Minutes of the May Monthly Meeting of Ennis Town Council held at 3:30 p.m. on Wednesday, 16 th May 2007
Presiding: Mayor J. Reidy.
Councillors present:
- T. Brennan,
- P. Considine,
- 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.
- B. Keating, Senior Staff Officer.
- B. Sansum, Executive Planner, Clare County Council.
- J. Bradley, Executive Planner, Clare County Council.
Apologies:Cllr. M. Coote Ryan.
The Register of Orders by the Director of Service, Town Clerk and Town Engineer and the Planning Register were on the meeting table.
At the outset of the Meeting, the Mayor welcomed Anita Schoeneberg, Deputy Mayor of Ennepetal, Germany on her visit to Ennis.
Cllr. J. Flynn requested that Standing Orders be suspended to consider items 13 and 14. Cllr. T. Brennan objected and proposed that the members keep to the Agenda.
Item 1 Adoption of the Minutes of the April Monthly Meeting held at 3.30 p.m. on Monday, 2nd April, 2007
The Mayor asked if the Minutes were an accurate record of the meeting held on 2nd April 2007. He then called for the adoption of the minutes to be proposed.
Ar moladh Cllr. T. Brennan cuidithe ag Cllr. T. Matthew agus glacadh leis:
“That the Minutes of the April Meeting of Ennis Town Council held at 3.30 p.m. on 2nd April 2007 be adopted and signed”.
Item 2 Review of the Ennis and Environs Development Plan 2003 – Managers’ Report on the Pre-Draft submissions enclosed
J. Bradley, Clare County Council gave an overview of the review of the Development Plan and the procedure for reviewing same. The Plan must be adopted by March 2009 at the latest. Workshops will be set up with all the relevant Council staff to discuss the issues. Cllr. T. Glynn stated that he was happy with the level of submissions. He asked how the boundary would be drawn up. J. Bradley stated that the boundary line would be prepared when the County Development Plan is formulated.
A general discussion took place in relation to the review of the Plan. J. Bradley stated that workshops would be provided with Planners, Engineers, etc. to deal with these issues.
Cllr. J. Flynn raised issues such as Ennis going fossil free, the education strategy and hazard mapping of water areas.
F. Neylon stated that the could not identify any areas on the map provided. He asked that a map that was easily read be circulated. He suggested that Ennis Town Councillors should have a workshop on their own first and this was supported by Cllr. D. O’Bearra and Cllr. J. Flynn.
Following discussion, T. Brennan proposed that a joint workshop for Clare County Councillors and Ennis Town Councillors should be arranged and this was then supported by Cllr. F. Neylon who withdrew his earlier suggestion.
Suspension Of Standing Orders
Cllr. J. Flynn requested that Standing Orders be suspended so that items 13 and 14 could be dealt with next and this was agreed by the Members.
Item 13 Notice of Motion submitted by Cllr. J. Flynn
“To ask the Town Engineer for a report on the Central Government Department procedural issues that contributed to the delay in awarding a contract to provide the permanent water treatment plant for Ennis and its Environs”.
In his written response the Town Engineer replied as follows:
“With regard to the development of the Ennis Water Treatment Project, the following are the procedural steps adopted by the Department of the Environment, Heritage and Local Government.
Approval in principle to proceed with scheme which allows the local authority to prepare a brief to facilitate appointment of consultants.
Approval of brief by the Department.
Appointment of Consultants.
Consultants prepare various reports for submission to the Department including design report, Polluters Pays Principle report, Public Private Partnership Assessment report etc.
Consultant prepares contract/tender documents to be submitted to Department for approval.
Upon approval of contract documents by Department, the tender process commences by inviting previously short-listed consortia to compile tender proposals.
Tender assessment by consultants with recommendation to Council.
Council submits tender recommendation to Department for approval.
Department issues approval and process of appointing contractor gets underway following which the appointed contractor proceeds to implement contract”.
J. Flynn stated that due to the problems with the Public Private Partnership there was a delay in providing the Water Treatment Plant. He outlined the problems incurred and delays caused by the Department which held up Ennis Town Council preparing documents.
