Minutes of the October Monthly Meeting of Ennis Town Council held at 3:30 p.m. on Monday, 6th October 2008 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
- D. O'Bearra
- J. Reidy
Officials present
- T. Coughlan, Director of Service
- E. Power, Town Clerk
- T. Tiernan, Town Engineer
- S. Barrett, Staff Officer
- A. Kelly, Chief Fire Officer
- L. Griffin, Civil Defence 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.
Matters arising
At the outset of the Meeting, Cllr. P. Considine stated that a press release had issued in relation to the Ennis Water Supply and that a discussion on this issue was now required.
T. Tiernan, Town Engineer stated that after monitoring of drinking water supplies elevated levels of lead were found in water supplies in Marian Avenue and Connolly Villas which had lead serviced pipes. These areas were more vulnerable that other areas in the town. He advised that public taps would be provided to Marian Avenue and that most old lead connections in Ennis had been replaced over the past twenty years. He stated that dwellings which had been built prior to the 1960s could be affected as they may continue to have lead serviced pipes. He emphasised that the water coming from the water treatment plant and in the distribution mains throughout the town is completely free of lead.
Cllr. P. Considine enquired if houses were entered in order to get a water sample and T. Tiernan, Town Engineer advised him that this was the case. In response to a further query from Cllr. P. Considine, T. Tiernan advised that the public taps would supply water from the mains. He also stated that a submission had been made to the Department of the Environment, Heritage and Local Government for funding to upgrade old mains and that an amended submission would be made to this application following the recent lead results.
Cllr. F. Neylon stated that the Government was responsible for ensuring that persons were provided with a clean drinking water and enquired as to what four houses had been tested in Connolly Villas. He further stated that this was an important health issue and that the press release should have been issued earlier. He added that there were other areas in Ennis apart from Marian Avenue and Connolly Villas which had been built prior to the 1960s.
Cllr. T. Glynn stated that this was a difficult time for persons living in houses which were built prior to the 1960s. He asked if all hospitals and schools should be checked immediately and that the Council should do all it could to assist people at this time. T. Tiernan, Town Engineer advised him that all lead connections had already been identified.
Cllr. J. Flynn stated that the E.P.A. report stated that Councils were flushing their pipes prior to testing. He requested that all pre 1970s houses be tested and that public notices should be issued in several languages.
Cllr. T. Matthew stated that people are concerned about this matter. He stated that it was important that the information was getting to all relevant people.
Cllr. T. Brennan asked if Clare County Council and Ennis Town Council were going to immediately replace lead piping. He suggested that the Council should arrange for the raising of a loan to ensure that all lead pipes were replaced. This was supported by Cllr. M. Coote Ryan who stated that the Council should not delay but get the works carried out immediately. T. Tiernan, Town Engineer informed the meeting that the Council will not await Department funding and that works will commence immediately in Marian Avenue.
Cllr. D. O’Bearra stated that he agreed with the views expressed by his colleagues and that all water users should be informed of all tests being carried out on the water supply. T. Tiernan, Town Engineer stated that these tests were always carried out on the mains supply but not in individual houses. He further advised that Regulations require Local Authorities to carry out tests for lead. Ennis Town Council had taken a proactive role and that the tests were carried out early last week. The E.P.A. had issued a directive last week but the tests had been carried out prior to the issue of this Directive.
It was proposed by Cllr. F. Neylon, seconded by Cllr. D. O’Bearra and agreed that the results of these tests should be publicised.
It was agreed by the Elected Members to deal with item 7 on the Agenda next.
Item 7 - River Rescue (Attendance of Civic Defence Officer and Chief Fire Officer)
A. Kelly, Chief Fire Officer referred to comments made at the September meeting of Ennis Town Council. He stated that he did not threaten to dismiss fire-fighters who would enter the water. He stated that the role of the Fire Service was to assist the Gardai in river based rescues. The Fire Service provides lighting, equipment, communication etc. and that they had attended seven river callouts last year. He stated that there were 25 to 40 weeks per year spent training fire-fighters. However, the involvement of the fire service for river rescue is restricted or limited to the bank of the river. L. Griffin, Civil Defence Officer stated that there had been a total of 8 drownings from 2004 to 2008 as follows:
- 1
- 1
- 0
- 4
- 2
He advised that it was not possible to rescue someone unless the rescuer is there when the person enters the river. The Civil Defence are the second line of rescue and all members are volunteers. Search operations can take from one hour to three weeks.
