Minutes of the July Monthly Meeting of Ennis Town Council held at 3:30 p.m. on Monday, 7th July 2008 in the Council Chamber, Waterpark House, Drumbiggle, Ennis, Co. Clare
Presiding
- Mayor P. Considine
Councillors present
- M. Coote Ryan
- J. Flynn
- T. Glynn
- T. Matthew
- F. Neylon
- J. Reidy
Officials present
- E. Power, A/Director of Service
- Liam Browne, A/Senior Executive Engineer
- B. Keating, A/Town Clerk
- Liam O'Connor, Senior Staff Officer
- John Bradley, A/Senior Planner
Apologies
- T. Brennan
- D. O'Bearra
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 June Monthly Meeting held on Wednesday, 11th June 2008 at 3.30 p.m. 3.30 p.m.
"Ar moladh Cllr. F. Neylon cuidithe ag Cllr. J. Reidy agus glacadh leis:
"That the Minutes of the June Monthly Meeting of Ennis Town Council held on 11th June 2008 be signed".
It was then agreed by the Elected Members to take items 15 and 17 of the Agenda at this time.
Item 15 - Delegation from the Parnell Street/Wood Quay Traders in relation to the works being undertaken by the O.P.W. on the Flood Relief Scheme
Michael Leahy, Leahy Conway & Partners addressed the Council in relation to issues at Parnell Street including the loss of car parking and problems with the taxi rank. Gerry Collins, Charlie Stewarts queried how the car parking planning contributions were spent by the Council. Tony Moore, T.M. Offices Supplies stated that that the traders should be consulted in relation to the final layout of the car park and suggested that one of the Traffic Wardens should liase with the Traders.
Item 17 - Notice of Motion submitted by Cllr. J. Flynn:
"That Ennis Town Council provide 90 emergency car parking spaces in Parnell Street/Carmody Street area".
In his written response the Town Engineer replied as follows:
"While the Notice of Motion does not articulate the rationale for the number of parking spaces sought (90) nor does it outline the nature of the emergency referred to, I am assuming that this is a reference to temporary loss of some parking facilities in the Parnell Street car park during the implementation of the Flood Relief Scheme Contract. This being so I will make a couple of points as follows:
A total of 26 parking spaces have been temporarily eliminated - one third of the number sought in the Notice of Motion.
A request submitted by the business community in Parnell Street has been accommodated, i.e. that the 50 or so permit holders in the area be allowed to use the town's long stay car parks while the disruption continues in the Parnell Street car park. Given that the Parnell Street car park has traditionally been occupied on an ongoing basis by a substantial number of permit holders and these permit holders now have the freedom to park elsewhere, one would have to assume that the numbers who are actually discommoded in the area at this stage to be quite small.
The only way that alternative/additional parking facilities could be provided in the area would be to designate a change of use of some particular area of public space. I cannot identify any such area in the vicinity. It is very much acknowledged and regretted that business interests and customers in the Parnell Street area are inconvenienced and every effort is being made to ensure that the Contract is completed as soon as possible insofar as the Council is in a position to influence same. So far, the co-operation of the Office of Public Works and its Contractor has been very positive and understanding."
Cllr. J. Flynn proposed this Notice of Motion and asked if the taxi rank could be relocated for the duration of the flood relief works. Cllr. F. Neylon stated that he had no problem with the Notice of Motion but queried how such spaces could be identified in the short term. In relation to the taxi rank he stated that public consultation had taken place over a number of years prior to the relocation of the taxi rank to its current location. He suggested that staff of businesses in the Parnell Street area could be facilitated by allowing permit holders in the area to park in the Council's long stay car parks. Cllr. J. Reidy supported F. Neylon in relation to staff parking in the long stay car parks. Cllr. M. Coote Ryan asked that every effort be made to help the traders in the short term. Cllr. T. Glynn also supported his fellow Councillors and stated that it was important that the traders be consulted. He also stated that the car park at Ennis National School would be available to traders and that they could liase with the Principal in this regard. Cllr. T. Matthew also agreed to the suggestion that permit holders in the area be allowed to park in the long stay car parks. Cllr. P. Considine asked if it was possible to get a drawing showing how the car park will look on completion of the flood relief works. He stated that the flood relief works were essential and he suggested that liaison between the Town Council and traders be maintained for the duration of the project.
