Minutes of the February Monthly Meeting of Ennis Town Council held at 3:30 p.m. on Wednesday, 2nd February 2009 in the Council Chamber, Waterpark House, Drumbiggle, Ennis, Co. Clare
Presiding
- Mayor P. Considine
Councillors present
- T. Brennan
- J. Flynn
- T. Glynn
- T. Matthew
- F. Neylon
- D. O'Bearra
- J. Reidy
- M. Coote-Ryan
Officials present
- T. Coughlan, Director of Service
- E. Power, Town Clerk
- E. O'Dea, Town Engineer
- S. Barrett, Staff Officer
Register: The Register of Orders by the Director of Service, Town Clerk and Town Engineer and the Planning Register were on the meeting table.
1. Adoption of the Minutes of the January Monthly Meeting of Ennis
Town Council held on Wednesday, 7th January 2009 at 3.30 p.m.
Ar moladh Cllr. M. Coote Ryan, cuidite ag Cllr. T. Brennan agus glacadh leis
"That the Minutes of the January Monthly Meeting of Ennis Town Council held at 3.30 p.m. on Wednesday, 2nd January 2009 be signed”
2. Car Parking and On Street Bye-Laws 2009
To adopt Car Parking Bye-Laws 2009
A report was circulated to the members prior to the meeting for their consideration.
It was proposed by Cllr F. Neylon and seconded by Cllr J. Reidy, and agreed to adopt the Car Parking Bye-Laws 2009.
To adopt On Street Pay and Display Bye-Laws 2009.
A report was circulated to the members prior to the meeting for their consideration.
It was proposed by Cllr F. Neylon and seconded by Cllr T. Matthew, and agreed to adopt the On Street Pay and Display Bye-Laws 2009.
Cllr J Flynn objected to the increases in parking charges in the car parks and the On Street Pay and Display parking charges for 2009.
3. To note the resignation of Cllr T. Glynn as Deputy Mayor
A report was circulated to the Members, which included a letter from Cllr T. Glynn wherein he relinquished his post as Deputy Mayor. The report was noted by the Members.
4. To elect a Deputy Mayor to fill the casual vacancy in the office of Deputy Mayor
Cllr F. Neylon proposed Cllr D.O' Bearra to fill the casual vacancy in the office of Deputy Mayor. The proposal was seconded by Cllr T. Brennan and agreed by the Members.
Cllr D. O'Bearra thanked his proposer and seconder and acknowledged the support of the Council.
The Mayor congratulated him and wished him well.
5. To approve the raising of a Loan for the Inner Relief Road
A report dated 28th January 2009, was circulated to the members prior to the meeting.
The raising of the loan was proposed by Cllr M Coote Ryan and seconded by Cllr P Considine and agreed by the Members.
Cllr T. Brennan requested that all planning applications on properties adjacent to that road be put on hold pending the road being completed.
Cllr J. Flynn considered that a master plan was required for the Station Road area.
T. Coughlan, Town Manager advised that all planning applications are dealt with on an individual basis, and in accordance with proper planning legislation.
6. To set a date for meeting of the Joint Policing Committee
E. Power, Town Clerk, suggested 4pm on the 12th February for the inaugural meeting of the Joint Policing Committee.
After a discussion the 9th February at 12noon was agreed.
7. Relocation of Icarus Sculpture Piece
E. Power, Town Clerk, informed the meeting that it was proposed to move the Icarus sculpture to the Rocky Road roundabout.
Cllr J. Flynn said the sculpture should be put back to where it was in the Market area.
Mayor P. Considine stated that he agreed with the proposal having regard to the fact that the proposed location was suitable following a technical examination.
Cllr F. Neylon enquired if it could be placed at the new County Council headquarters.
Cllr J. Flynn indicated that Glor might be a more suitable spot for the sculpture.
Having considered the matter it was then agreed by the Councillors that the sculpture would be located at the Rocky Road roundabout, on the Western Relief Road.
8. Notice of Motion Submitted by Councillor J. Flynn
That Ennis Town Council will ensure that during and after the proposed redevelopment of Tim Smyth Park (Fairgreen) the air ambulance helipad will be maintained and capable of day and night usage.
