PrintMinutes of March Monthly Meeting of Kilrush Town Council Held on the 16th March 2006 at 7:00 p.m. in the Council Chamber, Town Hall, Kilrush
In Attendance:
- Cllr. Christy O'Malley, Méara.
- Comhairleoirí: Tom Prendeville, Deirdre Culligan, Colie Sweeney, Marian McMahon-Jones, Liam O'Looney, Tom Clyne, Jack Fennell.
- Ms. Bernadette Kinsella, Director of Service & Town Manager
- Ms. Fiona Mooney, Town Clerk
- Ms. Geraldine Quinn, Assistant Staff Officer
Apologies:
- Cllr. Stephen O'Gorman
- Adoption of Minutes of February Monthly Meeting of Kilrush Town Council held on the 9th February 2006 at 5:00 p.m.
Ar Moladh Cllr. Deirdre Culligan cuidithe ag Cllr. Tom Clyne :-
The Minutes of the February Monthly Meeting were duly adopted.
- Presentation by Michael Gleeson, Eirí Corca Baiscinn regarding the Farmers Market & Horticulture Project
Mr. Michael Gleeson of Eirí Corca Baiscinn made a powerpoint presentation to the elected members on the Kilrush Farmers Market and the Kilrush Community Horticulture Project.
Members acknowledged the positive impact of both projects for the town, the participants and the wider rural west Clare economy. Members looked forward to the Town Council and the Farmer’s Market in Kilrush continuing a positive partnership when Casual Trading bye-laws are being redrafted.
- Proposed Variation No. 4 to Kilrush Development Plan
The Town Manager referred the elected members to the report dated 28th February 2006 and attaching to the agenda regarding proposed Variation No. 4 and advised that this variation is required to give effect to Variation No. 3 which changed the zoning.
Members expressed concern in relation to the fact that partial wording in the proposed variation differed and appeared more restrictive than that used in the original Development Plan. The Manager advised that she would clarify this matter. The members expressed approval for that Variation No. 4 subject to the manager’s clarification.
Ar Moladh Cllr. Tom Prendeville cuidithe ag Cllr. Jack Fennell:
Kilrush Development Plan 2002 - Proposed Variation No. 4 - was approved subject to the wording discrepancy with the original plan being clarified.
- Ar Moladh Cllr. Tom Clyne:-
"Would this Council put in place a policy whereby tenants of our housing stock adhere to their Tenancy Agreement. It has come to my notice that a number of tenants do not reside in their allotted houses, leaving them open to be vandalised which unfortunately has already happened."
In a written reply dated the 9th March 2006 the town clerk reported that :
"Kilrush Town Council has adopted a Tenancy Management Policy. Where information is made available to us regarding breaches of tenancy and/or where breaches come to our attention through monitoring, these will be investigated. The next phase of implementing the adopted tenancy management policy is the carrying out of routine inspections of tenanted dwellings and this is scheduled to begin in April 2006."
The town clerk confirmed that all tenancy agreements included a clause on being in occupation and reports of breaches of tenancy agreements would be investigated.
It was agreed that Items 5 and 9(b) would be taken together.
- Ar Moladh Cllr. Tom Clyne cuidithe ag Cllr. Liam O’Looney:-
"That this Council call on Clare Co. Council to clean up the beach at Brews Bridge. The slip way is in a dangerous condition and to provide some seating for visitors who use this Amenity Area.”
- Ar Moladh Cllr. Liam O’Looney cuidithe ag Cllr. Tom Clyne :-
"Would the council also contact Clare Co. Council to also carry out a major clean up of ‘Brewsbridge’ bathing area as it’s in a deplorable condition.”
In a written reply dated the 9th March 2006 Anthony McNamara, Senior Executive Engineer reported that :
"Clare County Council will carry out a clean up at Brew's Bridge prior to the summer season in conjunction with the local FÁS team. A request will be made to the Environment Section of Clare County Council for funding to provide seating in the area."
The members felt that this area is unfit for swimming at present and that while an initial clean up is necessary, that Brew's Bridge needs to be developed as an amenity. Members requested that the county Architect could be requested to draw up a plan for the area, following the recent great improvements at Cappa amenity area.
Cllr. Prendeville advised the meeting that he will raise the matter of Brews Bridge at Clare County Council level.
- Ar Moladh Cllr. Tom Clyne :-
"That this Council consider giving sponsorship to West Clare Cycling Club in light of this club hosting the start of the All Ireland Milk Rás. This premier race will start from Kilrush in early May."
The town clerk advised that the cycling club could seek funding from the Community Grants Scheme which will be advertised in April.
- Moladh Cllr. Liam O'Looney :-
"That this Council would re-surface the road at the front of Cappa Drive as it has fallen into a bad state of disrepair and would the council also repair the footpaths as they are a hazard to walk on."
In a written reply dated the 9th March 2006 Anthony McNamara, Senior Executive Engineer reported that:
"Consideration will be given to inclusion of this road in the current years Roadworks Programme."
