PrintMinutes of September Monthly Meeting of Kilrush Town Council held on the 9th September 2009 at 4:00 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
- Mr. Derek Troy, Executive Engineer
- Ms. Geraldine Quinn, Assistant Staff Officer
Apologies
- Cllr. Stephen O'Gorman
Item No. 1: Adoption of Minutes of July Monthly Meeting of Kilrush Town Council held on the 9th July 2009 at 4.00 p.m.
Ar Moladh Cllr. Prendeville cuidithe ag Cllr. Clyne :
The Minutes of the July Monthly Meeting were duly adopted.
Matters Arising
Cllr. Prendeville enquired if a response had been received from Eircom regarding the telephone box in Cappa and the town clerk confirmed that nothing had been received. Cllr. Prendeville confirmed that the phone box had been removed before the last meeting.
The town clerk confirmed that the three community representatives have now come forward for the Joint Policing Committee and the first meeting now needs to be arranged. The town clerk is to liaise with Mr. Pat Breen TD (Oireachtas Member) to get a suitable date for the meeting.
Item No. 2: Adoption of Minutes of Special Meeting of Kilrush Town Council held on the 20th August 2009 at 4.00 p.m.
Ar Moladh Cllr. O'Brien cuidithe ag Cllr. Williams :-
The Minutes of the Special Meeting were duly adopted.
Matters Arising
It was agreed to hold the Special Meeting to discuss the financial implications for Kilrush Town Council following the AMAI Conference on Thursday 17th September 2009 at 4.00 p.m.
Item No. 3: Review of Standing Orders.
The town clerk circulated a draft of the amended Standing Orders and confirmed that this matter was listed following a decision made at the July monthly meeting to alter the time of the monthly meetings from 4.00 pm to 7.00 pm. He also referred to Item 9(b) of the Standing Orders and confirmed that same has been amended to read the names of the newly elected members. It was agreed to list this matter again on the agenda for the October monthly meeting to allow the members time to peruse the draft as circulated. It was further agreed to hold the October meeting at 7.00 pm.
Item No. 4: Appointment of 2nd member to the Board of Kilrush Amenity Trust.
Ar Moladh Cllr. Prendeville cuidithe ag Cllr. O'Looney :
Cllr. McMahon-Jones was nominated to be the 2nd Council member on the Board of Kilrush Amenity Trust.
As no other nominations were received, Cllr. McMahon-Jones was elected as the 2nd representative of Kilrush Town Council on the Board of Kilrush Amenity Trust .
Item No. 5: Appointment of 2nd member to the Board of Vandeleur Walled Garden Enterprises Ltd.
Ar Moladh Cllr. Prendeville cuidithe ag Cllr. Clyne :
Cllr. O'Brien was nominated to be the 2nd Council member on the Board of Vandeleur Walled Garden Enterprises Ltd.
As no other nominations were received, Cllr. O'Brien was elected as the 2nd representative of Kilrush Town Council on the Board of Vandeleur Walled Garden Enterprises Ltd.
On the proposal of Cllr. Prendeville and seconded by Cllr. O'Looney, the Manager was asked to prepare a report for the October meeting on the future of the Vandeleur Walled Garden and this the Manager undertook to do.
Item No. 6: New charge on non-principal private residences.
The town clerk circulated correspondence received from the Finance Section of Clare County Council and referred to this matter, which had been briefly touched on at the Special Meeting held in August. He confirmed that any non-principal private residence was liable for an annual charge of €200 from the 31st July 2009 with a late payment fee of €20 per month or part of a month for all payments made after the 31st October 2009. This charge is payable to Clare County Council as the main authority and an exercise will then be carried out by Clare County Council to determine if the property is in the urban or rural area. If it is determined that a property is in the urban area of Kilrush the monies received on foot of the charge will be forwarded to Kilrush Town Council less a handling fee. When questioned on the amount of the handling fee payable to Clare County Council the town clerk confirmed that there has been no clarity yet regarding same. The Manager pointed out to the members that whatever is received by Kilrush Town Council would be used to help finance the reduction in the Local Government Fund.
Cllr. Prendeville expressed his reservations about this scheme working as voluntary disclosure was required and people would not come forward voluntarily with a payment of €200. He also said he hoped that discrepancies in the town boundaries which became apparent at the time of the local elections would be rectified and Kilrush Town Council would receive payment for all houses that they were entitled to. The members requested that clarity be sought regarding the handling fee and also that a letter of complaint issue to the Minister.
