Frustration with dirt and muck from building site

RESIDENTS are frustrated with dirt and muck from the construction site at De La Salle in Ballyfermot, according to local representatives.

Dwyer Nolan Developments Ltd are building a development for 927 residential units, in blocks up to a height of 13 storeys, at the former De La Salle National School.

Ballyfermot councillors say dirt on the road outside the massive site is a cause of concern for cyclists and pedestrians.

Speaking at the South Central area meeting this week, Cllr Hazel de Nortúin (PBP) said people have called her to report dirt “running off down into the cycle lanes” and that they found it “dangerous” to traverse.

“I’m concerned that it is getting as bad as that,” said de Nortúin who called for the city council enforcement section to “pre-empt” the developer on the issue.

Cllr Daithi Doolan (SF), a cyclist, echoed the safety concerns citing mud and gravel on the cycle lane and the main road.

“I often cycle down past De La Salle, and week after week, is absolutely destroying clothes, trousers, shoes, and bikes.,” he said.

“What they appear to be doing is shovelling the dirt into the cycle lane and there are streams going down the cycle lane. On more than one occasion I’m on the way to meetings and I couldn’t present myself at the meeting because I was so covered in mud and clothes destroyed.

“If they are cleaning the road they need to ensure footpaths and gulleys and cycle lanes are clean as well. We use the roads, pay our taxes, we deserve the full use of the infrastructure,” said Doolan.

Cllr Sophie Nicoullaud (R2C) has “lost count” of the number of times she has contacted enforcement department in the council over the issue.

“I drove past today and the cycle lane and road, it is dark. It is black. You can’t see the lines. Neighbours are sick of it, it is just disgraceful. If it takes every time for a resident or a councillor to call, sure we could do it every week,” said Nicoullaud.

Cllr Vincent Jackson (Ind) believes a residents consultation group should be set up with Dwyer Nolan and reported that Ballyfermot Resource Centre are in a “dreadful state” with traffic and the construction at the site.

Alan Sherry, Senior Executive Office, Dublin City Council said he will take on board the comments made about the site.

“Just to let people know I did get an undertaking from the planning enforcement team that an inspector will be out there in the next day or so, we will keep it on a close watch.”