Minutes of the February Monthly Meeting of Ennis Town Council held at 3:30 p.m. on Monday, 4th February 2008 in the Council Chamber, Waterpark House, Drumbiggle, Ennis, Co. Clare
Presiding
- Mayor T. Brennan
Councillors present
- M. Coote Ryan,
- J. Flynn,
- T. Glynn
- T. Matthew,
- D. O’Bearra,
- F. Neylon,
- J. Reidy.
Apologies
- Cllr. P. Considine
Officials present
- T. Coughlan, Director of Service.
- E. Power, Town Clerk.
- T. Tiernan, Town Engineer.
- B. Keating, Senior Staff Officer.
The Register of Orders by the Director of Service, Town Clerk and Town Engineer and the Planning Register were on the meeting table.
Item1a Adoption of the Minutes of the January Monthly Meeting of Ennis Town Council held on Monday, 7th January 2008 at 3:30 p.m.
Mayor T. Brennan asked if the minutes were an accurate record of the meeting held on 7th January 2008. He then called for the adoption of the Minutes to be proposed.
Ar moladh Cllr. J. Reidy cuidithe ag Cllr. M. Coote Ryan agus glacadh leis:
"That the Minutes of the January Monthly Meeting of Ennis Town Council held at 3.30 p.m. on Monday, 7th January 2008 be adopted and signed"
Item 1b Adoption of the Minutes of the Municipal Policy Committee Meeting held on 22nd May 2007 at 4:00 p.m.
Mayor T. Brennan asked if the minutes were an accurate record of the meeting held on 22nd May 2007. He then called for the adoption of the Minutes to be proposed.
Ar moladh Cllr. F. Neylon cuidithe ag Cllr. T. Matthew agus glacadh leis:
"That the Minutes of the Municipal Policy Committee Meeting held on 22nd May 2007 be adopted and signed"
Matters Arising
Cllr. M. Coote Ryan referred to a letter received from the Fairtrade Committee and it was agreed by the members to contribute €1,000 to support the Ceremony on 29th February 2008 where Ennis will be officially unveiled as a Fairtrade Town.
Suspension of standing orders
On the proposal of Cllr. T. Brennan, seconded by Cllr. J. Reidy it was agreed to suspend Standing Orders to take item 8 on the Agenda.
Item 8 63rd All Ireland Pipe Band Championship 2008 in Ennis
Mr. John Fahy made a presentation to the Council in relation to the 63rd All Ireland Pipe Band Championship to be held in Ennis in 2008. It was proposed by Cllr. F. Neylon, seconded by Cllr. T. Brennan and agreed to make a contribution of €7,500 towards the hosting of this Championship.
Item 2 Planning and Development Regulations 2001 (Part VIII) – Proposed provision of traffic calming measures at Bridge Court, Ennis
The Elected Members considered the report of the Town Clerk and Executive Planner dated 30 th January 2008. On the proposal of Cllr. F. Neylon seconded by Cllr. D. O’Bearra and agreed to proceed with the provision of traffic calming measures at Bridge Court, Roslevan, Ennis in accordance with the drawings and details put on public display and in accordance with Section 179 of the Planning and Development Act 2000 and Part VIII of the Planning and Development Regulations 2001".
Item 3 Planning and Development Regulations 2001 (Part VIII) – Proposed provision of traffic calming measures at Collins Park, Ennis
The Elected Members considered the report of the Town Clerk and Executive Planner dated 30 th January 2008. On the proposal of Cllr. F. Neylon seconded by Cllr. D. O’Bearra and agreed to proceed with the provision of traffic calming measures at Collins Park, Ennis in accordance with the drawings and details put on public display and in accordance with Section 179 of the Planning and Development Act 2000 and Part VIII of the Planning and Development Regulations 2001".
