Minutes of the June Monthly Meeting of Ennis Town Council held at 3:30 p.m. on Wednesday, 11th June 2008 in the Council Chamber, Waterpark House, Drumbiggle, Ennis, Co. Clare
Presiding
- Mayor T. Brennan
Councillors present
- P. Considine
- 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
- B. Keating, Senior Staff Officer
- Liam O’Connor, Senior Staff Officer
- John Bradley, A/Senior Planner
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 Special Meeting of Ennis Town Council held on 18th April 2008 as a mark of respect to the late Dr. Patrick Hillery
Ar moladh Cllr. P. Considine, cuidithe ag Cllr. J. Reidy agus glacadh leis:
"That the Minutes of the Special Meeting of Ennis Town Council held on 18th April 2008 be adopted and signed".
Adoption of the Minutes of the May Monthly Meeting of Ennis Town Council held on Tuesday, 13th May 2008 at 3.30 p.m.
Cllr. P. Considine indicated that he was present at the May Monthly Meeting and wished to have Minutes amended to reflect this.
Ar moladh Cllr. P. Considine, cuidithe ag Cllr. M. Coote Ryan agus glacadh leis:
"That the Amended Minutes of the May Monthly Meeting held on 13th May 2008 be adopted and signed".
Adoption of the Minutes of the Adjourned May Monthly Meeting of Ennis Town Council held on Wednesday, 21st May 2008
Cllr. J. Flynn referred to item 5 of the Minutes of the Adjourned May Monthly Meeting in respect of the receipt of a submission in respect of lands at Cusack Park. He indicated that it was Cllr. P. Considine that had seconded this item. He also referred to item 13(b) in respect of a correspondence received from Tina Power and stated that he used the word "may" as opposed to "was" and asked that the Minutes be amended accordingly. This was seconded by Cllr. D. O’Bearra and agreed.
Ar moladh Cllr. J. Flynn, cuidithe ag Cllr. D. O’Bearra agus glacadh leis:
"That the Amended Minutes of the Adjourned May Monthly Meeting of Ennis Town Council held on 21st May 2008 be adopted and signed".
It was then agreed by the Elected Members to take item 9 of the Agenda at this time.
Item 9 Presentation by Mr. Liam Keilthy of Parking Consultants Ltd. in relation to an assessment of parking requirements in Ennis
Liam Keilthy of Parking Consultants Ltd. gave a presentation in relation to an assessment of parking requirements in Ennis. The Elected Members raised a number of queries as follows:
Cllr. F. Neylon stated that staff in various businesses wanted to park outside their shops. He further stated that the Council had to be conscious of the rate payers and that we need spaces in the centre of the town. Cllr. J. Flynn supported the majority of the presentation and stated that the single deck parking would be suitable especially in Abbey Street and Parnell Street. He suggested that special permits should not be used on busy days and that Saturday was no longer the busiest trading day. He stated that it was his belief that there was a need for an additional one thousand parking spaces in Ennis at present. Cllr. T. Glynn stated there should be 2-hour parking in the Bindon Street car park having regard to the businesses located there. He also stated that it was important that there was a good public transport system in the town.
Cllr. D. O’Bearra suggested that we are asking the wrong question. He referred to the high price of oil and stated that we should be moving away from using cars. He stated that we should be working on getting a bus service for the town and that cars should only be allowed into the centre of the town. He agreed with the suggestion of using decking and that there should be a higher turnover of spaces. Cllr. M. Coote Ryan stated that she hopes that plans to pedestrianise Abbey Street and O’Connell Street proceed. Cllr. T. Matthew asked why Dunnes Stores had provided a multi storey car park if the use of decking would have achieved more spaces. Cllr. J. Reidy also agreed that the use of decking was the way for the future. Cllr. T. Brennan stated that he would like to see an example of decking on site before any decision was made on the issue. Cllr. P. Considine asked if there was any park and ride facilities in Wexford. He stated that shopkeepers were under the impression that there was no business unless cars were passing their doors. He welcomed the report and asked that it be presented to Ennis Chamber and other relevant stakeholders.
Cllr. T. Brennan thanked Mr. Keilthy for his presentation and stated that he looked forward to receipt of the final report.
Item 2 To consider the Draft Ennis and Environs Development Plan 2008
Cllr. P. Considine stated that the Draft Ennis and Environs Development Plan 2008 should be considered at a workshop to be organised between the Elected Members of Ennis Town Council and Clare County Council and Officials of both Authorities. This was seconded by Cllr. T. Brennan and agreed. It was agreed that this workshop would take place at 10.00 a.m. on Tuesday, 17th June 2008.
