Monday 30 May 2011

Wall Reparation Underway




In what seems like lightning speed, the repairs are underway for the wall that was marked as 'unsafe' by a surveyor, earlier this month.
From what I understand the wall that will be put in its place will be half concrete and half railing.  I am sure more details will be discovered in the coming days and I will update it here.  In the meantime, its great to see that the assstance by Kieran O'Hanlon along with the voices of the residents have really expedited this repair.

Thursday 26 May 2011

Committee Members Meeting - Monday 30th May @ 8pm

Attention all committee members.

Kieran O'Hanlon is hosting a Committee members meeting at his house at 8pm on Monday.  Please post here (click 'Comments' below) if you are able to attend.  Or SMS / Call 0871209942

Monday 23 May 2011

Scheduled Meeting with Town Hall - 25th July

Next meeting that is scheduled with the Planning Department at Town Hall is on Monday 25th July @14:30hrs
Those wishing to attend can view their interest at the residents meeting on 2nd June.  Please remember a maximum of about 4 attendees may be present at one time.

Could This Planning Permission Affect Us?



This notice (although it is old - 2008 I think) is placed at the top end of the estate.  Conveniently where hardly anyone will see it! Does anyone know if this is something that will be causing a thoroughfare into Drominbeg and Dromroe?  If anyone has more information on this, please post here.  Thank you.
(Click picture to enlarge)

Unsecure Boundaries



Of course this is a boundary, and I am sure that the minimum requirements have been met; lets face it though, thats all that has been done!
There is no upkeep of the fence, no staining or preserving or even replacing where there are rotten pieces or gaps.  Instead, when you look closely at it, you will see, wire meshing has filled in any gaps where the fence has been broken or pushed through.
This fence, although ideal as a temporary measure in the beginning, is now just an added eyesore and a security liability.  Due to all the wasteland the other side, it wouldn't take much for someone to hop the fence, get into a house, do what they want, back over the fence and away down the path by the river.  There are no roads to follow anyone through.
Security aside, if someone was selling or letting their house, this would be a potential issue.
This needs also to be addressed with Pat Keogh as soon as possible.

(Click to enlarge picture)

An Unacceptable Eyesore





Earlier today I went to take pictures of the issues discussed at the meeting the other week.  There were concerns of items left behind at the development completion stage of the Dromroe Estate.
I was astounded when I saw the scale of derelict equipment and general waste that has just been left at the mercy of the elements!  I cannot see how a developer can get away with leaving this eyesore for private residents to open their curtains to in the morning!
In short, this is nothing short of shocking and appalling.  Along with the dangerous wall situation, this should become a priority to get resolved.  The problem is, is that where there is a mess, then others will just add to it which will make this a serious environmental issue.  I wouldn't be surprised if undesirables are all ready hanging out there - this poses a further security risk to housholds and housholders alike in the immediate vicinity.
No excuses - this MUST be addressed.
(Click Picture to enlarge)

Security Fencing for Residents




The much discussed 'dangerous wall' at the top of the estate, now has security fencing around it.  This is in place pending an independent report from a surveyor.
Just a reminder to ensure everyone stays as far away from the area of this wall as possible.
(Click picture to enlarge)

New Swimming Pool for Dromroe !


Just a reminder to keep all small kids away from the corner of the large green area on the estate.  A blocked drain there is causing a hazardous situation for turning in and leaving vehicles, as well as toddlers falling into the water!  This lack of drainage has also caused flood damage to a couple local residents during the storms 2 years ago; as it flooded into the driveway and then under the front doors.  This is how long this issue has been around.
The picture is deceptive as to how deep the water is, but the stick in the picture was half submerged before it was pulled out.  Imagine the disaster if a child fell on a submerged stick.  We all know how drawn to water kids can be.  Just a heads up to be vigilant until we can find a solution to have this drain unblocked.
(Click on picture to enlarge)