E. Power, A/Director of Service stated that the Council would allow permit holders to park in the long-term car parks and that this would facilitate businesses by providing extra parking spaces for customers. He stated that by allowing the permit holders to use the long-term car parks, it would allow for a greater turn over of car parking spaces at Parnell Street/Wood Quay car parks. He stated that the Notice of Motion suggested that 90 spaces were required but that a total of 56 spaces were lost as a result of the flood relief works, i.e. 26 at Parnell Street car park and 30 at the Island car park at Cloughleigh. He further stated that the 7-hatched spaces at Parnell Street could also be used for parking. He advised the meeting that the relocation of the taxi rank would require a change in the byelaws and this would take three to four months. He further stated that the relocation of the taxi rank would only lead to the reduction in the number of parking spaces available at another location. With regard to the planning contributions, he stated that the Council had provided two new car parks in recent years at Cloughleigh and at Glór. He stated that the flood relief scheme works were necessary and very much needed. He indicated that the plans were available for inspection.
Cllr. J. Flynn stated that he was not happy with this response. He asked that if the Council could provide additional spaces then it should do so. Cllr. F. Neylon stated that all the elected members were concerned about parking in the town and stated that he could not support Cllr. J. Flynn's Notice of Motion in its current format.
E. Power, A/Director of Service then indicated that Ennis Town Council's parking facilities at Waterpark House would be made available free of charge on Saturdays.
Cllr. J. Reidy stated that he was satisfied with the Manager's response to the Notice of Motion.
Cllr. T. Glynn stated that schools in Ennis could help the situation by allowing the use of their car parks during the summer months. E. Power, A/Director of Service stated that the businesses must take responsibility for contacting the School Principals.
Cllr. P. Considine thanked the Delegation for attending the Meeting. The Delegation then left the meeting.
Item 2 - Draft Ennis and Environs Development Plan 2008
The Draft Ennis and Environs Development Plan 2008 had been circulated to the Members together with a copy of the Manager's report dated 2nd July 2008. Cllr. J. Flynn excused himself from the meeting during the discussion of this item as he stated that there was a potential conflict of interest. E. Power, A/Director of Service advised the meeting that under Section 11 of the Planning and Development Act 2000, the Elected Members must approve the Draft Plan before it goes on public display. John Bradley, A/Senior Planner stated that the Draft Plan would be on public display for a 10-week period and that a series of public meetings would be held during this time. He advised the meeting that 71 O'Connell Street was not a protected structure but that it is located in an Architectural Conservation Area. In an A.C.A. it is necessary that all external features of a building are retained. He agreed to meet the owner of the premises and discuss this matter with him. It was proposed by Cllr. P. Considine, seconded by Cllr. J. Reidy and agreed by the Elected Members that the Draft Plan should go on public display.
Item 3 - Application for loan approval from the H.F.A. for housing purposes
The Elected Members considered the report of the Town Clerk dated 2nd July 2008. It was proposed by Cllr. J. Flynn, seconded by Cllr. T. Matthew and agreed that pursuant to Section 106 of the Local Government Act 2001, the Council borrow €1 million from the H.F.A. to finance the housing development at Westbourne.
Item 4 - Planning and Development Regulations 2001 (Part VIII) Proposed provision of traffic calming measures at Westfields, Ennis
The Elected Members considered the report of the Town Clerk dated 2nd July 2008. It was proposed by Cllr. J. Reidy, seconded by Cllr. M. Coote Ryan and agreed that Ennis Town Council proceed with the provision of traffic calming measures at Westfields, Ennis in accordance with Section 179 of the Planning and Development Act 2000 and Part VIII of the Planning and Development Regulations 2001".
Item 5 - Planning and Development Regulations 2001 (Part VIII) – Proposed provision of traffic calming measures at Hermitage, Ennis
The Elected Members considered the report of the Town Clerk dated 2nd July 2008. It was proposed by Cllr. F. Neylon, seconded by Cllr. J. Flynn and agreed that Ennis Town Council proceed with the provision of traffic calming measures at Hermitage, Ennis in accordance with Section 179 of the Planning and Development Act 2000 and Part VIII of the Planning and Development Regulations 2001".
