Minutes of the September Monthly Meeting of Ennis Town Council held at 3:30 p.m. on Tuesday, 8th September 2009 in the Council Chamber, Waterpark House, Drumbiggle, Ennis, Co. Clare.
Presiding
- Mayor F. Neylon
Councillors present
- T. Brennan
- P. Considine
- M. Coote Ryan
- J. Flynn
- M. Guilfoyle
- P. O'Shea
Apologies
- Cllr B. Meaney
Officials present
- G. Dollard, Town Manager
- E. Power, Town Clerk.
- E. O'Dea, Town Engineer
- S. Barrett, Staff Officer
Register
The Register of Orders by the Director of Service, Town Clerk and Town Engineerand the Planning Register were on the meeting table.
At the outset of the meeting it was agreed that the order of the Agenda be changed to deal with item No. 11. The Mayor welcomed the deputation from Parnell St. Traders.
N. Twomey Walsh, Parnell St Traders, thanked the Council for allowing them to speak at the meeting. She said their street is dying due to the economic downturn and flood relief works. They feel that their street is being treated as second class, compared to Abbey St. and O'Connell Street and that signage is non-existent. Parnell Street, she said, has a lot of potential but needs an injection of capital. It is the only pedestrianised street in town and parking facilities nearby are non-existent. Ms Twomey Walsh pointed out that rates are increased even though this is a time of incredible financial difficulty. There are approx. 20 vacant premises on Parnell St and 10 businesses have closed in the last 12months.
G. Collins, Parnell St Traders, said the flood relief works are proceeding without consultation with the local traders and that there is a lack of adequate parking as a result. He said the drains become blocked when there is even the slightest amount of rain.
B. Rochford, Parnell St Traders, said the people that pedestrianised Parnell St should be credited for their foresight. However, he said, the required investment in the street hasn't been maintained and the attractiveness of the street has deteriorated. He then passed around some pictures to the Councillors and stated that loose and uneven paving is a major concern in the area and that some of the repairs carried out are not to the required standard. Chewing gum and graffiti are also issues on the street he claimed. Mr Rochford further said that the street is barren and sparse and empty of any sculptures, or ironworks to hold hanging baskets. Mr Rochford also mentioned the Christmas lighting provided. He claimed that general maintenance issues need to be addressed urgently and that a successful and attractive Parnell St can serve as a role model for the remainder of the town. He said that gullies, paving, chewing gum and more wastebaskets are items that require immediate attention and he also mentioned Section 6 of the Ennis & Environs Development Plan.
Cllr F. Neylon thanked the Parnell St Traders for attending the meeting. He stated that the Flood Relief programme was the priority for Parnell St residents.
1. (a) Adoption of the Minutes of the July Monthly Meeting of Ennis Town Council held on Monday, 6th July 2009 at 3.30pm
Ar moladh Cllr J. Flynn, cuidithe ag Cllr M. Guilfoyle agus glacadh leis
"That the Minutes of the July Monthly Meeting of Ennis Town Council held at 3.30 p.m. on Monday, 6th July 2009 be signed"
(b) Adoption of the Minutes of the Adjourned July Monthly Meeting of Ennis Town Council held on Thursday, 9th July 2009 at 4.00 p.m.
Ar moladh Cllr T. Brennan, cuidithe ag Cllr M. Coote Ryan agus glacadh leis
"That the Minutes of the Adjourned July Monthly Meeting of Ennis Town Council held at 3.30pm on Thursday, 9th July 2009 be signed"
(c) Adoption of the Minutes of the Annual Meeting of Ennis Town Council held on Monday, 15th June 2009 at 3.30 p.m.
Ar moladh Cllr M. Guilfoyle, cuidithe ag Cllr P. O'Shea agus glacadh leis
"That the Minutes of the Annual Meeting of Ennis Town Council held at 3.30pm on Monday, 15th June 2009 be signed"
(d) Adoption of the Minutes of the Special Meeting of Ennis Town Council held on Monday, 17th August 2009 at 3.30 p.m.
Ar moladh Cllr P. O'Shea, cuidithe ag Cllr P. Considine agus glacadh leis
"That the Minutes of the Special Meeting of Ennis Town Council held at 3.30pm on Monday, 17th August 2009 be signed"
2. Report on the Civic Reception of Muhammad Ali.
Cllr F. Neylon thanked everyone who was involved in the organisation of the visit, especially the staff of the Town Council and said the publicity for the town was worldwide. He also thanked the local media for the coverage they gave. He was very proud of the work put in by the people of Ennis and especially the residents of the Turnpike. He was also delighted with the award gained by the town in the Tidy Towns Awards.
