Further updates on COVID-19 response locally

12 May, 1630

Mr Michael Ring TD, the Minister for Rural and Community Development, and Mr Seán Canney TD, Minister of State with responsibility for Community Development, have announced the launch of a €40 million package of supports for Community and Voluntary Organisations, Charities, and Social Enterprises.

A large number of these organisations are providing critical services to vulnerable individuals and groups in society arising from the COVID-19 crisis. Many of these organisations now find themselves in financial difficulty as fundraising efforts, commercial activities and other services they rely on have been curtailed due to the ongoing crisis.

Full details of these supports can be found here: https://bit.ly/CommFunding

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6 May, 1600

Since the beginning of the COVID 19 pandemic in Ireland, a very significant number of older people and those who are medically vulnerable have been cocooning for many weeks now, managing their isolation as best they can.

In the current exceptional circumstances, where parks usage times for everyone including walkers and joggers, young people, families and older people are all taken into account, where most of the population are at home, children are not attending school, flexible work arrangements in place for many employees and our extended summertime opening hours in our parks until 9pm, we are asking that for two hours between 1.30-3.30pm you can assist us in keeping people safe who have been cocooning over the past six weeks. This will only be for a short time and we ask for your co-operation and assistance.

The four Dublin Local Authorities believe it is reasonable to make a special provision for those who have been cocooning in order to give them the confidence to leave their homes and get some much-needed exercise and fresh air in their local parks

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Latest update 6 May, 1100

Following the change in Government restrictions, and the announcement to reopen dlr parks to the elderly and vulnerable who were cocooning, limited car parking facilities will be made available for emerging cocooners from 1:30pm to 3:30pm daily at the following locations:

• Marlay Park (Grange Road)
• Cabinteely Park
• Killiney Hill
• Kilbogget Park
• Shanganagh Park

To allow for proper physical distancing, we would ask other citizens not to use our parks during these times. The above car parks will be managed by dlr staff and are only for those who were previously cocooning.

Thank you all for your cooperation in this matter.

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Latest Update, 1 May, 1700

This is the May Bank Holiday Weekend - but it's clearly not as normal. At this time of year people and families are usually out and about, enjoying the onset of early summer, visiting friends and relatives and enjoying the many amenties and shops, cafes and restaurants in Dún Laoghaire-Rathdown.  

Please enjoy your parks, open areas and coastal areas that are inside your 2km exercise area. Be advised that previous access restrictions are still in place at Seapoint, Sandycove, Forty Foot and there are parking restrictinos at other locations including Killiney Beach and Vico Road. If you are walking, jogging or cycling please ensure that you do so mindful of other amenity users and ensure that you continue to practice physical distancing and hygiene ettiquette.

Our Community Call helpline, 1800 804 534,  is still operating 7 days a week, from 8 am-8pm, and over 5 weeks has now responded to over 2,200 calls from cocooning, elderly & vulnerable members of society, providing for deliveries of groceries, medicines & support. The Libraries dlr Book Drop scheme continues to be a very popular part of this service.

The Community Well Being initiative launched at Government Buildings last week by Chief Executive Philomena Poole is up and running locally. Focused on bolstering peoples physical & mental wellbeing, with exercise programme, virtual tours and online classes. In fact our dlr Sport Partnerships colleagues “Couch to 2k” initiative was so popular that it was oversubscribed. So they launched a 2^nd version of it ! More information on this and other initiatives can be found at the dlr Community Wellbeing portal, which will be updated as events occur here:  https://bit.ly/2ykONW3

Today is internationally recognised as May Day and around the world public buildings are being lit up to celebrate workers around the world, and in solidarity especially with all frontline workers and all our medical and health workers. As part of the Councils recognition of this we will be lighting up County Hall in red tonight.

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Latest Update 24 April, 1630

• At Government Buildings today An Taoiseach and Local Authorities across the county launched a Community Well Being initiative. Chief Executive Philomena Poole spoke at the launch on behalf of the Local Authority sector. The initiative focuses on the role Local Authorities play in the current COVID19 times in helping citizens take care of their physical and mental health.  An inter departmental group has been set up to develop initiatives that are consistent with this objective looking at “staying fit and active”, “staying connected” and “looking after your mental health”.  A wide range of initiatives locally will be taking place starting next week including a Couch to 2k guided exercise programme, online courses and series provided by Arts, Biodiversity, Heritage, Parks, dlr Music Generation and other areas. The aim is to provide local people, of all ages, with a variety of ways to take part, interact with people, stave off social isolation and further develop their resilience.