T. Coughlan, Town Manager stated that the Town Engineer had outlined the procedure and asked if it was a proposal that Ennis Town Council do something with this Notice of Motion.
Cllr. J. Flynn stated that he had brought a Notice of Motion every six months on the water treatment plant. Cllr. T. Brennan took exception to this. He stated that this Council has done more for the people to sort out the water treatment plant. Ennis Town Council invited the Junior Minister in and got approval for the interim treatment plant. Cllr. J. was critical of the Deputy Mayor of Clare who he claimed had been irresponsible in relation to public comments made by him. Cllr. D. O’Bearra stated that once a precautionary boil notice was in place the water was unacceptable. T. Tiernan, Town Engineer clarified the situation in relation to the water. The temporary water treatment plant has been successfully running from the past few months and there have been no cryptosporidium in the water. The boil notice is in place is precautionary for those immuno-compromised people.
Item 14 Notice of Motion submitted by Cllr. J. Flynn
“To ask the Town Engineer what road grants have been applied for, other than National Primary Road Grants, within Ennis Town Council area over the last five years, outlining the particular schemes and years of application”.
In his written response the Town Engineer replied as follows:
“Clare County Council is responsible for all National Regional routes within the Town Council area and the Town Council are responsible for all others. Very little funding is provided by way of special grant for particular road projects other than under the co-financed scheme of grants which are awarded based on compliance with certain criteria, that is, the road or roads to be developed or improved must play a meaningful role in the development of industries such as tourism, fisheries, agriculture etc. Two roads within the Ennis Town Council area has benefited from this scheme over the past 5 years and the details are as follows:
| Year | Road | Amount € |
2002 |
L4142 Shanaway Road |
300,000 |
2003 |
L4142 Shanaway Road |
300,000 |
2004 |
Ennis Inner Relief Road – Section B |
250,000 |
2005 |
Ennis Inner Relief Road – Section B |
1,118,764 |
In general term, most of the funding received by Clare County Council from Central Funds is by way of Grant Allocation to facilitate the Council in dealing with its 5 year rolling programme. These grants are to facilitate restoration/strengthening works on existing roads with a small proportion available for discretionary improvements. The sums allocated to the County over the past 5 years were €9.536m. (2002), €9.255m. (2003), €9.305m. (2004), €9.333m. (2005), €9.278m. (2006). An appropriate proportion of these allocations was expended on regional roads within the urban area each year and evidence of this is visible at various locations such as on the Tulla Road, Circular Road, Station Road etc. Similarly, Ennis Town Council receives grant allocations each year by way of a special block grant, some of which is designated for footpath and surface improvement works and some of which is discretionary and all of which is intended for town roads. The allocations confirmed in respect of Ennis Town Council over the past five years are €488,000 (2003), €532,000 (2004), €546,000 (2005), €587,000 (2006) and €605,000 (2007)”.
Cllr. J. Flynn asked if the Drumcliffe and Drumbiggle Roads projects benefit from road grants. T. Coughlan advised that these projects would have to be funded out of own resources./>
Item 12 Notice of Motion submitted by Cllr. D. O’Bearra
“That Ennis Town Council adopt a system of providing a designated area of panels for posters for election candidates, similar to the French system (as illustrated). This would avoid the cost, litter potential, in inequality due to differing means of raising finance and waste associated with “traditional” postering. It would also continue the promotion of elections and the democratic system and assist Ennis Tidy Town’s efforts”. – See attached.
Cllr. D. O’Bearra stated that there was a great response in relation to the agreement not to put up posters. He asked in the interests of democracy to adopted the French System. He stated that we should ask the National Government to adopt this system. This was supported by Cllr. T. Brennan and he complimented the candidates in keeping Ennis poster free.
A general discussion took place in relation to the matter. T. Coughlan, Town Manager stated that we did not know the French legislation in relation to the erection of such poster panels. He suggested that the situation be examined to see if it is feasible before adopting a position.
