PrintMinutes of November Monthly Meeting of Kilrush Town Council held on the 13th November at 4.00 p.m. in the Council Chamber, Town Hall, Kilrush
Presiding
-
Cllr. Liam O'Looney, Méara
Councillors present
- Tom Prendeville
- Deirdre Culligan
- Stephen O'Gorman
- Colie Sweeney
- Marian McMahon-Jones
- Tom Clyne
- Christy O'Malley
- Jack Fennell
Officials present
- Ms. Bernadette Kinsella
- Director of Service & Town Manager
- Mr. John Corry, Town Clerk
- Ms. Geraldine Quinn, Assistant Staff Officer
Apologies
- Mr. Derek Troy, Executive Engineer
With the agreement of the members Item No. 2 was dealt with first.
Item No. 2: Attendance of Superintendent Michael Comyns (Joint Policing Committee)
The Mayor welcomed Supt. Michael Comyns to the meeting. The Superintendent then addressed the meeting advising that he was involved in a Joint Policing Committee in Cork and it has been operating very positively. It necessitates the Council and the Gardaí working jointly and the JPC’s are recommended to meet quarterly and a public meeting should be held once a year. The Superintendent advised that the Guidelines, which the members were circulated with, are a good framework in dealing with who has to do what. The JPC will be made up of a group of 19. An elected member of the Council will be the chair. The remaining 8 elected members will be on the committee along with 3 community representatives 2 members of nominated by Co. Manager and Oireachtas members. The normal procedure is for 3 members of the Oireachtas to be on the JPC, but the Department have advised that based on the size of Kilrush 1 Oireachtas member is sufficient. (reducing membership to 17). The Superintendent stressed the importance of having the widest possible representation from the town and advised that the Town Council will have a huge influence on the JPCs. During discussions it was noted that drugs awareness and speeding in the town were some of the issues that would need to be addressed by the JPCs.
At this point, with the agreement of the members Cllr. Sweeney brought forward Item No. 9 to be dealt with in the presence of the Superintendent.
Item No. 9: Ar Moladh Cllr. Sweeney cuidithe
"To ask the Manager about the promised CCTV system for Kilrush."
Cllr. Sweeney enquired if any progress had been made for the provision of CCTV in the town. The Mayor pointed out that from his recollection CCTV had never been promised, but an application was to be made.
In a written reply circulated dated the 13th November 2008 the Town Clerk reported that :
"Kilrush Town Council was enabled, via Department of Environment, Heritage and Local Government capital funding, to install CCTV cameras for the monitoring of streets and open green areas in John Paul Estate. The funding was provided as part of the Remedial Works Scheme approved for the estate. The CCTV cameras are capable of being monitored in the Garda Station as well as the Town Council offices and the cameras are recording images that could be used by Gardaí in the event of an incident. The CCTV has served as a preventative measure and contributes in a positive way to achieving a safer environment for all the residents, with a substantial reduction in the level of anti-social behaviour in the estate since their introduction."
It was suggested that the Joint Policing Committee could look at the issue of CCTV as part of its remit.
Item No. 1: Adoption of Minutes of October Monthly Meeting of Kilrush Town Council held on the 9th October 2008 at 4.00 p.m
Ar Moladh Cllr. O'Gorman cuidithe ag Cllr. Clyne :-
The Minutes of the October Monthly Meeting were duly adopted.
Matters Arising
Cllr. McMahon-Jones enquired as to the progress regarding the Land Registry Search. The town clerk confirmed that significant progress has been made and he would expect to have something to present to the members early in the new year.
In reply to Cllr. McMahon-Jones's query regarding the signage on the Kilkee/Doonbeg Road, the town clerk advised, in the absence of the executive engineer, that signs will be altered to reflect the speed limits contained in the Traffic Management Plan.
Cllr. McMahon-Jones made an enquiry regarding the former Senior Executive Engineer's plans regarding traffic calming at Cappa and the town clerk advised that the Executive Engineer is checking out this matter.
With regard to the break-down of civic offices funds given at the October meeting, Cllr. McMahon-Jones noted that what was recorded in the minutes was not as detailed as the reply actually given at the meeting.
With regard to Item 8 from the October meeting, Cllr. Culligan enquired if Cllr. Prendeville had tabled a motion at the Electoral Area Meeting regarding the distribution of minutes of Kilrush Electoral Area meetings to members of Kilrush Town Council. Cllr. Prendeville confirmed that this had been done and the members were being invited to the next meeting.