Cllr M. Coote Ryan congratulated and complimented the Mayor on his work before and during the Muhammad Ali visit.
Cllr P. Considine joined in the comments expressed and said the tourism agencies of the country should be pursued to develop the tourism potential of the town and region.
Cllr J. Flynn said it was an extraordinary day for the town and that the Town Manager showed his excellence in providing a top class show on the day.
Cllr P. O'Shea said that representations should be made to Angelina Jolie and that she should be invited to the town.
Cllr M. Guilfoyle complimented the Mayor, the Manager and the staff for the work that was required to make the day so successful.
Cllr T. Brennan complimented everyone that was involved.
G. Dollard, Town Manager, said that all three separate events came together to a very high standard and he complimented the Mayor and the staff of the Town Council for all of the work involved. He stated that a number of debriefing meetings have taken place with the various parties involved. He pointed out that the Freedom of the Town of Ennis is a very high individual honour and is a very rare and unique occasion. He also offered congratulations to everyone involved in achieving the Tidy Towns Award.
3. Consideration of the Disposal of houses under the Affordable Housing Scheme at Westbourne Court, Watery Road, Ennis, Co. Clare.
Having considered the report of the A/Town Clerk, it was proposed by Cllr. P. Considine, seconded by Cllr T. Brennan and agreed that
"Notice having been served pursuant to Section 183 of the Local Government Act, 2001, Ennis Town Council approves, pursuant to the powers vested on it at Section 211 of the Local Government (Planning and Development) Act 2000, of the disposal of a dwelling house, in accordance with the terms of the Affordable Housing Scheme, at No. 8 Westbourne Court, Watery Road, Ennis to Mihails Alimovs & Irina Alimova, 37 Millstream Court, Ennis for the sum of €150,000".
It was proposed by Cllr. P. Considine, seconded by Cllr T. Brennan and agreed that
"Notice having been served pursuant to Section 183 of the Local Government Act, 2001, Ennis Town Council approves, pursuant to the powers vested on it at Section 211 of the Local Government (Planning and Development) Act 2000, of the disposal of a dwelling house, in accordance with the terms of the Affordable Housing Scheme, at No. 4 Westbourne Court, Watery Road, Ennis to Piotr Przychodzen & Anna Augustyniak, 9 Lissaniska, Claureen, Ennis for the sum of €150,000".
4. Consideration of the adoption of the Ennis Appointed Stands (Street Service Vehicles) Bye Laws 2009.
E. Power, Town Clerk, pointed out that a report had been provided in relation to providing part time / night time taxi ranks.
Having considered the report of the Town Clerk, it was proposed by Cllr T. Brennan, seconded by Cllr M. Guilfoyle and agreed that the Ennis Appointed Stands (Street Service Vehicles) Bye Laws 2009 be adopted.
5. Consideration of the adoption of a scheme for the Municipal Policy Committee.
E. Power, Town Clerk, stated that a Municipal Policy Committee had been established during the last Council and that a Draft Scheme was now before the Members to be adopted. He said it would then be advertised in order to invite submissions. He pointed out that one change since the last scheme was in relation to the Environment representative.
Having considered the report of the Town Clerk, it was proposed by Cllr T. Brennan, seconded by Cllr M. Guilfoyle and agreed that the Municipal Policy Committee scheme be adopted.
