PrintMinutes of October Monthly Meeting of Kilrush Town Council Held on the 12th October 2006 at 4:00 p.m. in the Council Chamber, Town Hall, Kilrush
In Attendance:
- Cllr. Stephen O'Gorman, Méara.
- Comhairleoirí: Tom Prendeville, Deirdre Culligan, Marian McMahon-Jones, Liam O'Looney, Tom Clyne, Christy O'Malley, Jack Fennell.
- Ms. Bernadette Kinsella, Town Manager.
- Ms. Siobhán Curran, A/Senior Staff Officer.
- Ms. Geraldine Quinn, Assistant Staff Officer.
- Adoption of Minutes of September Monthly Meeting of Kilrush Town Council held on the 14th September 2006 at 4:00 p.m.
Cllr. McMahon-Jones requested that the reference to 'Senator' Madeline Taylor Quinn be amended to 'Councillor' Madeline Taylor Quinn.
Ar Moladh Cllr. Prendeville cuidithe ag Cllr. Culligan :-
The Minutes of the September monthly meeting, as amended, were duly adopted.
- Adoption of Minutes of Adjourned September Monthly Meeting of Kilrush Town Council held on the 20th September 2006 at 4:00 p.m.
Ar Moladh Cllr. Prendeville cuidithe ag Cllr. Clyne :-
The Minutes of the adjourned September monthly meeting of Kilrush Town Council were duly adopted.
- Set Date for Civic Reception for 'Spirit of Kilrush' Team
It was agreed that Cllr. O'Looney would liaise with the team members and revert to the town clerk regarding a suitable time for the holding of this civic reception.
Ar Moladh Cllr. Culligan cuidithe ag Cllr. O'Looney :-
"That this Council would refurbish and do the necessary repair works at the Children's Playground in Cappa before Summer 2007."
The town engineer, Mr. Steve Lahiffe, advised the members that replacement equipment has been ordered and same should be put in place by the summer of 2007. He further advised that regular inspections of equipment are carried out to ensure that equipment is safe for use. The members felt that more equipment is necessary, but the town engineer advised that only existing equipment is being replaced for the moment. If funding became available in 2007, an expansion of equipment could be considered.
It was agreed that a note of commendation should issue to Siobhán Mulcahy/Ruth Hurley of Clare County Council for the sculpture mounted at Cappa.
- Ar Moladh Cllr. Culligan :-
"That the members of Kilrush Town Council be copied any future press releases being issued by Kilrush Town Council, as a matter of protocol."
Following discussions on the matter, the town manager, Ms. Bernadette Kinsella, advised the members that she would have no difficulty with issuing future press releases to them.
- Ar Moladh Cllr. McMahon-Jones cuidithe ag Cllr. O'Gorman:-
"That this Town Council would congratulate the Tidy Towns Committee for the high marks achieved at this years competition & give our continued support to them for 2007."
Following discussion on the matter it was agreed that the Tidy Towns Committee be congratulated on the increase in points from 267 to 282 in this years competition and for the huge amount of work carried out by them every year. The members also acknowledged the contribution of the FÁS team to this achievement and it was stated that the FÁS job initiative participant numbers need to be maintained. The town manager joined in these congratulations and advised the members that she received a letter from the Tidy Towns Committee expressing their thanks to the members and council staff for their support.
Also it was agreed that the senior executive engineer, town engineer and council employees be commended for their work in assisting the parish graveyard maintenance committee.Cllr. Clyne is to liaise with the Tidy Towns Liaison Committee regarding tackling derelict properties in the town.
- Ar Moladh Cllr. McMahon-Jones :-
"That this Council with great urgency would address the issue of 'drinking in public places' within the urban area."
In a written report dated the 12th October 2006 the A/Senior Staff Officer reported that:
"Kilrush Town Council has the power to make bye laws for the ‘Control and Regulation of the Consumption of Intoxicating Substances in Public Places’ for the functional area of the council, where in its opinion it is desirable and in the interests of the common good of the local community. This power is conferred on Local Authorities by sections 199 and 200 of the Local Government Act 2001
The procedure for introducing Bye-Laws is as follows;
Not less than two months before a local authority makes bye-laws, the local authority must publish a notice of its intention to make bye-laws. A copy of the draft bye-laws shall be made available for public inspection for a period of not less than one month. Submissions can be made on the draft bye-laws before a specified date which must not be less than 7 days after the end of the period for inspection of the draft bye-laws.
A local authority must consider submissions received before deciding to make bye-laws or not. Bye-Laws made by a local authority shall come into force on a specified date, which shall not be less than 30 days after they are made.