View the launch and the Chief Executives comments here: https://twitter.com/i/broadcasts/1RDGlQvyXOzJL

• The dlr Community Call helpline (open 7 days a week from 8am - 8pm) continues to operate,  get in touch with our teams on the helpline who are assisting elderly, cocooning and vulnerable citizens with grocery and pharmacy and social isolation supports. Freephone 1800 804 535 and covidsupport@dlrcoco.ie
• Our dlr Libraries initiative, Book Drop, where Cocooners can have books and a care package delivered to them has proven extremely popular. For more info contact the helpline as above an see here: bit.ly/2xF5Ect
• All our dlr Parks and Harbour Piers remain open but we would remind anybody visiting to do so within their 2km area, to continue to maintain social distancing and to use the public amenity with regard for all users.
• Temporary restrictions are still in place at Seapoint, Sandycove and Fort Foot bathing areas.
• Temporary parking restriction are still in place at a small number of coastal areas, including Vico Road and Killiney Beach
• While the Council are running essential services only and public buildings are closed, we are very much open for business, many of these services can be accessed via our website or by calling our Customer Service Hub at 01 205 4700 and info@dlrcoco.ie

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Latest Update 15 April, 1400

Many people are enjoying daily exercise within 2km of their home, especially in this sunny weather. We would ask everyone who is out and about to continue to keep in mind the following general guidance to keep social distancing protocols as effective as possible:

• Be alert to the presence and needs of others
• We are requesting joggers and pedestrians to slow down when approaching others to give them time & space to maintain social distance.
• Please do not to run within 2 metres of anyone, in so far as possible.
• Joggers should considering slow down approaching others and leave the footpath safely where the footpath is too narrow to maintain 2 M separation, in so far as possible
• Please refrain from parking vehicles on footpaths or grass verges to make social distancing easier for pedestrians. Often parking like this is not just a hazard - it is an offence.
• Please make way for more vulnerable for people who might find it more difficult to alter their route, such as for example people with disabilities, people pushing prams & buggies, people minding children, children walking animals etc. .
• When passing others we would ask people not to walk two abreast, but instead to walk single file at a safe distance, to allow for maximum social distancing,
• We would ask all drivers to be to be alert for pedestrians leaving pavements.

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Latest update 11 April, 0900

*Bathing Areas Update*

Following consultation between the Council & An Garda Siochana, as a result of concerns raised with social distancing compliance, the Municipal Services Department has decided to close Seapoint, Sandycove & Forty Foot bathing areas to the public from Saturday 11 April until further notice to best align with COVID 19 restrictions and in the interests of public health.

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Latest Update: 9 April, 1430

Please be advised that following a meeting of dlr Mgmt and An Garda Siochana Superintendents the following actions are being pursued together in line with social distancing, 2km from home protocols and An Garda Siochana “Operation Fanacht”.

• dlr are working closely with Garda effort to ensure compliance with 2km from home/essential travel restrictions
• All people are advised to stay at home/2km from home physical exercise message, particularly over coming weekend
• Gardai will have a very visible, on-the-ground presence particular at amenity locations (as per Operation Fanacht)
• Specific measures agreed with Gardai and put in place by dlr at beaches/bathing areas and in Parks
• Notably dlr have put in place car parking restrictions at a number of locations around the county as per the attached map and at other general coastal locations

Please also see below a quick summary of arrangements for the upcoming Easter Weekend and also maps (attached) for identification of restrictions associated with bathing areas.

DLR Beaches Department:

• Significant parking restriction measures have been put in place at Sandycove, Vico Road and the Killiney Beach and Dart station carparks.
• The Beaches department will have shift teams operating throughout the weekend that will manage the cleansing activities in the beach areas including street bins, beach bins, litter picks, cleansing/disinfecting bathing areas etc as necessary. Shift work operations will be carried out over for the weekend through to Tuesday.

DLR Parks Department:

• The carpark at Newtownsmith will remain open as there are a number of residents who have permits for parking within this area and it’s therefore not practical to close.
• The carpark to the rear of the West Pier adjacent to the pumping station will be closed as of today.
• As a general approach, dlr parks will remain open but associated carparks are closed.

DLR Harbour

• The Carlisle Pier will be closed this evening but other parking areas will remain open. Barriers will be strategically located in 3 locations should the need arise to close carparks due to non-compliance with social distancing restrictions.

dlr Cemeteries

• Deansgrange & Shanganagh Cemetery are currently closed to the public and will only open for funerals until further notice.  The cemeteries public office remains operational for phone & email enquiries

Please be advised that dlr staff will be liaising closely with An Garda Siochana throughout the course of the weekend.

