Welcome to my website.

I hope it provides you with information on important local issues affecting the communities of the North Inner City.

The site also sets out some of the various policy plans Fine Gael has published to sort out the public finances, create new job opportunities and a new politics for a modern Ireland.

I plan to keep the site regularly updated on my work across the Inner City on Dublin City Council and alongside my colleague, Paschal Donohoe TD.

If there is ever any local or national matter where I can help, please get in touch with me.

Kind Regards,

This month will see the start of my new regular advice clinics across the North Inner City.

Since my election, I have tried to be as accessible to my constituents as possible. I hope you will find my regular clinics of use. Please do take the opportunity to come along and highlight with me any issue of particular concern to you. My advice centres will be held on Monday evenings across the various districts of the inner city. Further details of my clinics will be available shortly but I wanted to keep you updated of my latest advice centres.

Third Monday of each month: Larkin Unemployed Centre, North Strand Road – from 7pm.

Fourth Monday of each month: Sean O’Casey Centre, East Wall – from 7.15pm

If these times do not suit you, I can always be contacted via my mobile at 086 847 1720 by email at raymcadam@gmail.com. Its also possible to contact me on FACEBOOK at www.facebook.com/RayMcAdam or Direct Message me on TWITTER at www.twitter.com/RayMcAdam

The Tallships are coming to Dublin next August. The races in 2012 are presented by the City of Szczecin and organised by “Sail Training International”. The organisers of the event in Dublin are “Dublin Tall Ships Event 2012 Limited”. The lead authorities involved in the delivery of the event are Dublin City Council and Dublin Port Company.
They are delighted to invite the young people of Dublin and Ireland to get involved by becoming trainees aboard the Tall Ships as they race from A Coruna (Spain) to Dublin, 13th-23rd August.

The Facts
“The Tallships Races 2012” are coming to Dublin.
·This event will attract a host of Tallships to Dublin Port ·The ships will race from A Coruna (Spain) to Dublin over an estimated ten-day period.
It is the last leg of the annual Tallships race, which visits a total of five international ports ·Young people can apply to become “trainees” on board the Tallships and take part in a voyage as crew.
·No previous experience is necessary
Anyone that is interested in taking part or receiving further information should register at www.dublintallships.ie/trainees/

Open information days are planned for next weekend – February the 17th, 18th and 19th, from 12.00 to18.00 daily, in the CHQ building, IFSC, Dublin 1

The Irish Tallship museum “The Jeannie Johnston” is located close by and will be open for visitors at a reduced rate. This will be an ideal opportunity to see what living conditions on board a tallship are really like.

Funding Opportunities
· As part of the event, the organisers are making some funding available for the young people of Dublin. The Dublin City Tall Ships Funding will fund 25 trainees from Dublin to sail on the ships as they race from A Coruna to Dublin.
· Any youth organisation within Dublin City Council Administrative Area (see attached map) can nominate members of their organisation.
Alternatively, individuals may apply and seek the nomination of a youth organisation. These organisations are not defined but examples of such are:
· Youth groups
· Community groups
· Schools and colleges
· Sports clubs
· Scouts groups

If you’re interested in this fabulous event and would like further information, please contact either myself on 086 847 1720 or Michael Byrne, Trainee recruitment Officer at trainee@dublintallships.ie or in the website at www.dublintallships.ie/trainees/

Dear Friend,

I returned from New York in the early hours of this morning after a very productive 24 hours there.

There was a very good turnout at yesterday’s ‘Invest in Ireland Forum’ hosted by President Clinton for a very influential group of global business and economic leaders. The forum was also attended by Tánaiste Eamon Gilmore and Minister for Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation, Richard Bruton and together, we outlined the genuine progress Ireland is continuing to make in dealing with the economic challenges currently facing our country.

We told those assembled about our booming export industry, competitive corporation tax rate and this Government’s continuing commitment to investing in research and development, which is so important for all our futures. We also reminded these potential investors of the many multinational companies, including giants such as Google and Facebook, who have already recognised the merits of doing business in Ireland. I am grateful indeed to President Clinton for his continued interest in Ireland and its people, and look forward to working with him more closely in this regard in the future.

During my time in New York, I was also interviewed by Bloomberg’s Margaret Brennan and addressed a gathering of the New York Irish Business Association, which serves to provide a network of support amongst Irish business people in the city. I also met with various immigration representatives before dropping into an Irish Community reception in the Irish Embassy.