6. Approval of the payment of Priming Grants.
Having considered the report of the Town Clerk, it was proposed by Cllr T. Brennan, seconded by Cllr P. Considine and agreed that the €300 priming grants be paid to each of the following:
- Ard na Gaoithe, Circular Road
- Aughanteeroe, Gort Road
- Avondale, Kilrush Road
- Carraig an Óir, Tobarteascáin
- Carraig Dubh, Tobarteascáin
- Castlerock, Tulla Road
- College Green, St. Flannan's Drive
- College Grove, St. Flannan's Drive
- Cregáun, Tobarteascáin
- Cusack Lawn, Lahinch Road
- Dalcassian Park, Kilrush Road
- Drumbiggle – Drumbiggle Area
- Drumbiggle – Clancy Park
- Drumbiggle – McHugh Villas
- Dun na Rí, Tobarteascáin
- Elm Park, Gort Road
- Fergus Manor, Clonroad
- Fernhill, Gort Road
- Fionuisce, Gort Road
- Francis Street, Clonroad
- Frenchpark, Clonroad
- Glenina, Gort Road
- Glenoir, St. Senan's Road
- Glensheen, Gort Road
- Greendale, Clonroad
- Hazelgrove, Roslevan, Tulla Road
- Hazelwood, Clonroadmore
- Iniscarragh, St. Flannans Drive
- Ivy Hill
- Kincora Park
- Lenabeag, Claureen
- Lios Ard, Tulla Road
- Meadow Court, Clonroad
- Phoenix Court, Kilrush Road
- Pine Grove, Gort Road
- Rosanore, Lifford
- Springfield, St. Flannan's Drive
- St. Flannan's Terrace
- Station Court, Quin Road
- Stonecourt, Drumbiggle
- The Green, Lifford
- Tir Eda, Tobarteascáin
- Turnpike Area
- Willsgrove, Cahercalla Road
- Woodhaven, Kilrush Road
- Woodlands, Kilrush Road
7. Consideration of the Quarterly Progress Report.
Cllr F. Neylon welcomed that the works in Parnell St would be finished by the end of October.
Cllr M. Guilfoyle questioned the fact that there was flooding in the Island Field, as he believed that the OPW works were supposed to eliminate this problem. E. O'Dea, Town Engineer, clarified that the pumping system will eliminate that problem.
Cllr J. Flynn said that interim works at Clonroadmore were supposed to be completed by the end of 2010. He also said that there was condensation in the new Historic Town Trails display cabinets. He wanted to know if residents were consulted in relation to the Youth Café in Cloughleigh.
E. Power, Town Clerk, replied that the residents were consulted.
Cllr F. Neylon said he was totally against the location of the Youth Café and that the closing date should be extended to facilitate submissions from the residents.
Cllr M. Guilfoyle supported the Mayor in the concerns that he expressed and said that there should be some consideration for the people living in the area.
Cllr T. Brennan supported the proposal that the closing date be extended.
G. Dollard, Town Manager, said that the Part VIII Planning Process is designed to accept submissions and they should be submitted before the 14th September.
Cllr F. Neylon said that this date should be extended.
G. Dollard, Town Manager, said that the legalities of the Part VIII process deem that the deadline is the 14th September.
Cllr F. Neylon said that the Café should be located in the Post Office Field with the proposed new library.
E. O'Dea, Town Engineer, said that a licence has been received for the Water Treatment Plant. Work, he said, should start in early 2010.
Cllr J. Flynn said that it was nearly 12months since the Town Engineer stated that a particular type of plant would be provided if required.
E. O'Dea, Town Engineer, replied that the plant has dealt with the recent heavy rainfall and that the interim treatment plant was not required during this period.
Cllr M. Guilfoyle enquired as to the current progress with the installation of the community CCTV system.
E. Power, Town Clerk, pointed out that this was being dealt with under the Supplementary Agenda.
8. Christmas Pedestrianisation.
E. Power, Town Clerk, stated that he had met with representatives from local businesses and that pedestrianisation was proposed at weekends, to commence on Saturday, 5th December up to Christmas Eve. The traders expressed concern about the possibility of pedestrianisation on the Sundays before Christmas. E. Power, Town Clerk, indicated that the final proposals would be published and public consultation would take place in advance of a final decision.
It was also proposed to turn on the Christmas lights on Friday, December 4th. He said that the Gardai have raised the issue of crowd management in Abbey St on Friday and Saturday nights and that there is a possibility of closing Abbey St from 11pm until 6am approx. It is intended to have further liaison with the Gardai regarding this proposal.
Cllr M. Guilfoyle wanted to know what about the access for emergency vehicles and was there consultation with residents in the area of Abbey St.
E. Power, Town Clerk, confirmed that consultation would continue with the residents.
Cllr J. Flynn said that a quarter of the businesses concerned had experienced negative effect following pedestrianisation, and that the Christmas lighting should be turned on from early November and from midday each day.
E. Power, Town Clerk, said that they were fully aware of the issues raised. He said that traders from O'Connell St have previously stated that pedestrianisation had a positive effect on business. He also pointed out that the time has already been changed from 10am until 11am.
9. Local Government Charges Act.
E. Power, Town Clerk, stated that legislation regarding the new charge on non-principal private residencies has come into force since July 2009. He also said that the income from the charge will remain with the local authority and the liability to pay the charge is assessed by the owners themselves.
