Minutes of the December Monthly Meeting of Ennis Town Council held at 3:30 p.m. on Monday, 3rd December 2007 in the Council Chamber, Waterpark House, Drumbiggle, Ennis, Co. Clare.
Presiding: Mayor T. Brennan
Councillors present:
- J. Reidy
- J. Flynn
- T. Glynn
- T. Matthew
- D. O'Bearra
- F. Neylon.
Apologies:
- P. Considine
- M. Coote Ryan
Officials present
- T. Coughlan, Director of Service.
- E. Power, Town Clerk.
- T. Tiernan, Town Engineer.
- Adrian Kelly, Chief Fire Officer.
- B. Keating, Senior Staff Officer.
The Register of Orders by the Director of Service, Town Clerk and Town Engineer and the Planning Register were on the meeting table.
Item 1- Adoption of the Minutes of the November Monthly Meeting held at 3:30 p.m. on Monday, 5th November 2007.
Ar moladh Cllr. F. Neylon, cuidithe ag Cllr. J. Reidy agus glacadh leis:
"That the Minutes of the November Monthly Meeting of Ennis Town Council held at 3:30 p.m. on Monday, 5th November, 2007 be adopted and signed"
It was agreed to take items 7 and 11 together.
Item 7 - Presentation by the Chief Fire Officer in relation to the recent fire at Bredin's Hardware, Station Road, Ennis.
Adrian Kelly, Chief Fire Officer made a presentation on the fire at Bredins which occurred on 7th November 2007.
Item 11 - Notice of Motion submitted by Cllr. J. Flynn
"Ask the Town Engineer to provide a report on the adequacy of water supplies for fire fighting purposes in Ennis provided by the Sanitary Authority, and whether he is happy with same".
In his written reply the Town Engineer replied as follows:
"Like the vast majority of towns, the water mains network throughout Ennis is significantly varied in terms of mains sizes and elevations and consequently pressures vary significantly as do the flows which can be generated.
In general terms, the vast majority of the older mains in Ennis are located throughout and on the periphery of the town centre. Many of these are relatively small bore cast iron mains which facilitate adequate working pressure for day to day consumption (except in one or two elevated areas where it is marginal), but when challenged in terms of provision of large flows, are somewhat limited as regards what they can achieve.
Ennis water supply scheme supplies over 3.5 million gallons of water per day to approximately 30,000 people. The main conduits for this supply are two large trunk mains, one of which runs from Drumcliff reservoir along the West side of the town and the other is constructed along the East side – they meet to the South side of the town and so a ring trunk main is effectively formed around the town. Reasonable fire flows are available in the vicinity of this ring but as one goes away from it, either inwardly towards the town centre or outwardly through the urban environs which have developed over the past 15 to 20 years, the flows available for fire fighting purposes reduce somewhat (as one would expect). The degree to which these capacities reduce varies from place to place. In general terms, fire flows are better away from the town centre than within it. Notwithstanding same, the Council has taken opportunities to increase water mains sizes or to provide additional large bore flow feeds to the town centre where such opportunities have arisen over the past 10 to 15 years and these are very helpful when required.
In general terms, the Council's primary objective is to provide an adequate water supply to facilitate day to day requirements for consumers, be they residential, industrial or commercial etc. Much of the network was provided at a time when there would have been little or no consciousness of the type of fire flows which would be called upon in today's context. Therefore, to achieve the type of fire flows that are desirable throughout the network is a mammoth challenge which can only be achieved through the expenditure of very large sums of money.
Am I happy with the situation as it is – no, I am not. This is why liaison takes place between the Sanitary Authority and the Fire Authority so that there is an awareness of where deficiencies exist and consequently a strategy in place to ensure that the best use is made of whatever resources are available to both authorities in the event that a significant fire would occur.