Item No. 7: Ar Moladh Cllr. Prendeville cuidithe ag Cllr. Clyne
"To ask the Manager to update the members on the report of the West Clare Task Force on job creation and investment opportunities in the area including initiatives undertaken by Clare County Council to facilitate implementation of the Report's recommendations." Following discussion on the matter Cllr. Prendeville suggested that the representatives of the West Clare Task Force along with our Oireachtas members be invited to attend a Special Meeting of Kilrush Town Council to discuss plans for future development in the area. The Manager confirmed that a report of the Task Force is being prepared outlining achievements to date and it was hoped that this report would be finalised within a month. Cllr. Clyne said that he hoped the Vandeleur Walled Garden would be included in this report.
It was agreed to take Item No. 8 and Item No. 17 together.
Item No. 8: Ar Moladh Cllr. Prendeville cuidithe ag Cllr. Moroney :-
"To ask the Town Engineer to report to the elected members on the problem of recurring flash flooding in the town and the emergency plan in place to respond rapidly to such situations."
Item No. 17: Ar Moladh Cllr. Moroney cuidithe ag Cllr. Prendeville :-
"That this Council would ask the Town Engineer for a detailed report into why the Cappa Road at the mart floods and closes the road in extreme weather conditions."
In a written reply circulated dated the 9th September 2009 regarding Item No. 8 the executive engineer reported that :-
"The occurrence of flash flooding in Kilrush Town and throughout the country, even in the summer months, has increased in recent years due to a number of factors. Increased rainfall volumes over shorter periods of time, improved land drainage, and increased hard-surface areas surface water run-off within residential and commercial developments, have all contributed to the flooding.
In the last 3 years, surface water attenuation systems have been requested at the planning stage of all new large developments. These systems control the rate of flow of surface water from each development site.
Improvement works have been undertaken at various locations in Kilrush Town remove pinch-points in the storm water system and alleviate flooding problems. Sections of the old Vandeleur surface water system, that have been damaged or blocked, have been put back into use.
Clare County Council has developed a Major Emergency Plan which is in place at all times to cover various events. Emergency calls outside normal working hours go to an emergency number where on-call staff deal with the issue. Clare County Council Fires Services can also be called in if required".
Following discussion on the matter the executive engineer was asked to come back to the October meeting with an Emergency Report which should include the name and telephone number for the person to be contacted in times of flooding as in recent times, with our climate change, flooding had become a problem in the town. The executive engineer confirmed that there was a Major Emergency Plan in place and it was currently being updated. He undertook to circulate the members with the name and number of the contact person as requested.
In a written reply circulated dated the 9th September 2009 regarding Item No. 17 the executive engineer reported that
"This location on the Cappagh Road near the mart floods to an impassable level in most instances when severe rainfall conditions. The flood level is at times dictated by the water level in the marina. Surface water run-off from housing developments has increased in recent years, and also the raising of land levels between this location and the Wood River has affected the flow of water.
Further investigation into remedies for this flooding situation will be undertaken before the winter period, with a view to reducing the risk to road users."
Following discussion on this matter the executive engineer was asked to inspect this area from a safety aspect as, when this area is flooded, people are walking on the wall which has breaks and is very unsafe. The executive engineer confirmed that he had not yet had an opportunity to investigate this matter and he felt that the problem was a historical one and tidal difficulties were a contributing factor to the flooding. It was suggested that a phone call should be made to the Manager of the Marina to open the Lock Gates if flooding was anticipated which in turn would take the pressure off at this location. It was agreed that this area needed to be included in the Major Emergency Plan. The executive engineer confirmed that he would take this matter up with the Manager of the Marina.
It was agreed to take Item No. 9 and Item No. 15 together.
Item No. 9: Ar Moladh Cllr. Prendeville cuidithe ag Cllr. O'Looney:-
"To ask the Manager to report on the Control of Dogs Act 1986 and the enforcement of its' provisions within the urban area."
In a written reply circulated dated the 9th September 2009 regarding Item No. 9 the town clerk reported that :-
"Clare County Council has a contract in place with the ISPCA since 1987, in response to the requirements and responsibilities set out for local authorities under the Control of Dogs Act, 1986.
In 2009, Clare County Council will make a contribution of €130,000 towards operation and management of the Dog Warden service for the County. This contribution covers management costs, salaries (Dog Warden and Kennel Assistant), vehicle costs and insurance.
