Minutes of the Adjourned March Monthly Meeting of Ennis Town Council held at 3:30 p.m. on Thursday, 22 nd March 2007.
Presiding: Mayor J. Reidy.
Councillors present:
- T. Brennan,
- P. Considine,
- M. Coote Ryan,
- J. Flynn,
- T. Glynn,
- 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.
- E. O’Flaherty, Irish Officer.
Apologies: Cllr. T. Matthew.
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, Cllr. M. Coote Ryan made a presentation to Mayor J. Reidy on behalf of the Clare Association, New York.
Item 1 Adoption of the Minutes of the February Monthly Meeting held at 3.30 p.m. on Monday, 5th February 2007
The Mayor asked if the minutes were an accurate record of the meeting held on 5th February 2007. He then called for the adoption of the Minutes to be proposed.
Ar moladh Cllr. P. Considine cuidithe ag Cllr. T. Glynn agus glacadh leis:
“That the Minutes of the February Monthly Meeting held at 3.30 p.m. on Monday, 5th February 2007 be adopted and signed”.
Item 2 An Scéim Teanga
Dúirt Cléireach an Baile gur cuireadh an Scéim Teanga le chéile ar son Údaráis Áitiúla an Chláir. Tá an Scéim curtha ós comhair na Comhairle chun glacadh leis. Mhol An Comh. P. Considine an Scéim agus é cuidithe ag Cllr. T. Brennan, ghlac an Comhairle leis an Scéim Teanga.
Item 3 Schedule of Uncollected Rates 2006
E. Power, Town Clerk referred to the report on the Schedule of Uncollected rates for 2006 dated 28th February 2007 and noted that at the end of 2006 88.9% of the 2006 rate demand had been collected. By the end of February 2007, 3½% of the 2006 warrant remained to be collected. In response to a query from Cllr. P. Considine, E. Power told the meeting that an amount for irrecoverable rates is provided for in the annual budget. T. Coughlan added that rates must be levied on all premises with a commercial valuation even if rates were not collectable.
Item 4 Planning and Development Regulations 2001 (Part VIII) - Proposed Construction of Traffic Calming Measures at Toberteascain, Ennis
The Elected Members considered the report of the Town Clerk and Executive Planner dated 28th February 2007. After some discussion, it was proposed by Cllr. T. Glynn, seconded by Cllr. T. Brennan and agreed that the proposed construction of traffic calming measures at Tobarteascain would proceed.
Item 5 Report on the Council’s activities under the Litter Pollution Act 1997
The Elected Members considered the report of the Town Clerk dated 28th February 2007. The Members complimented the work carried out by the Council staff during the year. Concerns were expressed on a number of issues including dog waste, illegal dumping, the condition of laneways in the town centre and the bottle banks at Francis Street. The Town Engineer told the meeting that consideration was being given to relocating the bottle banks to the pumping station site at Francis Street. In response to a query from Cllr. T. Brennan, the Town Engineer noted that there were issues with land to the rear of houses at Clonroad which had to be examined. It was also requested that a vacant house at Clancy Park would be secured and cleaned up.
Item 6 Naming of development at Tulla Road, Ennis – Planning reference 05/125
The Elected Members considered the report of E. Power, Town Clerk dated 28th February 2007 regarding the development at Oakleigh Wood, Knockaderry, Tulla Road, Ennis. On the proposal of Cllr. T. Glynn, seconded by Cllr. T. Brennan it was agreed that the development would be named “Doire Mor: Derrymore.
Item 7 Active Citizenship Scheme
The Elected Members considered the report of the Town Clerk dated 16th February 2007 on the proposed Active Citizenship Scheme. It was noted that €20,000 had been provided for in the 2007 Budget for voluntary organisations involved with elderly and youth groups in the town. After some discussion, it was agreed to defer the consideration of the Active Citizen Scheme to a later date.
Item 8 Roadworks Programme 2007
The Elected Members considered the report of the Town Engineer dated 28th February 2007 and welcomed the works proposed for 2007. Cllr. D. O’Bearra expressed concern that a budgetary provision had not been made for cycle lanes despite the fact that a cycle strategy for Ennis was currently ongoing. In response, T. Tiernan noted that approximately 4 kilometres of cycle lanes would be put in place this year on Drumcliffe Road and the Tulla Road. Cllr. T. Brennan requested that a pedestrian crossing would be put in place at the Vocational School to facilitate students using the playing pitch. He also noted that the footpath at the junction of New Road and the Tulla Road needed to be upgraded.
T. Tiernan told the meeting that following the opening of the by-pass, more pedestrian crossings could be provided in the town.
Concerns were expressed regarding the junction at St. Senan’s Road/Corrovorrin/Tulla Road.