In his written response the Town Clerk replied as follows
"The consultant landscape Architect employed by Ennis Town Council for the Tim Smyth project have contacted the Coastguard Chief Pilot Shannon and he has confirmed that the works will have no effect on their operations.
The landing location is north of the pitch inside the running track.
The contract will require that this area, and access to this area, will not be affected by the works.
The access gate from Lifford Road used by the emergency services has not been altered in the proposed works.”
Cllr J. Flynn stated that he has been raising this item for the last 18 months.
Cllr T. Brennan pointed out that the appropriate authorities are satisfied that the helicopter can be landed during and after the proposed redevelopment.
E. O'Dea, Town Engineer, quoted directly from an e-mail from the Coastguard Chief Pilot Shannon, confirming that the works will have no effect on their operations.
9. Notice of Motion Submitted by Councillor J. Flynn
That Ennis Town Council urgently prepare a Taxi Rank Strategy for Ennis to include: revising the proposed layout at Parnell Street Carpark; provision of extra daytime and night time taxi rank locations; etc. in order to limit loss of public carparking while at the same time improving facilities and safety for taxi drivers and their customers particularly young people late at night.
In his written response the Town Clerk replied as follows
"As previously indicated an assessment and examination is being carried out regarding the provision of part-time /night-time taxi ranks in key locations in the town. The provision of any such part-time taxi ranks would have to have regard to (a) the level of demand for a taxi service and (b) the practical functionality of any area designated as a part-time taxi rank. The proposed designation of taxi ranks will involve public consultation and the adoption of byelaws.
It is not intended to reduce the capacity of the taxi rank in Parnell Street Car Park nor is it proposed to revise or alter its layout. You will be aware that the designation and provision of the taxi rank in this location was considered to be the optimum location and was subject to two public consultation processes.
The process of adopting byelaws to designate the taxi rank involved public consultation and furthermore the physical works were also subject to public consultation in accordance with Part VIII of the Planning and Development Regulations.
The consideration of designating additional permanent/fulltime taxi ranks will take place at a later stage following completion of the assessment referred to above in respect of part-time/night-time taxi ranks”.
Cllr J. Flynn stated that he has made a number of written requests that the taxi rank be reviewed. He said there is an extraordinary width on the footpaths at the riverside while there is very little width at the shops side, and he noted the response received.
Cllr J. Reidy questioned why Notices of Motion were submitted as it had been agreed that a report is to be prepared and presented to the Council, in relation to the Taxi Ranks.
Mayor P. Considine stated that the reply from the Town Clerk was comprehensive.
Cllr T. Glynn said he was looking forward to the completion of the assessment of the provision of part-time/night time taxi ranks.
Cllr J. Flynn stated that there is a difficulty in continuing to outlay public funds on this matter and that the existing layout, as is being constructed, is what he was referring to in the Notice of Motion.
Cllr F. Neylon said that this has all been discussed with the taxi drivers and the residents.
Cllr T. Brennan stated that it was agreed at a recent Council meeting that the Taxi rank in Parnell Street would not be changed.
Mayor P. Considine said that the success of the Flood Relief Scheme at Parnell Street Car Park has been seen over the last few weeks following the heavy rainfall.
Tom Coughlan, Town Manager, pointed out that the Draft Budget report addressed the issue of the part time/night time taxi ranks, and a report is pending.
10. Correspondence
- Letter received from Ballina Town Council in relation to a Notice of Motion adopted by thatCouncil regarding planning permission for existing retail outlets.
Cllr T. Glynn said people were enquiring as to why they had to apply for planning permission when changing the use of a shop.
There was then a general discussion where it was outlined that this was required when in certain circumstances the nature of business in the premises was being changed.
- Email received from the Private Secretary to the Minister of Health regarding the Council's request for a meeting with the Minister.
Cllr J Flynn stated that the Councillors awaited the Minister of Health's decision to attend a meeting with the Council.
Mayor P. Considine said that the matter has been progressed with Clare County Council and the Mayor of Clare is seeking a specific date for the meeting.
- Letter from the secretary of Ennis Track Club requesting a civic reception be held to recognise the Ennis Track Club senior ladies team and their coach Gerry Hayes.
