Minutes of the March Monthly Meeting of Ennis Town Council held at 3:30 p.m. on Monday, 6th April 2009 in the Council Chamber, Waterpark House, Drumbiggle, Ennis, Co. Clare
Presiding
- Mayor P. Considine
Councillors present
- T. Brennan
- M.Coote Ryan
- J. Flynn
- T. Glynn
- T. Matthew
- F. Neylon
- J. Reidy
Officials present
- T. Coughlan, Director of Service
- E. Power, Town Clerk
- E. O'Dea, Town Engineer
- L. O'Connor, Senior Staff Officer
- S. Barrett, Staff Officer
Apologies
- D. O'Bearra
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 March Monthly Meeting of Ennis Town Council held on Monday, 2nd March 2009 at 3.30 p.m.
Ar moladh Cllr. T. Brennan, cuidite ag Cllr. T. Glynn agus glacadh leis
“That the Minutes of the March Monthly Meeting of Ennis Town Council held at 3.30 p.m. on Monday, 2nd March 2009 be signed”
Cllr T. Glynn referred to a Notice of Motion received from Kilrush Town Council and highlighted that the 24hr A&E service at Ennis Hospital was to close today, 6th April, and that this is a sad day for Ennis. Hopefully, he said, this decision can be reversed in the future. Mayor P. Considine supported Cllr Glynn's comments.
Cllr F. Neylon also supported Cllr Glynn and stated that the political parties do not seem to have questioned the decisions being taken by the HSE. This is a bleak day for Ennis, he said, and for the political parties in this town.
Cllr T. Matthew supported the concerns of his fellow Councillors and said that we should keep on fighting to reverse this decision for the people of Clare.
Cllr T. Brennan agreed with his fellow speakers and stated that he was disappointed with the Minister's decision. A doctor should be available in the A&E of Ennis Hospital during the night, he said.
Cllr M. Coote Ryan expressed her hope that the decision would be reversed. Cllr J. Reidy said this was a dark day for the County.
Mayor P. Considine congratulated Tom Coughlan, Town Manager, on obtaining the post of Clare County Manager. He also welcomed Leonard Cleary, A/Director of Services to the meeting. The Councillors all joined in extending congratulations to T. Coughlan.
E. Power, Town Clerk, wished to publicly acknowledge T. Coughlan's achievement and wished him every success.
T. Coughlan, Town Manager, thanked everybody for their kind words and said that his main aim while Town Manager was to make Ennis a better place in which to live and to improve the quality of life for residents and visitors.
2. To fix a date for the June Monthly Meeting of the Council.
Tuesday the 2nd June was agreed as the date for the June Monthly Meeting.
3. To Note proposed projects/works (pre part VIII)
The Councillors noted the reports and Cllr T. Brennan welcomed the proposed pedestrian lights.
4. The Ennis Traffic Management Plan.
E. Power, Town Clerk stated that the documentation, and amendments to the plan, had been circulated and that the Council should now adopt the plan having considered the proposals.
Cllr F. Neylon enquired as to what the situation was regarding additional daytime taxi ranks.
E. Power, Town Clerk, replied that this will be further considered in the future. However, he said, the provision of part-time/night time taxi ranks would be progressed as previously discussed.
Cllr T. Glynn said that the provision of facilities for public transport in Ennis is extremely important.
Cllr J. Flynn expressed concerns for the people in the outskirts of town who do not have car parking facilities at the front or back of their property and will now have double yellow lines outside their properties.
Cllr T. Brennan stated that Park Avenue needs to be taken over. E. Power, Town Clerk responded that this is under on-going consideration and that there are some issues that need to be resolved. Cllr T. Brennan questioned if the double yellow lines could be put down. E. O'Dea, Town Engineer, replied that they could not be put down until the road is declared a public road.
The adoption of the Ennis Traffic Management Plan was proposed by Cllr J. Flynn, seconded by Cllr T. Matthew and agreed by the members.
5. Draft Road Works Programme 2009.
Cllr J. Flynn commended the Town Engineer for the road works around town.
Cllr T. Brennan said that the worst footpath in town is in the Market near “The Usual Place”. There is also a problem with the road at Garraunakilla in the Market and that there is a pole in front of “The Usual Place” that needs to be moved.
Cllr J. Reidy pointed out that the footpath at the Tulla Road coming into town stops at the Roslevan Plaza and questioned if this footpath could be continued to the roundabout. He also stated that traffic-calming measures are required in Dalcassian Park.
