Minutes: July 2004
July 13th, 2004LETTERKENNY TOWN COUNCIL HELD IN THE TOWN COUNCIL OFFICES, PUBLIC SERVICES CENTRE, NEIL T. BLANEY ROAD, LETTERKENNY ON MONDAY 12TH JULY, 2004 AT 6.45 PM
MEMBERS PRESENT:
Cllr. D. Larkin, Town Mayor, Cllr. V. Fisher, Cllr. J. Lynch, Cllr. C. Brogan, Cllr. J. Crossan, Cllr. D. Blake, Cllr. G. Mc Monagle, Cllr. N. Clarke and Cllr. J. Harte
OFFICIALS PRESENT:
M. Mc Loone, County Manager
Paddy Doherty, Town Clerk
Frances Friel, Asst. Town Clerk
On the proposal of Cllr. D. Larkin, seconded by Cllr. V. Fisher it was agreed that the Members go into committee to discuss the following items.
CIVIC RECEPTION
Cllr. V. Fisher proposed that this Council hosts a Civic Reception in honour of former Councillor PJ Blake in recognition of his 25 years of service in Letterkenny Town Council�. This motion was seconded by Cllr. J. Crossan.
A brief discussion followed with the Members requesting that a sub-committee be set up in relation to Civic Receptions in order that a protocol may be established.
ILLEGAL ENCAMPMENT AT LISNENAN ROAD, LETTERKENNY
The Town Clerk, P. Doherty informed the Members of illegal encampment at Lisnennan Road, Letterkenny. He stated that a site was available to the family in question at the Big Isle.
A brief discussion followed and on the proposal of Cllr. C. Brogan seconded by Cllr. J. Crossan and Cllr. J. Harte it was agreed that legal proceedings be initiated for the removal of the illegal encampment at Isle Lane, Letterkenny and it was also agreed that the services at the Big Isle would be checked prior to the said family returning there.
This concluded the business of the meeting.
MEMBERS PRESENT: Cllr. D. Larkin, Town Mayor, Cllr. V. Fisher,
Cllr. J. Lynch, Cllr. C. Brogan, Cllr. J. Crossan,
Cllr. D. Blake, Cllr. G. Mc Monagle, Cllr. N.
Clarke and Cllr. J. Harte
OFFICIALS PRESENT: M. Mc Loone, County Manager
Paddy Doherty, Town Clerk
Frances Friel, Asst. Town Clerk
Frank Sweeney Planning, D.C.C.
James Kelly, Roads Section D.C.C.
ADOPTION OF MINUTES
On the proposal of Cllr. C. Brogan, seconded by Cllr. J. Crossan the Minutes of Monthly Meeting of Letterkenny Town Council held on 10th May, 2004 were adopted by the Members.
On the proposal of Cllr. C. Brogan seconded by Cllr. V. Fisher, the Minutes of Special Meeting of Letterkenny Town Council held on 31st May, 2004 were adopted by the Members.
On the proposal of Cllr. C. Brogan seconded by Cllr. D. Blake, the Minutes of Annual General meeting of Letterkenny Town Council held on 21st June, 2004 were adopted by the Members.
On the proposal of Cllr. G. Mc Monagle seconded by Cllr. J. Crossan, the Minutes of Special Meeting of Letterkenny Town Council held on 28th June, 2004 were adopted by the Members.
MANAGER’S ORDERS
Orders made by the Council Manager since the date of the last meeting were noted by the Members.
CORRESPONDENCE
The Town Clerk informed the Members of a Conference being hosted by Greystones Town Council entitled “Public Service Delivery versus Privatisation� to be held at the La Touche Hotel, Greystones, Co. Wicklow on Friday 1st October, 2004 to Sunday 3rd October, 2004. The Members having been advised of the cost of attending agreed that 2 Members could attend and that the names be drawn by lot. At this point Cllr. N. Clarke stated that he did not wish to attend any conference and wished that his name be removed. The names drawn on this occasion were Cllr. V. Fisher and Cllr. G. Mc Monagle.