10. (a) To set a date for a meeting of the Lees Road Sports Facilities Committee.
E. Power, Town Clerk, suggested Wednesday, 16th September at 6pm.
This was agreed by the Members.
(b) To set a date for a meeting of the Joint Policing Committee.
The Members agreed that the meeting would be held on Monday, 5th October at 10am.
(c) To set a date for the launch of the Historic Town Trails.
E. Power, Town Clerk, proposed to assemble the material in the Civic Room for viewing on Wednesday, 30th September at 12noon.
This was agreed by the Members.
11. Notice of Motion submitted by Cllr P. O'Shea
That Ennis Town Council erect a commerative plaque, or sculpture, in honour of those children who suffered in the Religious Industrial Schools and Magdalene Laundries, as a mark of our support and good wishes in their future journey in life.
This Motion was proposed by Cllr O'Shea and seconded by Cllr J. Flynn.
Cllrs M. Guilfoyle and F. Neylon also supported the Motion.
Cllr F. Neylon suggested that any plaque or sculpture should be placed near or in the Museum.
Cllr T. Brennan questioned if suggestions could be invited from the public.
It was agreed that an advert would be placed, inviting proposals for a plaque.
12. Notice of Motion submitted by Cllr F. Neylon
I am asking for support from my fellow Councillors to write to the Minister for Environment to ask him to consider giving Elected Council Members an input into the allocation of social housing.
Cllr F. Neylon said that he was hoping that in the future, there would be an input allowed from members. He said he didn't want to see ghetto's being created.
Cllr J. Flynn supported the Notice of Motion and said that they were only looking for an input into the allocation of houses.
Cllr M. Guilfoyle supported the Notice of Motion and said that Councillors may have more information on applicants that may prove helpful to the executive when they are making their decision.
Cllr T. Brennan supported the Notice of Motion and stated that the Minister had already been contacted and that a reply had been received.
Cllr M. Coote Ryan supported the Motion.
Cllr P. Considine said that a return to the days when the Councillors met with the executive prior to the final decision on allocation would be welcome.
Cllr P. O'Shea said that the members should be involved in the allocation of houses and a general briefing should be given to new members to explain the process of the allocation of houses.
G. Dollard, Town Manager, said the housing staff work in very complex and trying circumstances. The allocation of houses, he said, is an executive function and a briefing session can be held for new Councillors.
13. Notice of Motion submitted by Cllr B. Meaney
I request that Ennis Town Council call for a Yes vote in the upcoming Lisbon Treaty.
As Cllr Meaney was not present at the meeting, the motion was moved by Cllr P. Considine, who stated that he agreed with the Motion. The Motion was not seconded.
14. Notice of Motion submitted by Cllr B. Meaney
That Ennis Town Council allow free parking for Electric Cars.
As Cllr Meaney was not present at the meeting, the motion was moved by Cllr P. Considine and seconded by Cllr P. O'Shea.
Cllr T. Brennan objected to the motion and Cllr Guilfoyle seconded this objection.
The Motion was then deferred until the next meeting of Ennis Town Council.
15. Notice of Motion submitted by Cllr M. Coote Ryan
To ask the Town Engineer to extend the ramp at Friar's Close in the interest of road safety and that Ennis Town Council would also give attention to the hedgerow, which straddles the entrance to Friar's Close/Fergus Manor
In his written reply the Town Engineer reported as follows:
"There is a drainage channel between the road and the parking areas to the front of the houses. The Council will extend a narrow section of footpath complete with a number of bollards as far as the drainage channel. This work will be subject to available funding.
The council will examine the section of hedgerow and may have to remove some of the shrubs-bushes in the interest of road safety".
This Motion was proposed by Cllr M. Coote Ryan and seconded by Cllr T. Brennan.
16. Notice of Motion submitted by Cllr J. Flynn
That Ennis Town Council urgently provide improvements to Corrovorrin/Tulla Road Junction to ensure pedestrian and vehicular access /safety are enhanced by means of either a roundabout, lights controlled junction or road markings.
In his written reply the Town Engineer reported as follows:
"As stated in a response to a similar notice of motion in December 2008, provision of roundabout, lights controlled junction could not be justified at this location.
In regard to pedestrian access, I have visited the location with the Road Design Section of Clare County Council and we are examining the possibility of adjusting the kerb line on the entry into Kevin Barry Avenue to reduce the speed of incoming vehicles. We are also examining the possibility of providing an uncontrolled pedestrian crossing at this location on Kevin Barry Avenue".
