Minutes of the February Monthly Meeting of Ennis Town Council held at 3.30 p.m. on Monday, 5th February 2007
Presiding: Mayor J. Reidy.
Councillors present:
- T. Brennan,
- P. Considine,
- M. Coote Ryan,
- J. Flynn, T. Glynn,
- T. Matthew,
- F. Neylon,
- D. O’Bearra.
Officials present:
- T. Coughlan, Director of Service
- E. Power, Town Clerk
- T. Tiernan, Town Engineer.
- L. O’Connor, 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.
St. Patrick’s Day 2007.
At the outset of the Meeting, E. Power, Town Clerk informed the members that correspondence had been received from the County Clare Social Society in New York inviting the Mayor to New York for the St. Patrick’s Day Celebrations. It was proposed by Cllr. T. Brennan, seconded by Cllr. F. Neylon and agreed that Cllr. M. Coote Ryan would represent the Council in New York on St. Patrick’s Day.
Item 1 Adoption of the Minutes of the January Monthly Meeting held at 3.30 p.m. on Tuesday, 9th January 2007.
The Mayor stated that Standing Orders provided for the duration of the Council Meeting to be 2½ hours and he sought the members’ co-operation in order to complete the business of the meeting within that period. He asked if the minutes were an accurate record of the meeting held on 5th February 2007. He then called for the adoption of the Minutes to be proposed.
Ar moladh Cllr. T. Brennan, cuidithe ag Cllr. M. Coote Ryan agus glacadh leis:
“That the Minutes of the February Monthly Meeting held at 3.30 p.m. on Monday, 5th February 2007 be adopted and signed”.
It was proposed by Cllr. T. Brennan, seconded by Cllr. F. Neylon and agreed that Agenda Item No. 8 would be heard next.
Item 8 Attendance of Stephen Abbey, Executive Engineer, Clare County Council to give a briefing in relation to Ennis Town Cycle Network Strategy.
Stephen Abbey, Executive Engineer, Clare County Council gave a short presentation on the Draft Ennis Town Cycle Network Strategy which is currently on public display. The members welcomed the Cycle Network Strategy but expressed concerns regarding the impact of cyclists in the town centre if it is pedestrianised. The members also noted the lack of cycle stands currently in the town centre. Cllr. D. O’Bearra requested that the provision of cycle facilities would be given a dedicated budget. S. Abbey thanked the members for their comments and added that submissions on the Cycle Network Strategy could be made to the Road Design Office. It was agreed that a meeting would be arranged with the Council following receipt of these submissions.
Item 2. Raising of a loan for the redevelopment of the Market Area.
It was proposed by Cllr. T. Glynn, seconded by Cllr. P. Considine and agreed to raise a loan of €3.5m. for the re-development of the Market area in accordance with Section 106 of the Local Government Act 2001.
In a discussion it was clarified that the Farmers Market would be temporarily relocated in Lower Market Street Car Park while the re-development of the Market area was taking place following which the Farmers Market would return to Garraunakilla. The members raised the issue of the size of some of the traders’ stalls. In response, T. Tiernan noted that once the Market had been re-developed Byelaws would have to be enforced. E. Power, Town Clerk told the meeting that new Casual Trading Byelaws would specify the size and numbers of bays that could be used by the traders.
Item 3 Amendment to the Cloughleigh All Weather Playing Pitch Byelaws 2006.
The elected members considered the report of the Town Clerk dated 31st January 2007 which recommended a reduced fee of €20.00 per hour for youth teams using the playing pitch at Cloughleigh. On the proposal of Cllr. T. Glynn, seconded by Cllr. T. Brennan it was agreed to amend the Cloughleigh All Weather Playing Pitch Byelaws 2006 as recommended.
Item 4 Time schedule for the review of the Ennis and Environs Development Plan 2003
The elected members noted the schedule for the review of the Ennis and Environs Development Plan 2003.
Item 5 Filling of casual vacancy on the Ennis Swimming Pool Management Committee.
E. Power, Town Clerk advised the meeting that as a result of the resignation of Cllr. D. O’Bearra from the Ennis Swimming Pool Management Committee a casual vacancy now existed and that the members should nominate a representative to the Committee. On the proposal of Cllr. T. Glynn, seconded by Cllr. T. Brennan and agreed Cllr. M. Coote Ryan was nominated to the Ennis Swimming Pool Management Committee.