I will return to the US again next week to meet with further potential investors and to attend an event in aid of Crumlin Children’s Hospital hosted by Senator Eamonn Coghlan.  Senator Coghlan announced his decision to join the Fine Gael Parliamentary Party this week, and I am very confident that he will represent Fine Gael with distinction in the times ahead.

On Monday, I was in Westmeath where I opened a brand new €36 million Engineering & Informatics Building at Athlone Institute of Technology (AIT). I heard there how AIT is now moving to respond to developments in the emerging area of cloud computing by enhancing its degree offerings in this particular area.

I was also glad to hear that the Institute has recently become a member of VMware’s IT Academy Programme. VMWare is a leader in virtualisation software and this will provide AIT’s students with access to both the latest VMware technologies and internationally recognised industry qualifications. The Gaming Industry is another of Ireland’s fastest growing industries, and one which graduates from the AIT honours degree in Software Engineering are now contributing to significantly.

On Tuesday afternoon, I joined Minister of State for European Affairs, Lucinda Creighton, to launch ‘The Blue Star Programme’ a new EU-focused pilot programme for primary schools designed to foster better understanding amongst pupils of the European Union and its role in our lives.

I will attend the Western Care Association Candlelight Ball tomorrow night. This organisation is part State funded but also relies heavily on a large team of volunteers and fundraisers. These people do a wonderful job in assisting people with a wide range of learning and associated disabilities to live their lives to the fullest possible potential by providing a whole array of services, and I will be delighted to be there to support their ongoing efforts.

Very best wishes
Yours sincerely

Enda Kenny TD
Taoiseach

Shore Cleaning

I continue to liaise with the Drainage Division of Dublin City Council to ensure that there is a regular programme of shore and gully cleaning in the North Strand area. Recent streets that have had shores and gullies cleaned include:

•           Bayview Avenue:                   cleaned on November 23rd:             15 of 16 cleaned

•           Northbrook Avenue Lower:  cleaned on January 10th:                  4 of 4 cleaned

•           Nottingham Street:                cleaned on November 26th:             10 of 10 cleaned

•           Bessborough Avenue:                       cleaned on November 22nd:                        6 of 8 cleaned

If you are not satisfied with the level of shore or gully cleaning on your street, please let me know and I’ll arrange to have those shores cleaned. Please contact me on 086 847 1720 or raymcadam@gmail.com.

 

Graffiti Removal

All too often, residents contact me about graffiti on properties on their streets. This issue appears to be worsening. The City Council has always employed a corporate contractor to remove graffiti, but now in collaboration with the Probation Service, the Council is making use of the Community Graffiti Removal Service. Offenders on Community Service orders supervised on site by Probation Service Community Service Supervisors perform the removal of graffiti. Throughout recent weeks, graffiti has been removed from numerous properties on North Strand Road, Bessborough Avenue, St. Bridget’s Avenue, Leinster Avenue, Strandville Avenue, Nottingham Street and Bayview  Avenue.

North Strand Advice Centre

From this month on, I will be holding regular advice clinics across the North Inner City. Since my election, I have tried to be as accessible to you as possible. I hope that you will find my regular clinics of use and please take the opportunity to come along and bring to my attention any issue of particular concern to you. My North Strand advice centre will be taking place on the third Monday of each month from 7pm in the Larkin Employment Centre on North Strand Road. For example, my advice clinic this month will be held on Monday 20^th February starting from 7pm.

 

HGVs on East Wall Road

Residents continue to contact me about how Heavy Goods Vehicles continue to illegally use the stretch of East Wall Road from between Alfie Byrne Road and Annesley Bridge on occasions when the Port Tunnel is closed. As Chairman of the Dublin Central Area Council Committee, I have requested that officials from the Traffic Department attend the Central Area meeting next Tuesday (February 14^th) to answer questions on why this is being permitted? I have also sought to have the NRA come before the Committee to explain why there has been an unprecedented level of closures of the Tunnel throughout the last three weeks. In this time, the Port Tunnel has been closed for more than 43 hours to traffic therefore leaving residents to deal with HGVs travelling up and down East Wall Road potentially causing further damage to homes, not to mention the noise and other disruption that goes with such behaviour. I will continue to keep residents informed about what progress is made in relation to this matter.

