Monday 8 February 2010

The City Council

In Ireland we live in a democracy where elections are held regularly to elect a central government whose job it is to look after our interests, nationally and internationally. We also have a local government system, also with elected representatives to run our counties, cities and towns (we inherited this system from British rule).
Dublin is split into four different administrative areas, with Dublin City Council (formerly Dublin Corporation) being responsible for the city centre area. Generally speaking local government works very well but in recent years there have been a number of scandals involving Councillors allegedly receiving bribes from property developers. Sometimes the City Council make unpopular bye laws as is the case right now where they have imposed a 30 Kilometre Per Hour speed limit within the City centre area. But more on that in my Grumpy Blog later.
The Council is responsible for the day to day running of the city - things like waste collection, street cleaning, water supply, social housing, parks maintenance and many other duties.

My collage shows some of the positive things that the Council provides for the citizens of Dublin.
From top clockwise - All weather playing pitch and Children's playground at Broadstone. This group of (I think) Romanians meet there to play football on Sunday afternoon. The Council have installed free "Poop Scoops" to facilitate dog owners. The sign in Blessington Street Basin advises Dubliner's to Keep Dublin Clean. The Sunday afternoon kick about is a great way for ethnic groups to meet. In the nearby park these recently installed exercise machines can help maintain good health. My neighbour who is in his seventies uses them every day while walking his dog.

2 comments:

steviewren said...

The poop sign makes me smile...as if anyone needs an illustration to know what they mean.

Zuzana said...

I agree with Stevie.;))
It was also interesting to get an insight into the political system of Ireland.;)
I always enjoy your pictures as they are like a sneak peak into a reality of a country. You picture what you see, not trying to make it anything else than that.;)
xo
Zuzana