Cllr F. Neylon said he was delighted to see St. Michael's Villas included in the programme.
Cllr J. Flynn supported Cllr Brennan in relation to the pole outside “The Usual Place” and he also said that footpath upgrades are crucial.
Cllr T. Brennan stated that footpaths on the Lahinch Road near the Grotto were never repaired after some works were carried out there.
Mayor P. Considine welcomed the works carried out in the lanes around town.
E. O'Dea, Town Engineer, clarified that Gardai are aware of the issue of the pole in the Market and that he will formally write to the Garda Superintendent. He also said he would examine the issues on the Tulla Road and in the Market.
Cllr M. Coote Ryan requested information on the future use of the vacant land at Bridge Court in Roslevan. Cllr F. Neylon queried if this area was earmarked for Affordable Housing sites originally.
T. Coughlan, Town Manager, said that it was but that the market has changed in relation to Affordable Housing.
6. The Schedule of Uncollected Rates 2008.
The report was noted by the members.
Cllr. T. Glynn stated that the increase in uncollected rates is a sign of the times and the economic downturn. Cllr F. Neylon said that this is a recession that we all have to fight. Cllr J. Flynn stated it was worrying to see the level of uncollected rates.
T. Coughlan, Town Manager, stated that as there has been an increase in the rate, the actual rate demand and therefore the amount of uncollected rates have also increased.
L. O'Connor, Senior Staff Officer, pointed out that a number of businesses have gone into liquidation and that if a property is available for lease or rent, an owner can apply for a refund of rates.
7. The Local Government Audit Report 2007
The Councillors noted the Local Government Audit Report 2007 which had been circulated to members.
8. To consider the Draft Litter Management Plan
E. Power, Town Clerk, stated that the Draft Litter Management Plan had been prepared and will go on public display.
Cllr. T. Glynn said that the amount of litter that has to be collected from public areas is huge and is a big spend in our resources.
Cllr. T. Brennan complimented the Environmental Patrol Wardens on their work around town. However, he said that the litter has increased considerably since the introduction of the recycling charges.
Cllr. J. Flynn commended the work being done on the ground. He then asked to defer his Notices of Motions until next month, as he had to leave the meeting.
Before Cllr. J. Flynn left, Mayor P. Considine told the meeting that he took personal exception to comments made by Cllr. Flynn at the public protest outside the offices of Ennis Town Council prior to the last meeting and pointed out that while Cllr. Flynn may not wish to cash his expenses cheques, there are other Councillors who may not be in such a financial position to do the same. He stated that there is not any mafia operating in the Council Chamber. The letter submitted by the Ennis Development Forum is included in the Agenda for this meeting and will be discussed.
Cllr. M. Coote Ryan said that her family were deeply hurt by the comments made by Cllr. Flynn.
Cllr. T. Brennan said that he was deeply insulted by the comments passed by Cllr. Flynn.
Cllr. J. Flynn said that he believed the Council is controlled by a group of five and that there were decisions taken in the past 12 months that were anti-business in this town. These, he said, were the only comments that he made.
Mayor P. Considine said that it is easy to do the populist thing at meetings and that he is proud of the progress in Ennis since the ‘70's and he believes the Councillors have worked hard to progress this town.
Cllr J. Reidy stated that since being elected, one of his first motions was in relation to pedestrianisation. The 2009 budget, he said, was the first time car parking charges were increased and tough decisions have to be taken.
Cllr T. Brennan said that voting in the Council is part of the democratic process and that he never approached any Councillor in relation to any vote, before or after. He also stated that Cllr. Flynn attended a meeting at his house after the last Council elections, wherein Cllr. Flynn expressed a desire to form a group to gain control of the Council.
Cllr J. Flynn stated that he would like to continue with his Notices of Motion after this discussion, as he was now in a position to remain at the meeting. He said that a meeting at Cllr Brennan's house was a result of a proposal by Cllr Glynn and he believed the personal comments by the Mayor were not appropriate in relation to his financial circumstances. He said he has been consistent in relation to his expenses.
Cllr T. Brennan said that Cllr Glynn was never mentioned at a meeting in his house.
Cllr F. Neylon said that Cllr Brennan's comments are correct. Cllr T. Glynn stated that he was willing to stand by his actions and inactions.
