PrintMinutes of September Monthly Meeting of Kilrush Town Council held on the 10th September 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
- Mr. Derek Troy, Executive Engineer
- Ms. Mary McMahon, Senior Staff Officer
- Ms. Geraldine Quinn, Assistant Staff Officer
At the outset the Mayor welcomed everyone back after the summer recess
Item No. 1: Adoption of Minutes of July Monthly Meeting of Kilrush Town Council held on the 3rd July 2008 at 4.00 p.m.
Ar Moladh Cllr. Clyne cuidithe ag Cllr. Prendeville:-
The Minutes of the July Monthly Meeting were duly adopted
Matters Arising
Cllr. McMahon-Jones enquired if any result had been received on the search regarding lands in the ownership of Kilrush Town Council and the town clerk confirmed that he would follow-up on this.
Cllr. McMahon-Jones requested an up-date as to when the re-surfacing works on the Doonbeg Road will be carried out as these had been scheduled for August. The executive engineer confirmed that some works have taken place, but he will carry out a check with regard to the re-surfacing works.
With regard to the new Civic Offices, Cllr. McMahon-Jones referred Sections 138(1)(b) and 69 of the Local Government Act 2001 to the town manager pointing out that she had omitted to bring these sections to the July meeting, but that they need to be addressed. The town manager advised that it was her understanding that Cllr. McMahon-Jones was to submit these in advance of the meeting and this was noted by Cllr. McMahon-Jones.
With regard to the issue of flooding at Island View Cllr. O'Gorman requested an up-date from the executive engineer who confirmed that he had attended at Island View after heavy rainfall. While he did acknowledge that some small drainage work is needed in some rear gardens, he did confirm that there is no risk of serious flooding. Cllr. O'Gorman requested a start-up date and the executive engineer advised that he would leave it with the town clerk to source funds for these drainage works. Cllr. O'Gorman suggested that perhaps 5 or 6 of the gardens that need drainage works be carried out this year as a start so that the residents can see that something is being done to alleviate the problems.
Cllr. Sweeney advised that he had been given assurances by the previous town clerk and the town manager that an ESB representative would meet with the members regarding public lighting in the town, but to date this had not happened. The town clerk confirmed that numerous requests have been made to the ESB to date, but without success.
At this point the Mayor welcomed John Corry as the new Kilrush town clerk and the members joined him in wishing John well for the future. The town clerk thanked the members and said that he was delighted to have been offered the post and is looking forward to working in partnership with them.
Cllr. McMahon-Jones sought an apology from Cllr. Prendeville for an incident which occurred at the last meeting, but none was forthcoming.
Item No. 2: Adoption of Minutes of Special Meeting of Kilrush Town Council held on the 29th August 2008 at 11:00 a.m.
Ar Moladh Cllr. O'Gorman cuidithe ag Cllr. O'Malley:-
The Minutes of the Special Meeting were duly adopted
Item No. 3: Adoption of 2007 Audit Report
Ar Moladh Cllr. Prendeville cuidithe ag Cllr. Sweeney:-
The 2007 Audit Report was duly adopted
Cllr. McMahon-Jones requested a break-down of the sum of €250,702 for funds set aside for new offices under the heading of 'Capital Balances' and the town clerk undertook to revert to the members on this matter
Cllr. O'Malley made reference to the 'Collection Accounts' and more particularly the arrears. The town clerk confirmed that the Code of Practice will be implemented regarding the arrears. He further advised that the revenue cumulative deficit continues to be reduced and the capital account balances have increased from €1.6m in 2006 to €1.9m in 2007
The Mayor complimented the officials concerned for the healthy state of the finances of Kilrush Town Council
Item No. 4: Nomination to the Board of Clare Local Development Company
Cllr. O'Gorman was proposed by Cllr. Prendeville and seconded by Cllr. O'Malley
Cllr. McMahon-Jones was proposed by Cllr. Culligan and seconded by Cllr. McMahon-Jones
As two nominations were received a vote was called for by the Mayor.