Cllr. P. Considine stated there was great appreciation for the work of the Civil Defence and the Fire Service.
He stated that he regretted any misconception that may have arisen from comments at a previous meeting and that he had absolute confidence in the fire crews and appreciated the assistance given by the Civil Defence. Cllr. T. Brennan expressed his thanks to all members of the Fire Service and the Civil Defence for their work. Cllr. J. Flynn stated that he had tabled the Notice of Motion and complimented all involved who work in the emergency services. Cllr. J. Reidy also complimented all involved and stated that volunteers were difficult to get. Cllr. M. Coote Ryan stated that the rescue services do great work including dealing with relatives of those affected. Cllr. T. Matthew also complemented those involved and suggested that young people should get involved from an earlier age. Cllr. T. Glynn suggested that training could be provided to the fire service to allow them enter the river. Cllr. F. Neylon stated that he had received a telephone call from a member of the fire service stating that he had been informed that he would be sacked if he entered the river. He agreed that the fire crews and the civil defence do fantastic work. He stated that his concern was that members of the fire service may give up if they were not allowed enter the river but he was satisfied now that the matter had been clarified.
The issue of the renewal of dance licences and possible overcrowding at discos was then raised. The Chief Fire Officer stated that the fire service, with the assistance of Gardai, carry out inspections of premises at nighttime.
Cllr. P. Considine thanked A. Kelly, Chief Fire Officer and L. Griffin, Civil Defence Officer for attending the meeting.
Item 1 - Adoption of the Minutes of the September Monthly Meeting of Ennis Town Council held at 3.30 p.m. on Monday, 1st September 2008
Ar moladh Cllr. T. Glynn cuidithe ag Cllr. T. Brennan agus glacadh leis :"That the Minutes of the September Meeting of Ennis Town Council held at 3.30 on Monday, 1st September 2008 be signed".
Item 2 - Planning and Development Regulations 2001 (Part VIII) Proposed Construction of car parking area at Marion Avenue
The Elected Members considered the report of E. Power, Town Clerk dated 30th September 2008 in relation to the provision of car parking at Marian Avenue, Ennis. Cllr. T. Brennan asked that the disabled parking
bay be moved to the opposite side of the road. Cllr. M. Coote Ryan and Cllr. J. Flynn supported Cllr. T. Brennan’s request and it was agreed that the Town Engineer would examine the matter.
Item 3 - Establishment of a Joint Policing Committee
The Elected Members considered the report of E. Power, Town Clerk dated 2nd October 2008. E. Power, Town Clerk outlined the requirements involved in the setting up a Joint Policing Committee to the Meeting. Cllr. J. Flynn stated that this was a very welcome initiative. Cllr. P. Considine asked for clarification on the exact role of the Committee and this was outlined by the Town Clerk. In response to a query from Cllr. T. Brennan, E. Power, Town Clerk advised the meeting that the Joint Policing Committee Pilot Schemes took place in a number of areas. Cllr. P. Considine requested that a Member of a pilot area be invited to meet the members of Ennis Town Council. On the proposal of Cllr. J. Flynn, seconded by Cllr. F. Neylon, it was agreed that a Joint Policing Committee in Ennis be established.
Item 4 - Priming Grants 2008
It was proposed by Cllr. F. Neylon, seconded by Cllr. T. Brennan and agreed that the following priming grants would be allocated:
- Francis Street Residents Association: €300
- Ivy Hill Residents Association: €300
- Lios Ard Management Company: €300
Item 5 - Report on Capital Projects
The Elected Members considered the report of E. Power, Town Clerk dated 1st September 2008 in relation to capital projects. Cllr. M. Coote Ryan enquired if funding would be available for capital projects in 2009. Cllr. J. Flynn stated that it was most disappointing that many of the projects proposed were not going ahead. Cllr. P. Considine noted that seven capital projects would be proceeded with. E. Power, Town Clerk stated that the Market redevelopment project and the Ennis Library project were postponed. The Department is currently preparing new funding packages for libraries. Cllr. J. Reidy stated that he was pleased that seven of the nine planned projects would proceed. Cllr. T. Glynn asked that a multi storey and underground parking should be provided.