The Town Clerk informed the Members of a Conference being hosted by the Water Services National Group entitled “The Water We Drink� to be held at the Newpark Hotel, Kilkenny, Co. Tipperary on Thursday 9th September, 2004. The Members having been advised of the cost of attending agreed that 2 Members could attend and that the names be drawn by lot. The names drawn on this occasion were Cllr. C. Brogan and Cllr. D. Blake. Cllr. D. Blake advised that he would be unable to attend and therefore Cllr. D. Larkin was drawn in his place.
PLANNING AND DEVELOPMENT
Planning applications received since the date of the last meeting were noted by the Members.
The Town Mayor, Cllr. D. Larkin asked the Cllr. J. Lynch’s and Cllr. J. Crossan’s questions and Cllr. D. Blake’s motion in regard to Meadowbank be dealt with under Planning and Development. This was agreed by the Members.
The Town Clerk, P. Doherty advised the Members that in April a commitment was received from the Residents Association to the making of a financial contribution and that works would commence on a phased basis. However, the residents have now made a submission under the Planning & Development, 2000 that the Council takeover the estate. The Town Clerk further advised the Members that the submission is now with the Council’s Solicitors and asked that the Members agree to the filling in of the pot holes pending legal advise and that of the Council’s Insurers without prejudicing the proposed takeover procedure.
A lengthy discussion followed with the Members agreeing to the Council filling in of the potholes as an interim measure.
The County Manager, M. Mc Loone informed the Members that legacy issues do exist which will have to be dealt with. He outlined that the Council has put in place a system for the supervision of multiple developments during the course of their development and that the Council are now moving on enforcement proceedings within the appropriate period. He further advised the Members that an audit of all estates for takeover will be carried out and brought back to the Council Members at a future meeting of the Council.
MAYOR’S BUSINESS
The Town Mayor, Cllr. D. Larkin informed the Members of the great praise received from all who attended the All-Ireland Pipe Band Competition and in particularly from the Committee and visiting delegates who were greatly impressed with the Letterkenny Bernard Mc Glinchey Town Park as the venue.
The Town Mayor, Cllr. D. Larkin welcomed the recent job announcements at Boston Schientific and asked that that the Members of Boston Scientific be invited to the September Meeting of the Council.
The Town Mayor, CLlr. D. Larkin wished the Eargail Arts Council ever success with their Festival.
The Town Mayor welcomed the €540,000 received from the I.F.I. towards the new Arts Centre.
The Town Mayor, Cllr. D. Larkin commiserated with the Donegal Team on the recent Ulster Semi-Final.
The Town Mayor wished Cllr. C. Brogan and Lorraine all the best on their forthcoming wedding.
REQUEST FOR RECEPTION OF DEPUTATION – LETTERKENNY CHAMBER OF COMMERCE
On the proposal of Cllr. V. Fisher seconded by Cllr. J. Harte it was agreed that the Council receive a deputation from the Letterkenny Chamber of Commerce at the September Meeting of the Council.
AMENDED EXPENDITURE FIGURES
On the proposal of Cllr. V. Fisher seconded by Cllr. J. Crossan the members approved the amended expenditure figures as compared to the adopted budget for 2003 for all programme groups in accordance with subsection 7 of section 104 of the Local Government Act, 2001.
MOTIONS TO THE ANNUAL CONFERENCE TO THE AMAI (2)
On the proposal of Cllr. D. Larkin seconded by Cllr. V. Fisher it was agreed that the following motion be forwarded as one of Letterkenny Town Council’s motion to the Annual Conference to the AMAI
“That we call on the Minister for Health to allow Town Council’s to be represented on the New Health Boards�
On the proposal of Cllr. J. Lynch seconded by Cllr. V. Fisher it was agreed that the following motion be forwarded as one of Letterkenny Town Council’s motion to the Annual Conference to the AMAI
“That we call on the Minister to abolish the requirement that an independent candidate have 15 assentors in support of their nomination paper for local elections�
SEWERAGE AND TREATMENT PLANT PROJECTS AT MAGHERENNAN AND BONAGEE
In answer to his question Cllr. N. Clarke and Cllr. D. Larkin were advised that Donegal County Council have received approval for the foreshore licence and Environmental Impact Statements for Letterkenny Wastewater Treatment Works and Sludge Treatment Centre. The Contract Documents for the procurement for this project by the Design Build and Operate (DBO) method have been completed by our consultants. These have been submitted to the Department of the Environment, heritage and Local Government (DEHLG) for approval. Tendering of this scheme awaits this approval.
