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Cllr Francis Timmons – Independent Voice

75 years since Mothers and Child scheme led by Dr Noel Browne

Posted by Francis on March 21, 2024
Posted in Latest News 

This year marks 75 years since the landmark of its time scheme for Mothers and Child scheme led by Dr Noel Browne , It proposed to introduce Healthcare free to under 16 and deal with the alarming mortality rate of the time, The scheme was blasted at the time as being to Liberal and Browne was even summons to the Archbishop’s House. It was unthinkable in Mc Quaid’s Ireland who saw it as an upfront to Catholic moral teaching, It was seen as interference in the family Unit.  

Browne was with Clann na Poblachta at the time.  Browns party leader Sean MacBride demanded Browne’s resignation as a minister and Browne resigned to the than  Taoiseach John A. Costello for submission to President O’Kelly. Soon after a General Election was called. Fianna Fail eventually introduced some of the scheme all be it watered down in 1951 following the General Election of that year. Brown Left Clann na Poblachta and over the years was in Fianna Fáil , the National Progressive Democrats , the Labour Party and the Socialist Labour Party 

I am convinced that if the TDs of the time had fully accepted and stood up for the for Mother and Child scheme that so many wouldn’t of suffered so much and many lives could have been saved. Perhaps the institutions wouldn’t of had so much control over so many and the church wouldn’t have had so much control over so many.

It wasn’t until 1973 that an Unmarried Mother’s Allowance was introduced but society continued to stigmatize single parents upto the 1990s when the last of the old institutions shut.

Even in 2024 the Catholic Church still retain much control through the ownership of some hospitals and a large number of schools, 

South Dublin installed a Memorial Stone outside Peamount Hospital in memory of the Socialist who fought the battle against TB and Peamount was one of many places that helped in the fight.

, Dr Browne was the most forward radical of his time and his Legacy still lives on!

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Garda crime haul

Posted by Francis on March 21, 2024
Posted in Latest News 

Cllr Timmons says ” I welcome the Haul and commend the work of the Guards , i get a huge amount of calls over Scrambler/Motorbikes And Quad Bikes in particular. This is some progress”

A search operation took place by Gardaí targeting individuals involved in crime in the Clondalkin and Ballyfermot area.

The focus of the operation surrounded the unlawful use of e-bikes, scramblers and e-scooters which causes potential harm and disruption to members of the local communities.

The following was seized:

• 2 Electric Scooters

• 10 Electric Bikes

• 2 Stolen High Powered Motorbikes

• 5 Scrambler/Motorbikes

• 1 Quad Bike

• €8,800 Cash believed to be the proceeds of crime

• €36,000 Cannabis Herb

• €4800 Alprazolam Tablets

A man in his 20s was arrested and detained at a Garda station in West Dublin.

#KeepingPeopleSafe

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Rathcoole , Newcastle and Saggart Traffic plan update!

Posted by Francis on March 21, 2024
Posted in Latest News 

Cllr Timmons says “Following my agreed motion at the County Development plan for a traffic management plan for Rathcoole , Newcastle and Saggart , the council are undertaking traffic counts and have contacted the NTA to get funding for a traffic plan to be drawn up and works coming out of such plans! Its hoped this will progress very soon! Still a way to go but its progress!’ 

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Clondalkin Local Area Plan

Posted by Francis on March 21, 2024
Posted in Latest News 

Cllr Timmons says “I am not supportive of the proposal as part of the Local Area Plan to just allow buses around all Clondalkin village while cars would only be able to access car parks etc! Its only proposals but at this stage i dont see this as a viable plan – looking forward to productive ideas moving forward!” 

Cllr Timmons says ” i need to clarify that the overall plan is not done up yet! – councillors will have input when the plan is done up! But a vote wont take place to June 2025 as theres a lot of work to be done on it! – the Local area plan covers many other issues as well as traffic! – at this stage its important to gather as many ideas as possible – everything is an idea at this stage! – I would ask as many as possible to fill the survey in at https://buff.ly/3wII8CG#

Cllr Timmons says ” I worked with a group of people to draw up a vision for Clondalkin document that has manu suggestions for Clondalkin , im happy to email this document that was generally supported by the 7 local councillors to any resident, the local area plan offers a chance to discuss many issues around Clondalkin Village! I am also offering to meet any resident and discuss idea”  

Cllr Timmons says ”I Spoke to planning in SDCC and was informed Following the concerns expressed at last Wednesday’s workshop in particular, SDCC will go out again to the public with more options for consideration before we publish a draft plan.  The timelines for that next (3rd) round of pre-draft public consultation will have to be decided and will depend in part on the feedback they get from the surveys and the amount of work required to prepare.”

