PrintMinutes of October Monthly Meeting of Kilrush Town Council held on the 8th October 2009 at 7:00 p.m. in the Council Chamber Town Hall, Kilrush
Presiding
- Cllr. Marian McMahon-Jones, Méara
Councillors present
- Paul Moroney
- Liam Williams
- Ian Lynch
- Tom Clyne
- Tom Prendeville
- Stephen O'Gorman
- Liam O'Looney
- Mairead O'Brien
Officials present
- Ms. Nora Kaye, Director of Service and Town Manager
- Mr. John Corry, Town Clerk
- Ms. Geraldine Quinn, Assistant Staff Officer
Apologies
- Mr. Derek Troy, Executive Engineer
Item No. 1: Adoption of Minutes of September Monthly Meeting of Kilrush Town Council held on the 9th September 2009 at 4.00 p.m.
Ar Moladh Cllr. Clyne cuidithe ag Cllr. Prendeville:
The Minutes of the September Monthly Meeting were duly adopted.
Matters arising
Cllr. Lynch enquired if there had been any developments regarding the Griffin Road/Ennis Road junction. The town clerk confirmed that the town engineer had a meeting with the owner of the shed in question and that she was amenable to any development being carried out. The town clerk confirmed that a redesign was being done of the junction.
It was confirmed that the vote of sympathy on the death of David Moroney was to be sent to his partner Karen McDermott.
Item No. 2: Nomination to Clare County Council Strategic Policy Committee
Ar Moladh Cllr. Williams cuidithe ag Cllr. O'Brien
Cllr. McMahon-Jones was nominated as delegate to the Clare County Council Strategic Policy Committee.
As no other nominations were received, Cllr. McMahon Jones was elected as the delegate to the Clare County Council Strategic Policy Committee.
It was confirmed that the delegate will have to attend SPC meetings during the working day and report back to the members.
Item No. 3: Review of Standing Orders
The mayor pointed out that the changes already agreed to were the alteration of the meeting time from 4pm to 7pm and the listing of the members in the order of election. The mayor then looked for any other suggestions.
The mayor proposed an amendment to No. 18a) of the Standing Orders as follows:
"Except with the permission of the Chair no member shall address the Council for more than 5 minutes. A member may speak once upon any item on the Agenda or on any motion except a motion, which is to be put without debate. The proposer of a motion has the right to reply whilst the motion remains before the Chair and when the proposer replies the debate on the motion is closed."
Cllr. Prendeville advised that he did not agree with this proposal, as it would stifle debate/discussion.
The mayor proposed that the following be included as a Standing Order:
"A member shall not raise any individual's circumstances or make reference to any personal information in any debate."
The members were advised that the amended Standing Orders would be brought to the next meeting for adoption.
Item No. 4: Report of Manager on the future of the Vandeleur Walled Garden
In a written reply circulated the town clerk reported that:
"The Vandeleur Centre and Walled Garden has been open to the public since 2000. The Vandeleur Centre consists of a coffee shop, conference centre, gift shop and museum. Funding for the operation of this centre for 2007, 2008 and 2009 was administered by POBAL on behalf of the Dept. of Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs. The grant received in 2009 totalled €149,321. This grant funded a Centre Manager, 3 full time staff and 4 part time staff and also covered non wages expenses such as ESB, stationery, oil etc.
The Department of Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs have advised that future funding of the Centre from POBAL will be decided on once the government have agreed on their budget for 2010. They cannot advise prior to this what funding will be available for the operation of the Centre.
The Centre does not rely solely on POBAL for funding. The Vandeleur Walled Garden provides the Centre with an important income stream as plants grown there are propagated and sold to the public. Some of this income is used for the purchase of items required for the operation of the Centre that are not funded by POBAL. It is also used to fund part time staff employed for the summer months.
The garden has been developed and maintained by a FAS funded CE Scheme, which employs 18 people and a supervisor. Funding under this scheme has been guaranteed for 2010. These workers maintain the gardens to a very high standard ensuring a steady stream of visitors to the gardens. These workers also use the facilities at the coffee shop, which helps boost, the income figures.
See below a comparison of revenue received between 2008 and 2009 for the Vandeleur Centre and Walled Garden.
| Income Source | Income Jan - Aug 2008 | Income Jan - Aug 2009 |
|---|---|---|
| Coffee Shop | €25,710.85 | €27,983.00 |
| Ticket Sales | €15,716.70 | €14,857.00 |
| Room Hire | €8,686.00 | €5,282.50 |
| Plant Sales | €12,861.70 | €12,065.17 |
| Total | €62,975.25 | €60,187.67 |
Despite the current economic climate, and the poor weather conditions the above figures show that this amenity is still attracting tourists. While income is slightly lower in 2009 than 2008, there has been no major loss in our overall income.