9. Notice of Motion Submitted by Councillor T. Glynn
Ennis Town Council calls on the Taoiseach and Government to maintain investment in primary education, to avoid increasing class sizes at primary level and to ensure that the educational opportunities of our children are protected in these economically challenging times.
Cllr T. Glynn said that he would like all of his fellow Councillors to take this on board.
All of the Councillors unanimously supported this motion.
10. Notice of Motion Submitted by Councillor D. O'Bearra
That this Council sends a message of condolences to the families of those recently bereaved in Northern Ireland and that this Council abhors all violence.
Cllr. D. O'Bearra was absent from the meeting. However, Mayor P. Considine did express his support for the sentiments of this Notice of Motion.
11. Notice of Motion Submitted by Councillor D O'Bearra
Ask the Manager to report on the 3-year Bicycle Stand Programme that was agreed to form part of the Councils Quarterly Progress Report. Additionally to report on the two-year delay in provision of bike stands by Hughes & Hughes outside their premises as required in their planning conditions and in our Town Development Plan.
Cllr. D. O'Bearra was absent from the meeting.
12. Notice of Motion Submitted by Councillor J. Flynn
That Ennis Town Council provide additional car parking at Green Area in centre of St Michael's Villas.
In his written response the Town Engineer replied as follows
This matter has been raised by Residents and Councillors and the Council will draft plans for the provision of car parking at the Green area in the centre of St Michaels Villas. This proposal will be subject to planning procedure and available funding.
Cllr J. Flynn proposed that additional car parking be provided in the green area.
Cllr T. Brennan said that the Council should consult with the local residents before any works are carried out.
E. O'Dea, Town Engineer, said that he would meet the residents association.
Cllr J. Flynn stated that this was an acceptable approach to take.
13. Notice of Motion Submitted by Councillor J. Flynn
That Ennis Town Council provide improved pedestrian and vehicular safety at “Grotto” Junction of St. Michael's with Clonroadmore (by construction of footpath at Ryan's end onto Clonroad and possible roundabout movement of traffic or similar).
In his written response the Town Engineer replied as follows
The provision of a footpath at this location is included in the 2009 Road Works Programme. However, the provision of this footpath is subject to discussions with a local resident in regard to setback of the existing wall. Alternatively I have asked Road Design to confirm if a footpath can be provided along the existing alignment.
Cllr J. Flynn stated that this area is very dangerous.
Cllr T. Brennan agreed.
14.Correspondence
Letter from Tom Coughlan, Town Manager, in relation to the establishment of an Innovation Centre in Ennis.The establishment of an Innovation Centre in Ennis and the contribution of € 10,000.00 per annum over a three year period towards the cost of developing and managing the project was supported by all of the Councillors.
Letter received from Mr P.J. Purcell regarding his request to honour the late athlete John Purcell. Extracts from the book Great Athletes of our Time enclosed.
- It was agreed by the Councillors that a plaque at the track in Lees Road would be appropriate to honour John Purcell.
Letter received from Ennis Development Forum.
Cllr T. Glynn said that business people took time out from their employment to take to the streets and their concerns should be considered.
Cllr F. Neylon said that with regard to (1) Rates – no change can be made, (2) Water – that is an issue for Clare County Council, (3) Parking - € 0.20 is the only increase and (4) taxi ranks – that issue is being considered.
He also stated that the Town Manager is looking after this last issue and that he has no problem meeting with the people concerned.
Mayor P. Considine said that a private meeting could be arranged with the Ennis Forum members. Cllr T. Glynn said that we should sit down and try and address their issues.
Cllr J. Flynn said that as a signatory of this letter that he believes that this needs to be addressed urgently.
T. Coughlan, Town Manager, then responded to the issues outlined in the letter from the Ennis Development Forum under the following headings
Proposed increase in rates
The 3% increase is less than the rate of increase in 2008, 2007, 2006 and 2005 and is in fact the lowest rate increase in recent years. The 3% increase was levied on the 2008 rate of 63.54. The rate of 63.54 was substantially less than the rate in many large towns.
In summary, the level of rates levied in Ennis is based on the need to fund services in the Town, and any reduction in the level of rates levied would have to be funded by increasing income from other sources e.g. car parking charges, or reducing levels of service.