It was agreed that a letter would be forwarded to the Minister pointing out the positive response received to the Council’s request that no election posters be erected in Ennis and requesting if it could be considered from a national perspective. It was also agreed that we should explore the French system and this was supported by Cllr. D. O’Bearra.
Item 3 Disposal of land at Brewery Lane to Noel Connellan and Patrick Vaughan, Station Road, Ennis
The Council considered the report of the Town Clerk dated 3rd May 2007. A general discussion took place in relation to the matter. It was agreed that clarification would be sought in relation to insurance issues and that the possibility of leasing the property should be explored.
Item 4 Overdraft Accommodation for the period 1st July 2007 to 31st December 2007
The Elected Members considered the report of the Town Clerk dated 10th May 2007. It was proposed by Cllr. F. Neylon, seconded by Cllr. P. Considine the elected members approved the arrangement of an overdraft facility of €1.5m. for the period 1st July 2007 to 31st December 2007.
Item 5 To consider the Statutory Audit Report of the Local Government Auditor in relation to the Statement of Accounts of Ennis Town Council for the year ended 31st December 2005
T. Coughlan, Town Manager gave an overview of the Audit Report. A general discussion took place and the Elected Members complimented the staff involved. The Elected Members noted the Audit Report and were pleased with the financial position of the Council.
Item 6 Section 85 Agreement - Event Licence applications pursuant to the Planning and Development Act 2000
The Elected Members considered the report of the Town Clerk dated 10th May 2007. On the proposal of Cllr. T. Glynn, seconded by Cllr. D. O’Bearra the elected members agreed to enter into a Section 85 Agreement with Clare County Council in relation to event licence applications pursuant to the Planning and Development Act 2000.
Item 7 Planning and Development Regulations 2001 (Part VIII) – Proposed provision of bus bays at Friar’s Walk, Ennis
The Elected Members considered the report of the Executive Planner dated 25th April 2007. A general discussion took place in relation to the this issue. Cllr. D. O’Bearra requested that a map be circulated in future with Part VIII reports. Cllr. T. Brennan enquired about the provision of pedestrian lights at Station Road. T. Tiernan, Town Engineer explained that these would be done in one overall contract. It was proposed by Cllr. D. O’Bearra seconded by Cllr. P. Considine and agreed that the Council proceed with the construction of a) bus shelter and bus bay which includes the removal of 50m of the existing wall and railing b) proposed 2.20m concrete footpath with stone bollards at 1.8m centres c) pedestrian crossing with central reserve and all associated site works and signage at Friar’s Walk, Ennis in accordance with the report of the Executive Planner dated 25th April 2007.
Item 8 Proposed taking in charge of Tir Eda Housing Estate pursuant to Section 11 of the Roads Act 1993
The Elected Members considered the report of the Town Clerk dated 10th May 2007. It was proposal by Cllr. T. Glynn seconded by Cllr. F. Neylon and agreed that the Town Council would take the Tir Eda housing estate in charge pursuant to Section 11 of the Roads Act 1993.
Item 9 Fix Date for the June 2007 Meeting of the Council
E. Power, Town Clerk asked how the members wanted to deal with situations where the date of the Council Meeting may have to be changed. The Members were happy with the current practice of contacting Councillors by phone to facilitate a change in the date of a meeting in particular circumstances. However, in the course of discussion it was agreed that Standing Orders would be reviewed. It was agreed that the June Meeting would take place at 4.00 p.m. on Wednesday, 6th June 2007.
Item 10 Proposed projects/works
The Elected Members considered the report of E. Power, Town Clerk dated 10th May 2007. It was agreed as a matter of policy that a list of all proposed projects would come before the Council prior to the Part VIII public consultation process. A general debate ensued in relation to the following projects:
- Construction of a proposed pedestrian access gateway in boundary wall and footpath between Avondale housing development and Radharc na hInse housing development.
- Construction of gates and fencing between Stone Court and Coote Park and raising of existing block wall between Maiville/Avondale.
- Construction of extension to Glor Irish Music Centre.
