. Residents should look at Fingal County Council’s website to see what Residents are saying. Pat Nulty also agrees that the “Bond” due to Developers should not be given until all contracted agreements are fulfilled.
Councilor David McGuiness stated that he was representing Brian Lenihan TD and all that was discussed would be brought back to him.
Litter bins are emptied every day except Weekends. Commercial residents are not paying fees. Hansfield Road, which is closed off, is full of dumped items. Items like beds are being dumped in green areas, which are only cleared every six months.
Samantha has indicated that she has received many complaints, and as a ground floor home dweller herself, having 6 bins (3 of which are not yours) outside your bedroom window and door is a health and safety nightmare, not mention, it is very off putting for those trying to sell or rent their home. Samantha will be contacting FCC to advise this and ask what action they intend to take.
Note put in October 2010: Samantha has sent 2 emails to FCC environmental department re the bin health and safety issue and has had no reply. There is also rats being reported in ground floor residents homes and in the surrounding garden areas.
Saving the environment is redundant if the plan is to create another environmental hazzard (Samantha's words)
A Resident stated that there is nothing for the kids in the area. There was interest in developing a local football team. This is being looked into and a meeting should be held soon to pursue any interests.
Note Put in October 2010 - The local soccer team has now been moved to Ladyswell - Please contact Samantha on liaison@ongar.ie
A Resident stated that trucks transporting for Dunne’s, are destroying grass and blocking road and signs, creating safety issues. Ruth Coppinger said that she would raise the issue up with the Roads Department.
The Chairperson noted for the record that although Fingal County Council was invited to the meeting, there were no representatives.
The First OCC newsletter, Sponsored by Clonsilla Credit Union.
A bottle of Champagne, donated by Coolers Off License was won by Emma Kennedy
A voucher for €40, donated by the Butchers Shop on Main Street was won by Vicky McGrath.
Gerard Sheehan said that he would put details for anyone who wishes to join the Committee, on the OCC Website. At the meeting six people showed strong interest in joining the Committee.
Note: There is now a full committee, however, anyone interested in joining should still contact Gerard as sub committees can be formed.
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OCC AGM 2010 |