There is also a budgetary provision of €37,500 for the management and maintenance of the Dog Pound at the Gort Road, Ennis which includes such items as removal of animals from the Pound by Ward Waste, Pound repairs and upkeep.
The County Dog Warden has a weekly slot on Clare FM offering advice to the public on dog control and management and responding to all dog related issues on a County wide basis.
Kilrush Town Council notify the Dog Warden of any breaches of the Control of Dogs Act 1986 within the town boundary to see that these breaches are enforced."
Item No. 15: Ar Moladh Cllr. Lynch cuidithe ag Cllr. Clyne
"To ask the Town Engineer to erect Dog Exclusion Signage, Dog Waste Bins and associated Dog Waste Litter Information signage at Cappa Playground."
In a written reply circulated dated the 9th September 2009 regarding Item No. 15 the executive engineer reported that :-
"Advice is currently being sought from the Environment Section of Clare County Council in relation to the appropriate signage, bins, etc that may be appropriate to put in place at this location.
It should be noted that personal responsibility needs to be taken by dog owners, in relation to keeping dogs under control and dogs fouling in public places, particularly in locations such as playgrounds and beaches where young children frequent."
Cllr. Prendeville thanked the town clerk for his report but noted that it was not area specific.
Following discussion it was agreed that dog owners must take responsibility and a leaflet should be distributed to all households giving details on 1) licensing; 2) toileting and 3) walking on a leash. It was further agreed that signage needed to be erected at grassy areas and that perhaps dogs should be excluded from playgrounds to give children safer play areas.
The town clerk confirmed that there was only one Dog Warden in the county. However, he added that the Warden, Brian Holroyd, could issue fines for dog soiling under the Litter Pollution Act, but owners seem to be walking their dogs either early in the morning or late in the evening when the Warden was not on duty. In the light of this it was proposed by Cllr. O'Looney and seconded by Cllr. Prendeville that the working hours of the Warden needed to be extended to cover the hours in question as dog owners needed to be fined to shame them into living up to their responsibilities as owners. When questioned regarding any future plans for the provision of fouling bins in the town the town clerk confirmed that this matter came up at a Tidy Towns meeting earlier in the year but the Senior Executive Officer in Environment in Clare County Council was unable to source such bins and the removal of the contents of the bins would be another area of concern.
The Manager advised that something on a part-time basis needed to be looked into and the town clerk undertook to follow up on same.
Item No. 10: Ar Moladh Cllr. O'Gorman
"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 the absence of Cllr. O'Gorman this matter was deferred.
Item No. 11: Ar Moladh Cllr. O'Gorman
"That this Council would look at speed limits on Kilkee Road approaching Kilrush from Doonbeg Cross. Also pedestrian crossing at Fahy's Road."
In the absence of Cllr. O'Gorman this matter was deferred.
Item No. 12: Ar Moladh Cllr. O'Gorman
"That this Council would look at resurfacing road at Moore Street and Grace Street as both roads are in a bad state."
In the absence of Cllr. O'Gorman this matter was deferred.
Item No. 13: Ar Moladh Cllr. Lynch cuidithe ag Cllr. Prendeville
"To ask the Marketing and Development Officer of Kilrush Town Council to report on recent initiatives and strategies undertaken to promote the town as a tourist destination."
In a written reply circulated dated the 9th September 2009 the A/Marketing and Development Officer reported that :-
"A number of initiatives have been undertaken in recent times aimed at promoting Kilrush as a Tourist Destination:
Historic Town Trail: In 2009 Failte Ireland provided funding towards the development of a Historic Town Trail in Kilrush town and the surrounding area. The trail focuses on the built, architectural, industrial, maritime, ecclesiastical and natural heritage of the town. Two routes were identified for the trail. Route 1 is for a distance of 1.5 km within the town and Route 2 is for a distance of 6 km, which brings visitors around by Cappa and the Vandeleur Walled Gardens.
The list of sites / attractions which form the trail are:
1. Market House and Maid of Erin Monument
2. Old Church of Ireland (now Teach Cheoil, Kilrush)
3. St. Senan’s Roman Catholic Church
4. Old Convent of Mercy
5. Bank of Ireland Building
6. The Monastery
7. Glynns Mills
8. Scattery Island
9. Millennium Park
10. Cappa Pier
11. Vandeleur Demesne – Vandeleur Walled Garden and Visitor Centre
12.Kilrush Woods
Notice boards are located at each of these sites/attractions, which give a historical background to the particular area.
