PrintMinutes of April Monthly Meeting of Kilrush Town Council held on Thursday 10th April 2008 at 4:00 p.m. in the Council Chamber, Town Hall, Kilrush
Presiding:
- Cllr. Tom Clyne, Méara.
Councillors present:
- Tom Prendeville, Deirdre Culligan, Marian McMahon-Jones, Liam O'Looney, Christy O'Malley, Jack Fennell.
Officials present:
- Ms. Bernadette Kinsella, Director of Service & Town Manager.
- Ms. Fiona Mooney, Town Clerk.
- Bernadette O'Donnell, Student.
Apologies
- Cllr Collie Sweeney
- Cllr Stephen O’Gorman
Item No.1: Adoption of Minutes of March Monthly Meeting of Kilrush Town Council held on the 13th March at 4.00 p.m.
Ar moladh Cllr. O Malley cuidithe ag Cllr. Clyne :-
The minutes of the March Monthly Meeting were duly adopted.
Item No.2: Ar Moladh Cllr. Clyne cuidithe ag Cllr. O’Malley: -
The recent advertisement of two Kilrush Town Council Community Grant Schemes was notified to the members.
- Community Arts
- Community Development.
The grant scheme forms were passed around among the members who noted closing date for applications for both is 31st May 2008.
Item No.3: Joint Meeting with members of Shannon Town Council (set date).
Following discussion, it was decided the chosen proposed dates to be put forward to the Shannon Town Council will be May 1st & May 22nd.
Item No.4. Ar Moladh Cllr. O’Looney cuidithe ag Cllr. Clyne: -
"That this council would extend the playground at Cappa with new playing facilities and also put right the existing ones there already.”
In a written reply dated the 10th April 2008, Siobhán O'Keeffe, Senior Staff Officer reported that:
"This council is in the process of seeking quotations from suppliers of playground equipment to replace existing equipment that is in poor condition and improve the overall layout and presentation of the play facilities at Cappa.”
Following discussion, the members expressed the urgency at which this development needs to take place and the Town Clerk acknowledged the Council’s intention to proceed as soon as possible.
Item No.5. Ar Moladh Cllr. O’Looney: -
"That this Council would ask Clare County Council to carry out improvements at Brew’s Bridge bathing area as it is in a terrible state.”
The members agreed the area needs to be upgraded. It was further agreed that a letter expressing their concerns and seeking an update on Brew’s Bridge would be written to the Clare County Council by the Town Clerk.
Item No.6. Ar Moladh Cllr. O’Looney cuidithe ag Cllr Prendeville: -
"That this Council would ask the Manager to see if there is any update on the monies sought to do a feasibility study on the walkway from The Orchard to Cappa Road.”
In a written reply dated the 10th April 2008, Siobhan O’Keefe, Senior Staff Officer reported that:
" The potential of the river and the wood in terms of their amenity value for the town is acknowledged. This is reflected in the Kilrush Town Development Plan 2008-2014, which states, "A recreational route has been provided for within the Plan which allows for enjoyment and protection of the natural assets of the town, those being in the harbour, wood river and Vandeleur Gardens”
To date, no monies have been specifically sought to carry out a feasibility study on the walkway, from the Orchard to Cappa Road but Kilrush Town Council will continue to be alert to all funding opportunities.
Preliminary assessment of this proposed walkway has identified the south side of the river as the most appropriate side for the development of this proposed walkway. It is now intended to submit a request to the council architect to prepare a design concept that will guide the future development of this proposed walkway.
Kilrush Town Council will also continue to factor in this proposed walkway into future planning applications similar to that currently coming to a conclusion at ‘The Manse’ development.”
Item No. 7: Ar Moladh Cllr. Prendeville cuidithe ag Cllr. Fennell: -
"That this Council expresses its appreciation to the relatives of the Nagle family, Moore Street, Kilrush who have donated the original silver key and citation presented by Kilrush Town Council to the late Tom Nagle TC, former councillor and chairman in recognition of his distinguished public service to the people of Kilrush.”
