Minutes of the Adjourned March Monthly Meeting of Ennis Town Council held at 4:30 p.m. on Thursday, 6th March 2008 in the Council Chamber, Waterpark House, Drumbiggle, Ennis, Co. Clare
Presiding
- Mayor T. Brennan.
Councillors present
- M. Coote Ryan,
- F. Neylon,
- T. Glynn,
- T. Matthew,
- D. O'Bearra,
- J. Reidy.
Officials present
- T. Coughlan, Director of Service. E. Power, Town Clerk.T. Tiernan, Town Engineer. L. O'Connor, Senior Staff Officer.
Apologies
- P. Considine,
- J. Flynn.
Register: 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 February Monthly Meeting of Ennis Town Council held on Monday, 4th February 2008 at 3:30 p.m.
At the outset of the Meeting, Mayor T. Brennan referred to the suspension of standing orders at the February Meeting which was agreed to take an item on the Agenda out of sequence to facilitate a presentation on the 63 rd All Ireland Pipe Band Championship which is to take place in Ennis this year. Mayor Brennan clarified that the suspension of standing orders is not actually required in such cases.
He referred to Standing Order No. 11 which provided for an item for consideration to be taken out of sequence of listing on the Agenda.
Cllr. T. Glynn stated that important contributions that he had made to the debate at the February Meeting on issues such as pedestrianisation were not recorded in the Minutes of the Meeting and wished to have this noted.
In response to a query from Cllr. F. Neylon regarding pedestrianisation, Mayor T. Brennan referred to the Minutes of the February Meeting and noted that meetings would be held with Ennis Chamber, Abbey Street Traders Association and O'Connell Street Traders and that a report on pedestrianisation would be prepared for the Council.
In response to a query from Cllr. D. O'Bearra the Town Manager, T. Coughlan noted that at the February Meeting it was agreed that a Plan would be prepared on the future use of the remainder of the Post Office Field. Cllr. D. O'Bearra held the view that it was agreed that a Plan would be prepared for Council for the whole of the Post Office Field including the proposed library development and proposed that the Minutes would be amended accordingly. This was seconded by Cllr. T. Glynn and agreed by the Members.
Mayor T. Brennan then called for the adoption of the Minutes as amended to be proposed.
Ar moladh Cllr. M. Coote Ryan, cuidithe ag Cllr. J. Reidy agus glacadh leis:
"That the Minutes of the February Monthly Meeting of Ennis Town Council, as amended, held at 3:30 p.m. on Monday, 4th February 2008 be adopted and signed."
Item 2 Proposed extinguishment of public right of Way at Drumbiggle Road, Ennis
The Elected Members considered the
Report of the Town Clerk dated 27 th February 2008. On the proposal
of Cllr. F. Neylon, seconded by Cllr. M. Coote Ryan it was agreed to
proceed with the extinguishment of the Public Right of Way for a distance
of approximately 29 metres (width 4.50 metres average) over the public
road at Drumbiggle Road, Ennis pursuant to Section 73 of the Roads
Act 1993.
Item 3 To note the report on the Council's activities under the Litter Pollution Act 1997
The Elected Members considered the report on the Council's activities under the Litter Pollution Act 1997 and complimented the Town Council, the Gardening Section and the Tidy Towns Committee on their ongoing work. On the proposal of Cllr. T. Glynn seconded by Cllr. T. Brennan it was agreed to forward a letter of congratulations to Donal Griffin following his recent retirement as Chairman of the Tidy Towns Committee. In response to queries from Cllr. J. Reidy, E. Power, Town Clerk told the meeting that notices were being served on people selling cars contrary to Section 71 of the Roads Act 1993. In relation to cars being sold on private Housing Estate Roads planning legislation will be used to deal with the unauthorised use of land. He added that consideration would be given to erecting signs in some areas informing the public that the advertising of cars for sale was prohibited. With regard to the presentation of waste for collection, the Town Clerk told the meeting that consultation with businesses was ongoing and the objective was to have bins removed from outside business premises in the town. In response to a query from Cllr. T. Matthew, T. Tiernan, Town Engineer informed the members that under the contract for the Ennis By Pass, certain landscaping work would be carried out on roundabouts off the By Pass. He noted that in due course the Council may enhance the landscaping works.
Item 4 To note proposed projects/works
The Elected Members noted the report of the Town Clerk dated 27 th February 2008 in relation to the proposed construction of a roundabout at the junction of Shanballa/Lahnich Road.
Item 5 To note the preparation of Byelaws for the use of Coote Park and Glenina playing pitches
The Elected Members noted the report from the Town Clerk dated 27 th February 2008 for the proposal to introduce byelaws for the management of the playing pitches at Coote Park and Glenina.