23 Fingerpost signs have also been installed at various locations directing visitors to the different attractions.
Failte Ireland are advertising the trail on their website while it will also be advertised on the Kilrush.ie website. Kilrush Town Council will also advertise the trail in the next publication of the Kilrush brochure.
The Town Council will also be producing a special brochure and will launch both this brochure and the trail in Spring 2010.
West Clare Economic Development Task Force was established in March 2008 with the objective of evaluating the current industrial and enterprise situation in West Clare and implementing actions to progress an economic development strategy in West Clare. Nine Actions have been highlighted and divided into sub working groups. The Marketing and Development Officer provides the secretariat to the Task Force and is currently involved in 4 of these sub-working groups including one on tourism and one on the provision of the Campus Facility. As part of the work of the tourism group, the Marketing and Development Officer has produced a West Clare Brochure, which was launched in March 2009. The brochure highlights activities and attractions available in West Clare and also includes images and maps showing where the various attractions/activities are located.
There also a number of ongoing activities aimed at marketing Kilrush to a wider audience. These include:
Kilrush Brochure. This brochure is available in all the Shannon Region Tourist Information Offices and distributed by Glance Promotions to outlets throughout the Mid West Region and in Shannon Airport Arrivals Hall. The Brochure is also distributed at the main tourism trade and lifestyle shows e.g. Dublin and Belfast Holiday Fairs, Milwaukee Irish Festival, London St. Patrick’s Day Festival, National Ploughing Championship and the Dublin Horse Show.
Kilrush Website. In the first quarter of this year, the website had a total of 12,142 hits. The website is updated regularly with all Council forms and publications, the parish newsletter, news items and events in the area. A number of queries, mainly tourism related, are received by e-mail through the site. Any queries received are dealt with and replies sent as soon as possible.
Promotion Overseas. Kilrush has been represented for the last number of years at the Milwaukee Irish Festival, which takes place in August. This provides significant potential for exposure for the Town and area with opportunities to promote our products on local radio stations in the Wisconsin and Illinois areas. This year various promotional materials relating to Kilrush were carried on the Shannon Development stand.
Promotion in the domestic market. The Marketing and Development Officer is responsible for ensuring Kilrush is advertised in a number of key National Tourism Publications such as "Discover Ireland”, "Ireland Visitor Guide” (Ferries, Airports publication), "Ireland At Your Leisure” (Car Rental publication) and Dromoland and Ashford Castles guide books. Every year Kilrush Town Council participates in Christmas promotions in the local press. We also update and monitor Kilrush data that appears on tourism /promotional websites e.g. Shannon Development, Heritage Towns of Ireland and Discover Ireland.
Marketing Support Clare Heritage Circle (Representative Role) Heritage circle consists of 9 centres throughout Clare including the Vandeleur Walled Garden and Shannon Dolphin and Wildlife Centre in Kilrush and support is provided to the circle in terms of promotional activities and product awareness. The Heritage Circle is promoted at all shows also.
Clare Tourist Council (Representative Role) Kilrush is represented on this Committee and is an executive member of Clare Tourist Council. Kilrush is also a project leader on www.claretouristcouncil.ie
Clare Tourism Forum (Representative Role) Member of Organising Committee for the Annual Tourism Conference held in Ennistymon. The Kilrush stand and brochures are on display at this Annual Tourism Conference every year in Ennistymon.
Chamber of Commerce We also liaise with the Chamber of Commerce with meetings being held four times a year. Have worked in conjunction with the Chamber in providing Christmas Lights for the Town over the past few years.
Tidy Towns Committee Provides secretariat to the liaison committee meetings, which are held every month. A number of priority projects for this year that were highlighted were the provision of a bird hide and nestling and feeding boxes. FAS provide great assistance and are responsible for grass cutting, planting and painting around the town. An Annual Spring Clean is organised with various community groups, residents and the general public providing assistance.
Funding of the Tourist Office Kilrush Town Council helps Shannon Development fund the provision of a Tourist Office for the summer months."