Dept of Transport funds Cycling Routes

Leo Varadkar TD, Minister for Transport has informed me that €80,000 has been allocated by the National Transport Authority to allow the Newcomen Bridge Cycle Project progress. This funding will be used to finalise the design of a scheme to provide improved facilities for both pedestrians and cyclists. From what the Minister has told me the project will see a widening of Newcomen Bridge for both cyclists and pedestrians. I expect to receive a further update on this from the Council Engineers next week. If you would like further information on this project, please get in touch with me. Minister Varadkar has also pointed out to me that funding will be made available for design work of the cycle route along the Royal Canal from Sherriff Street to North Strand Road and then onto Phibsborough Road. Despite, our economic difficulties, I am delighted that our Fine Gael-led Government is in a position to allocate funding to allow these vital projects to develop.

 

Taaffe Place Pyrite Problems

The Housing Maintenance Division of Dublin City Council recently carried out tests for traces of pyrite in the Taaffe Place duplexes. Test results show that pyrite was present and the Council is continuing with investigations to assess the severity of the problem. Tests were also taken from stone in the footpaths and I understand that further sampling will take place on Annesley Avenue, Annesley Close and Poplar Row. The Structural Engineers have informed me that remaining surveys of homes will be completed by the end of this month. The Maintenance Division of the Housing Department have already completed some repairs on the ceilings, doors and floors of units that have already been inspected. A further report is expected at Tuesday’s Central Area Committee and following that I will be in further contact with affected residents to keep them updated.

Traffic Calming & Parking Requests

The Traffic Department of the City Council is currently examining a number of traffic related requests from residents in the North Strand area. No recommendation has yet been made in respect of rescinding the Pay & Display and Permit Parking scheme on Hibernian Avenue. Officials are still assessing requests to extend the yellow box currently at the junction of North Strand Road with Northbrook Avenue Lower as well as a No Right Turn request from Ballybough Road onto Clonmore Road. A request for a ‘CHILDREN CROSSING SIGN’ on Charleville Avenue is also being considered and a further report is expected on this at Tuesday’s Area meeting. The Traffic Group has decided not to install speed ramps on Clonmore Road because speed surveys show that traffic speeds are not excessive for the street.

Changes to the USC and mortgage interest relief will help alleviate pressure

 Fine Gael’s North Inner City Councillor Ray McAdam has welcomed the provisions contained in the Finance Bill 2012, on changes to the Universal Social Charge and mortgage interest relief, which are aimed at alleviating the pressure on those most in need and rebalancing the scales in favour of fairness.

 “The publication of the Finance Bill 2012, gives effect to the targeted measures announced in this year’s Budget. Contained within the Bill is a provision to increase mortgage interest relief to 30% for first-time buyers who purchased their homes between 2004 and 2008.

“This measure will have a significant impact on many families and young people across the North Inner City who bought during the peak and are now mired in negativity equity. This was a pre-election promise made by Fine Gael, which formed part of the Programme for Government, that the naysayers said couldn’t be done. Fine Gael has long recognised the plight of the negative equity generation and I am delighted that the Minister for Finance has been able to deliver on this commitment, despite the difficult economic situation.

 “Changes to the Universal Social Charge, the exemption threshold for which has been increased from €4,004 to €10,036, will remove 330,000 people from the tax net and put much needed money back in their pockets.

 “The mistakes of the past, in respect of our heady love affair with property, can never be allowed to happen again. However, every country should have a functioning property market that contributes to Exchequer funds. For this reason, the Minister has included a provision for mortgage interest relief to be available at 25% for first-time buyers who purchase in 2012 and at a rate of 15% for non-first-time buyers. This will encourage those in the Inner City who are hoping to get on the property ladder, or to move house, to do so this year.

 “Our Fine Gael-led Government is working hard to clean up the mess created by Fianna Fáil over the last decade. The Personal Insolvency Bill, the heads of which have been published recently, together with the targeted and effective measures contained in the Finance Bill, will help to alleviate the pressure on those in negative equity and lower paid workers across the North Inner City while offering a stimulus to those hoping to own their own home.”