The town manager advised that the matters of road and footpath repairs should be raised in conjunction with the Roadworks Programme, which will be for consideration by the members at the April/May meeting.
- Ar Moladh Cllr. Liam O'Looney cuidithe ag Cllr. Marian McMahon-Jones:-
"That this Council would put in place some form of traffic calming measures on the Cappa Road."
In a written reply dated the 9th March 2006 Anthony McNamara, Senior Executive Engineer reported that :
"We will request the Road Design Section of Clare County Council to install traffic counters on Cappa Road to determine traffic volumes and speeds in order to ascertain the need for remedial measures."
It was suggested that perhaps the engineering section could form a proposal and bring it to the Residents' Association for their observations.
It was felt that the whole town should be examined for traffic calming measures.
It was agreed that an invitation should be extended to the Garda Superintendent to attend the April meeting.
- Ar Moladh Cllr. Liam O'Looney :-
"That this Council would provide a sitting/changing base of concrete at the beach side of Cappa (similar to the one provided at the Rock) and would the council also carry out a major clean up at the beach as well ahead of the summer season;"
In a written reply dated the 9th March 2006 Anthony McNamara, Senior Executive Engineer reported that :
"We will make an application to Clare County Council's Environment Section to provide funding for a sitting/changing base of concrete at Cappa.”
A clean up of Cappa and Brew's Bridge will be carried out by Clare County Council prior to the summer season in conjunction with the local FÁS team."
- Ar Moladh Cllr. Tom Prendeville cuidithe ag Cllr. Liam O'Looney :-
"That this Council would give due recognition to Gerardine Rush, producer, and all involved in the Kilrush Choral Society's 'Sound of Music' 2006 production for its generous and continuing contribution to community spirit and pride."
Cllr. Prendeville referred to the revival of the Society that took place last year, after 39 years, of the Kilrush Choral Society with the production of 'My Fair Lady' and the 2006 show was another resounding success.
It was agreed unanimously that due recognition should be given to producer Gerardine Rush for her contribution to community spirit and pride.
- Ar Moladh Cllr. Tom Prendeville cuidithe ag Cllr. Marian McMahon-Jones:-
"That this council would review its public lighting reporting/complaints procedures with the ESB as the present arrangement for reporting 'out-of-commission' lights needs to be urgently reviewed."
It was agreed that a log needs to be developed at the town hall for recording public lighting that is out of commission. Members felt that some lights are out for periods of 3 to 4 months, while the Council is still being charged for them. It was agreed that a notice should issue advising the public that out of commission public lighting should be notified to the town hall by members of the public giving the location and number of the relevant pole.
- Ar Moladh Cllr. Tom Prendeville cuidithe ag Cllr. Jack Fennell :-
"That this council would ask the Minister for Communications, Marine and Natural Resources to consider making insulation grants available to enable owner-occupied pre-1976 residential properties to comply with the European Energy Performance of Buildings Directive which was transposed into Irish law in January 2006 and which requires all buildings put up for sale or lease after January 2009 to be energy rated."
It was agreed that a letter issue to the Minister for Communications, Marine and Natural Resources along the lines of this notice of motion.
- Ar Moladh Cllr. Marian McMahon-Jones cuidithe ag Cllr. Liam O'Looney:-
"That Kilrush Town Council would repair footpath where necessary on the Ennis Road and extend it to the Golf Club in conjunction with Clare Co. Council and also extend footpath up the Doonbeg Road and Kilkee Road - this work would also be done with Clare County Council."
In a written reply dated the 9th March 2006 Anthony McNamara, Senior Executive Engineer reported that :
"A survey of the footpaths in the Ennis Road will be carried out prior to finalising the current years roadworks programme. A footpath replacement programme will be carried out on a priority basis. Funds have not been allocated for the construction of footpaths on the roads serving the town in Clare County Council’s current years Roadworks Programme. The roads in question will be given consideration in the 2007 Roadworks Programme.”
The town manager advised that the members will have the opportunity to put their views of priority Kilrush footpaths when the Roadworks Programme is under discussion. She suggested that a full list of members’ recent motions on footpaths be compiled to be taken in conjunction with the Roadworks Programme. The town manager further advised that strong representations on these matters be made to Clare County Council.
- Ar Moladh Cllr. Marian McMahon-Jones cuidithe ag Cllr. Jack Fennell:-
"That Kilrush Town Council would make arrangements to expand our existing recycling service immediately."
In a written reply dated the 9th March 2006 Kieran O'Callaghan, Engineer, Environment Section, Clare County Council reported that :
"Our observations are that we should promote Lisdeen as the local recycling centre serving all of West Clare. Lisdeen is an excellent recycling centre only 7 miles west of Kilrush, accepting a wide range of materials as well as providing a transfer service for unsegregated waste. The existing bring bank in Kilrush will remain in place, however our budget for 2006 for recycling could not sustain a major expansion of the existing Kilrush facilities.