The members welcomed the report of the A/Marketing and Development Officer and acknowledged that Kilrush was fortunate to have such an officer. Cllr. Lynch stressed that Kilrush needs to be recognised as a tourist destination and that nowhere on signage is Kilrush listed as a tourist destination. Places such as Scattery Island, Aylevaroo, Vandeleur Walled Garden, etc. are great destinations, but signage for same is insufficient. The town clerk confirmed that brochures of Kilrush are available at the Car Ferry, the Cliffs of Moher, Bunratty Castle and Folk Park, etc. with staff in these places directing visitors to Kilrush and vice-versa. The members acknowledged that accommodation, such as a hotel, is needed in the town, but they felt that Kilrush would have to work with and utilise what it had at present. Cllr. Lynch said that Kilrush needed to be marketed before the provision of a hotel would be considered and he suggested that a Tourism Strategy Committee be set up to prepare for next year's tourist season. The Mayor suggested that the town clerk look into establishing same.
Item No. 14: Ar Moladh Cllr. Lynch cuidithe ag Cllr. O'Looney
"To ask the Town Engineer to take appropriate action to make good the abandoned works on the Doonbeg Road."
In a written reply circulated dated the 9th September 2009 the executive engineer reported that :-
"A private contractor is undertaking the works on the Doonbeg Road, as part of housing developments at this location. The contractor has indicated that the delay in finishing the works has been caused by a dispute with the ESB in relation to the provision of public lighting along the length of the proposed footpath.
The contractor has been contacted on various occasions in relation to ensuring that the works area is kept in a safe condition, and in relation to the timely completion of the works.
I have received an undertaking from the contractor that on Tuesday next, 15th September, the works area will be returned to its original condition, and no works will resume until all issues have been resolved."
Cllr. Lynch welcomed the reply of the executive engineer, but stressed that should the contractor not carry out the required works that he should be advised that the Council will proceed with the necessary works and bill the contractor of same.
Item No. 16: Ar Moladh Cllr. Moroney cuidithe ag Cllr. O'Looney
"That this Council would look at the legality of the junction of Griffin Road and the Ennis Road, as you have to go over the broken line to see if there is any traffic coming in the Ennis Road."
In a written reply circulated dated the 9th September 2009 the executive engineer reported that :-
"The sightlines and sight distances at this junction are very restricted due to the location of the shed/garage that adjoins the last property on Griffin Road as you exit onto the N68 Ennis Road. The exact ownership of this property is currently unknown. Road users must act in an appropriately safe manner when using this junction, as is the case at all public road junctions.
Realignment works to improve the sightlines are ongoing at this junction. Works proposed consist of the following: a) widening the footpaths at both sides, b) re-marking and re-aligning the road carriageways on the N67, c) re-locate the stop line. Further investigation into the ownership of the property in question is on-going."
Following discussion on the matter it was agreed that the executive engineer along with the Road Design Team from Clare County Council would inspect this location as some work was needed because road users have to cross the broken line to be able to see if there is oncoming traffic from Ennis as there is a shed blocking the view. Cllr. Prendeville confirmed that he knew who the owner of this land was and he would pass on the concerns of the members. It was agreed to set a RIMS meeting at the Special Meeting scheduled for Thursday the 17th September 2009.
Item No. 18: Ar Moladh Cllr. Moroney cuidithe ag Cllr. Prendeville
"That this Council would look to have the Fort Road from Shannonside to the Killimer Road junction resurfaced."
In a written reply circulated dated the 9th September 2009 the executive engineer reported that :
"This section of road was originally included in the 2009 Kilrush Roadworks Programme, however due to the total grant reduction from €204,000 to €126,000, it was removed. Public lighting was upgraded at this location in 2008. This road requires major drainage works and a full resurfacing overlay, and will be included in the draft 2010 Kilrush Roadworks Programme, subject to funding."
Following discussion the executive engineer confirmed that work at this location would be on top of the list for next year if the members agreed that it took priority.
Item No. 19: Ar Moladh Cllr. McMahon-Jones cuidithe ag Cllr. Prendeville
"That this Council follow up the favourable reply received from the RSA regarding an NCT centre in Kilrush and seek to receive the results of the recent study that was carried out by the RSA regarding same."
In a written reply circulated dated the 9th September 2009 the town clerk reported that :-
"Despite repeated efforts we have been unable to get an update from the RSA regarding the survey to be carried out by them. We will continue to endeavour to get a response from the RSA and we will revert to you again in due course."
The town clerk confirmed that he would continue to keep the pressure on the RSA regarding the provision of an NCT centre in Kilrush.
Item No. 20: Ar Moladh Cllr. McMahon-Jones cuidithe ag Cllr. Williams
"That this Council would request that the Minister for Communications would provide the town of Kilrush with the necessary connection required to enable Broadband to be finally connected."