BIN COLLECTIONS

Since the change-over by Dublin City Council to Greyhound, I have received a huge amount of calls and emails from residents expressing their dismay, anger and frustration at the way in which this matter was handled. Let me say quite categorically, both Dublin City Council and Greyhound failed to adequately explain how the change-over would work, how customers could pay or register for their collections and when bins would be collected. People also contacted me to simply ask WHY the City Council was no longer collecting their bins. So let me answer some of these questions. Firstly, why the change-over?

Since the mid-90s, Dublin City Council has been competing against other companies in a private market to collect household waste. Unfortunately, the City Council has been experiencing a significant loss in customer numbers in recent years and accordingly was losing huge amounts of money per year. For example, in 2011, it cost the Council €45m to provide the service whilst it only gained €20m in revenue. If the Council remained in the business for 2012, the €25m deficit would have had to be made up from somewhere else within the Budget and accordingly other services like public lighting, Library service and street cleaning would have had to be either greatly reduced or cut full stop.

For customers in Stoneybatter with black & green bags our collection day is Monday. The green bags will be collected every second Monday. If you have not received a calendar yet from Greyhound, please let me know and I’ll arrange for one to be sent to you. There are eleven other companies in the City Council area who are permitted to collect household waste, so if you are not happy with the service provided by Greyhound, please get in touch with me and I’ll provide you with this list so you can inquire any changing to an alternative collector.  

O’DEVANEY GARDENS REGENERATION

Since becoming a Board member of the O’Devaney Gardens Regeneration Project in 2009, I have endeavoured to keep residents updated on how the project is progressing. You might already be aware that An Bord Pleanala has approved planning permission for development of the entire O’Devaney site. When you think where the project was only a few short years ago, this represents a very positive step. However, before construction work can begin we need to guarantee funding for the project. I have spoken with the Minister for the Environment Phil Hogan TD and I understand that limited funding may be available. However alternative avenues of funding will have to be examined. One such proposal currently being considered by the City Council is that one or more approved housing bodies establishing a consortium to apply for monies through the Housing Finance Agency. I believe that work is on-going with this proposal and that an application maybe lodged shortly. Let me assure you that I will continue to do what I can within Fine Gael and on Dublin City Council to ensure that this essential project moves forward and that construction work can begin as quickly as possible. If you have any questions or queries about this project, please get in touch with me.

 

TACKLING PROSTITUTION

Unfortunately, the problem of prostitution in the Arbour Hill area has worsened since I was in touch with you prior to Christmas. A number of residents have spoken to me about their concerns over the increasing level of prostitution, particularly since the turn of the year. Whilst I very much welcome the success An Garda Siochana has had with OPERATION KERBSIDE in alleviating this problem over recent years, I think it is necessary that an even more concerted and concentrated plan be maintained if we are to ensure that the level of prostitution in the area does not get out of hand. I will continue to work closely with the Bridewell on this matter and I’ll keep you informed about the progress of OPERATION KERBSIDE.

DRAINAGE

I continue to liaise with the Drainage Division of Dublin City Council to ensure that there is a regular programme of shore and gully cleaning in the Stoneybatter area. Recent streets that have had shores and gullies cleaned include:

• Murtagh Road:                 cleaned on December 9^th: 2 of 3 shores cleaned
• Ivar Street:             cleaned on November 25^th:         3 of 5 shores cleaned
• Manor Street:                   cleaned on December 21^st:          14 of 17 shores cleaned
• Sigurd Road:           cleaned on December 6^th: 5 of 5 shores cleaned
• Sitric Road:            cleaned on December 9^th: 5 of 6 shores cleaned
• Viking Place:          cleaned on December 22^nd:         3 of 4 shores cleaned

If you are not satisfied about the level of shore or gully cleaning on your street, please let me know and I’ll arrange to have those shores cleaned. Please contact me on 086 847 1720 or raymcadam@gmail.com.

 

SMITHFIELD UPGRADE – PROJECT UPDATE

During recent canvasses in the area, residents have questioned me about the works taking place in Smithfield and when they are expected to be completed. Work on the Smithfield enhancement scheme has been undertaken across a number of phases. Most of the initial work has been completed with the exception of planters to be put in place and trees planted which is expected to be finished by mid-March. The resurfacing of New Church Street, Bow Street and May Lane has been completed while works continue on Haymarket. Public lighting on these streets and in Smithfield Square itself has been upgraded. Feature lighting has also been installed on either side of the LUAS line. The final phase of the project involves the construction and fit out of the welfare building which I understand will be in place by the end of this month. A tender process has begun for the supply and installation of the equipment for the new playground. Tenders were received last month so this part will advance very quickly. Whilst the physical upgrade is important, it is essential that we have a plan to best utilise this area as well. That is why the City Council is developing a cultural and recreational plan at my urging. I will provide you with an update on this aspect of the Smithfield enhancement scheme in next month’s newsletter.