The Vandeleur Centre and Walled Garden also received the following financial assistance in 2009.Kilrush Town Council provided a total of €36,582 in loan charges for the development of the garden as well as a separate provision €3k for future development and €8k towards PRSI for employees. Clare County Council also provided €15k in its budget of 2009 towards the running of the centre.
We fully realise the value of the Vandeleur Walled Garden to the town of Kilrush and the West Clare area in general and have recently written to local TD’s and to the Department of Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs to highlight to them the importance of securing continued POBAL funding to ensure the continued successful future of the Vandeleur Centre and Walled Garden. We will keep the Members fully informed of any developments re same".
Following discussion it was agreed that a further breakdown was required from a business point of view outlining where money was being made and lost. Furthermore, some members felt that the coffee shop was not being used to it's full potential and that the centre needed to be supported by West Clare and the Heritage Exhibition that had previously been located in the Town Hall should be erected at the VWG. It was also mentioned that the cost of the room hire was too high. It was agreed that the road into this brilliant facility was seriously in need of repair and signage needed to be erected advertising the short walk to the Garden. Cllr. Prendeville enquired if reports had ever been received from Kilrush Amenity Trust who were responsible for the management of the VWG and the town clerk confirmed that reports of the Garden Manager and Center Manager are received bi-monthly and discussed at Amenity Trust meetings with the Board of Directors. It was suggested that the Marketing and Development Officer would attend a future meeting of the council with regard to future marketing of VWG. The town manager further suggested that a 3 to 5 year marketing plan be put together and submitted to Pobal and it would be endorsed by as many stakeholders as possible and brought to the members. The mayor assured the members that when she spoke to the Taoiseach on his recent visit to the area that he had listened quite favourably to her concerns, re future funding for the Vandeleur Walled Garden.
Item No. 5: Set date for RIMS meeting
It was agreed to hold the RIMS meeting on Thursday 29th October 2009 at 3.30pm whichever time suited the town engineer.
Item No. 6: Set date for Cissie Roughan Awards
It was agreed to hold the 2009 Cissie Roughan Awards on Friday 20th November 2009 at 7.30pm in the Vandeleur Walled Garden. It was further agreed that the closing date for receipt of nominations was Friday 6th November 2009.
Item No. 7: Christmas Hamper Appeal
The town manager urged the members that in this year of recession that Kilrush Town Council might like to donate hampers to the needy. It was agreed that the mayor liaise with the local St. Vincent de Paul Society to avoid any duplication and that maybe Kilrush Town Council could put together some hampers and give to the St. Vincent de Paul for distribution.
Item No. 8: Ar Moladh Cllr. O'Gorman cuidithe ag Cllr. Lynch
"That this Council would see fit to install speed ramps at the Back Road from Kevin O'Brien's shop to the junction of Pella Road/Pound Street."
In a written reply circulated dated the 9th September 2009 the executive engineer reported that :
"A speed survey was carried out in June 2008 along this section of roadway, and did not find significant speeding problems. A new survey is currently being arranged and should be completed in the coming weeks. Residents should be advised to record and report to the Gardai registration plates of vehicles that are perceived to be speeding or driving dangerously, so that appropriate action can be taken."
Cllr. O'Gorman indicated that he was disappointed with the reply of the town engineer and furthermore that he was not in attendance at the meeting to answer questions. Cllr. O'Gorman pointed out that ramps were needed at this location to make the area safe. Cllr. O'Looney said that the residents needed to group together requesting the provision of ramps and the town engineer had said that he would meet them subsequent to their own meeting. The town manager referred to the new survey, which is being carried out and advised that when same was completed that the matter would come back on the agenda. The town clerk suggested that matters like this should be brought to the RIMS meeting. He further advised that the Oireachtas member of the Joint Policing Committee indicated his availability to attend a meeting on a Friday during the working day and suggested that a JPC meeting be held on such a day. He agreed to come back to the members at the November meeting with proposals for a date for JPC meeting.
Item No. 9: Ar Moladh Cllr. O'Gorman cuidithe ag Cllr. Williams
"That this Council would look at speed limits on Kilkee Road approaching Kilrush from Doonbeg Cross. Also pedestrian crossing at Fahy's Road."
