Minutes: November 2004
November 15th, 2004MINUTES AND PROCEEDINGS OF MONTHLY MEETING OF LETTERKENNY TOWN COUNCIL HELD IN THE TOWN COUNCIL OFFICES, LETTERKENNY PUBLIC SERVICES CENTRE, NEIL T. BLANEY ROAD, LETTERKENNY ON MONDAY 9TH NOVEMBER, 2004
MEMBERS PRESENT:
Cllr. D. Larkin, Town Mayor, Cllr. D. Blake, Cllr. J. Crossan, Cllr. N. Clarke, Cllr. G. Mc Monagle, Cllr. J. Lynch, Cllr. V. Fisher and Cllr. J. Harte
OFFICIALS PRESENT:
Paddy Doherty, Town Clerk
Jim Harley, Senior Planner
Pat Gillespie, Area Manager, Roads
Frances Friel, Asst. Town Clerk
APOLOGIES:
M. Mc Loone, County Manager
ADOPTION OF MINUTES
On the proposal of Cllr. V. Fisher seconded by Cllr. G. Mc Monagle the Minutes of monthly meeting held on 18th October, 2004 were adopted by the Council.
MANAGER’S ORDERS
Orders made by the County Manager since the date of the last meeting were noted by the Members.
TOWN ENGINEER
Mr. Pat Gillespie, Area Manager, Roads advised the Members that Ms. Claire Mc Geever, Town Engineer had been transferred to a new post in the Stranorlar Roads Office and that it was hoped to have a replacement within the coming weeks.
CORRESPONDENCE
The Town Clerk advised the Members of correspondence received from Pat Harvey, Chief Executive Officer of the North Western Health Board following this Council’s request to meet with the Management Team. It was agreed that the Members would attend a meeting arranged for Thursday, 11th November, 2004 at 4.30 pm
The Town Clerk advised the Members of a Conference entitled “Ireland’s Environment�: The Key Challenges being hosted by the EPA to be held in The Heritage Hotel, Portlaoise on 11th November, 2004. The Members having been advised of the cost of attending agreed that 2 Members should attend and that the names be drawn by lot. The names drawn on this occasion were Cllr. Jim Lynch and Cllr. D. Blake.
PLANNING & DEVELOPMENT
Planning Applications received since the date of the last meeting were noted by the Members.
Cllr. N. Clarke’s motion “that Planning Application L. 41/03 be treated as a material breech of the Development Plan� was dealt with at this stage.
Jim Harley, Senior Planner advised the Members that a number of objections had been received in relation to the Donegal Creameries application L.41/03. He stated that a following a further information request in relation to traffic issues that a proposal had been submitted by the applicant for the provision of a roundabout and that permission was granted on the application today.
On proposing the motion Cllr. N. Clarke outlined a number of policies within the development plan which he felt that this application did not adhere to and asked that legal advise be sought on the matter.
On seconding the motion, Cllr. J. Lynch outlined his disappointed at the decision to grant planning permission and felt that the application should have been brought before the Members as a variation of the development plan and that the proposed development would had a detrimental effect on a number of businesses in the area.
Mr. Jim Harley expressed his disappointment at the remarks make outlining that great efforts had be made to establish a free flow of traffic by way of the new roundabout proposal and that the Development Plan did not contain any policies for the refusal of permission for developments of a similar nature.
A brief discussion followed with Mr. Paddy Doherty, Town Clerk advising the Members that the decision had been made to grant planning permission for the proposed development and that objectors could appeal the decision through An Bord Pleanala.
MAYOR’S BUSINESS
The Town Mayor, Cllr. D. Larkin advised the Members of his attendance at the opening of the CYMS and it was agreed that a letter of thanks be sent to the CYMS on behalf of himself and the Members for the hospitality shown to them.
The Town Mayor, Cllr. D. Larkin congratulated all who took part in the Dublin Marathon including Cllr. J. Harte and it was agreed that a letter of congratulations be sent to the Letterkenny Athletic Club on their success at the Marathon.
The Town Mayor, Cllr. D. Larkin advised the Members of his attendance at the retirement function for Bernard Mc Glinchey and looked forward to Letterkenny Town’s Council forthcoming Civic Reception in his honour.
The Town Mayor, Cllr. D. Larkin advised the Members of his attendance of the 5th Birthday celebration of An Grianan Theatre and congratulated the Theatre on their outstanding success to date.
The Town Mayor, Cllr. D. Larkin thanked Cllr. D. Blake, Deputy Mayor for his attendance at the recent Tidy Town’s Awards.
The Town Mayor, Cllr. D. Larkin expressed his disappointment at the recent report by the Chamber of Commerce of Ireland to abolish Town Councils and stated that the local Chamber of Commerce also expressed their disappointment at the report.
The Town Mayor advised the Members of a forthcoming Charity Match between Donegal County Council/Letterkenny Town Council and the Media to be held on Monday 22nd November, 2004 at Finn Park and asked for the support of the Members for this event.
The Town Mayor congratulated Finn Harps on their new promotion.
