PrintMinutes of September Monthly Meeting of Kilrush Town Council held on the 12th September 2007 at 7:00 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.
Apology:
Cllr. Jack Fennell.
Officials present:
Mr. Leonard Cleary, A/Director of Service & Town Manager.
Ms. Fiona Mooney, Town Clerk.
Mr. Derek Troy, Executive Engineer.
Ms. Geraldine Quinn, Assistant Staff Officer.
At the outset the Mayor and elected members congratulated all involved in Kilrush achieving the gold medal in the Tidy Towns Competition - Kilrush Tidy Towns Committee, Kilrush Town Council, FÁS, schools and residents/volunteers. On behalf of Bernadette Kinsella, Town Manager, Leonard Cleary, A/Director of Service & Town Manager paid tribute to everyone involved and saying that this success needs to be built upon and the key to success is partnership.
Item No. 1: Adoption of Minutes of July Monthly Meeting of Kilrush Town Council held on the 16th July 2007 at 7:30 p.m.
Ar Moladh Cllr. O'Gorman cuidithe ag Cllr. Sweeney :-
The Minutes of the July Monthly Meeting were duly adopted.
Item No. 2: Adoption of Minutes of Special Meeting of Kilrush Town Council held on the 12th July 2007 at 4:00 p.m.
Ar Moladh Cllr. O'Gorman cuidithe ag Cllr. Prendeville :-
The Minutes of the Special Meeting were duly adopted.
Item No. 3: Adoption of Minutes of Special Meeting of Kilrush Town Council held on the 9th August 2007 at 4:00 p.m.
Ar Moladh Cllr. O'Malley cuidithe ag Cllr. O'Looney :-
The Minutes of the Special Meeting were duly adopted.
Item No. 4: Statutory Review of Kilrush Town Development Plan.
The report of J. Bradley, Acting Senior Planner was presented to the members. In this report he requested that the members convene another special workshop and it was agreed to hold same on 4th October 2007 at 3:00 p.m.
Item No. 5: Set date for Casual Trading Sub-Committee Meeting.
It was agreed to hold this Casual Trading Sub-Committee Meeting on Wednesday 17th October 2007 at 4:00 p.m. in The Council Chamber, Town Hall, Kilrush.
Item No. 6: Quarterly John Paul Estate Progress Report.
A quarterly written report dated the 31st August 2007 from Yvonne Roughan, JPE Project Manager had been circulated for information, in line with the request from members.
Item No. 7: Extinguishment of Right of Way - Roads Act 1993.
The Town Clerk presented the members with a written report dated the 31st August 2007 following which the hereunder quoted resolution was proposed by Cllr. O'Gorman and seconded by Cllr. O'Malley and agreed :
"That pursuant to the provisions of Section 73 of the Roads Act 1993 that the public right-of-way over the Alleyway behind houses 1-8 Wood Road, 1-4 Sycamore Drive, 1-12 Willow Green, 13-16 Sycamore Drive, be extinguished."
It was agreed to take Items 8, 14 and 17 together.
Item No. 8: Ar Moladh Cllr. Prendeville cuidithe ag Cllr. McMahon-Jones :-
"That this Council calls on the Government to use its 25% shareholding in Aer Lingus to ensure the reinstatement of the Shannon-Heathrow route."
Item No. 14: Ar Moladh Cllr. McMahon-Jones cuidithe ag Cllr. Culligan :-
"That this Council would make a statement lending our support to the Shannon Action Group/Atlantic Connectivity Alliance regarding the withdrawal by Aer Lingus of the Shannon/Heathrow slots to Belfast."
Item No. 17: Ar Moladh Cllr. Culligan cuidithe ag Cllr. Prendeville :-
"That this Council calls on the Government to use its 25% shareholding in Aer Lingus to ensure the reinstatement of the Shannon-Heathrow route."
Cllr. Culligan requested that the above Notice of Motion be amended to read:
"That this Council would call on the Government to use its 25.3% shareholding to call an EGM in addition to Ryanair's resolution for an EGM."
It was agreed that the Government's decentralization policy sounded hollow in the context of this bad decision by Aer Lingus and government failure to use its shareholding. The consequences of lack of Heathrow connectivity were stark for the west and mid-west with 100,000 jobs at risk over years, with current and future investment being compromised. The impact on the tourism economy would also be highly negative and there was a very real risk that Aer Lingus transatlantic routes were also in jeopardy. The work of the Shannon Connectivity Alliance was praised and welcomed and it was felt that Kilrush elected members should lend their full support.
It was agreed that the seriousness of this issue went beyond party political considerations and that all politicians in the wider region should stand united to get this Aer Lingus decision retracted. It was agreed that the Kilrush members should play their part in influencing TDs Pat Breen, Joe Carey, Timmy Dooley and Tony Killeen at every opportunity.