Item 6 - Consideration of Draft Ennis Traffic Management Plan
The Elected Members considered the Draft Ennis Traffic Management Plan 2008. Cllr. T. Brennan enquired as to when the traffic lights would be turned on at Friar’s Walk, Cusack Road and Tulla Road. T. Tiernan, Town Engineer advised that these would be operational shortly and that the delay was with the E.S.B. procedures. Cllr. T. Brennan then requested that a pedestrian crossing be provided at Mill Bridge and Station Cross. Cllr. P. Considine requested that a pedestrian crossing be provided at Hanrahan’s Shop. T. Tiernan, Town Engineer advised the meeting that the Contractor would be dealing with the issues raised. Cllr. F. Neylon requested that the trees encroaching onto the road at Doora Bridge be cut back. Cllr. T. Brennan stated that a footbridge was also required at this location. T. Tiernan, Town Engineer stated that this would be provided and would be operational by 2009. Cllr. J. Reidy asked that the road surface at the Quin Road roundabout and the roundabout at the Tulla Road (at the Country Pine shop) be upgraded. The Elected Members noted that the Draft Traffic Management Plan would be put on public display and that submissions would be sought. A further report would issue to the Council after this public consultation process had been completed.
Item 7 - Ennis Town Council Parks and Open Spaces Byelaws 2005
E. Power, Town Clerk advised the meeting that the synthetic running track at Lees Road Sports and Amenity Park would be completed shortly. He further advised that it would be necessary to amend the Ennis Town Council Parks and Open Spaces Byelaws 2005 to provide for the charging for use of this facility. He stated that the charges proposed were as follows:
- €40.00 per hour for Clubs
- €200.00 per day for events
- €2.00 for an individual
It was proposed by Cllr. F. Neylon, seconded by Cllr. J. Flynn and agreed that the Ennis Town Council Parks and Open Spaces Byelaws 2005 be amended.
Item 8 - Question submitted by Cllr. J. Flynn
"Ask the Manager to report on how much money has been collected since January 2003 by Ennis Town Council as contributions towards the provision by the Council of car parking spaces for development where there was insufficient amount of on-site car parking provided, (under the policy T13 of Town and Environs Plan). The Report to quantify how many car parking spaces this equates to and how many have been provided to date."
In his written response the Town Engineer replied as follows:
"The total sum received in respect of development contributions for car parking between January 2003 and September 2008 was €1,284,208.62. During the same period, a total of €320,569.31 has been expended and this relates to costs associated with the development of the Glor car park.
The total sum collected does not equate to a particular number of parking spaces. Money collected under the Development Contribution Scheme is defined "contribution" towards the cost of development of parking facilities – the "per space" contribution stipulated in the Scheme is not intended as the total all in cost of provision of new parking spaces but rather as part of same only.
The cost of provision of new parking facilities in a town centre or environs context can cost up to €20,000 per space depending on a variety of factors such as:
- Whether land acquisition is involved
- The effect on services
- The nature of existing adjacent development
- Whether multi storey or basement is involved
- Etc.
Over the past ten years or so, approximately 950 new parking spaces have been provided throughout Ennis Town Centre - this represents an increase of approximately 50% when compared with the parking space numbers previously. Approximately one third of these additional spaces were provided by the Council and the remaining two thirds were provided in association with private developments.
A sum of €40,500 in parking contributions has been received to date in 2008."
Cllr. J. Flynn outlined the background to this Question and stated that a previous report of May 2003 stated that there was a requirement for an additional 1,000 car parking spaces in Ennis. He claimed that a sentence had been removed from the 2003 Report. He claimed that the 2008 Parking Consultants Report presented to the Council was inaccurate. His conclusion was that the town was now short 1,500 spaces. He then presented an extract from the May 2003 report to the Town Clerk and asked that the 2003 Report be circulated to Councillors.
Item 9 -Notice of Motion submitted by Cllr. J. Flynn
"That Ennis Town Council urgently prepare a Hub Town Project Implementation Programme in order to enable accessing grants and other funding options more effectively in this period of reduced government funds."