An authorised person(s) appointed by a local authority as well as the gardai would have powers to enforce the bye-laws. A person who is convicted of an offence would be liable to a fine of not exceeding €1,270.00. Bye-Laws may also provide for fixed penalties for person(s) who contravenes the bye-laws as an alternative to prosecution. Fines issued would be payable to the local authority.
Members should note that Kilkee Town Council, Shannon Town Council and Clare County Council are in the process of introducing bye-laws for their functional areas. Should the members wish to examine this matter further I can circulate templates of the Shannon, Kilkee and Clare County Council bye-laws in advance of the next meeting."
Following discussion, it was felt that drinking in public places bye-laws had been previously adopted by Kilrush Town Council, but not enforced.
It was agreed to invite Supt. Joe McKeown to the November monthly meeting to discuss with him the issue of drinking in public places and it was further agreed that Kilrush bye-laws on this be circulated to the members in advance of the meeting.
- Ar Moladh Cllr. McMahon-Jones cuidithe ag Cllr. O'Gorman:-
"That this council would lobby Mr. Brian Cowen for the reinstatement of tax relief for the parents of dyslexic children for extra tuition."
Following discussion on the matter it was agreed that a letter should issue to the Minister immediately and furthermore that this motion be circulated to all councils in the country. The A/Senior Staff Officer undertook to immediately send the relevant letter to the Minister.
- Ar Moladh Cllr. Prendeville :-
"That this council would invite a delegation from members of the Polish community to address this council on measures needed to assist in their successful integration into the local community."
It was agreed that the town clerk arrange an informal meeting between members of the Polish community, elected members of Kilrush Town Council and the town clerk herself in the near future.
- Ar Moladh Cllr. Prendeville cuidithe ag Cllr. O'Looney :-
"That this council would review its current policy on recycling to allow for a wider range of recycling facilities being made available to the general public at a central and convenient Civic Amenity Site."
In a written reply dated the 10th October 2006 the Executive Engineer of the Environment Section reported that :
"There are 4 recycling centres provided by Clare County Council currently in operation. Ennis serving Ennis and its environs, Scariff serving the east of the county, The Central Waste Management Facility serving the north of the county and Lisdeen serving the west of the county.
In the Replacement Waste Management Plan for the Limerick / Clare Kerry Region 2006 to 2011, Reuse and Recycling Targets to 2010. An additional Recycling Centre will be located in Shannon by end 2006 and an additional Recycling Centre will be located in South East Clare by 2010. There is an Objective to assess the need for small scale recycling centres in rural areas and a Target for their provision based on the results of the survey.
The Recycling Centre at Lisdeen provides for the recycling of glass and plastic bottles, aluminium cans, steel cans, metal, timber, cardboard, tetra pak, paper and magazines, waste engine oil, batteries, textiles and WEEE (waste Electrical and Electronic Equipment). These services are provided to domestic householders free of charge. Bags of refuse can also be deposited at the facility at a charge of €4.00 each.
In addition, Recycling facilities for glass and plastic bottles and aluminium cans are provided at the Place de Plouzane car park in Kilrush. Should the demand on these increase, the frequency of the collection or the introduction of an additional bank may be required and would be considered to cope with additional demand."
Following discussion on the matter it was agreed that a representative of the Environment Section of Clare County Council be invited to the November monthly meeting of Kilrush Town Council as the elected members unanimously felt that a managed recycling centre is needed in the town to facilitate those who cannot go to Lisdeen because of lack of transport and as a local authority we should be encouraging recycling. The town manager advised the members that a suitable site would have to be identified for this recycling centre and that the provision of such a centre is a resource issue. The manager indicated that she would liaise with her colleague in the Environment Section on the matter.
Ar Moladh Cllr. Prendeville :-
"To ask the Manager to report to the members on the current local authority housing situation including availability and waiting lists and the projections for future housing demand over the lifetime of this council."
In a written reply dated the 12th October 2006 the A/Senior Staff Officer reported that :
"Kilrush Town Council has a total of 180 dwelling in its housing stock. The present situation is that 165 or 92.8% of KTC dwellings are let.
Kilrush Town Council subscribes to the policy and goal orientation as outlined in the parent plan of Clare Local Authorities entitled ‘Building and Sustaining Living Balanced Communities – An Action Plan for Social & Affordable Housing 2004-2008.
Projections for Kilrush Town Council on the delivery of the housing function is set out as follows in that plan;
200620072008Social Housing 888Part V Social Housing 211Voluntary Housing 222Casual Vacancies 433Long Team Voids 332Shared Ownership N/AN/AN/AAffordable Housing 111Disabled Persons Grant 222Essential Repairs Grants 222R.W.S. 58120
The mid term review of this plan (as at June 2006) records the following progress;
Social Housing
Of the 5 long term void refurbishments planned to be completed in 2005, 3 were completed in 2006. Of the other two dwellings, one is currently the subject of a part VIII planning procedure for a demolish and infill development and the other is a compulsorily acquired derelict house whose refurbishment is planned for completion in 2006.
