PrintMinutes of January Monthly Meeting of Kilrush Town Council held on 10th January 2008 at 4:00 p.m. in the Council Chamber, Town Hall, Kilrush
Presiding
Cllr. Tom Clyne, Méara.
Councillors Present
Tom Prendeville, Deirdre Culligan, Stephen O'Gorman, Colie Sweeney, Marian McMahon-Jones, Liam O'Looney, Christy O'Malley, Jack Fennell.
Officials Present
Mr. Leonard Cleary, A/Director of Service & Town Manager.
Ms. Fiona Mooney, Town Clerk.
Ms. Geraldine Quinn, Assistant Staff Officer.
Apologies
Mr. Derek Troy, Executive Engineer.
Item No. 1: Adoption of Minutes of December Monthly Meeting of Kilrush Town Council held on the 13th December 2007 at 4:00 p.m.
Ar Moladh Cllr. O'Malley cuidithe ag Cllr. O'Gorman :-
The Minutes of the December Monthly Meeting were duly adopted.
Item No. 2: Adoption of Minutes of Adjourned Annual Budget Meeting of Kilrush Town Council held on the 14th December 2007 at 1.00 p.m.
Ar Moladh Cllr. O'Gorman cuidithe ag Cllr. O'Malley :-
The Minutes of the Annual Budget Meeting were duly adopted.
Item No. 3: Sale of Land - Broderick Furniture - Name change formality.
Ar Moladh Cllr. Prendeville cuidithe ag Cllr. O'Gorman :-
The following Resolution was duly adopted :
"The transfer of land at Cooraclare Road, Kilrush previously effected between Kilrush Town Council and Broderick Furniture Manufacturing Ltd. is now approved as a transfer between Kilrush Town Council and the directors of Broderick Furniture & Manufacturing Co. Ltd., namely to Sean Broderick, Claire McDonald and Caroline Mahoney."
Item No. 4: Inspection Programme for Kilrush Town Council Houses.
The town clerk circulated a press release advising members that Kilrush Town Council staff are about to commence property inspections of all its rented stock. This inspection will involve assessment of maintenance and upkeep of property by tenants and will also give the council the opportunity to compliment good tenants. This move was welcomed by the members.
Item No. 5: Ar Moladh Cllr. Sweeney :-
"I am asking the Manager to give the members a timescale on when we can expect to see refurbishments of the council's housing stock at St. Senan's Terrace commenced."
In a written reply dated the 10th January 2008 the town clerk reported that :
"Kilrush Town Council’s stock at St. Senan’s Terrace comprises the following 7 houses: numbers 1, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9 and 17 St. Senan’s Terrace.
In 2006, Department approval for funding was received to include numbers 5, 9 and 17 St. Senan’s Terrace for full remedial works. This work is completed.
Additionally, between 2004 and 2006, all the Council’s St. Senan’s Terrace houses have had central heating installed (except no. 1).
The last remaining St. Senan’s Terrace house in need of works is no. 1. This house is derelict and for structural reasons, cannot be refurbished. A demolish and infill development is possible at this location. A preliminary approach with regard to possible development of the land to the rear has been made. It is prudent for the Council to await the outcome of this, before proceeding with the planned demolition and infill development at no. 1 St. Senan’s Terrace.”
Item No. 6: Ar Moladh Cllr. Sweeney :-
"I am asking the Town Engineer to inform the members on when the one-way system of traffic at John Street and Burton Street, approved by this council over twelve months ago, will be put in place."
In a written reply dated the 13th December 2007 the town engineer reported that :
"It is proposed to begin works on the implementation of the one-way systems as soon as possible following the Christmas period. John Street works in particular may not be implemented until all proposed developments on the street are nearing completion. Works on Burton Street will coincide with opening up of the High Street - Place de Plouzane access.”
Item No. 7: Ar Moladh Cllr. Sweeney :-
"I am asking the Town Engineer to report to the members on how advanced are matters relating to the planning condition that allows vehicles to exit from Place de Plouzane to High Street."
In a written reply dated the 13th December 2007 the town engineer reported that :
"It is proposed to begin works on the new access from High Street to Place de Plouzane as soon as possible following the Christmas period. This work cannot proceed until the one-way system at Burton Street has been implemented. Due to the poor sight distance on High Street, it was agreed in relation to the planning condition that vehicular access would only enter Place de Plouzane at this junction. One-way traffic on Burton will exit onto The Glen/High Street/Chapel Street. Both of these junctions require realignment/kerbing works and also warning/directional signage and road markings to implement the proposals safely and successfully.”
In the absence of the executive engineer the members requested that a full report on this matter be given at the February meeting.
Item No. 8: Ar Moladh Cllr. Prendeville cuidithe ag Cllr. O'Looney :-
"To ask the Manager to report to the members on the adequacy of the Kilrush Town Development Plan to embrace the many challenges and opportunities that will present for the town over the next five years."