T. Tiernan told the meeting that some traffic counts had been carried out at this junction but more counts were required to ascertain the level of traffic movements at this junction. Cllr. F. Neylon noted that taxis were parking outside offices at Abbey Street car park and the Market and noted that the offices should be used as a contact point only and that the taxis should be using the taxi rank. In response, E. Power stated that permission had been granted for dispatch offices only. The taxi rank in the Parnell Street car park was a designated taxi rank. He also stated that the Council has liased with the Gardai on the issue of taxis outside dispatch offices.
Members also requested that the footpath adjacent to St. Flannan’s would be upgraded, the yellow box at Captain Mac’s Cross would be re-instated and that traffic lights at the Kilrush Road would be repaired.
Concerns were expressed regarding sewerage problems currently being experienced in the Tulla Road area and the fact that it was being proposed to close the Tulla Road for ten days to allow work on the pumping station to be carried out.
In response, T. Tiernan, Town Engineer noted that the sewer was being upsized and over capacity was not a problem. He added that no evidence had been found to link a developer with the problems that occurred at the pumping station. T. Tiernan told the meeting that the Contractor would carry out the work as quickly as possible and that because of health and safety reasons it was not possible to carry out the work at night.
Item 9 To consider the Quarterly Progress Report
The Members considered the Quarterly Progress report dated 28th February 2007. Cllr. F. Neylon requested that the possibility of the Lees Road Sports Facility being used as a training base for athletes particularly in the Olympic Games in London in 2012 be explored. The Town Manager stated that the University of Limerick would be a likely base for participating athletes and that this may have a potential knock on effect for Ennis.
Item 10 St. Patrick’s Day Parade 2007
The Elected Members congratulated the Town Clerk and staff for all the work that went into organising the parade. It was noted that the parade has evolved and improved every year since the Town Council had the lead role in the organisation of the parade. In response to a proposal from Cllr. P. Considine the Town Clerk informed the meeting that a letter of thanks had been sent to the Mayor of St. Paul de Fenouillet, the Civil Defence and all the groups that participated in the parade.
Item 11 Notice of Motion submitted by Cllr. J. Flynn
“Ask the Town Clerk to outline how much contributions each year has been received since the introduction of the Development Contribution Scheme in terms of residential and non-residential, S.L.I. areas and the remainder of the Town Council area and how these funds have been spent to date”.
In his written reply the Town Clerk responded as follows:
“Since the adoption of the development contribution scheme in March 2004 a net total of €6,348,185.85 has been received from development contributions. It should be noted that monies received since that date include contributions from planning permissions granted under the Development Contribution Scheme as well as permissions granted from 1999. Also the amount collected in each year does not relate to the amount levied in that particular year. In line with national accounting practice contributions are allocated between the various infrastructure types set out in the development contribution scheme, i.e. roads, open space & amenities etc, and not between residential, and non-residential development. The table below shows contributions received from March 2004 to February 2007.
| Description | 2004 | 2005 | 2006 | 2007 | Total |
| Roads | 757,643.44 | 281,614.58 | 630,421.66 | 96,272.30 | 1,765,951.98 |
| Car Park | 514,547.38 | 124,076.60 | 411,591.94 | 46,734.46 | 1,096,950.38 |
| Services | 529,631.29 | 136,947.33 | 518,245.21 | 15,765.94 | 1,200,589.77 |
|
Open Space
& Amenity |
54,313.52 | 138,384.70 | 327,780.90 | 67,097.64 | 592,655.76 |
| Recreation & Community | 564,074.55 | 499,353.10 | 528,043.36 | 99,066.95 | 1,692,037.96 |
| Total | 2,426,789.08 | 1,180,286.31 | 2,416,086.07 | 324,937.29 | 6,348,185.85 |
Monies that have been received for the infrastructural class “Services” relate to permissions granted prior to the development contribution scheme. These contributions are to be used to part fund works on Drumcliffe and Drumbiggle Roads.
As Ennis Town Council is no longer a sanitary authority, contributions received for water & sewerage infrastructural development must be paid to Clare County Council. The table below shows contributions received for water & sewerage from 2004 to 2007.
| Description | 2004 | 2005 | 2006 | 2007 | Total |
| Water | 356,682.75 | 187,000.73 | 331,020.22 | 63,581.69 | 938,285.39 |
| Sewerage | 496,824.89 | 804,280.95 | 1,499,612.88 | 283,489.24 | 3,084,207.97 |
Since March 2004 development contributions in the sum of €1,801,694.10 have been applied against various capital projects, in accordance with the development contribution scheme. The application of capital funding is subject to audit by the Local Government Audit Section of the Department of the Environment, Heritage & Local Government and forms part of the yearly Annual Financial Statement adopted by council. The contributions applied, were funded from the following contribution types.