In a written reply circulated dated the 9th September 2009 the town clerk reported that :-
"Phases 1 and 2, which consisted of the installation of a fibre network as part of the Departments development plan for Fibre Optic Metropolitan Area Networks (MANs) have been completed for some time now in the town of Kilrush. The handover of phase 2 had been delayed pending the appointment by the department of an appropriate company to manage phase 2. Very recently a Limerick based company called e|net have been appointed by the government to manage, maintain and market phase 2 of the Broadband program which covers the energising of a further 66 towns including Kilrush. It is anticipated that Kilrush will be scheduled to "go live” in March 2010."
The town clerk further confirmed that recently he attended a meeting with Shannon Broadband who advised that they would do all in their power to bring the date forward from March 2010. Cllr. Lynch stressed that Kilrush Town Council should get involved in this project.
Item No. 21: Correspondence
- Notification from TJK Conferences Ltd. of Local Government Seminar for Councillors to be held on 25th and 26th September 2009.
- Letter dated 10th July 2009 from the RSA regarding driving lessons for learner drivers, together with previous correspondence.
- Letter dated 10th July 2009 from the Dept of the Environment, Heritage and Local Government regarding learner drivers, together with previous correspondence.
- Letter dated 14th July 2009 from the Minister for Education and Science regarding Special Needs Class at St. Senan's Primary School, together with previous correspondence.
- Letter dated 16th July 2009 from the Department of Transport regarding learner drivers.
- Letter dated 27th July 2009 from the Dept. of the Environment, Heritage and Local Government regarding Induction Course for Newly Elected Local Authority Members. The town clerk referred the new members to this induction course.
- Letter dated 10th August 2009 from Tuam Town Council regarding the abolishment of Town Councils.
- Notification from the Dept. of Government, UCC regarding Local Government Workshop to be held on the 18th September 2009.
- Notification of Clare Tourism Conference to be held from 26th - 28th November 2009 at The Falls Hotel, Ennistymon.
- Letter from Mullingar Town Council regarding the Home Energy Saving Scheme.
- Letter dated 20th August 2009 from the West Clare Family Resource Centre regarding the potential impact of closing the FRCs in Clare. This letter was discussed and it was agreed that an acknowledgement issue to Mary Jane Burgess.
- Motion from the Family Resource Centre National Forum seeking support for the Family Resource Centre Programme. It was proposed by Cllr. Prendeville and seconded by Cllr. Williams that this motion be adopted by Kilrush Town Council and that same be forwarded to Minister Eamon O'Cúiv.
- Notification of the Douglas Hyde Conference 2009 to be held at the Abbeyfield Hotel, Ballaghaderree, Co. Roscommon from the 16th to 18th October 2009.
- Letter dated August 2009 from Trócaire regarding Ireland's commitment to the world's poor.
Cllr. O'Looney enquired if the Irish Language Course previously given by Emer O'Flaherty will re commence.
It was agreed to set a date for the annual Cissie Roughan Awards at the October meeting and the venue is to be the Vandeleur Walled Garden.
It was unanimously agreed to congratulate Kilrush Tidy Towns, FÁS Job Initiative, Kilrush Town Council and all involved for their outstanding work in achieving the gold medal in the National Tidy Towns Awards and increasing their overall marks by one mark. Cllr. Prendeville suggested that a presentation be made to the Tidy Towns at the Cissie Roughan Awards. The manager and town clerk concurred with the congratulations being extended and the town clerk pointed out that Kilrush is now only 7 marks off the top award.
Following on the visit of Muhammad Ali to Ennis on the 1st September 2009 the town clerk presented the Mayor of Kilrush with a photograph taken in Ennis on the day of his visit. Cllr. Prendeville congratulated Ennis Town Council on their great profiling of Ennis town and County Clare for the occasion.
Item No. 22: Conferences
There were no seminars/conferences attended.
Votes of Sympathy
It was agreed that a vote of sympathy should issue to the following :-
- Ms. Nora Moroney and family, Woodfield Estate, Killimer Road, Kilrush on the death of her husband Mr. David Moroney
- Mr. Gerry O'Malley and family, Shannon Heights, Kilrush on the death of his mother Mrs. O'Malley late of Pella Road, Kilrush
- Ms. Mary Brennan and family, Fort Road, Kilrush on the death of her husband Mr. Martin Brennan