Kilrush Town Council is in the process of assessing land availability and suitability for new housing construction projects, although the 2004 plan will not be achieved in relation to the 58 starts indicated at that time because of the strategic goals of the John Paul Regeneration project which are priority. The John Paul project will in the pilot phase include for 7 infill units.
Acquisitions
Few properties suited to the current housing need come on the market. Kilrush Town Council targets 2 bedroom houses for sale in the town in this regard.
Regeneration and Remedial Works Scheme
The 2004 plan had 58 houses indicated as subject to RWS in 2006 (which was half the then number of houses, 116). Since then, the pilot phase is designed and approved and the pilot phase includes 28 of the existing houses. It is intended to have a contractor on site by the end of 2006. The revised plan indicates that the RWS application to the remaining houses in the estate – numbering 82 – will begin by 2008.
Affordable Housing
The out-turn in relation to Part V is that in 2006, 6 houses will be available for affordable housing in Kilrush, which exceeds the prediction outlined in the 2004 plan.
Further Information
At present there are 13 vacant houses, 8 of which are subject to major refurbishment. Kilrush Town Council has refrained from filling vacant houses in John Paul Estate because of the necessity to retain housing for decanting in the pilot phase of the Remedial Works Scheme and the possible reconfiguration of houses under the Regeneration Project.
Town Council is currently proactively seeking to purchase land and to enter into arrangements in relation to turn key developments, As indicated in the Action Plan 3 acres will need to be acquired for future housing building requirements in the period to 2008.
3 houses are currently available for letting. At present there are 87 applicants on KTC housing list. Applications are regularly assessed in accordance with the scheme of letting priorities. To date in 2006, Kilrush Town Council has provided housing for 11 applicants.
As well as building houses, Kilrush Town Council can also buy back houses. Kilrush Town Council has purchased the following houses in 2006, 9 Wood Road, 9 O’Dea’s Road, 5 Elm Drive, 47 St. Patrick’s Terrace.
As part of the Pilot phase of the regeneration scheme 7 additional houses will be constructed. Approval is awaited from the department in relation to the tenders for the pilot phase of the regeneration project. However preliminary works are substantially completed. They include replacement of windows and doors, attic insulation, lighting upgrade and installation of CCTV. Also the site sign for the regeneration project has now been erected. Tenders for the landscaping works has also been received and works should be commence shortly.
Note: Clare County Council also provides the following housing services;
shared ownership schemes; mortgage allowance scheme and home improvement loans."
It was agreed that this matter be dealt with at a future housing committee meeting.
At this point it was agreed that a RIMS meeting be scheduled for Wednesday 25th October, 2006 at 4:00 p.m.
The manager updated the members on a joint initiative between K.T.C., R.R.D., Eirí and Shannon Development assessing the need for an integrated community facility for west Clare. An application for funding was submitted to carry out a feasibility study and the funding was secured. Members will be updated again.
Further to the previous briefing of members about Christmas lighting (July 2006), the manager advised that phased costings have been done and suppliers identified and discussions are still ongoing with the Chamber of Commerce at the KTC/Chamber liaison meeting. She advised that the first year estimate of the Christmas lights upgrade investment would be €55,000 with the second and third year being €15,000 to €20,000. Annual operation costs of €5,000 to €10,000 would be incurred.
It was agreed to hold a special meeting to discuss the matter of Christmas lighting on Wednesday 18th October 2006 at 4:00 p.m. and the members requested that they be circulated with the paperwork in advance of the meeting. Funding proposals would be discussed at the meeting.
- Correspondence
The following correspondence was noted :
- Reply from the office of the Taoiseach dated 20th September 2006 regarding The Great Famine 1845-1849.
- Letter dated 3rd October 2006 from the Health Service Executive.
- Letter dated 4th October 2006 from Clones Town Council re. youth.
Votes of Sympathy
It was agreed that a vote of sympathy would be extended to the following:
- Mr. Pat Carey, Monvana, Kilrush on the death of his sister Ann Carey, Henry Street, Kilrush.
- Mr. Flan Carmody, Monvana, Kilrush on the death of his sister Mary Culligan, Island View, Kilrush.
The meeting then concluded.
Signed : ______________________________
Cllr. Stephen O'Gorman
Mayor
Signed : ______________________________
Siobhán Curran
A/Senior Staff Officer
Dated this the day of 2006.