E. Power, Town Clerk pointed out that the omniplex would also be used by the community including the elderly. On the proposal of Cllr. F. Neylon, seconded by Cllr. D. O’Bearra, it was agreed not to proceed with the construction of a pedestrian access gateway in a boundary wall and footpath between Avondale housing development and Radharc na hInse housing development.
Item 11 New Fire Safety Initiative
The Elected Members considered the report of the Town Clerk dated 10th May 2007. On the proposal of Cllr. D. O’Bearra and seconded by Cllr. T. Glynn it was agreed to proceed with the initiative.
Item 15 Correspondence
Letter received from Clare County Council in relation to a Notice of Motion adopted by that Council regarding Ennis General Hospital at its April Monthly Meeting.
The Elected Members considered the following Notice of Motion which was considered by Clare County Council at its April Meeting:
“I ask that the protected structure status afforded to Ennis General Hospital as listed in the Appendices A3 Record of Protected Structures, Ennis and Environs Development Plan 2003 be removed to clear the way for the development of a modern County Hospital for County Clare”.
It was agreed that clarification would be sought on the removal of this building from the Protected Structure List.
Letter received from the Department of Communications, Marine and Natural Resources in response to this Council’s correspondence in relation to the closure of rural post offices.
The Elected Members welcomed the correspondence received from the Department of Communications, Marine and Natural Resources in relation to rural post offices.
Letter received from the Roads Safety Authority in response to the Council’s correspondence in relation to the provision of a project driving academy in Ennis.
Cllr. F. Neylon enquired as to who tests the testers?
Suspension Of Standing Orders:
On the proposal of Cllr. T. Brennan, seconded by Cllr. F. Neylon it was agreed to suspend Standing Orders in order to complete the Agenda.
Letter received from the Clare Football Supporters Club in relation to a Golf Classic being held at Kilrush Golf Club on 18th and 19th May 2007.
On the proposal of Cllr. T. Glynn, seconded by Cllr. P. Considine and agreed to support the Golf Classic for the Clare Football Supporters Club.
Report in relation to correspondence received from Mr. Tom Cavanagh, IBAL.
The Elected Members considered the report in relation to funding received from IBAL. Various suggestions were put forward by the Members. A general discussion took place and it was agreed that the matter would be deferred to a future meeting pending consultation with Tom Cavanagh.
Report in relation to the proposed launching of a Litter Awareness Campaign.
The Elected Members considered the report of the Town Clerk dated 10th May and noted that the Mayor would launch the campaign in June.
Letter received from Ennis Chamber of Commerce in relation to the marketing of Ennis.
Cllr. F. Neylon asked if the Chamber of Commerce were requesting the Council to increase rates by 2% and asked who is promoting the town. T. Coughlan, Town Manager advised the meeting that money was provided in the budget to promote Ennis.
Item 16 Conferences and Seminars
“Effective Communications for Councillors” – Training Seminar being organised by Kadenza Consultancies Ltd. and taking place at the Bellingham Castle Hotel, Castlebellingham, Co. Lough on 8th to 10th June 2007.
On the proposal of Cllr. T. Glynn, seconded by Cllr. T. Brennan the Elected Members nominated Cllr. F. Neylon as a Delegate to attend this Conference.
On the proposal of Cllr. T. Brennan, seconded by Cllr. T. Glynn the Elected Members nominated Cllr. P. Considine as a Delegate to attend this Conference.
On the proposal of Cllr. T. Brennan, seconded by Cllr. T. Glynn the Elected Members nominated Cllr. M. Coote Ryan as a Delegate to attend this Conference.
Item 17 Any Other Business
Icarus
Cllr. P. Considine raised this issue. It was agreed that the Council would contact GPA who provided the sculpture to mark Ennis 750. T. Coughlan, Town Manager stated that it was a matter for the Council to decide where it goes.
Votes of Sympathy
The Elected Members passed a vote of sympathy to the family and relatives of the late:
- Willie McGovern, College View, Ennis.
- Mrs. Mahoney, Hermitage, Ennis.
- Frank O’Dwyer, Clonroadmore, Ennis.
The meeting then concluded
Town Clerk
Méara Bhaile na hInse