In his written response the Town Clerk replied as follows:
"Ennis has been designated a Hub Town in the National Spatial Strategy and as such is earmarked to grow from its current population of 25,000 to 35,000 by 2020. As a sub regional grown centre, Ennis supports and complements the Shannon/Limerick Gateway. It is the county town and administrative capital of the Council and it is strategically located within 42 miles of Galway City and 23 miles from Limerick City. In terms of access, the town is located within 14 miles of Shannon International Airport and is served with road and rail access.
A project implementation programme is being prepared which would identify the priority infrastructural investment required to facilitate further growth in Ennis. These priorities include:
- Water and waste water services
- Road improvements
- Educational services
- Broadband services
- Environmental quality
The Plan will include targets and timeframes and its preparation will involve liaison with a number of other agencies. The Programme will also involve identification of promotional opportunities and marketing of Ennis as a place to live and invest. As you are aware, the Ennis and Environs Development Plan is under review at present. The policies and objectives in the Development Plan will support the development of Ennis as a Hub Town and these policies will be reflected in the Project Implementation Programme. The Development Plan will reflect the Hub Status of Ennis and the vision which will enable the Hub Town to perform its role as outlined in the National Spatial Strategy."
Cllr. J. Flynn stated that he was delighted that a programme is going to be devised and that the Hub Town Committee would be in a position to access funds from Government. He proposed that the Committee be established as soon as possible and this was seconded by Cllr. F. Neylon and agreed.
Item 10 - Correspondence
Letter received from Ballinasloe Town Council in relation to a Notice of Motion adopted by that Council regarding the decision by the authorities in Belarus not to allow children in that region to travel to Ireland.
The Elected Members considered the following Notice of Motion which had been adopted by Ballinasloe Town Council:
"That this Council contact the Minister for Foreign Affairs requesting that he use every diplomatic measure at his disposal to influence the authorities in Belarus with a view to reversing their decision to not allow children in that region to travel to Ireland".
Cllr. M. Coote Ryan asked that clarification be sought from the Department in relation to this matter.
Item 11 - Conferences and Seminars
Anti Social Behaviour and Associated Health & Safety Issues – Training Seminar for Councillors taking place at Carraig Hotel, Main Street, Carrick-on-Suir, Co. Tipperary on Friday 31st October to Sunday 2nd November 2008.
On the proposal of Cllr. F. Neylon, seconded by Cllr. T. Brennan and agreed that Cllr. T. Matthew be nominated as a Delegate to attend this Conference.
Any Other Business
Ennis and Environs Draft Development Plan 2008
Cllr. T. Brennan stated that the consideration of the Manager’s Report on submission was extremely important and should not be rushed. He proposed that the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government would be requested to grant an extension of time for the making of the Ennis and Environs Development Plan. This was seconded by Cllr. F. Neylon and agreed. It was agreed that a workshop would be held on 15th October 2008 at 5.00 p.m. to consider the Manager’s Report and that a Special Meeting would be held on 17th October 2008.
Derelict Site at Lifford Road
Cllr. T. Brennan asked that a derelict site at Lifford Road be examined and that the Derelict Sites Act 1990 be enforced.
Housing
Cllr. F. Neylon raised the issue of private houses in Cloughleigh being leased. He stated that there were some applicants on the housing list since 2002 that were still awaiting housing and that other applicants had been allocated houses before these people. He acknowledged that the allocation of Town Council houses was an executive decision and that this fact should be publicised.
Staff Changes
Cllr. P. Considine welcomed Syl Barrett, Staff Officer to the meeting and to the Corporate Services Section of Ennis Town Council. Cllr. Considine further informed the meeting that T. Tiernan, Town Engineer was transferring to the Transport and Infrastructure Department of Ennis Town Council. He stated that Tom had achieved a magnificent amount of work since he commenced with Ennis Town Council in 1989 and that the people of the town owe him a huge level of gratitude. Cllr. P. Considine wished Tom every success and happiness in the future. All of the Elected Members, Town Manager and staff present complimented Tom on a job well done and wished him well for the future. T. Tiernan, Town Engineer thanked all present for their support and good wishes and stated that he had enjoyed working with them over the past number of years.
The meeting then concluded.