Cllr. Culligan made an enquiry regarding a meeting that was to take place arising from Item 9 on the October agenda. The town clerk advised that he had spoken with Catherine O'Hara who advised that Comhairle na nÓg will be holding their AGM on the 28th November next and she suggested that the requested meeting take place after that date. Following discussion it was agreed that the sub-committee should be selected as soon as possible after the 28th November, but in the meantime that a letter should issue to the youth/sporting groups in the town. The members requested that Catherine O'Hara be invited to give a presentation at the December meeting.
Item No. 3: Set date for pre-Budget Meeting
It was agreed to hold the pre-Budget meeting on Thursday 27th November 2008 at 4.00 p.m.
Item No. 4: Set date for Budget Meeting
It was agreed to hold the Budget meeting in advance of the December monthly meeting on Thursday 11th December 2008 at 3.00 p.m.
Item No. 5: Ar Moladh Cllr. Prendeville cuidithe ag Cllr. O'Looney
"That this Council encourages members of the community to support local business this Christmas and also to show a positive bias towards Quality Guaranteed Irish products in their purchases in support of local and national employment."
Cllr. Prendeville advised that people need to shop locally to support local businesses and promote local employment.
The Mayor, on behalf of the Chamber of Commerce, thanked the council for their support in the provision of Christmas lighting in the town.
Item No. 6: Ar Moladh Cllr. Prendeville
"That this Council, in the context of the Kilrush Town Traffic Management Plan, would ask the Town Engineer to report to the elected members on the feasibility of installing a pedestrian crossing at the junction of O'Dea's Road and the Ennis Road as elderly citizens are finding the present situation extremely hazardous and unsafe."
In a written reply circulated dated the 13th November 2008 the Executive Engineer reported that :
"A design report has been requested from the Road Design department of Clare County Council on the overall realignment of the junction of Ennis Road / Vandeleur Street, Griffin Road, Limekiln Road and O’Dea’s Road. As this section of roadway forms part of the National Road (N68), any realignment/improvement works will have to undergo an NRA Road Safety Audit. The provision of safe areas for pedestrians to pass through this junction will be taken into consideration in the re-design of this junction. Access from Griffin Road onto the Ennis Road, which is currently hazardous, will also be addressed."
Cllr. Prendeville expressed his satisfaction with the reply as given.
Item No. 7: Ar Moladh Cllr. Prendeville
"That this Council would ask the Manager to make the necessary arrangements for a full review of the radon gas levels in all its housing stock."
In a written reply circulated dated the 13th November 2008 the Town Clerk reported that :
"According to statistics for radon in Ireland, Kilrush and West Clare in general, it is estimated that the percentage of dwellings above the radon reference level, of 200 Becquerels per cubic metre 200 BQ/m³, is less than 1%. It is proposed therefore to test a random sample of local authority houses and based on the findings from these tests it will advise as to the necessity or not to carry out a full review of our local authority housing stock."
Cllr. Prendeville welcomed the reply as given, but stressed that from previous surveys radon levels are very low in Kilrush.
It was agreed to take Items 8 and 13 together.
Item No. 8: Ar Moladh Cllr. Sweeney cuidithe ag Cllr. O'Gorman
"That this Council would carry out an audit of the public lighting system in the town to ascertain the efficacy of the current system, areas in need of illumination and to conduct a spot check on those lights not working as the dark winter evenings approach."
Item No. 13: Ar Moladh Cllr. O'Gorman cuidithe ag Cllr. Sweeney
"That this Council would look at all the street lighting especially Grey's Street, St. Senan's Tce., Moore Street, Wilson's Road, Lime Kiln Road, Pound Street and Pella Road/etc., etc."
In a written reply circulated dated the 13th November 2008 the Executive Engineer reported that :
"All public lights are currently checked on the first week of each month by the town general services supervisor. Following the monthly check, a report of all defective public lights is sent to the ESB. Under the Council’s contract with the ESB, any defective public lights are required to be repaired within two weeks of this report.
An overall assessment of the public lighting system is carried out regularly, in conjunction with a member of personnel from the ESB. This assessment sets outs areas in need of upgrade to existing public lights and areas for the provision of additional or new public lights where street lighting does not currently exist."