The Town Clerk, Paddy Doherty informed the Members that it was hoped that the Project Engineer and Director of Services would attend the September Meeting of the Council.
NEW SEWERAGE SCHEME
In answer to his question Cllr. C. Brogan was advised that Donegal County Council are in the process of appointing a Contractor for the Trunk sewer contract for the Letterkenny Sewerage Improvement Scheme and that it is expected that contract preliminaries will be completed in time to allow for a start on site in August.
FOOTPATHS – NEIL T. BLANEY ROAD/PADDY HARTE ROAD
In answer to his question Cllr. C. Brogan was advised that works on the provision of footpaths on both the above roads will resume in two/three weeks. Works carried out to date have included the provision of ESB & Eircom ducting/manholes. Storm drainage works will follow next with perhaps the installation of a watermain pending the outcome of consultations with developers.
GLENWOOD PARK
In answer to their questions Cllr. C. Brogan and Cllr. J. Lynch were advised that to date 3 no. meetings have been held with the newly formed residents association to discuss works to be carried out in the estate. A colour scheme for the houses, improvement to playing fields, provision of street furniture are the works that are proposed which are due to commence in September.
TOWN BUS SERVICE
In answer to his question Cllr. G. Mc Monagle was advised that following recent discussions with the Private Operator, he has advised that he is currently finalising the timetable which has to be submitted in support of an application for a route licence.
The Operator has also advised that each of the proposed stops have to be approved in advance and that he will be in discussion with An Garda in order to resolve the matter.
BUS SHELTERS
In answer to his question Cllr. G. Mc Monagle was advised that the Council will liaise with any bus operator to identify bus stop locations and possible bus shelters.
STATION AND PORT ROUNDABOUTS
In answer to his question Cllr. J. Lynch was advised that it is hoped that the Station and Port Roundabout will be complete in the Autumn.
AUDIT OF FOOTPATHS
In answer to his question Cllr. D. Larkin was advised that the upgrading of footpaths in Letterkenny is ongoing with approximately 15 footpaths being upgraded or provided as part of this year’s Roadworks Programme. A request in relation to a specific Town Council footpath should be made to the Town Engineer for the 2005 Draft Roadworks Programme.
Cllr. D. Larkin asked that an audit of footpaths, as previously requested, be available at the September Meeting of the Council.
NEW SPORTS CENTRE
In answer to his question Cllr. D. Larkin was advised that a Works Contracts advertisement was placed in the EU Journal and local Press with a deadline for application on 4th June, 2004. A select tender list of contractors is being finalised at present and it is expected that full tender documentation will issue in the coming weeks.
BALLYRAINE ROAD/RAMELTON ROAD
In answer to her question requesting a temporary roundabout at the junction between
allyraine Road and the Ramelton Road, Cllr. J. Crossan was advised that this junction has been examined in consultation with the Developer of the ongoing student campus development at this location. A design is currently being produced for a roundabout. It is hoped to have this roundabout constructed this year.
DRINKING WATER FOUNTAINS – TOWN PARK
In answer to her question Cllr. J. Crossan was advised that consideration can be given to the provision of drinking water fountains in the Bernard Mc Glinchey Town Park if the Members so wish.
POTHOLES – ROSEMOUNT TERRACE
In answer to his question Cllr. V. Fisher was advised that it is hoped that the potholes
in Rosemount Terrace be fixed at the end of the month.