In a written reply circulated dated the 9th September 2009 the executive engineer reported that:
"National road speed limits are reviewed every two years. Submissions were sought in 2008, the most recent review, for adjustments to the speed limits on all National Roads. The National Roads Authority Regional Safety Officer, the Gardai and a Clare County Council representative decide on the variations that are to be made to the speed limits. The next review is due to take place in 2010.
In relation to a pedestrian crossing at Fahy’s Road, a draft design has been requested from the Road Design Section of Clare County Council. On receipt of a design, approval and funding to construct a crossing will be requested from the National Roads Authority.”
Cllr. O’Gorman indicated that he was not satisfied with the reply of the town engineer. He said that the speed limit signs were being ignored by the motorists and that a big sign was needed. It was also suggested that heavy rumbles might help.
Item No. 10: Ar Moladh Cllr. O’Gorman cuidithe ag Cllr. O’Looney
"That this Council would look at resurfacing road at Moore Street and Grace Street as both roads are in a bad state.”
In a written reply circulated dated the 9th September 2009 the executive engineer reported that:
"Moore Street forms part of the N67 National Road from the Town Hall to Stewart Street. A request for funding in 2008 and 2009 for the resurfacing was forwarded to the NRA, however funding was not approved. It will be included again in the 2010 submission.
Major resurfacing roadworks on Grace Street have not been undertaken for last number of years because of the proposed replacement of the main sewer, under the Kilrush Sewerage Scheme.
I would propose to consider this section of the R473 at Grace Street for a temporary resurfacing overlay, in the 2010 Kilrush Roadworks Programme.”
Following discussion on this matter, Cllr. O’Gorman expressed his disappointment with the reply as given. The town clerk was asked when the sewerage works at Grace Street would be completed and he confirmed that he did not know; that the preliminary report was still with the Department but he would ask the town engineer to come back with a date.
Item No. 11: Ar Moladh Cllr. Prendeville cuidithe ag Cllr. O'Looney
"That the Manager would report to the members on all aspects of the Housing Programme 2009 and in particular the number of persons on the waiting list, the numbers apply and availing of social and affordable housing and the status of the proposed second phase of the John Paul Estate Regeneration programme."
In a written reply circulated dated the 8th October 2009 the town clerk reported that:
"Currently there are 112 applicants for Social Housing on Kilrush Town Councils housing list. Six families have been allocated tenancies so far in 2009 and 3 transfers have taken place to facilitate growing families etc.
In addition to the 112 applicants mentioned above a number of people who have been on the KTC housing list have joined the RAS Scheme, which is administered by Clare County Council. A person qualifies for the RAS scheme after eighteen months in receipt of rent supplement.
There are presently a number of vacant properties in Sycamore Drive, Beech Park and one house in Island View. These vacant properties have qualified for grant funding from the Dept. of the Environment, Heritage and Local Government under the Energy Efficiency Grant scheme. A grant provision of €75k has been provided with Kilrush Town Council having to provide €25k from its own resources. This funding is limited to vacant properties provided that they achieve a minimum of a C1 Building Energy Rating (BER) after the works have been completed. It is now a requirement of all housing authorities that a BER assessment be carried out on all vacant houses before re- letting. The above mentioned vacant houses have had a BER carried out and are presently going to tender in respect of the works required to improve their BER. It is anticipated that these works would be complete by the end of this year. The houses will be allocated once the works have been completed and the houses have been retested to ensure that they have reached the C1 energy rating status.
Under the Social Housing Investment Policy Kilrush Town Council received an allocation of €500k for 2009.This funding is being put towards the following works:
The refurbishment of 33 St. Patrick's Terrace, which is almost complete and this house should be available for letting in the next few weeks.
Tenders have been received and are being processed at the moment for the demolition and reconstruction of two 2 bed units at St. Senan's Terrace. It is anticipated that works will commence within the next two weeks on this contract.
There are two DPGs (Disabled Persons Grants) being processed at the moment by Clare County Council for the Kilrush Town area. There is also an IWILL (Improvement Works in Lieu of Local Authority Housing) project in hands at the moment. This will be going out to tender in the next few weeks.
At present , there are no affordable houses in the Kilrush town area.
A meeting was held recently with the Department Inspector and the County Architect to discuss the masterplan layout and phasing sequence submitted last year to the DoEHLG for future phases of the proposed JPE regeneration. Following this meeting a revised proposal is presently being finalised for review by the Department. It is proposed to resubmit this proposal in the coming weeks. There is currently no indication of funding from the DoEHLG. The Council proposes to include the scheme in the Social Housing Improvements Programme to the DoEHLG for 2010 - 2012."