It was agreed a strongly worded letter be sent to an Taoiseach, the Minister for Transport, The Shannon Connectivity Alliance and the Board of Aer Lingus to express Kilrush Town Council's total opposition to the decision of Aer Lingus and to express to the government that it should use its shareholding to get it reversed.
Item No. 9: Ar Moladh Cllr. Prendeville :-
"That this Council calls on the Minister of the Environment, Heritage and Local Government to allocate funding to local authorities to develop energy efficient housing stock ."
It was agreed to send a copy of this motion to the Minister of the Environment, Heritage and Local Government.
Item No. 10: Ar Moladh Cllr. Prendeville cuidithe ag Cllr. O'Looney :-
"That this Council would consider the development of a pedestrian area at Upper John Street from Market Square to Burns Lane."
In a written reply circulated dated the 12th September 2007 Derek Troy, Executive Engineer advised that :
"As part of the implementation of the one-way system and in line with the current developments that are under way along John Street, a paved pedestrian area will be considered to improve the current access."
Item No. 11: Ar Moladh Cllr. Sweeney :-
"I am requesting the Town Engineer to give me a progress report on the proposed traffic calming for Wilson's Road to Stewart Street and the Constraints Study for the proposed Eastern By-Pass of Kilrush ."
Cllr. Sweeney referred to a copy of a letter sent by Clare County Council to Tony Killeen T.D. that referred to opposition to a by-pass from the business community. It was confirmed that Kilrush Chamber of Commerce, which does not represent every business, had not issued a statement on the matter. The town clerk was asked to clarify with Clare County Council.
In a written reply circulated dated the 12th September 2007 Derek Troy, Executive Engineer advised that:
"The current status of the proposed traffic calming is as follows:
Poles for signage indicating ramps have already been installed. All single ramps and ramp signage are due to be installed on later this week. Following completion of ramps, the extruded kerbing required to tighten junctions will be put in place next week. Speed tables at these junctions will then be installed, dependent on contractor availability. Completion of all remaining upgrade of speed limit signage, pedestrian crossings and road markings will follow in due course. Due to the phased nature of this work and the attempts to keep traffic disruption to a minimum, it is difficult to put an exact finishing date on the works. However, this traffic calming scheme is currently considered high priority work, to be completed as soon as possible."
Item No. 12: Ar Moladh Cllr. Sweeney cuidithe ag Cllr. Prendeville:-
"I am asking the Town Engineer to explain why the proposed pedestrian crossing spanning the N67 at Fahy's Road from Pat Galvin's house to the entrance to the new Convent was not proceeded with as the current situation presents a health and safety hazard for school-going children."
In a written reply circulated dated the 12th September 2007 Derek Troy, Executive Engineer advised that:
"A pedestrian crossing at this location has been previously requested and currently has not been approved. Any road modification proposal at this location comes under the jurisdiction of Clare County Council and the National Roads Authority."
It was agreed that this matter be again referred to the Roads Section of Clare County Council for an update.
Item No. 13: Ar Moladh Cllr. Sweeney :-
"I am requesting the manager to explain why central aspects of the Kilrush Traffic Management Plan (Parking Places) Bye Laws which were amended in June 2006 have not been provided for, including one-way systems etc."
In a written reply circulated dated the 12th September 2007 Derek Troy, Executive Engineer advised that:
"The one-way system on John Street has not yet been implemented, due to the continued development in this area as outlined at RIMS meeting in October 2006 and the Council meeting in February 2007. The building works are still underway here on John Street. The system new provisions for John Street will be implemented when the developments are completed."
It was agreed to take Items 15 and 18 together.
Item No. 15: Ar Moladh Cllr. McMahon-Jones cuidithe ag Cllr. Culligan :-
"That this Council would write to the Minister for Health Ms. Mary Harney and Chief Executive of HSE Prof. Brendan Drumm expressing our concern at the current planned withdrawal of breast screening services as well as laboratory facilities at Ennis General Hospital."
Item No. 18: Ar Moladh Cllr. Culligan cuidithe ag Cllr. McMahon-Jones:-
"That this Council would seek clarification from HSE executive Professor Brendan Drumm on exactly what the HSE's intentions are regarding Ennis General Hospital."
There was a discussion on the need for breast screening, laboratory, radiography and A & E services in Clare, in a consultant lead, 24/7, Ennis General Hospital. It was confirmed that Clare mayors were soon meeting Minister Harney and a report on the link between journey time to treatment services and patient mortality would be part of the agenda.
All the members supported this motion and the protest walk on Saturday 29th September 2007 at 11:30 a.m. from Cusack Park was highlighted.
It was agreed to take Items 16 and 19 together.