 

OTHER LOCAL NEWS…

The Traffic Department of the City Council is currently examining a request from residents on HALLIDAY SQUARE to have permit parking and Pay & Display introduced. A further update will be available shortly.

 

Dublin City Council Planners have sought further information on a number of points on the planning application (3588/11) to construct a 93-bed nursing home on the Motor Valu site on Prussia Street. A final decision will not be known for some time yet. I’ll continue to keep residents informed of developments.  

Officials from the Derelict Sites Section of the City Council continue to follow up with the owners of properties on AUGHRIM STREET and PRUSSIA STREET demanding that maintenance works be completed in an effort to improve their appearance. If there properties like this on your street, please contact me and I’ll follow up with the Derelict Sites Section.

Residents continue to contact me about their concerns about how the change-over in service providers will take place from next Monday. The City Manager has outlined to me some of the circumstances behind the management’s decision to outsource the bin collection and what it will mean for 140,000 customers who get the bins and rubbish collected by the City Council.

I have also posted a questions and answers document about the services will now be provided, how customers have to pay and further information about the waivers and outstanding bin tags.

If you have any further questions arising from the letter attached below or from the questions & answers post, please get in touch with me ar 086 847 1720 or by email at raymcadam@gmail.com

Regards,

Ray

13^th January 2012

 

Withdrawal from Waste Collection Service

Dear Councillor McAdam,

As you are aware today is the last day that Dublin City Council will provide a waste collection service. I know this has been a very difficult situation for the Elected Members most of whom did not want to see this happen. I hope, at least, you will understand from a management perspective that the decision was taken to protect the future viability of the Council and the other services we deliver.

On Monday next and reflecting that it is a sad occasion for the Council but also to recognise the work of our staff I will meet the workers as part of the transition process within the Council. I will also reiterate the support of the Elected Members for their contribution in providing this service for the City for so many years.

In relation to the transition to the new service, I am aware from the Members of their disquiet in particular over the issue of prepayment with the new service provider. I regret that this has become such an issue but from the perspective of the service provider this is a prerequisite in maintaining the level of charges and a viable service. The work in arranging for an alternative collection system has been a monumental exercise on the part of our staff especially given the level of negotiations involved and the extent of the handover required.

With potentially 140,000 customers transferring there is no doubt that issues will arise in the next few weeks, we will monitor and work with Greyhound to limit any problems to the greatest extent possible. We have issued contact numbers today for staff who will deal directly with members during this period. They are again attached for your information. Mr Seamus Lyons will issue an update to Members on the overall performance in the first week of operations on the 23^rd January 2012.

Yours Sincerely

John Tierney

Dublin City Manager

So many people have been in touch with me regarding the bin collection change-over. Outlined below is some information that maybe of use to you in answering any questions you may have about the upcoming changes.

If you require any further assistance in relation to this matter, please drop me an email at raymcadam@gmail.com or call me on 086 847 1720.

Ray

 

1.      Q. Dublin City Council currently collects my domestic waste. Who will be taking over my waste collection service?

 Greyhound Recycling and Recovery will collect your household waste from the 16^th January 2012.

2.      Q. When will the service transfer to Greyhound Recycling and Recovery?

Dublin City Council will officially transfer its waste collection business to Greyhound Recycling and Recovery on Monday, 16^th January 2012.

3.      Q. Will there be any change to the annual service charge?

 The current Annual Service Charge will be maintained for 2012. You are required to pay the Annual Service Charge, in full, within 30 days from Monday 16^th January. Greyhound Recycling and Recovery will not collect bins from households who have not paid the Annual Service Charge within the 30 days. The current annual service charge is as follows:

240 litre Black Bin – €100

140 litre Black Bin – €80 

4.      Q. Will there be any change to the lift charges?

The current charge for each black and brown bin lift will be maintained for an initial period of at least 6 months.  The current charges are as follows:

240 litre Black Bin – €6

140 litre Black Bin – €3.60

Brown Bin – €2

Please note that Greyhound operates a pre pay system. You are required to ensure that your Greyhound account has sufficient funds to meet the current cost of each black and brown bin lift. If you do not have sufficient funds in your account for the cost of a Black or Brown bin, you will not have your bin collected.