During discussion the members expressed their concern regarding houses being boarded up when people are seeking housing from Kilrush Town Council and also it would appear that there is a mass exodus from John Paul Estate, which needed to be addressed. In that regard it was agreed that a Housing Sub-Committee meeting needed to be arranged and this matter could be discussed at same.
In the course of the discussion the town clerk was asked if the houses in Wilson's Road would be put back into Kilrush Town Council's housing stock and he confirmed that the Department were amenable to the demolition of these houses under the Regeneration Project.
The town manager spoke regarding the 2nd Phase of the Regeneration Project and advised that the campus was a key feature of same and she was aware of the lack of support. In that regard, she advised that she would like to meet with the Chamber of Commerce.
Cllr. Prendeville thanked the town clerk for the very comprehensive reply but he pointed out that he was disappointed that house transfers had taken place in recent times that the members were not made aware of. The town clerk advised that he would take this request on board in the future, and he indicated that the only transfers that took place were between tenants who had suggested and agreed to transfers between themselves as opposed to the local authority facilitating transfers with only one household involved.
As the time was approaching 9.00 p.m. it was proposed by Cllr. Prendeville, seconded by Cllr. O'Brien and agreed to suspend Standing Orders to allow the remaining items on the Agenda to be dealt with.
Item No. 12: Ar Moladh Cllr. Prendeville
"That the Town Engineer would provide ordnance survey maps to the members showing the precise physical boundaries of the Kilrush urban electoral area.
Cllr. Prendeville deferred this motion to the November monthly meeting when the town engineer would be available.
Item No. 13: Ar Moladh Cllr. Prendeville cuidithe ag Cllr. Lynch
"To ask the Manager to report to the members on initiatives undertaken by this council to promote Road Safety including the related proposal to establish Joint Policing Committee in the town."
In a written reply circulated dated the 8th October 2009 the executive engineer reported that:
"Kilrush Town Council have undertaken traffic calming measures, the provision of pedestrian crossings and general improvements to road markings, signage, etc. The NRA put up signs promoting road safety, e.g. signs to report incidents. Modification or adjustment to speed limits is carried out in consultation with the Gardaí."
Cllr. Prendeville thanked the executive engineer for his reply, but said that it needed to be more comprehensive. He commended Clare County Council's Road Safety Plan. He suggested that this matter be brought to the Joint Policing Committee. The town manager suggested that Barry Keating, Road Safety Officer would be invited to address a meeting of Kilrush Town Council closer to Christmas and this was welcomed by the members.
Item No. 14: Ar Moladh Cllr. Williams cuidithe ag Cllr. Prendeville
"That this Council would look to have public lighting extended from Fort Road Cross to the town boundary on the Killimer Road and that this Council would request Clare Co. Co. to continue public lighting from the boundary to Kilrush Shamrocks G.A.A. ground."
"It will be considered under the 2010 National Secondary Improvement Grant should funds be available, and the Public Lighting Improvement Grant, both of which are administered by Clare County Council. Existing lighting at Woodview Estate is not working. There would be a large cost involved in ducting ESB cable for the distance that is requested."
Cllr. Prendeville pointed out that lights provided by the developer on the Killimer Road were not working and the town manager confirmed that further clarification would be sought.
Item No. 15: Ar Moladh Cllr. Moroney cuidithe ag Cllr. O'Brien
"That this Council would erect a boundary fence around the green area at Island View along the Shanakyle Road."
In a written reply circulated dated the 8th October 2009 the executive engineer reported that :
"Same will be considered in the context of the 2010 Housing Maintenance budget. The works required would be to replace the existing wire mesh on the existing concrete post."
Cllr. Moroney pointed out that he was not satisfied with the reply of the town engineer; that all he was seeking was a simple, but effective, job. The town clerk advised that he would liaise with the town engineer regarding this matter as there couldn't be a huge cost involved.
Item No. 16: Ar Moladh Cllr. Moroney
"That this Council would request Bus Éireann to operate quick wheelchair accessible buses on all routes out of Kilrush."
Cllr. Moroney deferred this motion to the November monthly meeting.
Item No. 17: Ar Moladh Cllr. Moroney cuidithe ag Cllr. O'Looney
"That this Council would move the Warning Sign outside the Fire Station on the Killimer Road."