It has only been in recent years that an emphasis has been placed nationally on the concept of reducing the levels of unaccounted for water (leaks) in water supply schemes. The County water conservation strategy has been developing over the past few years. The evolution of the various aspects of the strategy (setting up district metering areas (DMA's), installing additional fittings, development of data banks in relation to the condition of mains etc.) is further advanced in Ennis than in any other part of the County. The information that is gathered through identification of leaks, repairing them and other investigative work is invaluable in terms of identifying mains which merit priority from a rehabilitation point of view. This information is effectively being used to prepare a mains rehabilitation strategy for the Ennis water supply scheme for submission to the Department. An additional dimension to this is that it is proposed to identify which mains to be proposed for rehabilitation would generate significantly improved fire flows if they were also upsized. Some urgency is being given to this work at present and it is an ongoing process."
Each of the members complimented and commended the Fire Service and a general discussion took place. Cllr. Flynn raised issues about the Reservoir capacity, the existing mains and the residual pressure in these mains. He suggested that water tankers be provided for fire fighting.
T. Tiernan, Town Engineer replied that he did not agree that there was a problem with the water capacity of the reservoir. There is storage of 3.5 million gallons. The Sanitary Authority liaises with the Fire Authority on an ongoing basis and a contingency plan is in place.
In relation to the fire in Bredin's on the 8th November 2007, A. Kelly, Chief Fire Officer stated that they had used hydrants from Station Road and Ard na Greine. The contingency plan and strategy put in place was invoked and appliances from the outlying areas and tankers from Scariff and Ennistymon were dispatched to the area. The County Council have sought funding from the department for additional tankers for Ennis and Shannon.
F. Neylon referred to the decision to let the building burn and claimed that the water pressure wasn't sufficient to put out the fire. He was of the opinion that if there was sufficient water they could have put out the fire. He was not satisfied with the information made available by the Council to the public concerning the water pressure in parts of the town area and considered that the reality of the situation was being covered up. The asbestos should have been taken more seriously and people evacuated earlier. It was 8.40 a.m. on the 8th November 2007 before pressure was diverted from Station Road. He stated that there was no water last Friday and that 11 million gallons goes to Roche and this puts pressure on the existing mains. He supported Cllr. J. Flynn's suggestion regarding tankers.
A. Kelly, CFO responded that the decision was made to contain the fire and prevent it spreading to adjacent properties. He was satisfied that this was the correct decision.
T. Tiernan, Town Engineer stated that information and public statements were absolutely factual and he was very surprised and upset any suggestion of a cover up. He stated that suggestions of a cover up are absurd. He was very aware of the situation with the water pressure and had responded to them. He has acknowledged these difficulties and had a contingency plan in place. The staff are doing the job as honestly and effectively as they can.
In response to Cllr. Neylon's comments, E. Power, Town Clerk stated the evacuation of people from their houses commenced at 4.00 p.m. on the 8th November 2007. The Council were in regular contact with the people over the days following the fire.
Cllr. J. Flynn welcomed T. Tiernan's honesty and suggested that the Council should lease tankers immediately
Cllr. T. Brennan asked for unanimous support for Clare County Council's funding application for a water tanker for Ennis. It was agreed to write to the department supporting this application.
Item 2 - Extinguishment of Public Right of Way at Watery Road, Ennis.
The Elected Members considered the report of E. Power, Town Clerk dated 28th November 2007. On the proposal of Cllr. D. O'Bearra, seconded by Cllr. J. Flynn it was agreed:
"That Ennis Town Council resolve that the Public Right of Way for a distance of approximately 44.65 metres (width 2.05 metres average) over the public road between Oak Park and Watery Road be extinguished pursuant to Section 73 of the Roads Act 1993. This extinguishment will take effect on 4th February 2008".
Item 3 - Overdraft Accommodation for the period 1stJanuary 2008 to 30thJune 2008.
The Elected Members considered the report of E. Power, Town Clerk dated 28th November 2007. On the proposal of Cllr. F. Neylon seconded by Cllr. J. Reidy it was agreed:
"That this Council, pursuant to Section 4(1) of the Local Government (No. 2) Act, 1960, hereby approves of raising a Temporary Loan/Overdraft Accommodation in the sum of €1,500,000 from Council's Treasurer to meet the Revenue and Capital Commitments of this Council for the period from 1st January 2008 to 30th June 2008.