The Town Mayor advised the Members of a letter received from the Russian Ambassador thanking the Council for their letter of sympathy in relation to the recent Beslan tragedy.
The Town Mayor advised the Members of correspondence received from the PWDI thanking the Members for the recent reception for the recent delegation from Latvia.
The Town Mayor, Cllr. D. Larkin thanked the Local Community Development Project on the success of their Halloween night which was sponsored by Letterkenny Town Council.
The Town Mayor advised the members of the possibility of the closure of Beechwood House and asked that the County Manager bring back a full report on the application submitted.
The Town Mayor paid tribute to Caitlin Ui Cochlainn on the recent success of the Oireachtas.
FIXING OF DATE FOR BUDGET MEETING 2005
The Members agreed to the holding of the Budget Meeting on 20th December, 2004 at 6.30 pm with the Town Clerk, P. Doherty advising the Members that a pre-budget meeting would take place in early December to brief the newly elected Members.
OVERDRAFT ACCOMMODATION
On the proposal of Cllr. J. Harte, seconded by Cllr. V. Fisher the Members authorised a maximum overdraft accommodation in the sum of €2.5m to 30.06.05.
REQUEST FOR RECEPTION OF DEPUTATION
On the proposal of Cllr. G. Mc Monagle seconded by Cllr. D. Blake the Members agreed to receive a deputation from the Letterkenny Community Development Project at a future meeting of the Council.
IDA
In answer to his question Cllr. J. Harte was advised that as a result of a previous motion passed at the September Meeting, the Council have already made a request with the IDA to set up a meeting to discuss the jobs situation in the town.
WHEELCHAIR ACCESSIBILITY
In answer to his question Cllr. J. Harte was advised that the Council are undertaking to carryout an audit on footpaths from hospital roundabout to Oldtown Bridge which will include the issue of wheelchair accessibility and a report will be presented at the December Meeting of the Council.
LECK BRIDGE/MC DAID’S BRIDGE
In answer to his question Cllr. J Harte was advised that kerbing works are required at this location. It is expected that these works will be carried out in December and it is hoped that this will alleviate the problem.
CENTRAL HEATING
In answer to his question Cllr. D. Larkin was advised that the Council have been granted a recent allocation for central heating in Local Authority houses which do not have same. Heretofore, the Council has facilitate the provision of Central Heating by allowing tenants to pay an additional sum on top of weekly rent. Where tenants purchase their house under the Tenant Purchase Scheme at a future date they will receive the benefit of these works having regard to purchase price. There are currently 4 tenants paying in respect of central heating. Cllr. D. Larkin requested that the people in question should no longer have to pay having regard to Central Heating Allocation.
IDA BUSINESS PARK
In answer to his question Cllr. D. Larkin was advised that it is proposed to make contact with the IDA this week in order to progress this matter in relation to a park in the IDA Business Park.
LEISURE COMPLEX
In answer to his question, Cllr. D. Larkin was advised that the Tender report was submitted to the Department on 21st October, 2004 and notification to proceed to sign contract is awaited.
SQUARE/ROUNDABOUT AT LOWER MAIN STREET
In answer to his question Cllr. G. Mc Monagle was advised that works at the Square and roundabout at Lower Main Street will be finished this week.
FOOTPATH AT LOWER MAIN STREET
In answer to his question Cllr. G. Mc Monagle was advised that the area in question is the responsibility of Donegal County Council who have advised that the area will be examined as a matter of urgency.
HOUSING
In answer to his question Cllr. G. Mc Monagle was advised that the Council endeavour to relet houses as quickly as possible after they have been vacated. Delays can occur with regard to having assessments carried out and also for improvement works to be carried out to vacant houses. The Council are currently in the process of preparing a Social and Affordable Action Plan for 2004-2008 with the Council providing houses through the following methods;
1. Purchase of Turnkey Developments
2. Acquisition of dwellings under Part V Scheme
3. Purchase of Private Dwellings
OLD MART SITE
In answer to his question Cllr. N. Clarke was advised that the existing leases on the Mart Site are not due to expire until 2054. Letterkenny Livestock Mart Ltd. had made an application through the Courts for the acquisition of the ground rent. Discussions had taken place between the Council and the Mart Committee who confirmed that they would agree a covenant that the premises would not reopen as a Mart. In order to progress it will be a matter for the Town Council to dispose of the ground rent by way of a Section 183 Notice under the Local Government Act and the Council are currently waiting legal advice on this matter.
BOARDED HOUSES – SLIABH SNEACHT
In answer to his question Cllr. N. Clarke was advised that the Council will endeavour to ascertain owners of boarded up houses in Sliabh Sneacht.
MANHOLE COVERS
In answer to his question Cllr. N. Clarke was advised that the Council can do a survey on manhole covers around the town if the Members so wish. The existing method of bedding manholes has been found to be less than satisfactory under heavy traffic loading. It is hoped that a new method will be used in 2005 and that all manholes will be redone by this method.
TAKEOVER OF ESTATES
In answer to his question Cllr. D. Blake was advised that work is currently ongoing on a policy for the takeover of estates and it is anticipated that same will be presented at the December Meeting of the Council.