Stay Stay and have a good Easter Weekend,

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Latest Update 9 April, 1130

For the Council’s privacy statement in relation to COVID-19 emergency response, please see the 'Related Documents' section on the right-hand side of this page.

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Latest Update: 6 April, 1500

The dlr Community Call helpline (open 7 days a week) has now been extended from 8am - 8pm, allowing people more time to get in touch with our teams on the helpine who are assisting elderly, cocooning and vulnerable citiziens. Our teams answered over 350 calls last week provide a significant number of people in need with groceries and essential medicines from pharmacies. Along with dlr staff our partner volunteers in local GAA clubs, Cuala, Ballinteer St.Johns, Geraldine Morans, KIlamcud Crokes, Stars of Erin, Naomh Olaf and done a huge amount of work getting deliveries to people

As part of the fight against COVID19 today our staff in Libraries are loaning the 3-D printers in the LexIcon to a company called Surf Box who will now use the printers to make PPE face visors for our front-line medics! We are contiually looking at ways to repurpose equipment and look at innovate ways of service delievery to help the response to COVID19 locally.

Local people are continue to show leadership in terms of social distancing and keeping with 2km of their homes. Information from our teams in park, beaches and harbours advise that while there are people taking short daily exercise, overall numbers are very significantly down and spread over more time during the day, heeding the message locally and nationally. Keep up the good work everybody!

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Latest Update: 3 April, 1030

Our dlr Community Call helpline (open 7 days a week 9am - 5pm) has been up and running for the past 4 days and we have received a significant number of calls from elderly, cocooning and vulnerable citiziens. Do you, or somebody that you know need assistance?

The phonelines are manned by our trained Community and Libraries staff and they are backed up by local GAA clubs, community volunteer groups and dlr staff who work with them. If you need help getting groceries or pharmacy prescriptions collected or delivered give us a call and the team will take your details and pass the information through to the on the ground helpers  witht the GAA, dlr and community volunteers who can delivered what you need.  

Many people when cocooning might feel isolated or alone - pick up the phone and give us a call and we can have a chat with you about that and maybe offer some solutions

Call us on 01 271 3199 or email covidsupport@dlrcoco.ie if you need us - the dlr Community Call team is here to help!

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Latest Update: 31 March, 1600

Our #dlrCommunityResponse helpline is here every day from 9am - 5pm to assist you, or someone you may know, who is cocooning, elderly or vulnerable. Call us on 012713199 or email covidsupport@dlrcoco.ie if you need our help.

Our recycling centres are still operational, but some safety measures are in place so visitors may be waiting longer than usual. We ask that you only visit our recycling centres if absolutely necessary. More info here

Essential services are being maintained.

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Latest Update: March 27, 1000

Please be advised that pedestrian access WILL be maintained to all dlr Parks & beaches for the time being. However in line with 2km travel protocols, all carparks in Parks will be closed. Further updates on web/social as they occur.

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Latest Update: 27 March at 1300

While the Planning Service is operational here in DLR, and continuity of service is important to us priority is being given to our time limited statutory functions. We are awaiting the detail of new legislation and will advise on our website on any changes. In the meantime if you have a query regarding our Planning Department , it can be found here.     

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Latest Update: 24 March at 12:00

• dlr Harbour and Piers - Markers are being put in place to advise people of 2 meter social distancing guidelines.  We will continue to monitor the situation and be conscious of national advice and guidelines from the Department.  
• There are large numbers of people utilizing dlr public parks and especially at the weekend. Signs and pavement/grass markings to be installed advising all members of the public to adhere to social distancing guidelines, as is already the case in many of our Parks.
• There has been a large attendances at all dlr beaches and bathing areas. Our Municipal Services Department will be arranging for signage messaging at access points to remind all members of the public to adhere to social distancing guidelines. 
• The Councils Big Belly Bins are having a disinfectant regime, including bin handles, put in place.
• Staff of the Housing Maintenance crews have been redeployed from certain duties to disinfecting letter boxes, handles, grab rails and common areas in dlr elderly specific properties
• The Housing Department is working closely with the Dublin Regional Homeless Executive, the HSE and Service Providers in relation to Homeless Hubs to implement HSE advice in relation to social distancing including provision of hot meals to reduce use of shared kitchens.
• The Council are continuously looking at innovate ways to mitigate the effect of coronavirus locally.
• Our Community staff are all available  if you need to contact them directly, all details here.