It was proposed by Cllr M. Coote Ryan and seconded by Cllr F. Neylon and agreed by the Council that a civic reception would be held for the Ennis Track Club senior ladies team and their coach Gerry Hayes.
11. Conferences and Seminars
- "Ireland and the Recession” – 20th Colmcille Winter School being organised by Colmcille Heritage Trust with the co-operation of Co. Donegal Vocational Education Committee and taking place at the Colmcille Heritage Centre, Letterkenny, Co. Donegal on 27th February 2009 to 1st March 2009.
On the proposal of Cllr D. O'Bearra and seconded by Cllr J. Flynn, the Council nominated Cllr F. Neylon as a Delegate to attend this Conference. - "Climate change, alternative energies & the nuclear experience” – Training Seminar for Councillors being organised by Kadenza Consultancies Ltd and taking place at the Raheen House Hotel, Clonmel, Co Tipperary on Friday 6th March to Sunday 8th March 2009.
On the proposal of Cllr T. Brennan and seconded by Cllr M. Coote Ryan, the Council nominated Cllr T. Glynn as a Delegate to attend this Conference. - "Ireland and the Recession” – 20th Colmcille Winter School being organised by Colmcille Heritage Trust with the co-operation of Co. Donegal Vocational Education Committee and taking place at the Colmcille Heritage Centre, Letterkenny, Co. Donegal on 27th February 2009 to 1st March 2009
On the proposal of Cllr T. Glynn and seconded by Cllr T. Brennan, the Council nominated Cllr M. Coote Ryan as a Delegate to attend this Conference. - The 17th Annual Kerry Environmental Recognition Conference is being organised by the Rattoo Heritage Society and taking place at the Golf Hotel Ballybunion from Wednesday March 4th to Sunday March 8th 2009
On the proposal of Cllr T. Brennan and seconded by Cllr J. Reidy, the Council nominated Cllr P. Considine as a Delegate to attend this Conference. - Association of Municipal Authorities of Ireland Spring Seminar 2009 taking place at the Clanree Hotel, Letterkenny, Co. Donegal on 13th and 14th February 2009.
On the proposal of Cllr T. Brennan and seconded by Cllr T. Glynn, the Council nominated Cllr M. Coote Ryan as a Delegate to attend this Conference. - Association of Municipal Authorities of Ireland Spring Seminar 2009 taking place at the Clanree Hotel, Letterkenny, Co. Donegal on 13th and 14th February 2009.
On the proposal of Cllr M. Coote Ryan and seconded by Cllr D. O'Bearra, the Council nominated Cllr F. Neylon as a Delegate to attend this Conference.
12. Any Other Business
Cllr M. Coote Ryan advised that Ennis Fairtrade Steering Committee are organising a Fairtrade fortnight and a contribution is being sought from Ennis Town Council. It was proposed by Cllr M. Coote Ryan that the amount of €300.00 be allocated and this was seconded by Cllr D. O'Bearra and agreed.
Cllr F. Neylon informed the meeting that eight Clare dancers are going to Philadelphia to participate in the World Irish Dancing Championships and they also require a contribution. It was agreed that a contribution of €300.00 would be allocated for the dancers.
Cllr T. Brennan suggested that a Limerick / Clare Energy agency should carry out a survey to see if the Mill Wheel could supply the electricity required to power the public lighting in Ennis. Mayor P. Considine supported Cllr Brennan's suggestion. Cllr J. Flynn said that the millrace should be widened to its previous width, as part of the current OPW works.
Cllr D. O'Bearra recommended that low energy lighting be used in the town's streetlights as they use only 20% of the energy of the normal tungsten bulbs.
Cllr F. Neylon pointed out that a ramp in Considine's Terrace should be widened.
Cllr T. Brennan added that there are two ramps in Turnpike that are similar and may also need adjustment.
Cllr M. Coote Ryan requested that traffic calming measures for St Senan's Road should be considered for 2009.
E. O'Dea, Town Engineer, pointed out that there is a parking space at the site of the ramp in Considine's Terrace and this is the problem with the ramp.
Cllr J. Flynn said he has made a submission regarding the reduction of speed limits in town areas, and wants to know where it is at this stage.
E. O'Dea, Town Engineer, said he will revert to the Council on this matter in due course.
The meeting then concluded.