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Minutes of May Monthly Meeting of Kilrush Town Council held on the 11^th May 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, Stephen O'Gorman, 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.

1. Adoption of Minutes of April Monthly Meeting of Kilrush Town Council held on the 12^th April 2006 at 5:00 p.m.
   
   

   Ar Moladh Cllr. Prendeville cuidithe ag Cllr. O'Gorman:-

   The Minutes of the April Monthly Meeting were duly adopted.

   At this stage, in the absence of Senator Brendan Daly, it was agreed to proceed to item No. 3 to allow for the Senator's arrival.

    

2. Presentation/Report on the Metropolitan Area Network Broadband Programme by Mr. Urban McMahon, Clare County Council
   
   

   Mr. McMahon reported to the elected members that over the last number of years the Department of Communications, Marine and Natural Resources have been responsible for the national programme for the rollout of broadband services. In 2003 Shannon Broadband Ltd. was established to deal with a perceived deficit of service from commercial operators in the Shannon region.
   

   The Metropolitan Area Networks Programme (M.A.N.s) is the programme which deals with the provision of infrastructure to strategic towns in the country with a population greater than 1,500. The Department published a list of 88 towns to benefit from broadband, but in phase 1 there were no towns in Clare included. In Phase 2, Kilrush was the only Clare town included. The estimated cost of this project in Kilrush is €1.8 million approx. and the Department of Communications Marine and Natural Resources will be providing 90% of the funding with 5% from Shannon Development and 5% from the County Council. The consultants have been appointed. It is hoped that the civil works will commence in Kilrush at end of 2006/early 2007 to lay the cables and it is inevitable that a certain amount of disruption will occur with footpaths, etc. having to be dug up.
   

   It was agreed that this broadband development is great news for Kilrush and for future development/industry in the town.
   
   
3. Part 8 Planning report on John Paul Estate Pilot Phase
   

   The town clerk referred the members to the report dated the 3^rd May 2006 attached to the agenda. The members welcomed the proposed development. The town clerk and all involved were commended for their work to date.
   

   The manager pointed out that as a pilot phase, this will be a learning process which will inform subsequent phases of the overall estate improvement works.
   
   
4. 'Gradaim Uí Ruacháin 2006' (Cissie Roughan Community and Civic Awards 2006)
   
   

   The town clerk advised the members that the relevant advertisement has been placed in 'The Clare Champion' and the Nomination Forms are now available. The closing date for receipt of nominations is the 26^th May 2006.

   It was agreed that the awards ceremony will be held on Friday 16^th June at the Vandeleur Walled Garden at 7:00 p.m.

5. Attendance of Senator Brendan Daly and Mr. Peadar McNamara, Chairman of Ennis General Hospital Development Committee
   
   

   Peadar McNamara then addressed the meeting and thanked the members for allowing him the opportunity to up-date them on developments regarding the future of Ennis General Hospital. He circulated the members with a schedule of actions taken and responses received by the Ennis General Hospital Development Committee from 18^th April 2005 to the 26^th April 2006, together with a list of 8 questions put to Prof. Drum by letter dated 29^th November 2005. The Hospital Services Office replied on behalf of Prof. Drumm stating that 24 hour A & E would continue at Ennis General Hospital. However, an amended letter issued later that same day withdrawing the commitment for the continuation of A & E. Mr. McNamara said that Mr. J. P. McManus, through the Mid-West Business Forum, has put up money for the provision of a CAT scanner at the hospital as the present arrangements of patients travelling to Limerick and Galway for these scans is unsatisfactory.
   

   Senator Daly then addressed the meeting, thanking the members for the invitation and their support. He pointed out that in addition to the A&E issues there are other elements in Ennis General Hospital that need to be addressed, including overcrowding. The provision of a CAT scan is paramount and accommodation has been set aside for it. The Health Service Executive have given assurance that the CAT scan has been included in the Capital Plan. He also highlighted the lack of acute beds and the difficulties in accommodating people after operations and he said that he has made a strong case to the Tanaiste for the provision of additional beds. He advised that the 1^st phase of the overall plan for Ennis General Hospital has been costed and cleared by the Department and the H.S.E. The upgrade of the A&E facilities will be included in this 1^st phase. Discussions have been taking place with the planning section and it is hoped to proceed with the works at the end of May/early June. The task will be to continue services while the upgrading is taking place. Senator Daly confirmed that he is satisfied that A&E at Ennis General Hospital will be secure and continued into the future. He urged the elected members to put peoples' minds at ease regarding the hospital. He said that maybe in time to come minor A&E facilities could be provided in Kilrush with the increase in population and perhaps Shannondoc services could be expanded.
   

   The elected members collectively thanked Mr. Peadar McNamara and Senator Brendan Daly for their steadfast work in bringing this matter to the top of the agenda.
   