Item 4 Planning and Development Regulations 2001 (Part VIII) – Proposed provision of traffic calming measures at Connolly Villas, Ennis
The Elected Members considered the report of the Town Clerk and Executive Planner dated 30 th January 2008. On the proposal of Cllr. F. Neylon seconded by Cllr. D. O’Bearra and agreed to proceed with the provision of traffic calming measures at Connolly Villas, Ennis in accordance with the drawings and details put on public display 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 Summerhill, Ennis
The Elected Members considered the report of the Town Clerk and Executive Planner dated 30 th January 2008. On the proposal of Cllr. F. Neylon seconded by Cllr. D. O’Bearra and agreed to proceed with the provision of traffic calming measures at Summerhill, Ennis in accordance with the drawings and details put on public display in accordance with Section 179 of the Planning and Development Act 2000 and Part VIII of the Planning and Development Regulations 2001".
Item 6 To note proposed projects/works. (Pre Part VIII)
E. Power, Town Clerk outlined plans to carry out traffic calming measures at Hermitage and the provision of advertising space at Lees Road Sports and Amenity Park. It was agreed that the advertising of alcohol, tobacco and fast food would not be permitted.
In response to queries, T. Tiernan, Town Engineer confirmed that he would provide a written report at the next meeting in relation to traffic calming measures.
Item 7 Further pedestrianisation of Ennis Town Centre
E. Power, Town Clerk gave a presentation in relation to the survey carried out by Amarach Consulting. Among the key findings of the survey were the following:
81% of respondents thought it was a good idea to pedestrianise O’Connell Street,
80% of respondents thought it was a good idea to pedestrianise Lower Market Street,
79% of respondents thought it was a good idea to pedestrianise Abbey Street,
Overall, pedestrianisation is viewed positively with approximately 79-81% of respondents indicating that pedestrianisation is a good idea on each of the four areas surveyed. Drivers are in fact more likely to rate is as a good idea than non-drivers.
The key reasons given by those who view it positively are the improved safety (58%); more pleasant atmosphere (38%) and that it would be easier to get around (37%) (41% of drivers cited this as a reason).
The key reasons given by those who view it negatively (base is only 50 people) are concerns about vehicular access to streets (36%); concerns about getting around (32%) and concerns about access to shops and banks (10%).
96% of respondents feel their frequency of shopping in Ennis would not decrease, with 36% actually indicating they would shop in Ennis more often should the streets be pedestrianised.
He referred to a letter which had been received from Ennis Chamber from which it was noted that while the majority of retailers see the long term overall benefits of pedestrianisation, particularly on Saturdays and busy weekends, they are adamant that certain conditions must be in place prior to any discussion on pedestrianisation, i.e. the completion of the inner relief road and the provision of additional car parking.
He referred to the issues raised by Ennis Chamber and responded in particular to the following matters:
- Hours of pedestrianisation,
- Traffic management,
- Additional car parking,
- Closure of Lower Market Street,
- Section E of the Inner Relief Road,
It was noted that the decision to proceed with further pedestrianisation had been made. It was noted that meetings would be held with Ennis Chamber, O’Connell Street Traders Association and Abbey Street Traders Association and that a report would be prepared for the Council.
Item 9 Notice of Motion submitted by Cllrs. D. O’Bearra and J. Flynn
"That Ennis Town Council refrains from progressing to build a new library in the Post Office field in the interests of retaining green open space in the Town centre and in the absence of a cost benefit analysis that concludes there are no alternative locations".
In his written response to this Notice of Motion, the Town Clerk replied as follows:
"Having regard to the growth of Ennis and the projected increase in the population of the town, the provision of a modern library development to meet the need and provide an appropriate level of service is considered necessary. Furthermore the size of the present De Valera Library in Harmony Row is inadequate and insufficient to meet public demands for a library services.
The Council considered the construction of a new library development on an infill site at Bank Place in Ennis at its November 2006 Meeting and agreed to support the project. Subsequently, at its December 2006 Meeting, the Council decided to enter into a Section 85 Agreement with Clare County Council to provide for the respective role of both authorities in relation to the provision and development of a new library facility in Ennis.
A submission was made to the Department of the Environment, Heritage and Local Government and approval issued to procure a Design Team for the project. That process has commenced in accordance with the approval of both Councils and the Department".