Item 4 - Proposed disposal of dwellinghouse at 31 St. Flannan's Terrace, Ennis to Mary Hickey, 15 Waterpark, Ennis
The Elected Members considered the report of E. Power, Town Clerk dated 12th November 2007. On the proposal of Cllr. F. Neylon seconded by Cllr. J. Reidy it was agreed:
"That Notice having been served pursuant to Section 183 of the Local Government Act, 2001, Ennis Town Council approves, pursuant to the powers vested on it at Section 211 of the Local Government (Planning and Development) Act 2000, of the disposal of a dwellinghouse at 31 St. Flannan's Terrace, Ennis to Mary Hickey, 15 Waterpark, Ennis."
Item 5 - To note proposed projects/works
The Elected Members considered the report of E. Power, Town Clerk dated 28th November 2007.
The Elected Members were advised that the Council have opened tenders recently including traffic calming works. The Contractor is to be appointed shortly. D. O'Bearra enquired about traffic calming at Ivy Hill. T. Tiernan, Town Engineer stated that speed surveys are currently being undertaken which determines the appropriateness of the need for speed calming. The Elected Members requested a report for the next meeting.
Item 6 - Fix date for January 2008 meeting of the Council
It was agreed that the January Meeting would be held on Monday, 7th January 2008.
Item 8 - To consider the Quarterly Progress Report
Cllr. T. Glynn welcomed the further development at Lees Road Sports and Amenity Park. E. Power, Town Clerk stated that the laying of the running track will impact on parking and the soccer pitch. Cllr. J. Flynn noted that there was no report on public lighting. He had concerns with main drainage delays & Flood Relief Scheme.
T. Tiernan, Town Engineer stated that the Flood Relief Scheme is an O.P.W. scheme. He stated that it has gone to tender. Once the first phase has started funding for the second phase will be sought.
In relation to the Main Drainage Scheme, Department approval is still awaited for the brief for the appointment of Consultants which were short listed. This approval is expected shortly. The delays have been well documented and are not fault of the Council.
Item 9 - Notice of Motion submitted by Cllr. D. O'Bearra
"That the 50th anniversary of the Carmody's Hotel Crash that occurs on January 15th next, 2008 be marked in an appropriate way by the Council".
In his written reply the Town Clerk replied as follows:
"Ennis Town Council has been in contact with Ghislaine Kozuh, a daughter of Ernest De Regge who died in the Carmody Hotel tragedy. A Special Mass to commemorate this tragedy has been arranged and will take place at 7:30 p.m. on 15th January 2008 in the Ss. Peter & Paul Cathedral, Ennis. You will be aware that a commemorative plaque was erected at the Queen's Hotel to mark the 40th Anniversary in 1998.
Public notice of the Commemorative Mass will be published in advance.
Cllr. D. O'Bearra welcomed this response. He asked that the service be ecumenical, open to all religions and this was agreed by the members.
Item 10 - Notice of Motion submitted by Cllr. D. O'Bearra
"Can the Town Manager give a report on the area of Park Avenue clarifying what sections have been taken over by the Council, what parts remain to be taken over, what the Council's immediate plans are and what programme is in place to manage ongoing problems regarding lighting, illegal parking (including the apparent abandoning of a 20 ft truck on a footpath) and general maintenance and upkeep of the estate?"
In his written response the Town Engineer replied as follows:
"The position is that no part of Park Avenue has been taken into public charge – it remains the responsibility of the original developer. Therefore he is responsible for rectification of any problems which may arise. In particular, if problems which need attention are reported to the Council, the Planning Section brings same to the attention of the developer for resolution – most recently this was done in relation to some public lights which were reported out of order. I have brought the truck to the attention of our Traffic Section for examination so that they can take whatever action is appropriate. The developer has requested the Council to take Park Avenue into public charge. However, this can't be done until such time as all planning conditions are fully complied with and all snagging items are dealt with. The developer is aware of the detail of all outstanding issues.
