Douglas Traffic Warden

The Engineer in charge of introducing the parking system for Dougolas has informed us that a decision was taken to outsource the warden service.  This process is approaching completion and it is council’s intention to outsource the warden service.  This process is approaching completion and it is our intention to sign a contract with the preferred contractor for warden service before the end of the month.  The contractor to provide the warden service would also be responsible for cash collection from the Pay & Display machines, parking fine collection by e-payment and IVR (telephone), ticket to court process and handling of parking fine appeals.  Parking fine payment by cash or cheque will be directly to the County.  This is only one part of a two part process the other being the delivery of the long term car park in the Douglas Woollen Mills.

Douglas Long Term Car Park and Parking Bye Laws

I would like to give you a further update of progress as follows:

Any queries please contact me and I will try and clarify matters for you.

Local Issues

Grass Cutting in public open spaces is becoming a real problem for residents.  We have lobbied hard to try and get Area Eng to cut these open spaces and unfortunately he informs us he simply just hasn’t the funds.  We referred specifically to Pinecroft and Palmbury which has large tract of land uncut.  It is unfair that residents are expected to try and maintain it so the Area Committee has requested that a special request for funding this project should be sent to the Manager immediately.

Draft Douglas Parking Control Byelaws 2011

We debated this issue at length (over an hour) and have deferred decision pending clarification on 4 points.  These bye laws will work in tandem with the long stay car park at back of Douglas Woolen Mills.  Overall the aim is to free up car parking spaces in West and East Douglas by moving the long term parkers to Woollen Mills and having one hour and three hour parking in the centre of Douglas.  This will benefit businesses and residents alike.  We are also examining other areas for short term parking in Douglas.

Closure of Rights of Way

Residents have requested closure of right of way between Fairways and Lissadell Estate but Area Eng  informs me that because of property built over a watermain in the vicinity that the matter cannot be proceeded with at this time.

Walkway at rear of Norwood Court

Residents petitioned for this also but Eng is reluctant because of cost and instead recommends tidying it up.  He says it is well used.  However to close same wouldnt discommode residents too much and would add to the safety of residents who requested closure.

Pedestrian Crossing at Bow Wow Bridge

I had many discussion with the previous Eng in relation to traffic calming here.  Residents from Douglas Lawn are fearful crossing at that junction due to volume and speed of traffic. The current eng stated he would examine the matter and revert.

Installation of Yellow Box at end of Coach Hill

I requested the Eng to the install a Yellow box at end of Coach Hill’ and he informs me that WSP consultants have been engaged by Cork County Council to examine this and many other junctions, and make recommendations for improvement measures. 

Trees cutting at Mangla

 I also requested  clearing of overgrowth an cutting back of trees in the Mangla be attended to’ – Unfortnuately the trees etc. were damaged by vandals.  Council  have reported the matter to the Gardai who are investigating the matter with our assistance.