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Latest Update: 16 March, 1630

• From 0800 Wednesday 18 March until Monday 30 March, access to all Dún Laoghaire-Rathdown County Council public offices (County Hall, Dundrum Offices and others) will be discontinued for members of the public.  
• Council staff will still be working in the buildings, while observing social distancing protocols.
• You are still able to conduct your business with the Council via our website (www.dlrcoco.ie) , our email address (info@dlrcoco.ie) and by phone (+353 1 2054700)
• A special postal booth at County Hall in Dún Laoghaire is being arranged to allow urgent mail and deliveries to reach the Council – i.e planning applications, submissions and courier deliveries etc, but there will be no other physical access to the building.
• As the coronavirus situation evolves a degree of service level disruption can be expected though the Council will endeavour to maintain service levels, in so far as is practicable.
• Housing Maintenance queries are being managed as per protocols in the tenants handbook. Some disruption to service can be expected due to social distancing protocols
• dlr Parks and cemeteries and other public places are still open. dlr Libraries online are offerering a comprehensive virtual service.
• The Council would encourage the public to continue to follow the latest Department of Health & HSE advice on social distancing here: https://bit.ly/2QkTWTX and hygiene here: https://bit.ly/2x3zOPq
• Keep up to date on local developments on the Council website and social media channels.

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Latest Update:16 March, 1300

dlr Cemeteries Office in Deansgrange is now closed to the publc, but can still be contacted by phone (01 2893416) or email (cemeteries@dlrcoco.ie). dlr cemeteries will remain open to the public and retain their standard opening hours.

Full contact details and opening hours can be foundhere: https://www.dlrcoco.ie/en/cemeteries

MyWaste.ie have issued advice to reduce potential cross contamination of COVID-19 when putting put your household bins. PDF can be accessed in the 'Related Documents' section of this page.

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Further to the communication and direction from the Department of Health and its effect on public service delivery and in line with advice on social distancing from the Department of Health.

• While public buildings at County Hall in Dún Laoghaire and our Dundrum Offices remain open, Dún Laoghaire-Rathdown County Council are requesting members of the public to consider conducting their business with the Council via our website (www.dlrcoco.ie) , our email address (info@dlrcoco.ie) and by phone (+35312054700), where at all possible.
• In line with social distancing guidelines from the Dept of Health, all dlr playground will be closed from Sat 14 March. However all Parks remain open with plenty of open space and trees to move around - just in small groups and please observe distances.
• From 13 March – 29 March all Community Centres in the dlr area will be closed.
• Public information sessions associated with the dlr Grants Scheme 2020 are cancelled. However please note that the deadline for the receipt of applications has been extended from 3 April to 17 April. All Grants Managers are available to provide information to applicants by email and phone info@dlrcoco.ie & 01 2054700
• dlr Leisure Services Ltd have advised the Council that all dlr Leisure Centres are closed from 13 March to 29 March. Further information can be found from dlr Leisure Services website here: www.dlrleisure.ie
• All information sessions for the public consultation on Blackrock Park are now cancelled. You can still have your say here
• all dlr Park clubhouses & pitches are no longer in use, until further notice.
• Further local updates from the Council on our website and social media as they arise.   
• Our physical libraries may be closed, but dlr Libraries have a large and varied amount of online content and services that can be accessed by all our members. More info at https://libraries.dlrcoco.ie/
• All dlr Biodiversity events are cancelled.
• We would ask the public to keep up to date with all public health advice and to consult the relevant websites in this regard. For the latest advice and information from the HSE on Coronavirus Covid-19, please visit their Coronavirus Page. For daily updates, please visit GOV.IE
• All updates for the Planning Department can be found here

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Latest Update: 12 March, 1600

Further to the announcement from An Taoiseach Leo Varadkar this morning and the guidelines issued by the Department of Health in the interest of public safety.

Dún Laoghaire-Rathdown County Council wishes to advise that there will be an impact on certain services over the period of 13 March – 29 March.

For the duration of this period:

• All dlr Libraries will be closed to the public from close of business today, Thursday 12 March.
• Events held inside Libraries buildings during this time will be cancelled. Unfortunately this will mean that the Mountains to Sea Festival for 2020 is cancelled.
• dlr Heritage Events are cancelled.
• dlr Parks events are cancelled / dlr park clubhouses & pitches are no longer to in use, until further notice.
• dlr CoCo Markets in Peoples Park and Marlay Park are cancelled.
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However, please also note that:

• All Parks will remain open.
• Aside from Libraries, all Council public buildings will remain open, including County Hall in Dún Laoghaire, our Dundrum Offices and our recycling centres until further notice.
• All other Council services will be operating as normal until further notice.

The above information will be subject to change as the situation evolves with the COVID 19 outbreak. The Council advise all citizens to stay in touch with latest updates on our website and social media channels.