The members acknowledged Cllr. Nagle’s long years public service and his outstanding contribution. The members declared what a great honour and privilege it is to be presented with the key that had been given to him in 1945 to mark the ending of his time as a public representative after 31 years. It was agreed that the key would be displayed in the Council chamber, next to the photo of Cllr. Nagle.
Item No. 8: Ar Moladh Cllr. Prendeville cuidithe ag Cllr. O’ Malley: -
"That this Council would liaise with the West Clare Economic Task Force in investigating the feasibility of establishing a Craft and Enterprise Centre within the Vandeleur Walled Garden.”
In a written reply dated the 10th April 2008, Siobhan O'Keefe, Senior Staff Officer reported that:
"The council together with the board of Kilrush Amenity Trust Ltd and the Vandeleur Project Team acknowledge the potential that still exists within the Vandeleur demesne and this is reflected in the Vandeleur Action Plan.
The complete restoration of the stables area of the Vandeleur Walled Garden presents an opportunity to expand the Vandeleur product offering, to improve the visitor experience while also providing enterprise opportunities.
To date, an application has been made to the Dept. of Environment, Heritage & local Government to repair and consolidate the North East section of the stable block to accommodate stores, workshops and seed and plant propagation unit.
The Board of Kilrush Amenity Trust are also currently exploring opportunities for funding under Failte Ireland’s Tourism Capital Investment Programme and will be happy to work with the West Clare Economic Task Force to achieve this aim.”
Cllr. Prendeville was satisfied with the reply as given. Following discussion on the matter, the members expressed appreciation to Kilrush Amenity Trust Ltd for being the principal body on leading the great developments that have been achieved in the Vandeleur Walled Gardens.
Item No. 9: Ar Moladh Cllr. Prendeville cuidithe ag Cllr. Clyne: -
"That this Council would request the Minister for Transport and the Minister for Health and Children to consider Kilrush as a base for the proposed marine-ambulance emergency service.”
Following discussion on the matter, the members supported a base in Kilrush and agreed that a letter illustrating the peripheral location of Kilrush and the need for emergency health cover would be sent to both the Minister for Transport and the Minister for Health and Children.
Item No. 10: Correspondence
- Copy letter dated 6th March 2008 from Clones Town Council regarding the appointment of an ombudsman in the Department of Health.
- Copy letter dated 6th March 2008 from Clones Town Council regarding agency employment.
- Copy letter dated 26th February 2008 from Tralee Town Council regarding tax relief.
- Copy Notification from Kadenza Consultations Ltd. Regarding training seminar for councillors "Local Government & the Environment” to be held from the 16th to 18th May 2008 at The Burren Coast Hotel, Ballyvaughan, Co. Clare.
- Copy letter dated 20th March 2008 from the Private Secretary to the Minister for the Environment, Heritage & Local Government regarding school water charges.
- Copy Notification from the National Adult Literacy Agency regarding conference to be held in the Galway Bay Hotel on the 21st May 2008.
- Copy letter dated 25th March 2008 from Mullingar Town Council regarding disenfranchising local Mullingar town people.
- Copy letter dated 3rd April 2008 from Clare County Council regarding one-day conference in Ennis on the 15th May 2008- "War for Water – who carries the can.”
- Copy letter dated 20th March 2008 from Pat Daly, Chief Ambulance Officer, HSE regarding ambulance cover in Kilrush.
Other Business: -
Scheme of Letting Priorities
Arising from a meeting in-committee with members after the March 2008 statutory meeting, a revised Scheme of Letting Priorities was presented to members. The principal revision would have the result that housing applications who refuse an offer of housing would be removed from the housing list for 18 months. Offers would specify this at the outset.
The Manager and Town Clerk recommended the revised scheme, as a strategic necessity in the interests of housing and estate management. The revised scheme was adopted by the members on the proposed of Cllr. Jack Fennell and seconding by Cllr. Tom Clyne.
The Meeting then Concluded.