BRICKS – LR. MAIN STREET
In answer to his question Cllr. V. Fisher was advised that the Contractor carrying out the broadband contract in the town has confirmed that a new bituminous wearing course will be laid at the mini roundabout at Grier Electric within a month.
CASTLE STREET
In answer to his question re the provision of bollards outside the pensioner houses at Upper Castle Street, Cllr. V. Fisher was advised that the Town Engineer had previously recommended that a footpath be installed at this location and that same was included in the Draft Roadworks Programme. Following the concerns raised by members these works were removed from the Programme. The Town Engineer will now investigate the suitability of placing bollards at this location.
REZONING OF LANDS
Cllr. N. Clarke proposed that this Council should not rezone land without prior consultation with local residents. On proposing the motion Cllr. N. Clarke stated that the Council should be pro-community and not pro-development. On seconding the motion Cllr. G. Mc Monagle outlined that consultation was needed with local residents.
A brief discussion followed with the County Manager, M. Mc Loone outlining to the Members that the zoning of lands is a reserved function of the Members and is only done after public consultation. He further stated that rezoning of lands is either done through a variation of the plan whereby the public are invited to make submissions or else where a developer seeks planning permission for a purpose other than that zoned which would therefore result in a contravention of the Development Plan. The County Manager further advised that a material contravention of the Development Plan is a reserved function of the Members with public submissions invited.
ONE-WAY SYSTEM ON PADDY HARTE ROAD/PEARSE ROAD
Cllr. C. Brogan proposed that the Council review a one-way system on Paddy Harte/Pearse. On proposing the motion Cllr. C. Brogan outlined that the one-way system currently in operation was to be reviewed and revisited and asked that the possibility of a two-way system be investigated. This motion was seconded by Cllr. J. Harte.
A brief discussion followed with Mr. James Kelly, Roads Engineer advising the Members that Road Design are currently working on a model which will be examined within the coming days.
Cllr. C. Brogan thanked the Members for their support and asked that in particular the Pearse Road area be examined immediately.
The County Manager, M. Mc Loone informed the Members that the system would be reviewed in the meantime and a report brought back to the Members at the September Meeting of the Council.
TRAFFIC CALMING
Cllr. C. Brogan proposed that the Council discuss traffic calming in and around the town. This motion was seconded by Cllr. J. Harte. On proposing the motion Cllr. C. Brogan outlined that speeding and traffic calming were of serious concerns to residents throughout the town and asked that immediate action be taken for speed calming in the Long Lane area. On seconding the motion Cllr. J. Harte asked that the possibility of temporary ramps as used in other countries be considered prior to the installation of permanent ramps.
A brief discussion followed with all Members outlining their concerns with Cllr. C. Brogan thanking the Members for their support with the County Manager, M. Mc Loone outlining that the Gardai would be taken on board and that a report would be presented to the Members at the October Meeting of the Council
NATIONAL FLAG/1916 PROCLAMATION
Cllr. G. Mc Monagle proposed that this Council displays the national flag and the 1916 proclamation in a prominent place with the Council Chamber. On proposing the motion Cllr. G. Mc Monagle felt that as an elected authority of state the national flag and proclamation should be on display. This motion was seconded by Cllr. C. Brogan.
A brief discussion followed with all Members in support of the motion. Cllr. G. Mc Monagle thanked the Members for their support and it was agreed that the Town Clerk would arrange for the national flag and the 1916 proclamation to be displayed in the Council Chamber.
GRASS CUTTING – COUNCIL ESTATES
Cllr. G. Mc Monagle proposed that this Council takes on the responsibility of cutting grass in all Council owned estates. Cllr. J. Lynch proposed that we consider the whole system of grass cutting in our estates. Cllr. J. Mc Monagle’s motion was seconded by Cllr. J. Lynch.
A brief discussion followed with Members supporting the motion but also felt that residents should be encouraged to take pride and ownership within their estates.
RETAIL STRATEGY – TOWN CENTRE
On the proposal of Cllr. J. Harte seconded by Cllr. D. Blake it was agreed that the Council develop a retail strategy for the centre of the town. On proposing the motion CLlr. J. Harte outlined the need for a greater no. of retail outlets in the town centre to produce a commercial atmosphere which was open throughout the weekends and evenings.