In favour of Cllr. O'Gorman : Cllr. Prendeville, Cllr. Clyne, Cllr. Sweeney, Cllr, O'Malley, Cllr. O'Gorman, Cllr. O'Looney
In favour of Cllr. McMahon-Jones : Cllr. McMahon-Jones, Cllr. Fennell, Cllr. Culligan.
Cllr. O'Gorman was appointed to the Board of Clare Local Development Company by six votes to three votes.
Item No. 5: Presentation by Ruth Hurley, Senior Executive Architect, on proposed Kilrush Campus Facility
The Mayor welcomed Ruth Hurley and Catherine Earley on the presentation of this eagerly awaited project for the area. The town clerk informed the members that the council are strongly pushing for this facility to be advanced in conjunction with the 2nd phase of the John Paul Estate Regeneration Project and an application in this regard is being lodged with the Department of the Environment Heritage & Local Government.
Ms. Hurley then briefed the members advising that this campus facility will be located on the periphery of John Paul Estate on the boundary of Wilson Road. She said that there is great enthusiasm for this project and the user groups of Enterprise Start-Up Units; Clare Youth Service; Clarecare; Kilrush Family Resource Centre; Éirí Corca Baiscinn and Radio Corca Baiscinn are committed to it. She spoke under the following headings : Facilities for Consideration in the Building (i.e. office, training, meeting, enterprise space, social & community space, exhibition, recreation & sport); User Groups; Architecture & Design; Entrance Reception Area being open and transparent and accessible to all; Elevations (this will be an iconic building rather than a landmark building); Anticipated Limitations/Challenges; Programme & Funding. Ms. Hurley advised that a grant application was submitted for funding to Enterprise Ireland Community Enterprise Centre Capital Funding in August 2008 and that a result is due in November 2008 regarding grant funding.
The elected members collectively complimented Ruth Hurley on her presentation and welcomed the proposal of the Campus Facility.
At this point the Mayor welcomed back Cllr. Fennell after his illness. Cllr. Fennell thanked staff for their get well wishes.
Item No. 6: Ar Moladh Cllr. Fennell cuidithe ag Cllr. Prendeville
"That this Council call on Minister Killeen & Deputy Dooley to recall our National Airline, Aer Lingus to Shannon Airport."
This motion received the unanimous support of the elected members and it was agreed to write to Minister Killeen and Deputy Dooley requesting them to put a motion through the Dáil for Aer Lingus to bring back the 2 slots to Shannon Airport. It was further agreed to circulate this motion to the other councils in Clare for support.
Item No. 7: Ar Moladh Cllr. Prendeville
"To ask the Manager to update the members on the new civic offices proposal."
The manager reported that matters remain as heretofore; that legal matters are in train. The contract has not yet been signed. The manager advised that members will be notified of future developments as they occur.
Item No. 8: Ar Moladh Cllr. Prendeville cuidithe ag Cllr. Cllr. Fennell
"That in view of the lack of infrastructural development on the northern bank of the Shannon Estuary that this council would convene a special joint meeting of the council with the Kilrush Electoral Area councillors to discuss the implications for West Clare in the proposed new Harbours Bill 2008."
Following discussion it was agreed to convene the special meeting as requested between Kilrush Town Council and Kilrush Electoral Area and Shannon Foynes Port Authority should be invited to attend. It was agreed to hold this meeting in the Vandeleur Walled Garden. The town clerk undertook to liaise with Cllr. Pat Keane and the Mayor of Kilrush in an effort to set up this meeting as soon as possible.
Item No. 9: Ar Moladh Cllr. Prendeville
"To ask the Town Engineer to consider the removal/reduction in height of a wall opposite Cappa Pier which is causing sight distance restrictions for motorists and is a potential safety hazard for pedestrians."
Cllr. Prendeville confirmed to the executive engineer that the wall in question is opposite the pier jutting onto the public road and that joint property owners have no problem with it's removal. The executive engineer confirmed that he will inspect this area and revert to the members in due course.
The officials and members of Kilrush Town Council collectively congratulated Kilrush Tidy Towns, FÁS Team Leader Martina Troy, FÁS workers and all involved in Kilrush retaining gold medal status in the Tidy Towns Awards and increasing their marks by 7 points to 297 points. They also congratulated Ennis Tidy Towns on their achievements.