Cllr. D. O'Bearra stated that the estate had not been taken in charge even though the snag list had been completed. He stated that the Council was being blamed for the delay. He stated that cars park at the entrance to the estate and asked why the Gardai were not issuing fines. Cllr. T. Glynn and Cllr. T. Brennan supported Cllr. D. O'Bearra. The Elected Members requested a report on the outstanding issues.
Cllr. T. Brennan raised the issue of cars for sale in private estates and asked that it be enforced. E. Power, Town Clerk stated that cars for sale on the public road could be issued with notices under the Roads Act and that planning legislation would be utilised in relation to cars for sale in private estates.
Item 12 - Notice of Motion submitted by Cllr. J. Flynn
"Ask the Town Clerk to provide a report on the assessment of submission made by members of the public in connection with temporary closure of roads namely Abbey Street and O'Connell Street during December 2007 to facilitate pedestrianisation of these streets.
In his written reply the Town Clerk replied as follows:
"Public Notice of the Council's intention to pedestrianise Abbey Street, O'Connell Square, O'Connell Street and Lower Market Street on 1st, 2nd, 8th, 9th, 15th, 16th, 22nd, 23rd and 24th December was published in the Clare Champion issue dated 16th November 2007. The closing date for receipt of submissions was 12:00 noon on 20th November 2007. 14 submissions were received as set out below.
- Tonies Fashion.
- M. Keane, Tierney's Sweet Shop.
- Tess Ryan, Bow Bangles.
- Brian & Mary Mulqueen, Mulqueen's Florists.
- Mary Kelly Newsagents.
- Tom O'Donnell, O'Donnell Sports Shop.
- Tierney's Cycle Shop.
- R. Wilson, O'Connell Street.
- Oliver Moylan, Ennis Cash Company.
- Martin F. Casey, O'Connell Square.
- Gwen Culligan, County Boutique.
- Ennis Chamber.
- O'Connell Street Traders.
- Eye Candy Opticians, Abbey Street.
The reaction from the public to previous pedestrianisation has been very positive as indicated in media reports. Furthermore the footfall survey carried out on behalf of Ennis Chamber on Car Free Day (22nd September 2007) and again on 6th October in Abbey Street and O'Connell Street showed the following results:
O'Connell Street
Saturday 22nd September 2007 - Pedestrianed
- Time : 12:00 p.m. - 1:00 p.m.
- Total Footfall : 2,711
Saturday 6th October 2007 - Not Pedestrianed
- Time : 12:00 p.m. - 1:00 p.m.
- Total Footfall : 1,830
Abbey Street
Saturday 22nd September 2007 - Pedestrianed
- Time : 12:00 p.m. - 1:00 p.m.
- Total Footfall : 1,604
Saturday 6th October 2007 - Not Pedestrianed
- Time : 12:00 p.m. - 1:00 p.m.
- Total Footfall : 987
Overall, the number of pedestrians on O'Connell Street and Abbey Street between 12.00 noon and 1.00 p.m. on Saturday, 22ndSeptember 2007 was 53% greater than the figure for the same time period on Saturday, 6th October.
While some businesses reported a reduction in business on pedestrianisation days, others have indicated that business was up.
The start time for pedestrianisation of 10.00 a.m. has worked effectively as the streets have less traffic at that time. A later commencement would be more difficult to implement with heavier traffic volumes. The Chamber has indicated that Saturday is not the main delivery day and those that do deliver can complete same by 10.00 a.m.
There were no reports of traffic congestion on previous dates. Observations of the Gardai were sought and there were no objections received to the proposed pedestrianisation from them. The opening of the Ennis Bypass has had a significant positive impact on traffic flows in Ennis.
Revised signage has been prepared indicating that these streets are pedestrianised rather than "closed". The Council undertook publicity of the pedestrianisation and highlighted traffic management arrangements. A map showing the car parks and traffic flow was given to Ennis Chamber.
