PrintMinutes of November Monthly Meeting of Kilrush Town Council held on the 14th November 2007 at 7:00 p.m. in the Council Chamber, Town Hall, Kilrush
Presiding
Cllr. Tom Clyne, Méara.
Councillors Present
Tom Prendeville, Deirdre Culligan, Colie Sweeney, 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.
Mr. Eamon O'Dea, Senior Executive Engineer.
Ms. Margaret Clancy, A/Senior Staff Officer.
Apologies
Cllr. Stephen O'Gorman
Item No. 1: Adoption of Minutes of October Monthly Meeting of Kilrush Town Council held on the 11th October 2007 at 4.00 p.m.
Ar Moladh Cllr. Prendeville cuidithe ag Cllr. Sweeney
The Minutes of the October Monthly Meeting were duly adopted.
The members praised Cllr. O'Looney as the Town Council's Chamber of Commerce Liaison Officer who also praised all involved in the Christmas lighting project in Kilrush.
Members discussed as a matter arising the development of an amenity walk way from Cappa Bridge to the Wood. The town clerk referred to the minute of September 2007 and confirmed that staff were always on the lookout for funding opportunities.
Item No. 2: Attendance of Mr. Sean Ward, Senior Engineer, Clare County Council's Environment and Emergency Services Dept.
Mr. Ward, having been welcomed by the mayor, delivered a report dated 14th November 2007 to the members and was thanked for it.
"The subject of recycling in Kilrush town and in the wider area of West Clare was discussed at Kilrush Town Council's meeting on 16th July 2007, and a report from this office was included in the matter for discussion. The meeting agreed that this office would work with Kilrush Town Council and return to the October meeting (subsequently adjourned to the November meeting) with a number of alternative designs for upgrading of the Place de Plouzané facility. It was also agreed that, if Kilrush Town Council wished to explore other ideas and proposals for recycling facilities, this office would participate in this.
As the Place de Plouzané facility was in such poor condition at the time of the July meeting, the two Councils decided that, rather than wait to prepare various designs, an improved layout should be urgently implemented. The raised concrete block paved area in the centre of the car park was assessed for suitability, and it was determined that it could accommodate banks for three colours of glass, aluminium cans, and plastic bottles without prejudicing pedestrian or vehicle safety and without reducing the numbers of parking spaces available. This site is directly under public lighting, and the two Councils are currently examining the provision of cameras, whether visible or covert, to monitor the site in case of abuse or vandalism. The possibility of adding a textile container is currently being examined. The possibility of a cardboard recycling facility was also examined, but it was considered that this would require either large containers or compaction machinery, neither of which was considered suitable for an unmanned site open on a 24/7 basis.
Clare County Council greatly appreciates the work that Kilrush Town Council has been doing in removing rubbish from the site since the banks were relocated, and checking the rubbish for evidence of who placed it.
The present location and layout in Place de Plouzané are in my opinion the best that could be achieved, and there is little point in designing other layouts here which would be unlikely to be better than the one now adopted. Clare Co Council has to date spent approximately €5,000 in setting up the new layout.
Regarding identification of other suitable sites in or near the town centre, the two Councils have been in continual contact with each other, and so far no such sites have been identified. Clare Co Council is monitoring planning applications to Kilrush TC which might be suitable for conditions for inclusion of public recycling facilities.
Pending identification of any other suitable sites, it is my opinion that the present Place de Plouzané layout should continue in operation, with textile banks and cameras to be added if found to be feasible and operable."
In the discussion that followed, the members acknowledged a major improvement in the look and management of the Place de Plouzane bring banks. They felt that in the medium and long term, given the level of commercial investment at Place de Plouzane that the location was not right for the bring banks and they wanted the bring facility extended to other recyclables, cardboard, tin cans and paper.
Some members expressed the view that the site for the Council's depot on the Cooraclare Road would be good, whereas Mr. Ward felt that this site would not be suitable for a bring bank, because it was not central enough. Mr. Ward stressed that even if a suitable alternative site was found, it would be extremely difficult to source funding for development costs, given that the Lisdeen facility is 7 miles in the vicinity and this funding challenge was also referred to by the town manager.