A Typical Wake-Up Call


As small as it may seem, this is becoming more and more of a problem.  Waking up on a Sunday morning to find broken glass and trash in the street from those who have decided to 'hang-out' the night before until the early hours.
 It is certainly true that the mess can indeed be swept up, but actually the problem is, is that children or animals can injure themselves on the broken glass.  Needless to say that vehicles as well could undergo damage to tyres etc also.
 This sort of behaviour has to stop.
(Click picture to enlarge)

Friday 20 May 2011

Residents Committee Meets with Town Planners

On Monday 16th May @ 14:00hrs, two members from the Residents Committee plus Cllr Kieran O'Hanlon, met with Limerick Town Council Planning officials at the Town Hall.  The aim was to discuss the possible handover from the developer Pat Keogh, to the Council.

The council in principle, had no objections to this with the caveat that the estate be in good order first.  This led to discussions regarding the safety of the wall at the top end of the estate, and the angle at which it currently leans over.  It has also come to the attention of the Limerick Fire and Rescue Service with the recommendation for a Surveyor to provide a report on the situation so as a full case can be put to the developer for reparation.  It is advised in the meantime, that no children should play near or in the vicinity of this wall as it is extremely hazadrous.

Concerns were brought up regarding the fencing and the area behind the fencing, again at the top end of the estate, where it backs onto the riverbank.  Apparently there is a lot of debris, rusting machinery and general waste that is in itself environmentally hazardous.  Instructions were advised that this needs to be also addressed with Pat Keogh, although from what I gather this is going to be done by the Council.  I will confirm this.

The Council mentioned that they would look for a suitable plaque or sign that would suffice for the entrance to Dromroe, for the placement on the pillars there.

The Council also took on board comments regarding sineage and perhaps speed-ramps for the estate.  Although this would be for the committee / residents to erect the signage and we are still following through the possibility (however slight) on the request for another speed ramp (or two).

The drain on the corner of the 3rd right turn as you go into the estate, has a flooding issue.  We have been advised to contact the Sanitation department to see if this can be unblocked, however, again, this could become something for the developer to address.

Kieran O'Hanlon, is trying to organise some 'pickers' and bags.  These can be distributed to the neighbourhood for a 'day of trash'.  Its a matter of just getting out there and bagging any rubbish near your area, just to tidy the place up, in order to start from a blank canvas.  The Council will remove these bags when complete.

We have a follow-up meeting at the end of July (date to be confirmed) with the Town Hall planning department to bring to the table, the issues mentioned above and also what is flagged at our Residents meeting regarding the 'Snag List' which I will talk about in a bit.

Kieran O'Hanlon is attempting to organise a meeting between Pat Keogh and the residents (if not then the committee at least).  This is ongoing and I will update you here.

Finally... we have been requested by the Council, to facilitate the ease of negotiating with the developer, Pat Keogh, to ask individual residents to make a 'Snag List' of issues that are in and around their property.  For example, street light not working, dangerous crack in pavement, wall collapsed, broken windows etc...

Please either email your snag list to us at drcrhebogue@gmail.com or bring it with you to the next meeting at the GAA on June 2nd.  Please dont forget to ensure you give details as to where the issue is on the estate.

First Residents Meeting Held

The first residents association meeting was conducted on Thursday May 5th and held at St. Patricks GAA clubhouse.  The meeting was hosted by Cllr. Kieran O'Hanlon and supported by two members of the Gardai, Sergeant Ollie Kennedy, and Garda Tom Delaney.

Topics discussed were:

  • Crime Prevention
  • The unsafe wall at the top of the estate
  • The name plaque for the estate
  • Anti-Social behaviour and vandalism
  • Social and community activities
  • A 'Pick n Bag' day (tidying rubbish etc from the estate)
  • A meeting proposed with estate developer Pat Keogh
  • Child Safety

A respectable turnout of around 30 residents attended.  A Resident Committee was further established, comprising of 12 members, including a Chairperson and a Secretary.

Next residents meeting is to be held at the GAA ground again on June 2nd at 20:00hrs.