Item No. 10: Correspondence
- Letter dated 10th June 2008 from Laois County Council regarding deposit on bottles and cans containing beer, wine and spirits
- Letter dated 30th June 2008 from Portlaoise Town Council regarding loan scheme for affordable housing
- Letter dated 3rd July 2008 from Health Service Executive in reply to notice of motion for the HSE to deliver a modern and effective Health Service to peripheral areas like West Clare. The members acknowledged receipt of this letter but felt that it didn't deal with the lack of services in West Clare, particularly for emergencies. It was agreed that a further letter should issue to the HSE regarding the foregoing and the threat of removal of services to centres of excellence
- Letter dated 1st July 2008 from Westmeath County Council regarding the protection of habitat species
- Letter dated 8th July 2008 from Sligo County Council regarding Lisbon Treaty
- 'Thank You' letter dated 7th July 2008 from Sr. Anne Marie Donnellan regarding Cissie Roughan Award
- Letter dated 1st July 2008 from Balbriggan Town Council regarding graffiting public property
- Letter dated 3rd July 2008 from Balbriggan Town Council regarding sale of goods
- Preliminary Notice of Local Authority Members Association Annual Winter Seminar to take place on 28th and 29th November 2008
- Letter dated 15th July 2008 from the Department of Education and Science regarding school water charges. The members expressed their disappointment with this reply. It was suggested that perhaps grants could be given to help schools put water conservation facilities in place
- Letter dated 15th July 2008 from the Department of Finance regarding water charges and conservation in schools
- Letter dated 17th July 2008 from Kerry County Council regarding funding for local authorities
- Notification from Mid-West Regional Authority for the Citizen First Final Conference to take place in Ennis on 25th and 26th September 2008
-
Letter dated 21st July 2008 from the Department of the Environment, Heritage & Local Government regarding Stronger Local Democracy - Options for Change.
Letter dated 22nd July 2008 from Mullingar Town Council regarding ageism in the workplace - Letter dated 23rd July 2008 from Donegal County Council regarding traffic islands
- Letter dated 17th July 2008 from Killarney Town Council regarding the Back to Education Allowance
- Letter dated 24th July 2008 from the Department of Health & Children regarding mammography screening services. It was agreed that a letter issue in response to the Dept. of Health & Children calling for Prof. Tom Keane's directive to be withdrawn and a letter should issue to the councils in Kerry, Limerick, Donegal and Leitrim seeking their support
- Letter dated 25th July 2008 from Skibbereen Town Council regarding support for fishermen
- Letter dated 24th July 2008 from the Department of Environment, Heritage & Local Government regarding The Control of Postering for Elections and Referenda
- Letter dated 31st July 2008 from Mullingar Town Council regarding vaccination of children
- Letter dated 8th August 2008 from Frances Daly regarding the opening of an amateur boxing club in Kilrush
- Letter dated 18th August 2008 from Fermoy Town Council regarding ratepayers voting in Local Authority's elections
- Letter dated 20th August 2008 from the Irish Water Safety regarding contribution made
- Letter dated 25th August 2008 from Clones Town Council regarding school water charges
- The members requested that Siobhán Garvey, Staff Officer be thanked for her great work in Milwaukee in promoting the Kilrush area.
Votes of Sympathy
It was agreed that a vote of sympathy should issue to the following :-
- Liam and Margaret O'Donnell, 1 Moore Street, Kilrush on the death of Peggy O'Donnell late of Dooneen Park, Kilrush
- John and Úna Kelly, Wood Road, Kilrush on the death of their daughter Edel Kelly
- Liam Carey, Ballykett, Kilrush on the death of his mother Mrs. Rose Carey
- Billy Maloney, Pella Road, Kilrush on the death of his wife Mrs. Helen Maloney
- Teresa O'Donnell, Moore Street, Kilrush on the death of her husband Mr. Liam O'Donnell
- Eddie Lynch, O'Curry Street, Kilkee on the death of his brother Mr. John Lynch
- Richard Lynch, Doonaha, Kilrush on the death of his father John Lynch
- Pat Murrihy, Shannon Heights, Kilrush on the death of his mother Mrs. Margaret Murrihy
The meeting then concluded.