6. Adoption of Minutes of RIMS meeting held on the 4^th May 2006.
   

   The minutes of the RIMS meeting held on the 4^th May 2006 were duly adopted.
   

   Cllrs. McMahon-Jones and Culligan objected to the adoption of these minutes on the grounds that they felt the submissions received were not properly considered in accordance with Section 36(3)(c) of the Road Traffic Act 1994.
   
   It was agreed that Items 8 and 10 would be taken together.
   
   
7. Making of Kilrush Town Council (Parking Places) Bye-Laws 2006
   
   

   Cllrs. Culligan and McMahon-Jones expressed their view that the submissions, as received, were not adequately considered by members.
   

   Other members pointed out that they had fully considered the submissions at the RIMS meeting, had them a week in advance of RIMS meeting specially convened to consider them, and were satisfied that the submissions had received their consideration. Cllr Prendeville proposed that the bye-laws now be adopted and made by the Council and this was seconded by Cllr O’Gorman.
   

   Cllrs. Culligan and McMahon-Jones expressed the view that the submissions hadn’t been fully considered collectively at the RIMS meeting. Cllr McMahon Jones proposed an amendment ‘that the making of the bye-laws be deferred to a later date’ and this was seconded by Cllr Culligan.

   The Mayor then called for a vote on the amendment to defer the making of Kilrush Town Council (Parking Places) Bye-Laws 2006.
   

   The following members voted in favour of the deferral :

   Cllrs. McMahon-Jones; Culligan and Fennell.

   The following members voted against the deferral :

   Cllrs. Prendeville; Clyne; O'Looney; Sweeney; O'Gorman; O'Malley.

   The deferral was opposed by 6 votes to 3 votes.

   The Mayor then called for a vote on the substantive motion ‘to adopt the Kilrush Town Council (Parking Places) Bye-Laws 2006’ as presented.

   The following members voted in favour of the adoption:

   Cllrs. Prendeville; Clyne; O'Looney; Sweeney; O'Gorman; O'Malley.

   The following members voted against the adoption:

   Cllrs. McMahon-Jones; Culligan, Fennell.

   The adoption was agreed to by 6 votes to 3 votes.

   Ar Moladh Cllr. Prendeville cuidithe ag Cllr. O'Gorman :

   The Kilrush Town Council (Parking Places) Bye-Laws 2006 were duly adopted and made, to come into effect on 30^th June 2006.

8. Ar Moladh Cllr. Prendeville cuidithe ag Cllr. Fennell:-
   
   

   "That this Council would ask the Town Engineer to examine the Slí na Sláinte route and report on measures needed to upgrade the amenity.

   In a written reply dated the 11^th May 2006 the town engineer reported that :

   "Kilrush Town Council will examine the route in association with Clare County Council as much of the route is in the Clare County Council area. A report will follow."

   Cllr. Prendeville indicated that he was satisfied with this reply.

9. Ar Moladh Cllr. Prendeville cuidithe ag Cllr. Fennell:-
   
   

   "That this Council, in association with Kilrush Tidy Towns, would consider installing stone placenames on key historical locations within the urban area"

   In a written reply dated the 11^th May 2006 the marketing and development officer reported that :

   "The next scheduled liaison meeting between Kilrush Tidy Towns and Kilrush Town Council will take place on Tuesday 30^th May 06. I can confirm that this issue will be brought forward as an agenda item for discussion at this meeting."
   
   Cllr. Prendeville indicated that he was satisfied with this reply.
10. Ar Moladh Cllr. Prendeville cuidithe ag Cllr. Clyne:-
    
    

    "That this Council would ask the Town Clerk to outline the measures needed to be undertaken to ensure an accurate electoral register."

    In a written reply dated the 11^th May 2006, Michael McNamara, Senior Executive Officer, Corporate Services, Clare County Council reported that :

    "At present 17 Revenue Collectors employed by Clare County Council have responsibility for collecting data for the purpose of updating the Register of Electors and the Administrative work associated with the Register is undertaken by staff in the Franchise Section of the Council.

    In September of each year work commences on the collection of data so as to be in a position to publish a new Draft Register on 1^st November as required by the regulations. After the Draft Register has been published the general public through advertising are encouraged to check the Draft to ensure they are correctly listed on the Register.

    Applications for additions/deletions/modifications received following the above exercise are dealt with at the Revision Courts held in December each year, presided over by the County Registrar and attended by the Revenue Collectors and the general public can also attend but very rarely do.

    Following the Revision Courts the Final Register is published on 1^st February, coming into effect on 15^th February and remains in force for one year from that date.

    All of the dates referred to are dates set down in Regulations from the Department of Environment, Heritage and Local Government.

    In the event of any Election or Referendum taking place, a Supplement to the Register is compiled onto which are added any names not included in the Register published in February annually. It is possible to get on the Supplement up to 14 days before Polling day and again advertising encourages the public to check the Register at that time.