Item 6 - Planning and Development Regulations 2001 (Part VIII) – Proposed amenity development at Tim Smythe Park/Fairgreen, Lifford, Ennis
The Elected Members considered the report of the Town Clerk dated 2nd July 2008. It was proposed by Cllr. T. Glynn, seconded by Cllr. T. Matthew and agreed that Ennis Town Council proceed with the amenity development at Tim Smythe Park/Fairgreen, Lifford, Ennis in accordance with Section 179 of the Planning and Development Act 2000 and Part VIII of the Planning and Development Regulations 2001".
Item 7 - Planning and Development Regulations 2001 (Part VIII) – Proposed amenity development at Clonroad Park, Clonroadbeg Tld., Ennis
It was proposed by Cllr. T. Glynn, seconded by Cllr. M. Coote Ryan and agreed that Ennis Town Council proceed with the proposed amenity development at Clonroad Park, Clonroadbeg Tld., Ennis in accordance with Section 179 of the Planning and Development Act 2000 and Part VIII of the Planning and Development Regulations 2001".
Item 8 - Adoption of the Ennis Town Cycle Network Strategy
It was proposed by Cllr. F. Neylon seconded by Cllr. J. Flynn and agreed to adopt the Ennis Town Cycle Network Strategy.
Cllr. T. Glynn queried whether or not cyclists would be allowed on pedestrianised streets. E. Power, A/Director of Service agreed to examine this issue.
Item 9 - To consider the Draft Glenina Playing Pitch Bye Laws 2008
The Elected Members considered the report of the Town Clerk dated 2nd July 2008. On the proposal of Cllr. J. Reidy, seconded by Cllr. F. Neylon and agreed that the Draft Glenina Playing Pitch Byelaws 2008 be adopted by the Council.
Item 10 - To consider the Draft Coote Park Playing Pitch Bye Laws 2008
The Elected Members considered the report of the Town Clerk dated 2nd July 2008. On the proposal of Cllr. M. Coote Ryan, seconded by Cllr. T. Matthew and agreed that the Draft Coote Park Playing Pitch Byelaws 2008 be adopted by the Council.
Item 11 - To consider the Draft On-Street Pay and Display Bye-Laws 2008
The Elected Members considered the report of the Town Clerk dated 2nd July 2008. On the proposal of Cllr. F. Neylon, seconded by Cllr. J. Reidy and agreed that the Draft On-Street Pay and Display Byelaws 2008 be adopted by the Council.
Item 12 - To consider the Draft Car Park Bye-Laws 2008
The Elected Members considered the report of the Town Clerk dated 2nd July 2008. On the proposal of Cllr. F. Neylon, seconded by Cllr. J. Reidy and agreed that the Draft Car Park Byelaws 2008 be adopted by the Council.
Item 13 - Implementation of the County of Clare (Presentation and Collection of Household Waste and Commercial Waste) Byelaws 2007
The Elected Members considered the report of the Town Clerk dated 4th July 2008. E. Power, A/Director of Service stated that it was the responsibility of each business to have an area for bin storage. He stated that consultation had taken place with the traders and Ennis Chamber and that it was now planned to enforce the byelaws. A suggestion was made that space be provided in car parks for bin storage. E. Power, A/Director of Service stated that the issue of designating bin storage areas in car parks was not an option. He also advised the meeting that bin storage in laneways had been identified as a possible fire hazard by the Chief Fire Officer. P. Considine agreed with E. Power and stated that Thompson's Lane was an area where there had been quite a number of fires. He stated that he was in favour of the enforcement of these byelaws. B. Keating, A/Town Clerk advised the meeting that a number of meetings had taken place between the Council and the various stakeholders, i.e. businesses, service providers and Ennis Chamber. J. Flynn stated that there should be an element of flexibility in the enforcement of the byelaws. J. Reidy stated that the responsibility was on the traders and the service providers. He asked if the timing of the refuse collection system could be examined. T. Matthew suggested that business should group together to share bins thereby reducing the number of bins required. F. Neylon identified one particular business in Chapel Lane and asked that an exception be made in this particular case. P. Considine stated that this would set a precedent and would undermine what the Council is trying to achieve. E. Power, A/Director of Service stated that there was a need to address the problem and that the objective was to enhance the image of the town. He stated that particular cases could be examined and considered.