In a written reply dated the 10th January 2008 John Bradley, Acting Senior Planner reported that :
"The public consultation period for the Kilrush Development Plan 2008 to 2014 closed on Friday 4 January 2008, and 5 submissions were received in respect of such consultation process. It is anticipated that the draft plan will be brought forward to the February Council meeting for consideration and formal adoption.
The new plan has incorporated a number of new policies and objectives to stimulate the sustainable development and growth of the economy of the town, and has made ample provision for the foreseeable future population, employment, educational, and developmental growth needs of the town to 2014. It is considered that there is sufficient zoned lands available within the new plan to provide for the realistic needs of the town for the plan period, and the provision of planned infrastructural services upgrades will enhance the positive attributes of the town in seeking new investment opportunities in Kilrush.
Some of the main potential challenges facing Kilrush Town which have been addressed in the plan seek to :
Retain and promote the development of improved services and attractions within Kilrush, and maintain the vibrancy of the town, in order to curb urban drift to the adjoining countryside areas.
Stimulate the competitiveness of the local economy through both local and external investment opportunities
Provide upgraded services infrastructure,
Promote urban renewal & regeneration of brown field sites within the urban core.
Complete the urban regeneration of the John Paul Estate.
Optimise the benefits of the provision of the first MANS Broadband services in Co Clare, and the stimulation of employment creation resulting therefrom.
Facilitate and promote the development of the planned marina and associated activities for short and long term employment creation.
If the above objectives can be achieved during the life of the new Development Plan, Kilrush Town will face a very positive future.”
The members were satisfied with the report of Mr. Bradley and felt that the Town Development Plan, which will soon be adopted, is adequate. The re-establishment of an industry and enterprise task force was considered as also vital for the future of jobs in Kilrush.
The acting town manager advised the members that Siobhán Garvey will be the secretariat on the new task force and draft proposals will soon be brought forward to the Kilrush Electoral Area and Kilrush Town Council.
Item No. 9: Ar Moladh Cllr. Prendeville cuidithe ag Cllr. O'Gorman :-
"To ask the Town Engineer to report to the members on roadwork proposals to remediate accident blackspots at Cosy Cottage Corner, Killimer Road and the dip in the road at Leadmore East on the N.67."
Following discussion on the matter it was agreed to seek a report from the Executive Engineer for the February meeting.
Item No. 10: Ar Moladh Cllr. Prendeville cuidithe ag Cllr. O'Gorman :-
"To commend the Executive Engineer and, in particular, Donal Buckley, Senior Executive Engineer, Clare County Council, on the recent programme of works carried out at the parish burial grounds including the laying of tarmacadam and drainage works at All Saints Cemetery."
Following discussion on the matter it was agreed to commend Donal Buckley, Senior Executive Engineer and Derek Troy, Executive Engineer for the very high standard of works carried out at All Saints Graveyard.
Cllr. Sweeney raised the matter of putting a pathway out along to the graveyard, together with extra lighting and it was agreed to refer this matter to the Executive Engineer for consideration.
Item No. 11: Correspondence
Copy letter dated 5th December 2007 from the Minister for Transport regarding road safety on the SPHE curriculum.
Copy letter dated 14th December 2007 from the office of the Minister for Education and Science regarding road safety on the SPHE curriculum.
Notification of Mid-West Regional Authority 14th Annual Conference to be held on the 7th and 8th February 2008 in the Woodlands House Hotel, Adare, Co. Limerick.
Cllr. Fennell advised the members that a proposed site for car-testing in the town is going to be inspected and on behalf of the land-owner he thanked the members for their support.
Votes of Sympathy
It was agreed that a vote of sympathy should issue to the following :-
- Mary Nolan, St. Joseph's Terrace, Kilrush on the death of her father Jimmy Grogan late of Ballynote West, Kilrush and to Mrs. Muriel Kiely, Ballynote West, Kilrush on the death of her partner Jimmy Grogan.
- Mr. Martin Nolan, Carnanes, Kilrush on the death of his brother Senan Nolan late of Moore Street, Kilrush.
- Margaret Darcy, Vandeleur Street, Kilrush on the death of her cousin Maura Nagle late of Moore Street, Kilrush.
- Jim Griffin, c/o High Street, Kilrush on the death of his father James Griffin.
- Mr. Thomas Clancy, Chapel Drive, Kilrush on the death of his wife Marie Clancy and to Michael Clancy, Crawford Street, Kilrush on the death of his mother Marie Clancy.
- Philomena Lorigan, Carnanes, Kilrush on the death of her husband Brendan Lorigan.
- Jacinta Galvin, Moyasta, Kilkee on the death of her mother Maria Clancy late of Querrin.
- Thomas Behan, Doonbeg Village on the death of his wife Bridie Behan.
- Paddy Bermingham, Ballykett, Kilrush and Peig Martin, Moore Street, Kilrush on the death of their brother Jimmy Bermingham late of Tullycrine, Cooraclare P.O., Kilrush.
- Pat McGeoghan on the death of his wife Mary McGeoghan late of Shannon Heights, Kilrush.
The meeting then concluded.