A detailed discussion followed in relation to the proposed new library development. T. Coughlan, Town Manager stated that the proposal was considered at a previous meeting and it was agreed to proceed to design stage. He stated that it was a flagship development in keeping with the needs of a modern, vibrant town. He stated that it was agreed to get Department approval to appoint a Design Team and that this had been received. He stated that the location for the new library will be an infill site between the Post Office and the Church. Cllr. D. O’Bearra suggested that the library service be split up and could operate out of three locations. T. Coughlan, Town Manager advised that he had got an independent assessment of both sites carried out by Hughes Rowan Consultants which indicated that the proposed greenfield site at Bank Place could be more efficiently developed in accordance with the proper planning and sustainable development of the area than the existing library site. He stated that the existing library would not be able to operate during construction and that there was no readily available building to cater for this. He stated that expansion of the existing library was restricted and that there was a lack of parking facilities regarding the development of the existing site and that a green field site was more appropriate. It was agreed by the elected members that the report would be circulated to the members and that the project would proceed to detailed design stage.
Cllr. D. O’Bearra enquired why the elected members did not receive a copy of the cost benefit analysis. T. Coughlan, Town Manager informed him that it was his intention to bring all documentation to the Council when a decision was to be made. He stated that the document was not a cost benefit analysis as it did not incorporate financial details relating to site values. The report deals with planning aspects.
Cllr. T. Brennan had to leave the meeting and excused himself for a temporary period. On the proposal of Cllr. M. Coote Ryan, seconded by Cllr. F. Neylon and it was agreed that Cllr. J. Reidy chair the meeting in his absence.
Cllr. F. Neylon once again reiterated that an overall plan is needed for the post office field more commonly known as the meadow. A general discussion followed and various proposals were put forward by the elected members.
T. Coughlan, Town Manager informed the meeting that it was a matter for the elected members to decide what happens in the Post Office field and that it was zoned for open space.
Cllr. T. Brennan then resumed the chair.
It was agreed that a plan would be prepared for the future use of the remainder of the field. Cllr. T. Brennan stated that the members should submit suggestions to the Executive and this was agreed.
Item 10 Notice of Motion submitted by Cllr. J. Flynn
"That Ennis Town Council, as a provider of public services, seek to achieve the ISO 9000/9002 Quality Assurance Award".
In this written reply the Town Clerk replied as follows:
"The performance of the Council as an organisation is being measured through a system of service indicators. These indicators are wide ranging and cover such services as:
- Housing,
- Planning and Building Control,
- Waste,
- Litter Prevention and Environmental Enforcement,
- Revenue Collection,
- Corporate Issues,
- Arts and Cultural Services,
- Recreational Services.
In total there are 46 service indicators put in place by the Government and a verification process is also in place. The reports on the performance of local authorities under these service indicators is published each year.
The performance of staff is also assessed under the Performance Management Development System has been put in place in the local authority sector in recent years. The Performance Management Development System links the strategic corporate goals set by the organisation with team goals, based on team plans based on services and functions, and with individual Personal Development Plans.
Furthermore, Clare local authorities have achieved the Excellence Through People Award which is designed to reward and encourage high training standards and encourages improved business performance. In these circumstances, it is not intended to seek the ISO 9000/9002 Quality Award".
Cllr. J. Flynn welcomed the additional funding in the 2008 Budget for staff training. He stated that the ISO 9000/9002 would recognise quality. He proposed the Notice of Motion which was seconded by Cllr. F. Neylon.
Cllr. T. Brennan stated that we should seek advice on the cost associated with the ISO 9000 of same before committing to it. E. Power, Town Clerk advised the meeting that the Council is already being measured at organisational level. There is a Performance Management Development System in place linking individual staff performance to organisational goals and objectives. He also stated that the Clare Local Authorities had achieved the Excellence through People Award which is indicative of the high standard already achieved.
Cllr. J. Reidy stated that the Excellence Through People Award had different standards for different sectors and he had no problem with the existing system. He stated that it was important to know the cost and if it is suitable for Local Authorities.
Cllr. D. O’Bearra stated that the laboratory in Clare County Council is applying for this Award and stated that it would be a wonderful achievement for Ennis Town Council.
Cllr. F. Neylon then revised his opinion and agreed with the Town Clerk. T. Coughlan, Town Manager stated that there were two issues involved – funding and the time spent by staff keeping records and collecting relevant data as part of the process of achieving the ISO Standard.
As the time had reached 6:00 p.m. the meeting concluded.