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March 2024 Council Meeting update

Posted by Francis on March 12, 2024
Posted in Latest News 

At todays South Dublin County Council March Meeting I raised the following!

– I had 5 questions agreed!

– I asked the CEO re state of roads from Developments!  Used Cherrywood as an example!

– I raised the amount of potholes and the need for these to be repaired! Used the very large one on Monastery road as an example!

– I raised the 300k Have your say! I asked re projects not completed and where funds went! They committed to a review and report!

– i requested clear signage for new speed limits at Kishogue Train station!

– re Bawnogue car park , i suggested that council look at car parking in Bycc and Ace and talk to them for use for large events! I welcomed the Taking in Charge of the Car park!

– I had a motion on planning agreed without debate!

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Tidy Towns plant 2500 trees

Posted by Francis on March 10, 2024
Posted in Latest News 

2500 trees planted today in Corkagh park delighted to play my part and help plant! Shout out to transition year in Moyle Park and all the refugees – Asylum seekers from City West and Red Cow who along with Clondalkin Tidy Towns did amazing work, I was glad to help plant the trees!

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Poster free Timmons Local Election 2024

Posted by Francis on March 10, 2024
Posted in Latest News 

Why I’m going poster free!

1) Posters take 400 years to biodegrade

2) the cable ties used to hang posters are one use plastic that is harmful to our environment

3) with the weather many posters will blow down and this is harmful to the environment and many cable ties will be left on posts

4) I’m not getting any new posters printed and I am asking supporters to put old posters in there windows where they wont harm the environment

#VoteTimmonsNumber1 #posterfreeTimmons

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County Development Plan

Posted by Francis on March 10, 2024
Posted in Latest News 

My 45 SLOs I managed to get voted into the County Development plan , Lots of work to be done but a good start:

1. Rathcoole Woodlands SLO:

‘To investigate the potential for alternative land uses for the lands currently zoned RES-N (To provide for new residential communities in accordance with approved area plans) and OS (To preserve and provide for open space and recreational amenities) as identified by the SLO on the CDP land use zoning map, having regard to protecting existing habitats, Biodiversity and the Rathcoole Woodlands , the need for social and affordable housing, community infrastructure and access. Following this assessment, and where alternative land use arrangements are identified in line with the proper planning and sustainable development of the area, to bring forward proposals for re-zoning. ”

2. Tallaght Map SLO:

Objective NCBH 16 Objective 4 is ‘To support the preparation and implementation of an updated County Heritage Plan incorporating the promotion and protection of the County’s Cultural Heritage.’ To propose a project to research and produce a map of the County Town that shows the field names and farmlands in 1920 over the 2020 map of Tallaght.

3. Heritage/Pilgrim pathways SLO:

To record heritage/pilgrim pathways in South Dublin County – such as the Slí Mór (aka The Green Road, St Bridget’s Pilgrim Path, Knockmeenagh Lane) in Clondalkin village,

4. Cottages on Main Street SLO:

SLO under NCBH Policy 19 of the Plan:‘To investigate the merit of including in the Record of Protected Structures the cottages on Main Street, Clondalkin’.

5. Cuthberts park and church SLO:

NCBH 19 SLO 2 ‘To prepare a Design Plan for St Cuthbert’s Park and to make provision for St. Cuthbert’s Church’.

6. Clondalkin ACA SLO:

That this Council will carry out an assessment for an extension of the Clondalkin ACA that takes account of the Boundary walls and other Heritage, buildings and Structures.

7. Clondalkin Stone walls SLO:

SLO – That in future the remaining old stone walls of Clondalkin be protected and maintained

8. Buildings of Thomas J Byrne SLO:

That this council recognise the buildings of Thomas J Byrne (Builder) and that the council set an objective to protect the buildings he built, Many spread out throughout SDCC and are of historical importance to our history and heritage , these houses should be categorised and listed (Reference SDCC Libraries published book Nation Builder (2013)

9. Joe Williams Archive SLO:

That the County Development Plan includes an Objective clearly stating that the Joe Williams Archive will be preserved as a distinct unit and accommodated properly in Clondalkin village, and made available to local people, students and university researchers who are interested in our rich heritage, culture and history. It is necessary to keep the Joe Williams Archive together as an entity because of its unique, internal cross-referencing potentials through various media: books, photographs, slides etc.