5.      Q.   How can I pay for this Greyhound service?

Greyhound will send you your customer Payment Card. This card includes your customer account number. You will require this information when you are making payments for the Annual Service Charge and Black and Brown Bin Lifts. Please note that Greyhound operates a pre pay system. You are required to ensure that your Greyhound account has sufficient funds to meet the current cost of each black and brown bin lift. If you do not have sufficient funds in your account for the cost of a Black or Brown bin, you will not have your bin collected.

You can pay the Annual Service Charge and/or top up your account as follows:

• On-line at www.greyhound.ie
• At local shops using Payzone
• At any post office

 

6.      Q. Will my collection day change with a new operator?

You will be notified of your collection day by Greyhound Recycling and Recovery.

7.      Q. Will my Green Bin be collected by Greyhound Recycling and Recovery?

You will receive a bar-coded label for your green bin once you have paid the Annual Service Charge. Once you place this label on your green bin, you will have your green bin collected free of charge. Green bins presented for collection without the bar-coded label will not be collected.

8.      Q.   How can I ensure that I have enough credit on my account to meet the cost of

      my black and brown bin lifts?

Greyhound Recycling and Recovery provides you with an Automatic Top Up service that

• Is a convenient, hassle free way to manage your waste collection account.
• Makes it easy to ensure that your account always has sufficient credit to meet the respective cost of each black and brown bin lift.
• Ensures that you will not have to worry about missing a collection due to insufficient funds.

 

If you wish to avail of this service, YOU should complete the form received in the post and return it to Greyhound Recycling and Recovery. You can also log into your account at www.greyhound.ie and register for Automatic Top Up online.

9.      Q. I am currently entitled to a waiver. Will this still apply when the service transfers to Greyhound Recycling and Recovery?

Any customer who had a waiver of the standing charge approved by the City Council at 9^th December 2011 will continue to benefit from a waiver of the standing charge in the same way with Greyhound Recycling and Recovery for 2012. This will mean the following:

Annual Service Charge

As a waiver customer you are not required to pay the annual charge  for 2012.

Black and Brown Bin Lift Charges

The current lift fee for each black and brown bin lift will apply for an initial period of at least 6 months. Please note that Greyhound operates a pre pay system. You are required to ensure that your Greyhound account has sufficient funds to meet the current cost of each black and brown bin lift. If you do not have sufficient funds in your account for the cost of a Black or Brown bin, you will not have your bin collected.

 

10.   Q. I currently have a waiver – will my Green Bin be collected?

You will receive a bar-coded label for your green bin in the post. You should stick this label to the back of your green bin so that your recyclable waste can be collected free of charge. Green bins presented for collection without the bar-coded label will not be collected.

11.  Q. Can I still apply for a waiver for 2012?

No. Only waivers that had been granted at 9^th December 2011 will be honoured by Greyhound Recycling and Recovery in 2012.

12.  Q. I have applied for a waiver -What is going to happen to my current waiver that has been approved or is awaiting evaluation?

All waiver applications have been evaluated and accounts adjusted where the waiver has been granted. Greyhound has been supplied with our waiver listing.

13.  Q. Will the new waste provider operate a waiver system, if so, for how long?

Only waivers that have already been granted will be honoured by   Greyhound Recycling and Recovery in 2012.

14.   Q. Will the bag label system still operate for areas that have no bins?

Yes. Greyhound Recycling and Recovery will continue to provide this service for areas that have no bins.

15.  Q. Will there be any change to the price of a label?

The cost for bag labels will remain unchanged for an initial period of      at least 6 months.

16.  Q. I have current labels issued by Dublin City Council. Can I still use them?

Yes. Greyhound Recycling and Recovery will honour all Dublin City Council bag labels up to 16^th March 2012. Bags will not be collected from customers without a Greyhound Recycling and Recovery bag label after this date except for waiver customers whose waiver labels will be honoured for all of 2012.

17    Q.  My account is in credit, will this credit apply to Greyhound or shall I receive a refund?

No.  Any credit that you may have on your account will not transfer to Greyhound Recycling and Recovery. Refunds will be considered on application to the Revenue Unit accompanied with proof of who made the initial payment.