A brief discussion followed with the Members all outlining their views on the need for retail outlets in the Town Centre with Frank Sweeney, Planning advising the Members that retails policies are contained with the Development Plan for a diverse and vibrant Town Centre.
JOBS TASK FORCE
On the proposal of Cllr. J. Harte seconded by Cllr. V. Fisher it was agreed that the Council set up a jobs task force in light of the impending sale of UNIFI.
BACK ENTRANCE ROAD IN UPPER ARD O’DONNELL
On the proposal of Cllr. J. Lynch seconded by Cllr. J. Crossan it was agreed that this Council continue the back entrance road in Upper Ard O’Donnell to the end of the last block of houses.
TRAFFIC ISLANDS ETC
Cllr. J. Lynch’s motion “that we decide and finalise the temporary experimental sand bag traffic islands and signs around town� was deferred until the September meeting of the Council pending a report on traffic calming with the town.
SPEED SIGNING/SIGNAGE
On the proposal of Cllr. D. Larkin seconded by Cllr. C. Brogan it was agreed that this Council give consideration to the amending of its Development Plan to put the onus on speed calming and signage on Developers.
DEVELOPMENT OFFICER FOR THE TOWN
On the proposal of Cllr. D. Larkin seconded by Cllr. V. Fisher it was agreed that this Council gets an update on the Development Officer for the Council.
The Town Clerk, advised the Members that with the Fleadh Cheoil in mind it was hoped that a Development Officer could be appointed in conjunction with Donegal County Council.
OLD OFFICES – DONEGAL YOUTH SERVICE
Cllr. D. Larkin proposed that the Council now hands over the old office to the Donegal Youth Service. This motion was seconded by Cllr. V. Fisher. On proposing the motion Cllr. D. Larkin felt that Donegal Youth Service should now be accommodated in this building with C. Brogan also asking that the elderly also be accommodated. Cllr. J.. Lynch asked that the Council now re-examine this issue with Cllr. D. Larkin outlining that a decision had previously been taken that Donegal Youth Service would have the use of the old offices.
CENTRAL HEATING IN OLDER HOUSES
Cllr. J. Crossan proposed that this Council re-consider their policy on the installation of Central Heating in older houses stating that that heating was a basic requirement for everyone. This motion was seconded by Cllr. V. Fisher.
The Town Clerk, P. Doherty advised the members that all OPD’s now have central heating and that the Council will carryout an audit of all houses that do not have central heating and report back to the Members.
FOOTPATH – PORT ROAD
Cllr. J. Crossan proposed that this Council repair the footpath along the Port Road in order to prevent any more accidents. On proposing the motion cllr. J. Crossan outlined that a number of accidents had recently occurred in this area and asked that this footpath to be first to be upgraded. This motion was seconded by Cllr. N. Clarke.
The Town Clerk, P. Doherty advised the Members that money was provided for this footpath in the current roadworks programme.
RAILING AT ROSEMOUNT LANE
On the proposal of Cllr. V. Fisher seconded by Cllr. J. Crossan it was agreed that this Council give consideration to the provision of a railing at the Rosemount Lane to stop parking on the footpath which will allow the older residents of that terrace to walk in safety.
ENTRANCE BALLYMACOOL ROAD AND GLENCAR ROAD
Cllr. V. Fisher proposed that this Council provides a safe entrance to Ballymacool Road and Glencar Road for drivers as at present they are risking their lives. It was agreed that these areas would be looked at in conjunction with the traffic calming report to be considered at the October Meeting of the Council.
AMERICA TRIP
It was agreed that Cllr. D. Blake’s motion “that this Council suspend, for the 5 year duration of its term, the annual St. Patrick’s Day trip to New York, and make the funds which would have been spent available to Sr. Teresa Gallagher, ICAP organisation in London, and a similar organisation in New York would be deferred to the Budget Meeting of the Council.
This concluded the business of the meeting.