10. Fairview Oilmills SLO:

That this council sets an objective to preserve and develop the Fairview Oil Mills at Cherrywood Crescent in Clondalkin as the remains of the mill are a good example of functional industrial architecture and are an important reminder of the industrial heritage of the Clondalkin area.

11. RIC Barracks SLO:

SLO for SDCC to investigate possible use of the old RIC Barracks on Old Nangor Road, It is a Protected Structure within the present Architectural Conservation Area (ACA).

12. Wildlife Corridor SLO:

That a SLO be put in that the current green wildlife corridor between Saggart and Rathcoole be maintained and the need to preserve this wildlife corridor be incorporated into the design and development plans for Rathcoole park.

13. Walking Trail SLO:

To develop Rathcoole Woodlands as part of a wider nature/walking trail from Saggart to Lugg Woods with due regard to the biodiversity and wildlife therein which is of primary importance.

14. Water River Beds SLO:

GI Policy 3 – Protect and enhance the natural, historical, amenity and biodiversity value of the County’s watercourses. Require the long-term management and protection of these watercourses as significant elements of the County’s and Regions Green Infrastructure Network and liaise with relevant Prescribed Bodies where appropriate.

15. Old Bawn Bridge SLO:

SLO into Policy 15, Views and Prospects which reads:To facilitate a suitable and appropriate viewing platform, sensitive to surrounding ecological network, at Old Bawn Bridge in proximity to the Council’s Nature Trail sign.

16. Utility Boxes SLO:

adopted with amendment to reflect that the provisions set out in Chapter 5 Quality Design and Healthy Placemaking are sufficient to provide for the intent of the motion. Strong design guidelines are needed to protect the residential public realms where above ground utility boxes and masts are being sought to be installed on public land, particularly in established residential areas – they need to place the residential aesthetic at the heart of the design process.

17. Local Area Plan for Clondalkin SLO:

To prepare a LAP for Clondalkin, the extent of the boundary to be defined, which will be guided by the Local Area Plans Guidelines for Planning Authorities, 2013 (Department of the Environment, Community and Local Government) or any superseding guidelines and which will incorporate:

A vision for the development of Clondalkin

Wider urban design principles

Framework plans for larger infill sites

A Conservation Plan

A local Green Infrastructure strategy derived from the County GI Strategy

Transport movement study.

18. Brittas SLO

QDP 12 SLO 1: A Specific Local objective tosupport Brittas as a sustainable community and rural village of outstanding natural beauty and to prepare a planning study and study boundary for Brittas Village, in consultation with local residents, landowners and local representatives, having regard to the implications of the proposed Natural Heritage Area designations, the future protection and enhancement of the village and to development of a tourist & leisure facility to include accommodation, associated services and activities at Brittas Ponds and surrounding lands with a view to maintaining and protecting existing assets and the long-term viability of the local community. The planning and tourism study shall be prepared within 12 months of the adoption of this County Development Plan and shall include an analysis of population and housing data.

19. 9 Traditional village centres SLO:

Provisions, policies and objectives set out in Chapter 5 of the CE Draft Plan, in particular Section 5.2 Successful and Sustainable Neighbourhoods, Section 5.2.2 Context and Section 5.3.2 Healthy Placemaking are sufficient to provide for the intent of the part (i) of the motion as proposed which calls for all 9 Traditional village centres to be vibrant and sustainable neighbourhood centres.

20. village design statement for Tallaght village SLO:

(ii) Provisions, policies and objectives as currently set out under Chapter 5, Section 5.2.5 and Section 5.3, Chapter 12 and Chapter 13, Section 13.4.4 of the CE Draft Plan are sufficient to provide for the intent of the motion which is a request for a village design statement for Tallaght village, in the County Town.

21. Tallaght Village SLO:

the provisions, policies and objectives as currently set out under Chapter 5, in conjunction with the South Dublin County’s BHDG (Appendix 10) and Chapters 13, Section 13.4.2 4 are sufficient to provide for the intent of this motion. – (SLO in the County Development Plan to ensure that high quality design is deployed in all County Town projects (public and private). The design should acknowledge the historic profile of Tallaght and it’s geography. The design should not become overly monotonous and uniform rows of overly urban massed block buildings. It should be broken up by use of materials, shapes, architectural features and interest.)