Cllr J. Flynn proposed this Notice of Motion and said that works were urgently required. He stated that he disagreed with the Town Engineers reply.
Cllr M. Guilfoyle seconded the Notice of Motion and asked for any suggestions to facilitate people exiting Corrovorrin.
Cllr T. Brennan supported the Notice of Motion as did Cllr M. Coote Ryan.
17. Notice of Motion submitted by Cllr J. Flynn
That urgent resolution of lead exceedence problem in Ennis Drinking Water at consumer's taps be implemented by relevant Local Authorities.
In his written reply the Senior Engineer, Clare County Council reported as follows
"The Water Services Section of Clare County Council has made two submissions in this regard in recent months.
(A) Funding submission dated 27th May 2009 to the Department of Environment, Heritage & Local Government.
This was to seek funding seeking funding for completion of lead pipes replacement at Marian Avenue. This funding was sought under the Water Conservation Programme, as we are advised that there is no provision for a fund specifically for replacement of lead pipes. Total amount sought was €188,572.
The Department replied on 1st September 2009 as follows:
(1) Approves €27,765 in respect of works already done in 2008 at Marian Avenue – which is 90% of the actual cost of the work done, i.e. the standard percentage funded in the Water Conservation Programme
(2) Rules as ineligible the provision of internal service pipes in houses, from stopcock to kitchen sink, which comprised €45,000 of the total applied for
(3) For the remainder of the application, further information is being sought
A revised submission is being prepared in response to (2) & (3), to go to the Department by the end of this week.
(B) Action programme dated 13th July 2009 for lead pipes replacement in Ennis water supply area, on foot of a formal Direction by the Environmental Protection Agency.
No response has yet been received from the EPA. However the main points of the programme are as follows:
Identified houses which are known to be, or are likely to be, served by lead mains
Identified houses and other premises which are not served by lead mains but some or all of which may have lead service pipes coming off the main
Identified houses, and other premises which are not served by either lead mains or lead service pipes, but are likely to have lead pipes in their internal plumbing.
The action programme proposes the following works, subject to funding in all cases. The programme is prepared in the context of the requirement in the Drinking Water (No. 2) Regulations of 2007 for reduction in the permissible level of lead in drinking water from 25 parts per billion to 10 ppb by December 2013.
Houses in (a) – Replace mains serving all these by end of 2009
Houses & premises in (b) – Replace all remaining lead services in a phased programme in 2010, 2011 & 2012
Houses and premises in (c) – The householder or business operator, as the case may be, is responsible for internal plumbing in these
The action plan also stated that the advice given to consumers in 2008 on the Council's website, about flushing of water from plumbing before drawing it off for drinking, would be reviewed on the website and if necessary amended and updated".
Cllr J. Flynn proposed this Notice of Motion and said that no progress had been made 12months after the issue arose and that this was in breach of the 2007 Act.
Cllr T. Brennan said that a meeting was arranged with the Minister of the Environment, Heritage and Local Government for the 24th September 2009.
G. Dollard, Town Manager, stated that Clare County Council have carried out a lot of work in relation to this matter.
Cllr J. Flynn said the Minister was previously requested to carry out an independent investigation and he stated that he didn't think it was appropriate. According to Cllr Flynn a phosphate treatment is used in the UK and the USA at their treatment plants.
18. Correspondence
- Letter received from Robert J. Faucher, Chargé d'affaires, Embassy of the United States of America regarding his recent visit to Ennis Town Council.
Cllr M. Guilfoyle proposed that an invitation be extended to the American ambassador to visit Ennis Town Council. Cllr F. Neylon seconded this.
- Email received from Passage West Town Council regarding membership of the board of Irish Public Bodies Mutual Insurances (IPB).
Cllr F. Neylon said that it is being proposed that two independent board members with an expertise in law and finance be appointed to the Board of IPB Mutual Insurances. He proposed that only sitting Councillors should sit on the board.
Cllr M. Guilfoyle seconded that proposal.
(c) Letter received from Tuam Town Council in relation to a Notice of Motion considered by that Council regarding the recommendation to abolish Town Councils.
Cllrs M. Guilfoyle and F. Neylon supported this Motion.
- Letter received from Mullingar Town Council in relation to a Notice of Motion considered by that Council regarding the Home Energy Saving Scheme.
Cllrs P. Considine and M. Guilfoyle supported this Notice of Motion.
The meeting then concluded.