The members asked that this item be tabled in March 2008, with a return presentation again. Members also wished to have included in the revised development plan their aspiration for an extended recycling facility in the town of Kilrush.
Item No. 3: Set Date for Pre-Budget Meeting
It was agreed to hold the pre-budget discussion at 4:00 p.m. on Wednesday 28th November.
Item No. 4: Set Date for Budget Meeting
It was agreed to hold the budget meeting at 3.15 on Thursday 13th December, immediately before the December meeting of the Council, at which Mayor Patricia McCarthy would also be in attendance.
Item No. 5: Ar Moladh Cllr. Fennell
"That this Council request the breakdown of the last census, promised for last April."
Cllr. Fennell referred back to previous disquiet about the accuracy of census results for Kilrush. The town clerk confirmed that it was at the November 2006 meeting that Michael Neylon had been in attendance to make a presentation on the census. Mr. Neylon had, since then, moved to another job within the local authority. The town clerk was asked to refer the members' query to the relevant personnel with a view to coming back to the December meeting.
Item No. 6: Ar Moladh Cllr Fennell
"That this Council receive any further information on the proposal of the Vehicle Testing Site at Kilrush."
There had been a previous acknowledgement but nothing definitive by way of reply. Cllr. Fennell felt that the benefits in terms of cost, road safety and environmental savings of having a west Clare test centre were substantial and should be actively considered, particularly when, in his view, a suitable site was available.
Following discussion, the town clerk was asked to refer this matter again to the Department of Transport for response.
It was agreed to take items 7 and 8 together.
Item No. 7: Ar Moladh Cllr. O'Looney
"That this Council would provide adequate traffic calming measures on the Cappa Road."
Item No. 8: Ar Moladh Cllr. O'Looney
"That this Council would provide adequate traffic calming measures on the Back Road and O'Gorman Street, Kilrush."
In a written reply to item 7 circulated dated the 14th November 2007 the Executive Engineer reported that :
"An up-to-date traffic speed survey and traffic count will be conducted as soon as possible at this location. Results will be forwarded to the Road Design Section of Clare County Council seeking a design for appropriate traffic calming measures proposals ."
Cllr. O'Looney wondered why another traffic survey at Cappa would be necessary and it was explained that the movement of traffic was important to the type of solution proposed. The SEE confirmed that widespread use of ramps was not considered to be a viable solution. The SEE confirmed he would pursue with Road Design the traffic situation at Cappa.
It was confirmed in response to a request to the SEE, that Toler Street could not become subject to different speed limit signs than the rest of the town.
In a written reply to item 8 circulated dated 14th November 2007 the Executive Engineer reported that :
"An up-to-date traffic speed survey and traffic count will be conducted as soon as possible at this location. Results will be forwarded to the Road Design Section of Clare County Council seeking a design for appropriate traffic calming measures proposals ."
Item No. 9: Ar Moladh Cllr. O'Looney
"That this Council would provide a pedestrian crossing on the back road to allow safe passage for the primary school children going to the church and the library".
In a written reply dated 14th November 2007, the town engineer reported that:
"A controlled pedestrian crossing is proposed to be constructed as part of the development opposite the primary schools, which will allow safe access across the Back Road."
Cllr O'Looney acknowledged the content of the reply but wanted the pedestrian crossing at the library. The SEE was asked to revert to the December meeting.
Item No. 10: Ar Moladh Cllr. Prendeville
"That this Council would consider making additional disabled parking spaces available as per Kilrush Town (Parking Places) Bye-Laws".
In a written reply dated 14th November 2007, the town engineer reported that:
"There are currently nineteen disabled parking spaces provided in Kilrush at the following locations-
Frances Street (8), Burton Street (1), Stewart Street (1), Pound Street (1), Moore Street (1), Toler Street (1), Henry Street (1), John Street (1), Market Square (1), Old Fire Station Carpark (1), Place de Plouzane (2).
It is proposed currently to add two new spaces on Vandeleur Street and also a space at Cappagh playground. All new large developments, both residential and commercial, are required to have adequate disabled parking spaces. Consideration will be given to any requests for additional spaces."