If the members of Kilrush Town Council have ideas whereby recycling (and waste minimisation and prevention, as waste management is advancing in this direction) could be better promoted among the public or businesses, we would be happy to consider them and tie into local knowledge and enthusiasm. However, it is unlikely that support for any such ventures could extend to physical infrastructure, due to budgetary constraints."
The expansion of recycling in Kilrush by the provision of 2 extra plastic bottle banks in Place de Plouzane was welcomed. However, it was noted with regret that there are no facilities there for recycling food cans and paper/cardboard. The town clerk pointed out that previous advice received was that recycling of food cans has to be done in a secured and supervised area. The town clerk said that the EPA requirements for certification of bring bank sites were also a constraint.
Members enquired about the provision of skips for deposit of bulky items from households in the town. The town clerk said that she would find out the County Council’s plan for this years April ‘Spring Clean’ arrangement and examine how best Kilrush could be encouraged to participate in that.
Members unanimously agreed on the benefit of providing incentives to people to recycle waste, as refuse disposal fees are so high.
The town clerk advised that she would check whether Kilrush Town Council could access any grants in the area of municipal recycling.
- Correspondence
- Letter received from Special Olympics Ireland re Law Enforcement Torch Run for Special Olympics June 16th - 21st. The town clerk advised that the Special Olympics are being held in Belfast in June 2006. The elected members agreed to host a part of the torch run on Saturday 17th June in Kilrush in advance of the games opening. It was agreed that a meeting be held in preparation for this and that an invitation be extended to previous Special Olympics committee members and any newcomers to attend this meeting.
- Letter dated 14th February 2006 from Department of the Environment, Heritage & Local Government re Training Programme for Elected Members of Strategic Policy Committees. This correspondence was noted.
- Letter dated 20th February 2006 from Portlaoise Town Council re Medical Card Holders. It was proposed by Cllr. O'Malley and seconded by Cllr. Fennell to support this motion.
- Letter dated 14th February 2006 from Clones Town Council re Cavan General Hospital.
- Preliminary Notice of conference 'Enhancing an Enterprise Culture - The Role of Local Authorities' to be held on the 25th and 26th May 2006 at Glór Irish Music Centre, Ennis.
- Appreciation Card received from the family of the late John Meaney, Cree.
- Letter dated 1st March 2006 from Monaghan Town Council re SSIAs. It was proposed by Cllr. O'Malley and seconded by Cllr. Prendeville to support this motion.
It was unanimously agreed to hold the April Monthly Meeting on Wednesday 12th April 2006 at 7:00 p.m.
Votes Of Sympathy
It was agreed that a vote of sympathy should issue to the following:
- James O'Sullivan, Monmore and Paul O'Sullivan, Einagh on the death of their mother Mrs. Alice O'Sullivan late of Einagh, Moyasta.
- Mrs. Marie McNamara, Shannon Heights on the death of her husband Patrick McNamara.
- Martin McCarthy, Carrownacalla on the death of his father John McCarthy late of Carrownacalla.
- Mrs. Vincent O'Halloran, Chapel Drive on the death of her brother Michael Lynch of Sydney, Australia and formerly of Grace Street).
- Finbar Frawley, Cappa on the death of his sister Mrs. Kay McNamara late of Carrowreagh East, Cranny.
- Noel Kelly, Carnanes on the death of his sister Mrs. Maura Maguire late of Glasgow, Scotland.
- Ms. Mary McMahon, Vandeleur Street on the death of her mother Mrs. May McMahon late of Vandeleur Street.
- Ms. Margaret Purtill, Moore Street on the death of her husband John Purtill.
It was proposed by Cllr. Prendeville, seconded by Cllr. Sweeney and agreed that Standing Orders be suspended at this stage in the meeting to allow Mr. Max Madden and Mr. Barry Copley address the meeting regarding HGVs and the Moneypoint Retrofit Project.
Mr Max Madden and Mr Copley addressed the meeting at length and raised their concerns about traffic increases arising from the retrofit project and about alternative routes that were proposed. Mr Madden referred to various information that he had received via a Freedom of Information request to Clare County Council. Mr Madden and Mr Copley expressed dissatisfaction with the response from various staff of the County Council in regard to phone calls they had made to the County Council. Mr Madden and Mr Copley expressed the view that residents of Kilrush were not consulted adequately about the retrofit traffic arrangement.
Members of the Town Council supported the residents in their call for better and more information and for more consultation.
It was advised that the chairman of the Kilrush electoral area committee, Cllr P J Kelly had agreed to convene a meeting of that committee, to which Kilrush Town Council members would also be invited, along with Clare elected representatives and senators and residents and relevant officials.
The meeting then concluded.
Signed : ______________________________
Cllr. Christy O'Malley
Mayor
Signed : ______________________________
Fiona Mooney
Town Clerk
Dated this the day of 2006.