Item 6 Consideration of the Quarterly Progress Report
The Elected Members considered the Quarterly Progress Report. Cllr. T. Glynn suggested that the possibility of locating the indoor sports facility proposed for Lees Road elsewhere in the town be considered. In response, T. Coughlan, Town Manager told the meeting that a Feasibility Study on the indoor facility had to be carried out before any decision was made. In response to a query from Cllr. F. Neylon the Town Engineer told the members that enhancement works on the cross country running track would be completed this year and that the works on the synthetic running track would be starting in a few weeks time and would be finished in July or August.
Cllr. D. O'Bearra expressed disappointment that traffic-calming measures were not going to be introduced in Ivy Hill and he requested that details on the surveys carried out at Ivy Hill be made available. In response to queries regarding public lighting the Town Engineer noted while certain lights had caused problems the situation was improving and that the objective was that no more than 2% of all public lights would be out at any one time. Cllr. D. O'Bearra also requested that the proposed bus service and enhancement of facilities at Ballyalla would also be included in the Progress Reports from now on. The Town Manager suggested that the Council could make representation to the Department of Transport regarding the proposed bus service for Ennis and this was agreed. In response to a query from Cllr. F. Neylon regarding a sewerage problem in Fergus Park the Town Engineer told the meeting that an issue had arisen with the sewerage network in Fergus Park a number of years ago. He added that there were difficulties with manhole covers located in private property, and that the issue was never fully resolved. He added that he would ensure that the required works would be completed and the issue would be included in the next progress report.
Mayor T. Brennan requested that a pedestrian crossing would be put in place at the Bridge on Mill Road. The Town Engineer noted that there may be a road design issue but that he would look at the feasibility of providing a pedestrian crossing at that location. A detailed discussion followed in relation to water quality in the town. Cllr. J. Reidy noted that there was confusion among the general public regarding a statement issued by the H.S.E. on the town's water supply. He added that there is a need to get the message across that the water is suitable for drinking by the vast majority of the population. Cllr. D. O'Bearra, Cllr. F. Neylon and Cllr. T. Glynn noted that the H.S.E. were responsible for public health and that safety was their paramount concern. The Town Engineer, in response, stated that the Council had a good working relationship with the H.S.E. and that there was a high level of consultation between both organisations regarding water quality. He added that while most of the analysis on water quality was carried out by the Council, all test results were shared with the H.S.E. The Town Engineer reiterated the point that the H.S.E.'s main concern was public health and following discussions with the Council they issued a reminder notice regarding the water situation in Ennis. He added that while there were three cases relating to cryptosporidium recently that there was no evidence to suggest that water quality was the cause of this. The Town Engineer went on to state that while the interim treatment plant had improved the situation and reduced the risk of contamination, the extra reassurance required would not be there until the permanent plant was completed. Cllr. J. Reidy proposed that a letter would be sent to hotels and people in the catering industry to clarify the current situation. The Town Engineer told the Members that a letter would be sent to all consumers in the area on the issue of water quality.
Item 7 St. Patrick's Day Parade 2008
E. Power, Town Clerk outlined the plans for the St. Patrick's Day Parade and the entertainment to be provided before and after the parade. He thanked the groups signed up to participate in the Parade as well as the Members of the Organising Committee. In particular, he acknowledged the role and contribution of Ennis Town Council Staff in the organisation and planning of the event.
Item 8 Notice of Motion/Question submitted by Cllr. J. Flynn
"Ask the Town Manager for a report on the total number of housing units in Town Council housing stock, the number of vacant units and the time duration of their vacancy and average annual rent from a housing unit".
In his written reply the Town Clerk replied as follows:
The total number of housing units in Ennis Town Council stock is 532.
The number of vacant units is 36 at present.
In 2007, the average time taken to allocate houses, which were ready for letting, was 13.5 weeks.
The average annual rent from a housing unit is €2,359.
Item 9 Notice of Motion/Question submitted by Cllr. J. Flynn
"Ask the Town Engineer for a report on need or otherwise of a fence for water safety reasons at Willow Park".
In his written reply the Town Engineer replied as follows:
"I am assuming that this Notice of Motion refers to an existing fence located between the amenity space to the rear of Willow Park and the River Fergus. I do not think that the need is in question as the fence has already been in place for a number of years and it does serve as a barrier between the housing estate and the river. The fence in question was given a significant overhaul approximately twelve months ago. It has recently come to our attention that approximately 35 linear metres of the fence has become vandalised in that some of the rails have been removed and some of the chain link wire attached to the fence to prevent climbing has been pulled away. Arrangements are being made to have appropriate remedial works carried out as soon as possible."
Item 10 Notice of Motion submitted by Cllr. D. O'Bearra
"That Ennis Town Council makes a submission to the Local Electoral Area Boundary Committees asking to increase the number of Council seats to 12".