22. Homeless Emergency Services SLO:

‘To facilitate and support relevant agencies in the development of emergency accommodation, including hostels for homeless individuals and families, in a balanced way located throughout the County so as to avoid an over- concentration in any particular area.’

23. Over Shops accommodation SLO:

CS4 Objective 2 seeks ‘To Promote the delivery of residential development through active land management measures and a co-ordinated planned approach to developing appropriately zoned lands at key locations, including regeneration areas, vacant sites and under-utilised areas.’ (CS4 Objective 2 seeks ‘To Promote the delivery of residential development through active land management measures and a co-ordinated planned approach to developing appropriately zoned lands at key locations, including regeneration areas, vacant sites and under-utilised areas.’)

24. Mixed Tenure SLO:

H1 Objective 14 seeks ‘Support the provision of a mix of tenure types across the County in creating suitable accommodation for all and discourage undue segregation and over proliferation of a single tenure within any local area (within a 10-minute walking distance) or Local Electoral Area, in line with the Apartment Guidelines and the provision of the Housing Strategy and Interim HNDA or any subsequent future Regional based HNDA’

25. Newcastle Cycle track SLO:

‘To investigate the feasibility and potential opportunities for a greenway linking Newcastle, Rathcoole, Hazelhatch and the Grand Canal’.

26. Transport SLO:

‘DART Expansion Programme The implementation of the DART expansion programme will provide DART+ services as far as Hazelhatch on the Kildare Line, serving the developing Adamstown SDZ lands, the Grange Castle Business Park, the established areas of Clondalkin and the Strategic Development Zone (SDZ) lands at Clonburris where a community of 23,000 population is planned.’

27. Newcastle Village SLO:

To provide Newcastle Village with community areas and space to hold community events, a Village plaza.

28. Quarryvale Family Resource Centre SLO:

a SLO to aim to facilitate a one stop site for Quarryvale Family Resource Centre

29. Community Centres SLO:

COS 3 Objective 5: ‘To support and facilitate the development of a Community Centre Strategy to include the assessment of existing community floorspace/facilities within the County, to identify gaps in provision and to ensure new community centres are provided in existing and new development areas having regard to the Social Infrastructure Audit carried out for the Development Plan’.

30. Rathcoole Park SLO:

EDE21 Objective (X):To implement signage in the County in accordance with the adopted County wide Signage Strategy (Sept 2020), to include consideration of information signage on nature and other features to be found along the rivers in the county at strategic locations

31. motion is adopted with amendment to reflect that the intent of the motion is reflected in COS 4 Objective 5, COS 4 Objective 9, COS 5 Objective 8, COS 5 Objective 22 and COS 5 Objective 2.

32. COS 4 Objective 5: To support the provision of formal and informal play areas with appropriate equipment and facilities, incorporating nature-based play opportunities across the County, ensuring that the needs of differing age groups and abilities are accommodated.

33. COS 4 Objective 9: To support and facilitate a framework for the improvement, maintenance, and enhancement of existing community-based sports facilities within the County.

34. COS 5 Objective 8: To ensure the design of parks and public open space areas is of high quality; to provide a pleasant setting, accommodate use by people of all ages and abilities, to support life-long activity, and good health and well-being by the provision of a balanced mix of active and passive recreation and access to, or view of, nature.

35. COS 5 Objective 22: To maximise the leisure and amenity resource offered by each of the County’s parks through the promotion of management plans that provide for the continued improvement of the park setting, recreational facilities and biodiversity.

36. COS 5 Objective 2: To support the implementation of South Dublin County Parks and Open Space Strategy and to ensure that the provision, upgrade, design, and maintenance of public open space is in accordance with the Strategy.

37. Rathcoole Health Centre SLO:

‘To engage with stakeholders and to investigate the possibility of providing senior accommodation on the Rathcoole Health Centre site (protected structure RPS 316), ensuring that any future development is appropriate, having full regard to the setting and integrity of the protected structure, the location of the site within the Rathcoole Architectural Conservation Area, and the amenities of adjoining housing and other land-uses’.

38. Survivors Memorial SLO:

To support and facilitate the provision of a memorial park of remembrance for all survivors of the Mother and Baby and County Institutions.