Cllr. Sweeney expressed his dissatisfaction with the service being given by the ESB regarding public lighting in the town. He suggested that the council's legal adviser be contacted with a view to seeing if the ESB could be pursued for breach of contract. He further suggested that the town engineer conduct a survey of public lighting in the town. Cllr. O'Gorman advised that the lighting system is not very good in a lot of the town, particularly Wilson's Road, and upgrading is needed. The Back Road, Pella Road, Pound Street and the back of Island View need adequate public lighting. The town manager advised that public lighting will be included in the Roadworks Programme and proposals will be coming forward in February/March 2009.
It was proposed by Cllr. Prendeville and seconded by Cllr. O'Looney that Wilson's Road would get priority for public lighting works and that Clare County Council should be sent the bill.
Item No. 10: Ar Moladh Cllr. Sweeney cuidithe ag Cllr. Clyne
"That this Council would show its support for the Kilrush Parish Graveyard Maintenance Group in its effort to keep the parish burial grounds in good shape in its programme of works during the month of the Holy Souls."
Cllr. Sweeney advised that a Church gate collection will be held on the 22nd/23rd November and he urged his follow members to give generously. He suggested that the town clerk write a letter to the Parish Priest asking him to stress upon his parishioners the need to bring home their rubbish from the graveyards. The Mayor was complimented for his laying of the wreath in remembering the dead.
It was proposed by Cllr. Prendeville and seconded by Cllr. Clyne that a letter issue to Peadar McNamara complimenting him on the tremendous work done by him, Rev. Bob Hanna and Fr. Tom Hogan in organizing the ceremony held last week in The Cathedral in Ennis to honour the dearly departed.
Item No. 11: Ar Moladh Cllr. O'Gorman cuidithe ag Cllr. Culligan
"That this Council would see fit to resurface all of Moore Street, Greys Street and St. Senan's Terrace to the wood gate. Also an extra ramp is needed in Grey's Street."
In a written reply circulated dated the 13th November 2008 the Executive Engineer reported that :
"The section of Moore Street, which forms part of the National Road (N67), from Stewart Street to the Town Hall was highlighted for resurfacing in the drafting of the County Council’s 2008 roadworks programme, however funding was not allocated. This area will be requested again for 2009.
The section of roadway from the Turrett Lane junction, through Grace Street past St. Senan’s Terrace to the western end of Wood Road cannot currently be considered for major resurfacing works, as the main sewer running through this road is to be replaced under the Kilrush Sewerage Scheme. Regular general maintenance will be undertaken to ensure that the condition this road section does not deteriorate further.
As part of the traffic calming scheme in this area, all ramps have been constructed as per the agreed design, apart the junction ramp at Chapel Street / Moore Street. Without further speed surveys or instruction from the Gardai, it is not intended to provide any extra ramps at this time."
Following discussion on the matter it was agreed that serious work is needed at Moore Street, Grace Street and St. Senan's Terrace. Cllr. O'Gorman expressed his dissatisfaction with the provision of only one ramp as he felt that three were needed. The council workers were commended for their promptness in filling the holes on Moore Street, but a blocked drain/gulley is contributing to the flooding. It was felt that the footpaths at this location also need to be done.
Item No. 12: Ar Moladh Cllr. O'Gorman
"That this Council would look at the flooding in St. Patrick's Terrace and rectify this problem."
In a written reply circulated dated the 13th November 2008 the Executive Engineer reported that :
"An inspection of the existing gullies and surface water system on the roadway will take place as soon as possible. Works will be undertaken as required, to prevent this ponding occurring on the roadway in future."
It was agreed to take Items 14 and 16 together.
Item No. 14: Ar Moladh Cllr. Culligan cuidithe ag Cllr. O'Gorman
"That this Council would urge the Minister of Education & Science to withdraw the recent cutbacks proposed in education by the Government in their Budget of 2008/2009."
Item No. 16: Ar Moladh Cllr. McMahon-Jones cuidithe ag Cllr. Prendeville
"That this Council would contact the Minister of Education & Science, and demand the immediate withdrawal of the proposed cuts to the educational system in our schools."
Following discussion on the matter it was agreed to send a letter to the Minister for Education and Science requesting that the cutbacks as announced in the recent budget be withdrawn. It was agreed to copy this letter to our 4 Oireachtas members and all Councils expressing the distaste and abhorrence of the members of Kilrush Town Council to these cuts.