Cllr Prendeville acknowledged the reply as an example that Kilrush Town Council has made good provision for disabled spaces in its traffic management planning. It was confirmed that there were two (not one) disabled spaces on John Street. More disabled spaces were requested in Kilrush, particularly in the main shopping streets.
Item No. 11: Ar Moladh Cllr. Prendeville
"That this Council would ask the manager to inform the elected members on the current situation on Social and Affordable housing provision in the Kilrush Town area".
In a written reply dated 14th November 2007, the town clerk reported
- Acquisitions/New Constructions/Tenant Purchase
- Kilrush Town Council has a total of 176 dwellings in its housing stock. Kilrush Town Council has purchased 3 houses during 2007, in line with the annual capital allocation from the Department of the Environment, Heritage and Local Government. 7 infill units (ie additional houses) are under construction as part of the pilot phase of John Paul Estate. 3 Tenant Purchase applications have been completed thus far in 2007, with a number of others in progress.
I WILL Scheme (Improvement Works in Lieu)/Mobility Accessibility adaptations
- One IWILL scheme was completed during 2007 and another is in progress. Adaptations to two houses are in progress with respect of people with a disability.
Regeneration and Remedial Works Scheme
- The 28 house pilot phase for John Paul Estate is underway with a Spring expected completion. A consultation with the members and the community is expected before the year end with regard to a second and final phase for submission for approval to the Department of the Environment, Heritage and Local Government.
Affordable Housing
- 6 houses have been made available as affordable houses in Kilrush during 2007, under the Part V requirements of planning conditions. Kilrush Town Council expects, given that other significant housing developments which have planning permission granted may commence construction, that further houses for affordable or social housing purposes may become available for approved affordable housing applicants or approved social housing applicants.
Housing Applicants
- There are currently 98 approved applicants on Kilrush Town Council's housing list.
Provision of Future Schemes
- Town Council is currently pursuing possibilities with respect to small 'turnkey' developments, with a view to developing new, small, Kilrush Town Council schemes to meet the housing needs of approved applicants. Voluntary housing interests are also in discussion with the Council.
- The Council will also continue to seek capital allocation for acquiring 2nd hand houses into Council stock."
It was confirmed that developers may pay money instead of providing housing units by agreement of the local authority and that any such payment was 'ringfenced' for the provision of further social and affordable housing by the local authority. Members welcomed the 6 affordable houses in Kilrush. Cllr Prendeville highlighted that young couples and single men had particular housing needs. The town clerk acknowledged that housing applicants to the authority had a considerable number of single men and said that finding new locations for housing would be priority in the 2008 programme.
Item No. 12: Ar Moladh Cllr. Prendeville
"That this Council welcomes the announcement from the Department of the Environment Heritage and Local Government for three new grant schemes that will benefit people with a disability, those in need of mobility aids and housing aid for older people."
Cllr Prendeville welcomed the three schemes of grants for privately owned houses. The town clerk will circulate details to the members for their information.
Item No. 13: Ar Moladh Cllr. Sweeney
"To ask the manager what procedures and policies are in place to regulate control and co-ordinate the digging up of roads and footpaths by the ESB, telecommunication companies and other third parties."
In a written reply dated 14th November 2007, the town engineer reported that:
" Road Opening Licences are required for all excavations on public areas e.g. roads, footpaths, grass verges and open areas. All contractors, third parties and private individuals require licences, with the exception the Local Authority itself. The following are the requirements that apply to all licences
1. The Licensee shall only carry out the works within the times and dates indicated on the Licence. This Licence application only appertains to areas within the jurisdiction of Clare County Council. On the direction of An Garda Siochana or an authorised officer of Clare County Council, works must be immediately suspended and safe provision made for pedestrians and vehicular traffic flow. The reasons for ordering a cessation will be confirmed.
2. The Licensee shall and hereby does indemnify Clare County Council against all responsibility in respect to injury of persons or property arising in conjunction with this licence until completion of the maintenance period. The minimum indemnity for a single accident shall be €6,350,000.
3. Responsibility for the excavation and the permanent reinstatement remains with the Licensee for a maintenance period of twenty four months from the date of excavation. Any remedial works required during this maintenance period shall be carried out by the Licensee to the requirements of Clare County Council.