    It is a fact that there is no onus on an individual to ensure that they are correctly on the Register.

    While the Council would have records of deaths available on an ongoing basis, there is no facility at present to remove such names from the Register other than when the Draft Register is being prepared for publication in November each year.

    I understand that the Department are presently considering measures aimed at improving the procedures currently in place as regards the Register, clarification is awaited in this regard.

    In the longer term the following proposals would bring about a definite improvement in the accuracy of the Register.
11. Ar Moladh Cllr. Sweeney cuidithe ag Cllr. Prendeville:-

    "That the Town Engineer would arrange to carry out surface dressing at the right-of-way linking Fahy's Road and St. Joseph's Tce."

    In a written reply dated the 11^th May 2006 the town engineer reported that :

    "The upgrade of the roadway linking Fahy's Road and St. Joseph's Terrace is not included in the 2006 Roadworks Programme and will be considered in the 2007 Roadworks Programme."

    Cllr. Sweeney indicated that he was not happy with this reply as this stretch of roadway is in a poor condition and needs to be upgraded in 2006.

    It was agreed that this matter would be referred back to the town engineer to be reviewed.

12. Ar Moladh Cllr. Sweeney cuidithe ag Cllr. O'Looney:-

    "That this council would ask the Town Clerk for an updated report from our legal adviser in relation to the right-of-way at the rear of Vandeleur Street as it has been over 10 months since this matter came before the council"

    The town clerk advised the members that this matter has been referred to the town solicitor and Cllr. Sweeney requested that a reminder be sent to the solicitor. The town manager confirmed that a report will be requested for the next meeting of Kilrush Town Council.

    Cllr. Culligan enquired if there is a schedule available listing property in the ownership of Kilrush Town Council and the town clerk advised that this is being worked on at present.

    The town manager and town clerk reported to the members that the Department of the Environment had invited local authorities to submit projects under a new scheme called the Social & Community Facilities Capital Scheme 2006. Clare County Council is allowed to submit 3 proposals to the Department for the county.

    In view of the tight time constraints involved between the call for submissions and the deadline for their receipt, it was felt that in the case of Kilrush, there were a number of proposals in the pipeline which came to mind with regard to the capital funding opportunity. Since proposals for John Paul Estate were being looked after under the Department via a separate funding programme, these were not considered. Proposals previously presented in relation to a) Place de Plouzane amenity enhancement and b) Frances Street enhancement were considered. The town manager recommended that the Frances Street enhancement scheme be put forward, since with the developments underway at Place de Plouzane, it was considered premature to be going forward with this proposal. The county architect, in conjunction with the Town Enhancement Plan 2006 to 2008 prepared some years ago, had prepared drawings for the enhancement of Frances Street including upgrading street lighting, landscaping, heritage trail points and an artistic feature focal point.

    The elected members agreed with this recommendation, but did request that if the Frances Street proposal were to be assigned funding under the scheme, that the elected members and the public would be consulted further.

13. Correspondence

• Letter from Cobh Town Council regarding the Kennedy McCaine bill.
• Thank you card from the family of the late Pat Carey.
• Letter dated 21^st April 2006 from the V.E.C. regarding PE teachers. Cllr. Prendeville confirmed that he would get the name of the PE teacher from the V.E.C.
• Letter dated 25^th April 2006 from Monaghan Town Council regarding breast cancer screening.
• The elected members were circulated with a request for support for the Spring-Clean to take place on the evening of Tuesday 16^th May. Assembly point at Town Hall at 7:00 p.m.
• It was agreed that Cllr. Prendeville would attend the forthcoming Hospital meeting at the Auburn Lodge, Ennis on behalf of Kilrush Town Council.
• Cllr. Prendeville advised the members that the A.M.A.I. are now seeking motions for the upcoming A.G.M. and he recommended that the previous motion on Home Improvement Grants be put forward.
• It was agreed that heartiest congratulations be extended to Mr. Bernard Carroll of 25 Merrion Square, Dublin 2 owner of horse "Numbersixvalverde" who recently won the English Grand National. This horse is trained by Martin Brassil of Dunmurry Hall Stables, Beechpark, Kildare Town, Kildare and was ridden on the day by Niall 'Slippers' Madden.

Votes Of Sympathy

It was agreed that a vote of sympathy should issue to the following :

• Mrs. Maura McInerney, O'Curry Street, Kilkee on the death of her husband Timmy McInerney (former Town Clerk, Kilkee).
• Patrick Mahony, Monmore and Martina Troy on the death of Vera Mahony of Monmore.
• Florrie Ryan, O'Gorman Street, Kilrush on the death of her husband John Ryan.

The meeting then concluded.

Signed : ______________________________
Cllr. Christy O'Malley
Mayor

Signed : ______________________________
Fiona Mooney
Town Clerk

Dated this _____ day of ___________ 2006.