Item 6 Prioritisation of recreational and amenity projects
The members welcomed and noted the report on recreational and amenity projects dated 31st January 2007 from E. Power, Town Clerk. Cllr. J. Flynn asked if any plans had been formalised for the re-use of the old landfill site at Doora and the possible development of the Post Office Field. In response, the Town Manager told the meeting that the old landfill site would be used for amenity purposes but that remedial works at the site would have to be carried out first. He added that the Office of Public Works may need to access the Post Office Field to carry out works associated with the Flood Relief Scheme so any development of the field would have to wait until after the works were carried out. He noted that if the site for the proposed new library development at Bank Place was sold, proceeds from the sale would be used on the Post Office Field.
Cllr. F. Neylon expressed concern that groups from outside the County were using the Lees Road Sports facilities. He requested that a meeting of the Lees Road Sports Management Committee be arranged to discuss this issue. A general discussion took place regarding the green area at Clonroad. It was agreed that the green area should be opened up and that it would be used as a passive green space. The Town Manager told the meeting that it was currently being considered to develop a Youth Café on a site adjacent to Cloughleigh School and the Island Car Park.
Cllr. J. Flynn noted that huge progress had been made in the provision of facilities through RAPID and enquired if RAPID funding could be used for this project. Cllr. T. Brennan stated that it in the future the building was not used as a youth café that the facility would it revert to the Council. In response, T. Coughlan, Town Manager told the members that it was unlikely that the facility would be funded under the RAPID programme and that the proposed youth café would revert to the Council if it were to close down.
Item 7 Update in relation to the proposed library development
The members considered the report dated 31st January 2007 from T. Coughlan, Town Manager on the proposed library development. T. Coughlan told the meeting that the next step to progress the issue was an assessment of the existing site vis-à-vis the proposed site and that he would report back to the members. Cllr. J. Flynn suggested that a low weight structure could be placed on top of the existing library building to extend the facility. Cllr. D. O’Bearra expressed concern regarding the development and noted that more information would be needed on the proposed development before any decision is made.
In response, T. Coughlan, Town Manager noted that the existing building was sub-standard and that an analysis of the existing site would be carried out. He added that the Post Office Field was zoned as open space and it would be up to the members to decide if it was in the public interest to allow the development take place on part of the site and that if it was to proceed it would be subject to two public consultation processes. After some further discussion, the Town Manager clarified that all available information would be given to the members except for the value of the existing site and if the library was to move it was conditional on selling the existing site.
Item 9 Update on Land Registry Search
The members considered the update on the Land Registry search dated 5th February 2007 from E. Power, Town Clerk. T. Tiernan also told the members that Cusack Park was registered to the G.A.A. Cllrs. T. Brennan and F. Neylon expressed concern regarding the ownership of the three properties. After some discussion it was agreed that a registration history would be checked out on the three properties.
Item 10 Notice of Motion submitted by Cllr. D. O’Bearra
“Can the Manager set out for the Council members the proposed timetable for the feasibility study of a town bus service and the public consultation process envisaged.”
In his written response the Town Clerk replied as follows:
“A meeting was held before Christmas with the relevant parties involved in the provision of passenger transport services. It is the Council’s intention to prepare a Brief for the engagement of Consultants to undertake a Feasibility Study. It is intended to advertise for Consultants and following engagement to allow approximately four months for the Feasibility Study to be carried out. The Consultants brief will include a requirement to consult with a range of interested parties. It is expected that the advertisement for Consultants will be published before the end of February 2007”.
The Notice of Motion was supported by Cllr. P. Considine who added that it was critical that a town bus service would be provided considering that the population of the greater Ennis area was estimated to grow to 48,000 by 2020.
Item 11 Notice of Motion submitted by Cllr. J. Flynn
“Ask the Town Engineer to provide a report on the condition of public lighting, service level agreement with the E.S.B. for same and whether he is happy with the current arrangements to deal with faulty lights”.
In this written response the Town Engineer replied as follows:
“We have been dissatisfied with the E.S.B.’s performance in maintaining public lighting throughout the town for a number of months. A survey carried out in early December revealed that approximately 130 lights were out of order – between 6 and 7% of the total number of lights for which Ennis Town Council is responsible. This is clearly not acceptable. It was brought to the attention of the E.S.B. who have reacted and at this stage, approximately 50% of the lights which were found to be faulty in that survey have been repaired.