In a written reply circulated dated the 8th October 2009 the executive engineer reported that :
"This sign is an advanced warning sign for a pedestrian crossing. Clare County Council Area Office will consult with Clare County Council Fire Services in relation to this sign."
Cllr. Moroney advised that he tabled this motion as there are insufficient parking spaces for Fire Service personnel as the pole for this sign is taking up a space. The mayor suggested that the executive engineer would review this matter.
Item No. 18: Ar Moladh Cllr. Lynch
"To ask the Town Engineer to prepare a report on the condition of public footpaths within Kilrush with regard the accessibility, safety and further requirements and to also inform this council of intended sequence of works in order of priority."
"An accessibility audit was completed in the entire county in 2007 and that recommended improvement works such as pedestrian crossings, dropped kerbs and identified trip hazards and restricted width footpaths in all built up areas, towns and villages for County Clare. Under the 2009 Disability Funding grant it is proposed to install a new pedestrian crossing on Frances Street near SuperValu and on the Back Road near the Old Fire Station Car Park."
Cllr. Lynch advised that the reply as given did not answer his question; that the footpath on the Ennis Road was in an awful condition and it would only be a matter of time before personal injury claims would become an issue. He further pointed out that a footpath was needed from Tesco to Wilson's Road. He suggested that it was unfortunate that the Town Engineer was not present to discuss the matter.
Item No. 19: Ar Moladh Cllr. Lynch
"To ask this council to erect a bus shelter within the town for use by all public transport users."
Cllr. Lynch deferred this Motion to the November monthly meeting.
Item No. 20: Ar Moladh Cllr. Lynch cuidithe ag Cllr. McMahon-Jones
"To ask this council to acknowledge and support Kilrush Community School in the completion of the seventh and final step in becoming a 'Green School'."
Cllr. Lynch sought the support of the members for the provision of €200 to the Community School to enable them to purchase a bike to raffle. The town clerk confirmed that Kilrush Town Council should be able to come up with the €200 and the town manager suggested that there should be a formal hand-over of this cheque.
Item No. 21: Ar Moladh Cllr. O'Brien cuidithe ag Cllr. McMahon-Jones
"That this Council would ask the engineer for a date on when the lights in Millennium Park will be working."
In a written reply circulated dated the 8th October 2009 the Executive Engineer reported that :
"The lights on the Millennium Park bridge have been repaired and have been working since the end of February 2009. There are a number of ground lights that are not working and require further attention and will be looked at in 2010."
Cllr. O'Brien noted the reply of the executive engineer.
Item No. 22: Ar Moladh Cllr. O'Brien
"To ask this council for an update on the surfacing of the Shanakyle Road."
Cllr. O'Brien deferred this Motion to the November monthly meeting.
Item No. 23: Correspondence
Notification of Douglas Hyde Conference 2009 to be held at Abbeyfield Hotel, Ballaghaderreen, Co. Roscommon from 16th to 18th October 2009.
Letter dated 17th September 2009 from Pat Breen T.D. regarding Job Initiative Scheme and Kilrush Family Resource Centre, together with enclosures referred to therein.
Letter dated 21st September 2009 from South Tipperary County Council regarding third level tuition fees.
Letter dated 23rd September 2009 from the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government regarding the recommendations in the McCarthy Report regarding town councils, together with originating correspondence.
Notification of Local Authority Member's Association Annual Winter Seminar to be held at the Carlton Castletroy Park Hotel on the 6th and 7th November 2009.
Notification of The Céifin Conference to be held at The West County Hotel, Ennis on the 3rd and 4th November 2009.
Item No. 24: 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
AMAI Annual Conference held from 9th - 11th September 2009 at The Gleneagle Hotel, Killarney, Co. Kerry.
Cllr. Williams expressed his wish to attend a conference to be held in Thomond Park Stadium, Limerick on the 6th November 2009. It was proposed by Cllr. Cllr. Prendeville, seconded by Cllr. McMahon-Jones and agreed that Cllr. Williams would attend this conference.
Votes of Sympathy
It was agreed that a vote of sympathy should issue to the following:
- Mrs. Teresa Hayes and family, Kyletunna, Kilmaley, Ennis on the death of her husband Mr. Joe Hayes
- Ms. Marie Hayes and family, c/o Kilrush Town Council on the death of her aunt Mrs. Mary Doyle late of Miltown Malbay, Co. Clare
- Mr. Louis Keating and family, Kilmhil, Kilrush, Co. Clare on the death of his wife Mrs. Mary Keating
The meeting then concluded..