Item No. 16: Ar Moladh Cllr. McMahon-Jones cuidithe ag Cllr. Culligan:-
"That the manager would ensure that we as elected members of this Council are furnished with a weekly list of Planning Applications as per Article 27 & 27 (5) c of the Planning and Development Regulations 2001 (SI 600/2001)."
Item No. 19: Ar Moladh Cllr. Culligan cuidithe ag Cllr. McMahon-Jones :-
"That this Council would furnish elected members with a weekly list of Planning Applications as per Article 27 & 27 (5) c of the Planning and Development Regulations 2001 (SI 600/2001)."
In a written reply circulated dated the 12th September 2007 Siobhán Curran, Senior Staff Officer advised that:
"Article 27 (5) (c) of the Planning & Development Regulations 2001-2006 states that 'a list referred to in sub-article (1) shall be made available to the members of the planning authority in such manner as they may, by resolution, direct.'
The planning section of Kilrush Town Council will be happy to provide the list and would suggest an email of the weekly planning lists to elected members, commencing immediately. Weekly planning lists can also be downloaded on the newly re-developed www.kilrush.ie website."
The elected members were happy to receive the lists via e-mail. The matter of computer training for the members was raised. The town clerk said she would take this up again with the I.T. Section of Clare County Council.
Item No. 20: Ar Moladh Cllr. O'Gorman :-
"That this Council would give a date when street lights will be in place in Limekiln Road (Cut Hill) and also lights opposite the old Creamery on the Cooraclare Road."
In a written reply circulated dated the 12th September 2007 Derek Troy, Executive Engineer advised that :
"Street lights at these locations are being considered under this years public lighting works. Quotations are being sought and works will proceed dependant on funding."
Cllr. O'Gorman expressed disappointment when commitments given to actually do lights were not followed through.
Item No. 21: Ar Moladh Cllr. O'Gorman cuidithe ag Cllr. O'Malley:-
"That the Council would put in place a programme for special need cases in our housing stock."
There was a discussion on the changes needed in accommodation over a lifetime, as mobility of householders changes, either through injury or age. It was confirmed that Kilrush Town Council has included specially adapted stock in new schemes and responds positively on a case-by-case basis. The Town Clerk said she would take this matter up with the Department.
Item No. 22: Correspondence
The following correspondence was noted -
Letter dated 9th July 2007 from Skibbereen Town Council in support of Motion re FÁS Job Initiative Scheme.
Letter dated 18th July 2007 from Fermoy Town Council re voting in the Senate Eireann Elections.
Copy letter dated 31st July 2007 from Clonakilty Town Council re Hackney Regulations.
Preliminary Notice of National Disability Authority Conference to be held at Radisson SAS Hotel, Dublin Airport on Thursday 27th September 2007.
Preliminary Notification of Local Authority Members Association Annual Winter Conference to be held in the Dolmen Hotel, Carlow on 9th and 10th November 2007.
Copy letter dated 13th August 2007 from Roscommon County Council re Dr. Douglas Hyde Conference to be held in St. Nathy's College, Ballaghaderreen, Co. Roscommon from 26thto 28th October 2007.
Notification of Local Government and Rural Development Training Seminar for Councillors to be held at The Tullamore Court Hotel, Tullamore, Co. Offaly on 25th and 26th September 2007.
Notification from Greystones Town Council of Seminar "The Changing Ireland - Are Local Authorities prepared" to be held in the Charlesland Golf & Country Club Hotel, Greystones, Co. Wicklow from 28th to 30th September 2007.
Notification of National Tourism Conference to be held in the Falls Hotel, Ennistymon, Co. Clare no 22nd and 23rd September 2007.
Notification from the Confederation of European Councillors re seminar "Tackling Poverty and Social Need in Ireland, North and South" to be held in Killyhevlin Hotel, Enniskillen, Co. Fermanagh on Friday 7th December 2007.
Notification of conference re E-Towns Project in Action to be held in Kirby's Lanterns Hotel, Tarbert, Co. Kerry on 14th November 2007.
Copy letter dated 3rd September 2007 from Shannon Town Council regarding the decision by Aer Lingus to discontinue its Shannon Heathrow Service.
It was agreed that a vote of sympathy should issue to the following :
- Mr. Sean Cotter, Henry Street, Kilrush on the death of his sister Ms. Kay Shaughnessy.
- Mr. Danny Sullivan, Henry Street, Kilrush on the death of his wife Mrs. Marian Sullivan.
- Ms. Colleen Galvin, Henry Street, Kilrush on the death of her mother Mrs. Mary Galvin.
- Michael and Martina McMahon, Ballynote East, Kilrush on the death of their son John McMahon Jnr.
- Mrs. Mary Lillis and Family, Shragh, Kilrush on the death of her husband Mr. Tom Lillis.
The meeting then concluded.