Cllr. D. O'Bearra told the Meeting that the Boundary Committee was currently taking submissions on local elected areas and the proposed the following resolution:
"That Ennis Town Council makes a submission to the Local Electoral Area Boundary Committees asking to increase the number of Council seats to twelve".
This was seconded by Cllr. T. Glynn and agreed.
Mayor T. Brennan requested that the situation whereby independent Candidates were required to have fifteen signatories to enable them to stand for election be reviewed. He suggested that these signatories should not be required for Independent Councillors seeking re-election.
Item 11 Correspondence
Letter received from Shannon Town Council in relation to a Notice of Motion adopted by that Council at its February Meeting regarding the treatment of cystic fibrosis patients.
On the proposal of Cllr. T. Glynn, seconded by Cllr. J. Reidy it was agreed that the following Notice of Motion adopted by Shannon Town Council would be supported by the Council: "That Shannon Town Council calls on the HSE to provide accommodation for Cystic Fibrosis (CF) patients in single rooms in private hospitals as an interim solution to cater for CF patients until the planned opening of a new 120 bed unit at St. Vincent's Hospital in 2010, and that this resolution be circulated to all local authorities for support".
Letter received from Bella Hehir requesting funding to mark the 60th Anniversary of a plane crash in Shannon.
Cllr. J. Reidy proposed that a letter be sent to Bella Hehir thanking her for their work in maintaining the grave of the victims of the Shannon Plane Crash.
Letter received from the CBS Bunscoil in relation to the Council's decision to charge for the use of the Fairgreen.
Cllr. M. Coote Ryan requested that the proposed charge for the use of theFairgreen by the C.S.B. might be waived. In response, Mayor T. Brennan noted that the issue had been debated previously and that if certain organisations were not charged for the use of sports facilities all organisations would have to get free use of the facilities. It was decided that the scale of charges should remain unchanged.
Letter received from the O'Dea Clan Association requesting that Ennis Town Council host a Civic Reception for the 7th International Clan Gathering which will take place in July 2008.
On the proposal of Cllr. M. Coote Ryan, seconded by Cllr. D. O'Bearra, it was agreed to hold a Civic Reception for the 7 th International O'Dea Clan Gathering which will take place in July 2008.
Item 12 Conferences and Seminars
The Annual Energy Training Seminar for Councillors being organised by Kadenza Consultancies and taking place at the Raheen House Hotel, Clonmel, Co. Tipperary on 7th, 8th and 9th March 2008.
On the proposal of Cllr. F. Neylon and seconded by Cllr. T. Matthew the Council nominated Cllr. D. O'Bearra as a Delegate to attend this Conference.
On the proposal of Cllr. J. Reidy and seconded by Cllr. M. Coote Ryan the Council nominated Cllr. T. Glynn as a Delegate to attend this Conference.
Local Authority Members Association Annual Spring Seminar taking place at the Knightsbrook Hotel, Trim, Co. Meath on 27th and 28th March 2008.
On the proposal of Cllr. D. O'Bearra and seconded by Cllr. T. Brennan the Council nominated Cllr. F. Neylon as a Delegate to attend this Seminar.
On the proposal of Cllr. F. Neylon and seconded by Cllr. T. Brennan the Council nominated Cllr. M. Coote Ryan as a Delegate to attend this Conference.
16th Annual Kerry Environmental Recognition Conference hosted by Rattoo Heritage Society and taking place at the Golf Hotel, Ballybunion, Co. Kerry on 2nd to 6th April 2008
On the proposal of Cllr. T. Brennan and seconded by Cllr. M. Coote Ryan the Council nominated Cllr. F. Neylon as a Delegate to attend this Conference.
On the proposal of Cllr. T. Brennan and seconded by Cllr. F. Neylon, the Council nominated Cllr. M. Coote Ryan as a Delegate to attend this Conference.
Item 13 Any other business
Cllr. T. Glynn proposed that a letter would be sent to Surgeon Gerry Byrnes on his retirement to thank him for services provided to the people of Clare. This was seconded by Cllr. T. Brennan who asked the people of Ennis and Clare to support Daffodil Day.
Cllr. D. O'Bearra requested that a report would be prepared on all outstanding issues in relation to the taking in charge of Park Avenue as well as a report on the lowering of speed limits in front of schools.
Cllr. M. Coote Ryan requested that the nameplate for Francis Street would be replaced.
Cllr. J. Reidy requested that the yellow box at Captain Mac's Cross would be re-lined and that yellow lines would be put in place on Clare Road near the junction adjacent to Daly's garage
Cllr. T. Brennan requested that no parking signs would be erected at the Convent on Friar's Walk.
Votes of Sympathy
The Elected Members passed a vote of sympathy to the family and relatives of the late: Mrs. Mary Mulqueen, College Green, Ennis; Mr. Tomas Mannion, Highfield, Ennis; Mrs. Dilger, Hermitage, Ennis.
The meeting then concluded.