18    Q. I’m an existing customer with Dublin City Council. Will I get a bill in January?

Yes, you will receive a bill to cover the period 1^st October 2011 to the 16^th January 2012. The bill will be issued by Greyhound Recycling and Recovery who will be collecting outstanding monies on behalf of Dublin City Council.

 

19    Q. When the service transfers to Greyhound Recovery and Recycling, will I continue to get a quarterly bill?

No – Greyhound operates a pre-pay system and will send you your customer Payment Card. This card includes your customer account number.  You are required to ensure that your Greyhound account has sufficient funds to meet the current cost of each black and brown bin lift. If you do not have sufficient funds in your account for the cost of a Black or Brown bin, you will not have your bin collected.

 

20   Q. I’m currently in arrears, do I currently continue to pay Dublin City Council?

After 16^th January 2012, customers pay Greyhound directly for any outstanding monies owed.

21.   Q. If I fall behind on my waste charges, can I enter into an arrears agreement with new provider?

No. Greyhound operates a pre-pay system.

 

22.   Q. Will Dublin City Council recycling centres still be operational and if so, can I continue to bring my household/other waste to relevant centres?

Dublin City Council’s Recycling Centres will continue to operate as normal. Bagged household domestic waste will continue to be accepted at both Ringsend and North Strand Recycling Centres. A charge of €4 applies for each 80 litre bag of domestic waste disposed of.

23.   Q. What are the contact details for Greyhound Recycling?

The telephone number is 1890 98 99 98 and the email address is dublincity@greyhound.ie

First time buyers between 2004-2008 to get mortgage interest relief boost

Fine Gael’s North Inner City Councillor Ray McAdam has today said the mortgage interest relief measure in yesterday’s budget will benefit an estimated 214,000 people who bought their first home during the peak of the property boom.

“This increase in mortgage relief will free up a significant amount of money for hard pressed families and help them hold on to their homes. By increasing the Mortgage Interest Relief to 30% for people who bought between 2004 and 2008, Minister Noonan has eased the pressure on those who are possibly the biggest victims of the economic collapse.

“Increasing mortgage interest relief was at the core of Fine Gael’s proposals during the General Election. I am extremely pleased that we are able provide this essential support to families who may be teetering on the edge of mortgage default and those living in fear of losing their jobs.

“I have heard from so many people who paid hugely inflated prices for their homes and are now struggling to pay their mortgage. I genuinely believe that this measure will make life a little bit easier for them.

“Despite the extreme challenges involved in managing the economy in these very challenging times, we are determined to be as fair as possible. One of the first actions of this Government was to reverse the cut in the minimum wage which was introduced by the last Government. As with the abolition of the Universal Social Charge (USC) for low earners and yesterday’s increase in mortgage interest relief, I am pleased that we now have a Government that is determined to be as fair as possible throughout the budgetary process.

“This is the first Government measure taken since the property market collapsed in 2008 that has given hope to struggling homeowners that bought their first home during the boom.”

Fine Gael’s Inner City Councillor Ray McAdam has welcomed yesterday’s announcement by Minister Michael Noonan that the Universal Social Charge (USC) will not apply for people who earn less than €10,000. Up to this point the USC has affected anyone who earning over €4,000.

“Despite the economic constraints this Government is determined to be fair, especially to the poorest in society. Fine Gael promised in its election manifesto that we would review the USC which was introduced by the previous Government as it was widely felt that the bottom level of €4,000 was unnecessarily punitive to the very people who could least afford it.

“It is estimated that this move will positively affect 330,000 people. These include the low paid, part time workers and students.

“It is important that people on low wages have some incentive to work. I have spoken to people who have refused jobs because they pay only slightly more than the jobseekers benefit after the USC has been taken. This situation is no good for anyone. The individual remains on the dole and taxpayer has to pay jobseekers benefit to the individual.

“By removing the USC from the lowest earners we are protecting the lowest paid, encouraging spending, incentivising employment and helping to keep people off the live register.

“I would also like to welcome the Government’s refusal to increase income tax. This is informed by the same principle that has seen us abolish the USC for the lowest paid: we need to reward people for their work and encourage them to spend. This is vital if we are going to get our economy back on track.”