Item No. 15: Ar Moladh Cllr. Culligan cuidithe ag Cllr. McMahon-Jones
"That this Council would write to the Minister for Transport expressing our concern on the new departure tax and the difference between Shannon Airport and Dublin. And that it would be reviewed."
Cllr. Culligan advised the meeting that she was asked by the Tourism I.G. to table this motion.
During discussion the members expressed their dissatisfaction with the imposition of a €10 departure tax from Shannon and only €2 from Dublin. This was seen as discrimination against Shannon. It was agreed to issue a letter to the Minister for Transport requesting that the new departure tax be abolished as the members felt that we should be encouraging people to our airport not turning them away.
Item No. 17: Ar Moladh Cllr. McMahon-Jones cuidithe ag Cllr. Culligan
"That this Council invites Alec Fleming and the executive of Kilrush Town Council, to meet with the members of this council at the December meeting."
During discussion the Town Manager confirmed that the executive of Kilrush Town Council consists of the Town Manager and the Town Clerk and the booklet on the role of the elected member can be re-issued if necessary.
Cllr. Fennell expressed his annoyance at the fact that planning decisions/refusals are signed-off in the name of Kilrush Town Council when the elected members don't have an input in the decision making. He expressed a wish to disassociate himself with the planning decisions. The Town Manager clarified that the planning process is open and transparent and available for inspection.
Following discussion it was agreed to invite the County Manager, Alec Fleming, to attend the December meeting.
Item No. 18: Ar Moladh Cllr. McMahon-Jones
"That the Manager - would attach a monthly report of our Civic Office Fund - to our Monthly agenda."
Cllr. McMahon-Jones, in the interest of accountability and in an effort to keep the members informed, requested that a monthly/quarterly report issue to the members giving the status of what's in the Civic Offices account. The town clerk confirmed that members will be aware of the balance from the AFS and there won't be any account changes until the next AFS in or about March/April 2009.
Item No. 19: Correspondence
Letter from Thésée Townhall regarding project of town twinning.
Letter dated 13th October 2008 from Clones Town Council regarding Fuel Allowance Scheme and Living Alone Allowance.
Letter dated 15th October 2008 from the Department of Education and Science, together with enclosure "Guide to water efficiency in schools".
Letter dated 22nd October 2008 from the Department of Health & Children regarding mammography screening services. Cllr. Culligan expressed her dissatisfaction with this reply and requested that the matter be referred back to the Department. She further requested that the letter to the Department should also seek the re-introduction of the HPV vaccine for 12 year old girls and this received the support of the members. It was further agreed to copy this letter to our Clare T.D.s.
Notification of Local Authority Members Association Annual Winter Seminar to be held on 26th and 27th November 2008 in the TF Royal Hotel, Castlebar, Co. Mayo.
Letter dated 22nd October 2008 from Timmy Dooley T.D. regarding Aer Lingus and Shannon Airport. Cllr. Fennell expressed his disappointment that a reply has not been forthcoming from the Minister.
Notification from Clare Tourist Council regarding tourism conference to be held from the 27th to 29th November 2008 in the Falls Hotel, Ennistymon, Co. Clare.
Letter dated 22nd October 2008 from the Health Service Executive regarding health services in West Clare.
Letter dated 28th October 2008 from Clones Town Council regarding immigration reform and habitual residency conditions.
Notification of Training Seminar - "Public Relations and Communication Skills for councillors" - to be held from the 14th to 16th November 2008 at Silver Tassie Hotel, Milford Road, Letterkenny, Co. Donegal. It was proposed by Cllr. Prendeville and seconded by Cllr. O'Looney that both Cllr. Culligan and Cllr. McMahon-Jones would attend this seminar.
Item No. 20: Conferences
With regard to seminars/conferences attended, reports completed in accordance with Section 142 of the Local Government Act 2001 were made available at the meeting in respect of : Douglas Hyde Conference; AMAI Annual Conference.
When questioned by Cllr. McMahon-Jones regarding a letter from Kilrush golf club the Town Manager confirmed that a letter had been received by the County Manager, acknowledged and then passed to her.
Votes of Sympathy
It was agreed that a vote of sympathy should issue to the following :-
Mrs. Mary Canny, Ballykett, Kilrush on the death of her husband Senan Canny.
Mr. Michael O'Sullivan, Shannon Heights, Kilrush on the death of his mother Mrs. Eileen O'Sullivan late of Nagle's Terrace, Kilrush.
The meeting then concluded.