Car Parking
A report on car parking in Ennis was commissioned by the Council during 2008, and that report was considered by the elected members. The report determined that the current parking supply is adequate to meet current busy day demand. However, in order to determine the commercial viability of the provision of additional parking in the town, the Council decided to seek expressions of interest in the provision of additional car parking. This policy decision by the Council has been put into effect and submissions are currently being examined.
Charging for car parking has a positive impact on business due to the fact that it is estimated that each movement in car parking generates additional spend on business in the town.
Taxi Rank
The existing taxi rank was developed following an extensive public consultation process. It is not feasible to engage in such process, develop the taxi rank, and within months to suggest that the process should commence again. The Council has taken a policy decision that additional night time taxi ranks be provided in Ennis and the Council is in the process of implementing that policy decision.
Water Rates
Ennis Town Council does not levy water charges and any changes to the status quo is outside the legal competence of Ennis Town Council.
A meeting recently took place between the Chamber of Commerce, business representatives and the executive of Clare County Council. The situation in relation to water charges was explained in detail to the public representatives at that meeting.
Infrastructure
Significant infrastructure has been provided in Ennis in recent years including roads, water, recreation, sporting and cultural infrastructure.
Substantial progress has been made in the development of infrastructure such as the Ennis By-Pass, the new water treatment plant, the interim water plant, Lees Road, the Ennis Leisure Centre and Glor, and the elected members of Ennis Town Council have approved the development of proposals for further infrastructure to meet the expanding needs of Ennis.
Summary
I am aware that there have been suggestions that Ennis Town Council is not supportive of business. I would consider that the levels of rates and car parking charges, having regard to the level of services that the Town Council provides, would indicate that the Council had made every effort to ensure that rate increases and car parking increases are kept to a minimum. In addition, the Council contributes substantially to events in Ennis, and both the Town Manager and Town Clerk are members of Promote Ennis – a group which has been established specifically to promote the business interest of the town. Promote Ennis can confirm that any realistic proposal put to the executive has been supported, and in preparing draft budgets, provision has been made for the funding of joint initiatives with the business sector to promote business in the Town.
At 6.00pm the Mayor proposed to suspend standing orders to allow the meeting to continue.
This was propsed by Cllr F. Neylon, seconded by Cllr T. Brennan and agreed by the members.
Cllr T. Glynn then welcomed the Town Manager's observations. He said the rates issue is the only one that can't be changed but that a discussion can be held with the Forum in relation to the other items.
Cllr T. Matthew said that the facts and figures don't lie so there is obviously a breakdown in communication and the Forum must be made aware of the facts presented. The landlord's probably have more scope to reduce the rents that they charge the local businesses, he said.
Cllr F. Neylon said that the problem in Ennis is the rent being charged by the landlords. Cllr T. Glynn said that these landlords should be invited to the meetings also.
Cllr J. Flynn compared the level of rates in Limerick City with that in Ennis. T. Coughlan, Town Manager, pointed out that when the rate in Limerick was 76.46, the rate in Ennis was 65.45. This, he said, is not comparing like with like.
Cllr T. Glynn said that there should be a comparison on the rents charged.
Mayor P. Considine stated that a private meeting would be arranged with the Forum.
Letter from Hugh McKenna, OFM, The Franciscan Friary, Ennis requesting goodwill and support for their 800th birthday celebrations.
Mayor P. Considine stated that he would attend any ceremonies that he was invited to.
Letter from Seeking Vision regarding their blind folded walk on Monday 25th May.
The Councillors agreed to give € 300.00 towards this cause. This was proposed by Cllr F. Neylon, seconded by Cllr J. Reidy and agreed by the members.
Letter from Fleadh Nua requesting a Civic Reception in honour of all their invited guests from Nothern Ireland.
Mayor P. Considine proposed that a Civic Welcome would be arranged in the Civic Room and this was agreed by the members.
Any other business
Cllr T. Matthew stated that the two taps in Drumcliffe cementry need to be examined.
The date for the Old Folks Party was set for Tuesday, 28th April at 7.30pm.
Cllr J. Reidy welcomed the return of the Shannon Heathrow slot at Shannon Airport.
The Elected Members passed a vote of sympathy to the family and relatives of the late:
- Patrick Cleary, 7 Clancy Park, Ennis.
- Paddy Coughlan, Marian Avenue, Ennis.
- Martin Heaney, 75 Parnell Street, Ennis.
- Rosalene Barrett, Ard-na-Greine, Ennis.
- Larry Keane, 36 Castlewood Park, Ennis.
The meeting then concluded.