Item 3 Overdraft Accommodation for the period 1st July 2008 to 31st December 2008
The Elected Members considered the report of B. Keating, A/Town Clerk dated 6th June 2008. It was proposed by Cllr. P. Considine, seconded by Cllr. J. Reidy and agreed that the Council approve the arranging of an overdraft facility of €1.5 million for the period 1st July 2008 to 31st December 2008.
Item 4 To consider the Annual Financial Statement
Cllr. J. Flynn stated that he was confused about the figures for 2007. He stated that the Council had adopted a Budget of €13m. and levied rates to meet this. However the actual outturn was €11m. He stated that the Annual Financial Statement had a figure of €2.5m. less than that in the Budget. L. O’Connor, Senior Staff Officer stated that the Budget included the cost of the water supply service and this had been transferred to Clare County Council. Cllr. F. Neylon stated that the accounts have to be audited by the Local Government Auditor and that he was satisfied that the accounts were in order. Cllr. P. Considine stated that he agreed with Cllr. F. Neylon and he complimented the staff involved in the preparation of the accounts. Cllr. T. Brennan supported Cllr. P. Considine and also complimented the staff of the Council.
On the proposal of Cllr. P. Considine, seconded by Cllr. T. Brennan it was agreed the following resolution be adopted by the Council:
"Pursuant to the provisions of Section 104 of the Local Government Act 2001, additional expenditure in the amount set out below in respect of the Programme Groups listed is hereby approved for the year ended 31st December, 2007:-
Prog. Group 1 : Housing & Building €201,234
Prog. Group 2 : Road Transportation & Safety €78,048
Prog. Group 3 : Water Supply & Sewerage €2,077
Prog. Group 4 : Development Incentives & Controls €279,885
Prog. Group 5 : Environmental Protection €77,952
Prog. Group 6 : Recreation & Amenity €56,537
On the proposal of Cllr. P. Considine, seconded by Cllr. T. Brennan it was agreed the following resolution be adopted by the Council:
That Transfers to reserves as set out below are hereby approved :-
Prog. Group 1 : Housing & Building €106,430 Prog. Group 2 : Road Transportation & Safety €370,321
Prog. Group 4 : Development Incentives & Controls €180,000
Prog. Group 5 : Environmental Protection €79
Prog. Group 6 : Recreation & Amenity €262,632
Prog. Group 9 : Support Services €227,401
On the proposal of Cllr. P. Considine, seconded by Cllr. T. Brennan it was agreed the following resolution be adopted by the Council:
"That this Council hereby adopt the Annual Financial Statement for Ennis Town Council for the year ended December 31st, 2007"
Item 5 Community & Arts Grants 2008
The Elected Members considered the report of B. Keating, A/Town Clerk dated 6th June 2008. On the proposal of Cllr. T. Brennan, seconded by Cllr. M. Coote Ryan and agreed that the following community and arts grants would be awarded for 2008:
Avenue United FC €500
Clare Haven Services €1,500
Youth Space €1,000
Banner Minor GAA Club €500
Banner Ladies Football Club €500
Ennis St. John’s Community Games €3,000
Summer School of Music €500
Conradh na Gaeilge €750
Cummann Scoildramaiochta €500
Tic Tac Puppets €1,500
Ennis National School €5,000
Clare Intercultural Network €500
Ennis Street Festival €2,000
Item 6 Proposed Naming of Retirement Village Development at Drumbiggle, Ennis - Planning Permission Reference 06/20
The Elected Members considered the report of B. Keating, A/Town Clerk dated 6th June 2008. On the proposal of Cllr. T. Glynn, seconded by Cllr. P. Considine and agreed to name the retirement village development at Drumbiggle, Ennis – "Socra Retirement Village".
Item 7 Naming of new Town Council Estate at Westbourne
Cllr. P. Considine suggested that the new housing development at Westbourne should be named "Westbourne Court" and this was agreed by the Members.
Item 8 To note the Quarterly Progress Report
The Elected Members considered the Quarterly Progress Report which had been circulated with the Agenda. Cllr. J. Flynn congratulated the Council on the works carried out at Corrovorrin. He also queried the requirement for a public private partnership for the wastewater treatment plan. T. Tiernan, Town Engineer advised the meeting that it was hoped that the wastewater treatment plant would be provided on 2012 and that the report on the public private partnership was being prepared at present. Cllr. T. Brennan also complimented the Town Engineer and staff on the works carried out at Corrovorrin and this was supported by Cllr. T. Glynn.