It was proposed by J. Reidy, seconded by P. Considine and agreed that the County of Clare (Presentation and Collection of Household Waste and Commercial Waste) Byelaws 2007 would be enforced.
Item 14 - Nomination of a Representative from Ennis Town Council to the C.L.D.C.
The Elected Members considered the correspondence received from the C.L.D.C. Cllr. P. Considine stated that he objected to the rotating of the Town Council representation on the Committee. It was agreed that clarification would be sought on this issue and that the matter be re-considered at the September Monthly Meeting.
Item 16 - Notice of Motion submitted by Cllr. J. Flynn:
"That Ennis Town Council seek the fast tracking of the construction of a roundabout at Oakleigh Woods/Cappahard on the grounds of road users and pedestrian safety".
In this written response the Town Engineer replied as follows:
"It is regrettable that the development of this roundabout has been delayed for a considerable period of time due to difficulties with land acquisition. Only one property owner is involved and several attempts to secure that landowner's co-operation failed. C.P.O. procedures are now getting underway to deal with the issue as a matter of urgency.
From the point of view of safety of road users and pedestrians in the area, it should be noted that a new pedestrian crossing will be provided between the junction in question and Fitzpatrick's shop in the near future".
Cllr. J. Flynn stated that he was disappointed with the response received. He further stated that he had raised this issue several times as a Notice of Motion. He stated that in November 2006, he was advised that the matter would be fast-tracked. In November 2007, he was advised that the Compulsory Purchase Order was being prepared and that the work would take place in early 2008. He stated that the position was unacceptable that the roundabout had not been provided thirteen years after Oakleigh Wood was developed. L. Browne, A/Senior Executive Engineer stated that the Part VIII public consultation process would be commenced shortly.
Item 18 - Correspondence
Letter received from Listowel Town Council in relation to a Notice of Motion adopted by that Council regarding housing for the elderly
It was proposed by Cllr. T. Glynn, seconded by Cllr. P. Considine and agreed to support the following Notice of Motion which had been adopted by Listowel Town Council at a recent meeting:
"That we the Town Council put in place that all our future housing stock for our elderly/living alone be fitted with a "peep-hole" in their front doors, in doing so giving these tenants a sense of independence and security".
Letter received from the Department of the Environment, Heritage and Local Government in relation to European Mobility Week 2008
It was proposed by Cllr. T. Glynn seconded by Cllr. F. Neylon and agreed that Ennis Town Council would support mobility week.
It was proposed by Cllr. J. Reidy, seconded by Cllr. P. Considine and agreed that pedestrianisation would take place to support mobility week.
Item 19 Conferences and Seminars
"Educating Ireland" – The Parnell Summer School 2008 taking place at Avondale House, Rathdrum, Co. Wicklow on 10th to 15th August 2008
On the proposal of Cllr. J. Flynn seconded by Cllr. F. Neylon and agreed to nominate Cllr. T. Matthew as a Delegate to attend this Conference.
On the proposal of Cllr. T. Glynn seconded by Cllr. M. Coote Ryan and agreed to nominate Cllr. F. Neylon as a Delegate to attend this Conference.
On the proposal of Cllr. M. Coote Ryan seconded by Cllr. F. Neylon and agreed to nominate Cllr. T. Glynn as a Delegate to attend this Conference.
Item 20 - Any Other Business
Cllr. J. Reidy welcomed the works which had taken place at the Tulla Road. He queried when the works would be completed and also asked if there would be public lighting in the cycle lanes.
Cllr. J. Flynn asked if a survey of the river walls could be carried out. He also stated that there was inadequate public lighting in some of the car parks and also on some of the bridges. L. Browne, A/Senior Executive Engineer agreed to contact the E.S.B. in relation to the matter.
Cllr. T. Glynn complimented the people of Ennis on the activities at the weekend – O'Dea Clan Gathering and the All –Ireland Pipe Band Competition.
Cllr. F. Neylon requested the Town Clerk to invite Garda representatives to meet with the Elected Members in September.
The Elected Members passed a vote of sympathy to the family and relatives of the late:
- Paddy Guthrie, Liscannor, Co. Clare
- Stephen Finn, North Circular Road, Limerick
- Mrs. Annie Madden, Birdhill, Co. Tipperary
- James Moroney, Hermitage, Ennis
The meeting then concluded.