- Description - Amount
- Roads - 788,697.02
- Car Park - 196,569.62
- Water - 71,054.43
- Sewerage - 12,035.32
- Services - 314,883.01
- Recreation and Community - 418,454.70
- Total - 1,801,694.10
Cllr. J. Flynn noted that the level of development contributions had a huge effect on affordability and suggested that the Development Contribution Scheme should be increased by the rate of inflation and not the construction price index. He proposed that the Council’s Development Contribution Scheme would be reviewed. The Town Manager noted that €6.3m. had been collected in development levies since the introduction of the Development Contribution Scheme. €1.8m. of this amount has been applied to capital projects already. He added that €2.5m. would be required for the works on the Drumcliffe and Drumbiggle Roads, €1.1m. for Tim Smythe Park and €800,000 for Lees Road. He added that a review of the Scheme was timely as the contributions being levied did not reflect the cost of the infrastructure that is required for an expanding town. After further discussion, the Members agreed to defer a review of the Development Contribution Scheme.
Item 12 Notice of Motion submitted by Cllr. J. Flynn
“Ask the Town Clerk to outline the Planning Authority’s record of enforcement of breaches of the 2000 Planning and Development Act in housing estates within Ennis Town Council area in terms of complaints, violations, resolved cases, enforcement notices, court proceedings and enforcement rate”.
In his written response the Town Clerk replied as follows:
“Part VIII – Enforcement of the Planning & Development Act, commenced on 11th March, 2002. I set out below enforcement details covering this period:-
- 2006
- No. of complaints investigated - 16
- No. of Warning Letters issued - 41
- No. of Enforcement Notices - 36
- No. of Notices complied with - 26
- 10 of Prosecutions - 0
- 2005
- No. of complaints investigated - 31
- No. of Warning Letters issued - 44
- No. of Enforcement Notices - 31
- No. of Notices complied with - 28
- 10 of Prosecutions - 2
- 2004
- No. of complaints investigated - 18
- No. of Warning Letters issued - 44
- No. of Enforcement Notices - 55
- No. of Notices complied with - 48
- 10 of Prosecutions - 1
- 2003
- No. of complaints investigated - 16
- No. of Warning Letters issued - 42
- No. of Enforcement Notices - 63
- No. of Notices complied with - 40
- 10 of Prosecutions - 5
- 2002
- No. of complaints investigated - 8
- No. of Warning Letters issued - 18
- No. of Enforcement Notices - 39
- No. of Notices complied with - 39
- 10 of Prosecutions - 3
Cllr. J. Flynn welcomed the report and noted that there was a lot of dissatisfaction with the amount of unfinished estates and added that enforcement played a crucial part in the planning process. The Motion was seconded by Cllr. P. Considine.
Item 13 Correspondence
- Letter of thanks received from the London Irish Centre in relation to the Council’s financial contribution to that organisation.
The Members noted the letter of thanks received from the London Irish Centre.- Letter of thanks received from the Nigerian Ambassador in relation to her recent visit to Ennis
- Cllr. J. Reidy requested that a letter be sent to the Nigerian Ambassador wishing her well on her retirement.
Item 14 Conferences and Seminars
15th Annual Kerry Environmental Conference being organised by Rattoo Heritage Society and taking place at the Gzolf Hotel, Ballybunion, Co. Kerry on 28th March to 1st April 2007.
On the proposal of Cllr. M. Coote Ryan seconded by Cllr. P. Considine the Council nominated Cllr. T. Glynn as a Delegate to attend this Conference.
“Tourism – Fostering Local and Regional Regeneration” – Carlow Tourism 5th National Conference taking place at the Seven Oaks Hotel, Athy Road, Co. Carlow on 29th and 30th March 2007.
On the proposal of Cllr. M. Coote Ryan seconded by Cllr. T. Glynn the Council nominated Cllr. P. Considine as a Delegate to attend this Conference.
On the proposal of Cllr. T. Glynn seconded by Cllr. P. Considine the Council nominated Cllr. M. Coote Ryan as a Delegate to attend this Conference.
On the proposal of Cllr. P. Considine seconded by Cllr. M. Coote Ryan the Council nominated Cllr. T. Brennan as a Delegate to attend this Conference.
Item 15 Any Other Business
Votes of Sympathy
The Elected Members passed a vote of sympathy to the family and relatives of the late:
- Pauline Reynolds, Hermitage, Ennis.
- Mary O’Loughlin, Francis Street, Ennis.
Interest Rates
A discussion took place in relation to the financial impact of rising interest rates on householders. Cllr. F. Neylon called on the financial institutions to be flexible with mortgagees who may encounter difficulties with increased repayments. He was supported by Cllr. T. Glynn.
Post Offices
Cllr. T. Glynn requested that a letter be sent to the relevant Minister requesting him to keep rural post offices open and to introduce banking facilities in post offices. This was supported by Cllr. J. Reidy.
The meeting then concluded.
Town Clerk
Méara Bhaile na hInse.