Cllr. F. Neylon raised the issue of the Post Office Field. T. Coughlan, Town Manager advised the meeting that it had been decided by the Council to enter into a Section 85 Agreement with Clare County Council so that Ennis Town Council would be the lead authority for the development of the new library facility. Cllr. F. Neylon enquired which authority would be responsible for the costs involved and was advised by the Town Manager that Clare County Council would be liable for the costs involved. He stated that it was a joint project that would be of benefit to the town and that the project will have to go through a public consultation process. Cllr. F. Neylon asked why the library could not be developed on the current site. T. Coughlan, Town Manager advised the meeting that the objective was to bring all library facilities together and that a feasibility study had been carried out and circulated to all the members. Cllr. J. Flynn stated that he had no objection to the development of a new library facility but that he did have an issue with expending public monies if the area was not appropriately zoned in the Development Plan. Cllr. T. Glynn suggested that the existing Post Office car park and building could be used. T. Coughlan, Town Manager stated that he would consider any suggestions for an alternative location for the new library facility.
Cllr. J. Reidy enquired if there were any works being undertaken behind the hoarding at the Maid of Erin roundabout. He also congratulated the Council on the works carried out at the Tulla Road. He enquired if the H.S.E. had been contacted in relation to he changing of the wording on the precautionary boil notice. T. Tiernan, Town Engineer advised the meeting that a new pumping station was being provided at Mill Road. He stated that the sections of the community mentioned in the precautionary boil notice included tourists and that this would not be altered.
Cllr. T. Brennan requested that public lighting be provided at Lifford Road. He also asked that the footpath on the Tulla Road be extended to beyond Newpark. T. Tiernan, Town Engineer agreed to examine this issue. Cllr. P. Considine asked what the length of the Contract with the E.S.B. in relation to public lighting and was advised that this is a year on year Contract. Cllr. F. Neylon enquired if the issue in relation to Fergus Park had been rectified. T. Tiernan, Town Engineer advised him that the Council was still trying to find the most appropriate solution and that intensive investigations and works had been carried out recently. Cllr. F. Neylon enquired if the pumping station at Francis Street was overloaded would the siphon system work. He was advised by the Town Engineer that the siphon system would work.
Item 10 Notice of Motion submitted by Cllr. J. Flynn
"Ennis Town Council ask the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government to carry out an independent review of problems with the public water supply to include in terms of ground water protection plan, treatment plants, condition and size of reservoirs, water augmentation, mains network and waste of water, water pressure and fire flows, etc. Such review to include costed and time scaled implementation of solutions including possible Local Water Byelaws".
Cllr. J. Flynn raised the issue of the adequacy of groundwater protection. He stated that the E.P.A. had questioned the capacity of the treatment plant. He questioned the capacity of the freeflows at 7 million gallons. He stated that 50% of the treated water was being lost through leakages and stated that a mains rehabilitation strategy was required. He also stated that Local Water Byelaws were required and that funding was a major issue in this regard.
This Notice of Motion was seconded by Cllr. F. Neylon and agreed.
Item 11 Notice of Motion submitted by Cllr. J. Flynn
"Ennis Town Council ask the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government to carry out an independent review of problems with waste water disposal system to include in terms of existing treatment plants, bypassing of treatment, pipe network and capacity, impacts on receiving water systems. Such review to include costed and time scaled implementation of interim and long term solutions".
Cllr. J. Flynn stated that the storm water and sewage facility in Ennis is inadequate. The town cannot wait four years for a permanent facility – an interim solution is required. This Notice of Motion was seconded by Cllr. M. Coote Ryan and agreed.
Cllr. F. Neylon stated that he would like to see the proposers of Notice of Motion follow up the issue at national level with the relevant spokespersons.
Item 12 Correspondence
Letter received from Frank Mailaender, Leinfelden-Echterdingen, Germany seeking a twinning arrangement with Ennis Town.
The Elected Members considered the correspondence received from Frank Mailaender. It was proposed by Cllr. T. Glynn and seconded by Cllr. M. Coote Ryan that a response should issue and that communication between both towns should be developed.
Item 13 Conferences and Seminars
"The Local Government Planning Service" training Seminar for Councillors being organised by Kadenza Consultancies and taking place at the West Cork Hotel, Skibbereen on 4th to 6th July 2008.
On the proposal of Cllr. F. Neylon, seconded by Cllr. J. Reidy it was agreed to nominate Cllr. M. Coote Ryan as a Delegate to attend this Seminar.
On the proposal of Cllr. M. Coote Ryan, seconded by Cllr. J. Reidy it was agreed to nominate Cllr. F. Neylon as a Delegate to attend this Seminar.
"Managing Your Local Environment for Tourism Growth" – Conference being organised by Carlow Tourism and taking place at Ramada Hotel, Killerig, Co. Carlow on 18th to 20th June 2008.
On the proposal of Cllr. J. Flynn, seconded by Cllr. F. Neylon, it was agreed to nominate Cllr. T. Matthew as a Delegate to attend this Conference.
Item 14 Any Other Business
Cllr. T. Brennan asked if the double yellow lines on the Kilrush Road could be extended for a further 30 metres. T. Tiernan, Town Engineer agreed to examine the matter.
The meeting then concluded.