The deterioration in service from the E.S.B. appears to have evolved from its break-up into its component companies. The previous maintenance contract between the local authorities and the E.S.B. was put in place in the early 1970’s. A change in structure of the E.S.B. clearly flagged the need for a new contract to be entered into between the Council and E.S.B. contracts. Such a contract has been prepared in draft and I have raised some queries in relation to same. I expect to meet relevant E.S.B. personnel within the coming week and arising from same, I would hope that a new maintenance contract can be concluded which should have the effect of ensuring that no more than 2% of the public lighting isn’t operational on the network at any time going forward.”
Cllr. J. Flynn welcomed the new Contract and asked that a procedure would be put in place so that members of the public could make contact with the E.S.B. to deal with public lighting. This was supported by Cllr. P. Considine. Cllr. T. Matthew suggested that a refund should be sought from the E.S.B. for services not provided for.
Item 12 Notice of Motion submitted by Cllr. J. Flynn
“Ask the Town Manager to outline the capital programme for 2007 and the following two years for Ennis Town Council Area to include roads, water and sewerage, etc.”.
In his written response the Town Engineer replied as follows:
“In general terms, it is impossible to outline a three-year programme for all of the Capital Works which are desirable over that period – mainly because funding isn’t necessarily confirmed at this stage in many cases and also in some cases, timing of implementation isn’t within the Council’s control. Notwithstanding the foregoing I will outline the up to date position hereunder as best I can.
Roads.
- Completion of upgrading of Drumbiggle Road – tenders have been submitted – a contractor to be appointed shortly and the project is to be completed in 2007.
- Upgrading of Drumcliff Road – tenders have been submitted – a contractor to be appointed shortly and the project is to be substantially completed in 2007.
- Inner Relief Road (Section E) – the only significant issue preventing progress on this project is agreement with one property owner – negotiations are ongoing – target year for commencement – 2007.
- Other capital works will be outlined in the 2007 Roads Programme which is to be outlined at the March meeting.
- A number of other improvements are proposed on regional roads through the town in association with Clare County Council including the provision of a roundabout at Knockanoura, Tulla Road and the provision of cycle lanes also on the Tulla Road.
Water Services.
Notwithstanding the fact that Ennis Town Council is no longer a sanitary authority and is therefore not responsible for water services projects any more, the following are the key projects which are receiving priority.
- A tender report is expected shortly in relation to the appointment of a contractor to facilitate development of the new water treatment plant. Completion of this project is targeted for the end of 2008.
- The preliminary report pertaining to the Ennis/Clarecastle Main Drainage Scheme has been approved and the process of appointing consultants to facilitate taking the project through its remaining stags is underway. The project is receiving priority but it will not be completed with the next three years.
Amenity Facilities
See report in association with Item 6 on Agenda.
Other.
The upgrading of the Market Project was recently approved by the Council – refer to item No. 2 on Agenda. This is a priority project but the timing of its complete implementation depends on availability of funding. Notwithstanding same, it is proposed to give priority to the Lower Market Street section of the project in 2007 which will facilitate elimination of traffic movements from Lower Market Street onto O’Connell Street.
In general terms, it has to be pointed out that the desired rate of implementation of road improvement projects isn’t achievable – mainly because of lack of funding. The level of such funding being generated by Planning Levies Scheme is nowhere nearly adequate. This will have to be addressed in the new Planning Levies Scheme to be implemented in association with the next Development Plan – if not before.”
Cllr. J. Flynn welcomed the report and requested that planning for capital grant aid applications would be progressed. Cllr. T. Brennan asked if provision had been made to alleviate flooding on Drumcliffe Road as part of the upgrading works. In response, T. Tiernan, Town Engineer noted that this had been taken into account. He added that consideration of junction improvement works at the Tulla Road/St. Senan’s Road/Corrovorrin junction was ongoing. The motion was formally seconded by Cllr. D. O’Bearra.
Item 13 Correspondence
Letter received from Padraig O’Floinn in relation to the charging of Ennis C.B.S. for the use of Tim Smythe Park.
Letter received from Jim McMahon, Chairperson, Ennis C.B.S. Parents Association in relation to the charging of Ennis C.B.S. Primary School for the use of Tim Smythe Park.
Cllr. T. Glynn noted that letters had been received regarding the use of Tim Smythe Park by the C.B.S. E. Power, Town Clerk told the meeting that he had met with the Principal of Rice College and that a satisfactory arrangement had been agreed on the issue.