The question of free one hour parking during pedestrianisation is not a viable option. Parking Byelaws are in place and the potential revenue loss would have a financial impact on the Council. Apart altogether from these concerns, free parking would not have a positive impact on business in Ennis as the turnover in parking, both on-street and in car parks, would be significantly reduced if parking was free. Instead of being "rewarded", people coming to Ennis would find it more difficult to get a parking space and the very fears that the business community express at times about shoppers going elsewhere could be realised.
The impact of pedestrianisation on business has been described as negative by some. It has been suggested to Ennis Chamber that in advance of pedestrianisation they highlight and promote the attractiveness and uniqueness of Ennis as a pleasant place to shop. The experience of shopping in a pedestrianised street in a reduced noise environment is more relaxing and safer than a town centre congested with traffic. The creation of an environment in which customers have the space and are not restricted to the footpaths should be positively promoted.
In relation to parking, it should be noted that the new multi-storey car park at Dunnes Stores has resulted in an additional 250 spaces in the town. Car parks are conveniently located in close proximity to the pedestrianised streets.
In the context of the Council's decision to progress further pedestrianisation in Ennis and having considered the number of submissions received and the results of the footfall survey, it was decided to proceed with the pedestrianisation on the dates proposed. A notice of this decision was published on 23rd November 2007."
A general discussion took place and while there was unanimous agreement that pedestrianisation should be progressed. Cllr. Flynn suggested that the it should commence at 12.00 noon as opposed to 10. a.m. Cllr Reidy welcomed pedestrianisation and would like to see businesses taking a more pro-active role and asked that refuse collection times be revised. He stated that it was a lot easier to close the roads at 10.00 rather than 12.00. Cllr. T. Brennan welcomed the Town Clerk's report and stated that most businesses must have no problem with it. Cllr. D. O'Bearra agreed with pedestrianisation. He stated that if you look at the objectors, the goods they are selling are very small and you can walk in and purchase same. He asked if there was any response in relation to the provision of a bicycle stand at O'Connell Street. E. Power, Town Clerk advised that it would be raised at the next executive meeting of Ennis Chamber.
Cllr. F. Neylon stated that we need to sit down with traders and Ennis Chamber and come up with a plan to keep people in the town. Cllr. T. Brennan stated that Parnell Street was a great example of pedestrianisation.
It was agreed to review pedestrianisation in the new year with a view to implementing same on a continuous basis.
Item 13 - Correspondence
Acknowledgement received from the department of Social and Family Affairs in response to the Council's letter regarding the provision of financial support to low income families towards the cost of the refuse collection service
Cllr. T. Glynn stated that there is a burden on people. He suggested that €5,000 be set aside for the elderly. It was agreed to discuss this item at the budget meeting.
Letter received from Bob & Joan Richardson in relation to their enjoyable visit to Ennis
The elected members noted this correspondence.
Item 14 - Any Other Business
School Wardens
Cllr. F. Neylon stated that there was a problem with the abuse that school wardens were receiving. He stated that the Council staff were being threatened and abused by members of the public. E. Power, Town Clerk stated that the Council had written to all schools regarding parking outside schools.
Footpaths at New Road
Cllr. J. Flynn stated that 50% of footpaths were unusable today due to construction work at the new Council building and that he was very concerned about pedestrian safety. He requested that Clare County Council should be informed of this problem and to ensure that the there is sufficient pedestrian safety at all times.
Quin Road Bridge
Cllr. J. Reidy raised the issue with this bridge from a safety point of view and that Iarnroid Eireann should be contacted about this matter. It was agreed to examine this matter.
Pedestrian Crossing at Rockmount
Cllr. T. Glynn requested a pedestrian crossing at Rockmount. This is Clare County Council's responsibility.
Street Ambassadors
Cllr. F. Neylon asked the Town Manager that the School Wardens should be considered for this role. It was agreed that this would be further discussed at the budget meeting.
The Meeting then concluded.