39. 3rd Level in Clondalkin SLO

motion is adopted with amendment to reflect that the intent of the motion is reflected in the following Objectives:

Policy COS 9 which states ‘Support the development and ongoing provision of higher-level education and further education in the County, and develop Tallaght as a hub for education, cross collaboration and employment to provide further opportunities for the County’s workforce.’

Policy COS 9 Objective 1 states: ‘To support the role of Higher Education Institutions and Educational Training Boards in addressing skills shortages and life-long learning needs in the County, in accordance with NPO 31 of the NPF and RPO 9.22 of the RSES.’

Chapter 9 ‘Employment’ Policy 6 seeks to ‘ Support an entrepreneurial environment to protect and enhance smart specialisations with a strong learning economy culture.

EDE6 Objective 1: ‘To support the development of skills and innovation through collaboration with the Regional Skills Fora managers, Higher Education Institutes, Education and Training Boards and local stakeholders to address skills shortages and lifelong learning challenges in the county consistent with RPO 6.25.’

40. LGBT SLO:

That this Council make a statement of intent that South Dublin County Council is an LGBT safe and friedly county and that this is written into the Development plan

41. Slade Valley SLO:

‘To seek to protect the visual and landscape amenity of the Slade Valley and the Slade of Saggart and Crooksling Glen pNHA, support appropriate tourism and amenity related development in the context of the Slade of Saggart and Crooksling Glen pNHA and support the promotion of same as an area of amenity and natural beauty”

42. Swiftbrook Mills SLO:

That this council make a SLO to develop the tourism potential of Saggart: Swift Brook Mill in the County Development plan

43. Fairtrade SLO:

That this Council set an aim or objective to Work on South Dublin County Council as a Fairtrade County and this is put in the Development plan

44. Utility Boxes SLO:

Motion on Utiity Boxes – motion is amended to reflect that the intent of the motion is addressed by IE 5 Objective 5 of the CE Draft.

45. Monitoring and Evaluation SLO:

motion is adopted with amendments to reflect that Section 13.11 Monitoring of Chapter 13, addressed the intent of the motion. (That SDCC review and commit to greater enforcement of policies and procedures as outlined in the development plan over the course of the next plan.)

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Mammy Mary Extract – 1973 welfare concerns

Posted by Francis on March 10, 2024
Posted in Latest News 

”In 1973 My Mammy Mary said I was being neglected and my body was covered in scabs. I had scabs on both arms. She was very upset and said I was not being looked after in Madonna House. This was recorded in August 1973 just after I had been used as part of the Vaccine Trials which she obviously didn’t know about as she was horrified by the scabs. Also I am noted as wetting and soiling a lot and not being toilet trained. Records of the time also note me as pathetic and pale looking and withdrawn and not mixing well with the other children and I spent a lot of time crying. My Mammy was very concerned that Madonna House where not looking after me and she begged for information. She was asking questions but not getting any answers. She didn’t want me left in Madonna House, she was very concerned that I wasn’t been looked after and she had concerns for my welfare.”

#MammyMary

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Mammy Mary Extract – The Vaccine Trials

Posted by Francis on March 10, 2024
Posted in Latest News 

I was moved into the new Madonna house amid promises and commitments of better care, after the damming report the nuns aimed to create a more caring and safe environment for the children but rather than being better cared for some went onto being used in the Vaccine Trials. My Mammy had visited me on 28/5/1973 and less than a month later I would be used in the first trial. In 1973 firstly at the age of just 18mths and than at 24mths, I was used as a human guinea pig as part of the notorious vaccine trials. Where was my care? Where was my safe place?

No consent was given by my mother for this trial as far as I can ascertain and the sisters of Charity have denied giving any consent for trials. The records I received from Glaxco Smith and Kline show that the side effects I suffered from the trials caused me to be sick and it was recorded that I was distressed and cried a lot. I was described as pale and pathetic looking at this time.

It wasn’t until years later I asked the Sisters of Charity for my records and was told the records were burnt in a fire I later learned this wasn’t true and that they were in Parkhouse and I obtained my file letters, receipts, notes etc. from Parkhouse. It was all there my life in a package, but no record of the Vaccine trial or the abuse for some strange reason, I sat at my kitchen table and sobbed. This was my life, my file and even to get this I had to fight for it. I yearned and longed for a life that never was, I dared to dream of a life that maybe could have been. If only but it was too late now and life had to move on.

#MammyMary

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