Item 14 Conferences and Seminars
“The contribution of the G.A.A. to the Sporting and Social Life in Ireland” – Colmcille Winter School Conference being organised by Colmcille Heritage Trust and taking place at the Colmcille Heritage Centre, Letterkenny, Co. Donegal on 23rd to 25th February 2007.
On the proposal of Cllr. T. Glynn seconded by Cllr. P. Considine the Council nominated Cllr. M. Coote Ryan as a Delegate to attend this Conference.
“Energy and the Development Plan. Sustainable, Renewable, Efficient. Training Seminar for Councillors being organised by Kadenza Consultancies and taking place at the Clonmel Park Hotel, Clonmel, Co. Tipperary on 3rd and 4th March 2007.
On the proposal of Cllr. T. Matthew seconded by Cllr. J. Flynn the Council nominated Cllr. D. O’Bearra as a Delegate to attend this Conference.
On the proposal of Cllr. M. Coote Ryan seconded by Cllr. T. Brennan the Council nominated Cllr. T. Glynn as a Delegate to attend this Conference.
“Implementing the NDP 2007-2013 – The Role of the Regions” – 13th Annual Conference being organised by the Mid West Regional Authority and taking place at the Woodlands House Hotel, Adare, Co. Limerick on 15th and 16th February 2007.
On the proposal of Cllr. T. Brennan seconded by Cllr. M. Coote Ryan the Council nominated Cllr. P. Considine as a Delegate to attend this Conference.
Item 15 Any Other Business
Civic Reception for Eire Og
Cllr. T. Glynn asked if a date had been arranged to hold a civic welcome for the Eire Og Club. E. Power, Town Clerk told the meeting that the 16th March 2007 had been agreed.
New taxi rank at Parnell Street car park
E. Power, Town Clerk informed the members that the new taxi rank in the Parnell street car park would be opened on 13th February 2007.
Proposed French Market
E. Power, Town Clerk told the meeting that it was proposed, subject to further consultation, to hold a French Market in the Abbey Street car park from 16th to 19th March 2007. Cllr. P. Considine noted that the full support of the Chamber of Commerce would be sought. E. Power, Town Clerk added that a delegation from St. Paul de Fenouillet would be visiting Ennis over the St. Patrick’s Weekend.
Ennis By-Pass
The elected members welcomed the opening of the Ennis By-Pass and noted the improvement to the traffic flow within the town. They requested that appropriate signage would be put in place.
Housing issues
Cllr. F. Neylon requested that shutters would be provided on windows and doors of vacant Council houses. In response the Town Manager said he would examine the issue.
Roadworks
Cllr. T. Brennan requested that pedestrian crossings would be put in place in Clonroad and Station Road. He also requested that a laneway in Roslevan would be re-surfaced. He added that the local residents were willing to contribute to the work. In response, T. Tiernan, Town Engineer said that the issue of the two pedestrian crossings was currently under consideration. On the second point he noted that the laneway in question was private but that he would look at ways of resolving the issue. Cllr. J. Flynn requested that in light of the opening of the By-Pass that the provision of pedestrian crossings, sequencing of lights and junction improvements would be examined. Cllr. D. O’Bearra requested that lining at the top of O’Connell Street would be put in place as vehicles do not respond to the crossing.
Ennis Water Supply
E. Power, Town Clerk informed the meeting that he had received a response from Clare County Council regarding a motion passed by Ennis Town Council at its December Meeting. He read out the Notice of Motion and the response received as follows:
“Ennis Town Council calls on Clare County Council (Water Services Department) to subsidise water purchased during periods of boil notice (on production of a receipt) at the lowest cost per litre in the area”.
Response received from T. Carey, Director of Service and County Engineer, Clare County Council:
“Clare County Council has made no provision in its budget to subsidise the purchase of bottled water. In fact, Clare County Council has made a huge investment of in excess of €2m. over a two-year period on the provision of interim treatment facilities. To date only €367,000 has been received in assistance from the Department of the Environment, Heritage and Local Government. Clare County Council is also aggressively pursuing the provision of the permanent treatment plant and will over the coming weeks be examining the report on tenders with a view to bringing the scheme to construction late spring of this year.
It is acknowledged that there were some problems with the interim facility outside of the control of Clare County Council but these have been resolved and we have confidence in the ability of the plant to deliver safe and wholesome supply until such time as the permanent plant goes into production.”
The members requested that the response would be circulated to them.