- All reinstatements must be carried out in accordance with the conditions and specifications attached to the licence.
- In the execution of the work to which this licence relates, the licencee shall exercise all reasonable care to avoid inconvenience to pedestrians and vehicular traffic. Where works interfere with a public footpath, a temporary footpath with suitable handrails and non-slip ramps shall be provided around the works. In particular, a hazard must not be created for blind or partially sighted users of the public road/footpath. Control and signposting of roadworks shall be in accordance with the "Traffic Sighs Manual" (Department of the Environment and Local Government, available for purchase from Government Publications).
- All works, including overnight and temporary storage of plant and equipment, shall be in accordance with the N.R.A. "Specification for Road Works" (available for purchase from the National Roads Authority) or where otherwise specified in the Licence.
- A minimum of two signs shall be displayed on site indicating the name and local contact telephone number for the contractor.
- Prior advance notice of 7 days must be given to the local authority before work
9. The Licensee must bear all responsibility for the proper repair of all services damaged during excavation.
10.This licence is issued on the basis of information indicated on the application. Any subsequent amendment of this information prior to commencement of work shall be submitted, in writing, to Clare County Council and subject to agreement.
11. Excavations shall be sufficiently protected to avoid harmful effects of adjacent wheel loading from both traffic and construction vehicles and to prevent undermining of the adjacent pavement.
12. If undermining of the adjacent pavement occurs, it must be cut back 75 mm beyond the edge of the collapse along the whole of that section of excavation to maintain a straight edge parallel to the original excavation.
13. The specification for buried services shall be appropriate to sustain the relevant traffic loading at the depth of cover of the installed service.
14. A minimum 50 mm clearance is required vertically and horizontally between individual ducts or services installed in a group.
15. Material in which services are to be laid shall be sufficiently compacted to prevent the occurrence of residual consolidation.
16. All edges of excavated areas on concrete or bituminous footways and roadways shall be saw cut to form trimmed edges. For permanent reinstatements, a trimmed edge shall be a minimum of 100 mm from the firm edge of the excavation.
17. The use of a backacter is assumed for mechanical excavation. The use of other means of mechanical excavation (e.g. trencher/top cutter) shall be subject to prior written approval from the Transportation & Infrastructure Section, Clare County Council. The use of rubber tyred excavators is required for trenches in public roads.
18. The Licensee must comply with any Special Conditions of the Local Authority."
It was reported that business people had voiced concerns about the road being dug up for broadband in the run up to Christmas. It was confirmed that a road opening licence had issued on 14th November in respect of works to the Square and Henry Street and a daily review would be held between the contractor and the town engineer. All indications are that the current works portion (Square and Henry Street) would take 2 weeks.
The benefits of broadband for the town were acknowledged as a tremendous opportunity for all sectors in Kilrush.
Item No. 14: Correspondence
The following correspondence was read and noted :
Copy letter dated 9th October 2007 received from Kildare County Council regarding planning submission fees.
Copy letter dated 10th October 2007 from Aer Lingus regarding Shannon/Heathrow connectivity.
Copy letter dated 10th October 2007 from Assistant Private Secretary to the Taoiseach regarding Shannon/Heathrow connectivity.
Association of Municipal Authorities of Ireland - Submission - Green Paper on Local Government Reform.
Copy letter dated 25th October 2007 received from Monaghan Town Council regarding Community Childcare Subvention Scheme.
Copy notification of Pathfinding Conference to be held on 1st December 2007 in Regency Hotel, Dublin.
There was some discussion of the Shannon LNG at Tarbert and the manager clarified procedural issues under the Strategic Development Act, under which this development falls. Members requested that the developers be invited to make a presentation to them at a future meeting.
The mayor reminded the meeting of the launch of "Saints and Singers" in aid of the restoration fund for St Senans. All were invited to the launch, at 8:00 p.m. on 22nd November in St Senans.
Votes of Sympathy
It was agreed that a vote of sympathy should issue to Mr. Paddy Greene of Pella Road, Kilrush on the death of his wife Mrs. Eileen Greene.
The meeting then concluded.