CRIEVESMITH PARK
In answer to his question Cllr. D. Blake was advised that Donegal County Council have advised that they carried out remedial works under the programme of takeover of housing estates and therefore Crievesmith Park is in the charge of the Council.
NIGHTCLUBS
MEETING WITH GARDAI/VINTNER’S ASSOCIATION ETC
Cllr. J. Harte proposed that this Council consider the locating of any future nightclubs outside the town centre areas. On proposing the motion Cllr. J. Harte stated there was already a high concentration of nightclubs in the town centre and for safety reasons any future nightclubs should be located outside the town centre. A brief discussion followed with Cllr. G. Mc Monagle outlining his views in that locating nightclubs outside the town centre would only stretch the services of the Gardai etc.
As Cllr. G. Mc Monagle and Cllr. N. Clarke had similar motions it was agreed that they be dealt with at this stage.
Cllr. G. Mc Monagle proposed that as a matter of urgency a meeting be facilitated by the Council between Council, Gardai and the Vintner’s Association to devise a strategy to deal with under age drinking and violence on our streets late at night. On proposing the motion Cllr. G. Mc Monagle stated that it is also our responsibility and also asked that a letter wishing a speedy recovery to Shay Mc Fadden.
Cllr. N. Clarke proposed that this Council ask for an immediate meeting with the Gardai to discuss manpower and resources at the weekends here in Letterkenny. Also a proposed levy of €1 per head on customers being suggested by a leading member of the Gardai, by owners of nightclubs to assist in paying for extra security at the weekends. When 5000 or more young people hit the streets at 3 am in the mornings it is clear that we share in the responsibility as a Town Council of securing that our streets are safe. A brief discussion followed with all Members expressing their views that more Gardai were needed on the streets. Cllr. G. Mc Monagle stated that he felt that the owners of nightclubs etc should pay a levy and that same does not fall back on the customer.
TRAFFIC CONGESTION – CHRISTMAS
Cllr. J. Harte proposed that we call on the Gardai to liase with the Council to help with the expected traffic congestion at Christmas time. It was agreed that this motion would be included on the agenda for the proposed meeting to be arranged with the Gardai.
CROSSING AT GLENCAR VIVO AREA
Cllr. J. Harte proposed that this Council consider putting a crossing at Glencar Vivo area. On proposing the motion Cllr. J. Harte stated that perhaps the existing crossing could be moved down towards Vivo as children were crossing the road from the Glenwood Park estate. This motion was seconded by Cllr. D. Blake who also asked that a proper pedestrian crossing be put in place and that traffic lights also be put in place to help residents exiting from the Glencar Park estate.
JOB LOSSES
Cllr. D. Larkin proposed that the Council call on the Department of the Taoiseach to commission an impact study that the job losses in Donegal has on the County. On proposing the motion Cllr. D. Larkin stated that no report has been requested to show how recent job losses have affected Letterkenny as a whole. This motion was seconded by Cllr. J. Harte. A brief discussion followed with all Members supporting the motion. The Town Clerk advised the Members that a request has issued to meet with the Taoiseach on behalf of Letterkenny Town Council and Donegal County Council.
TAXI STANDS
Cllr. D. Larkin proposed that this Council as a priority start the process to review the Taxi stands in the town. On proposing the motion Cllr. D. Larkin stated that current ranks were not sufficient and that the Council make contact with the Gardai as they were currently moving taxis from the ranks provided by Tescos and that contact should also be make with the Hospital for the provision of ranks/pickup point. This motion was seconded by Cllr. V. Fisher. A brief discussion followed with Members also asking of the possibility of reversing the current system between the Square and Church Lane.
OLD ABBEY AT AUGHANINSHIN GRAVEYARD
Cllr. D. Larkin proposed that this Council bring together all interested parties to set a plan in place to repair the Old Abbey at Aughaninshin Graveyard. On proposing the motion Cllr. D. Larkin stated that this area was part of our heritage and asked that the Town Council take it on board to repair same. This motion was seconded by Cllr. V. Fisher.
PUBLIC TOILETS
Cllr. G. Mc Monagle proposed that the Council give consideration to the toilets at “Skittle Alley� at Lower Main Street being refurbished and reopened to the public for use as a public convenience and that a similar site be acquired at the Port Road area of the Town for same. On proposing the motion Cllr. G. Mc Monagle stated that additional public toilets were needed in the town especially in light of the forthcoming Fleadh Ceoil and Letterkenny Re-union etc. This motion was seconded by Cllr. V. Fisher who also stated that these toilets need to be property maintained.
TIDY TOWNS COMMITTEE
Cllr. N. Clarke proposed that we implement the requests of the Letterkenny Tidy Town Committee. On proposing the motion Cllr. N. Clarke stated that we must all work together for the benefit of the town and that all mobile boardings etc be removed. This motion was seconded by Cllr. J. Lynch.
C.C.T.V.
Cllr. D. Blake proposed that this Council arrange a meeting with the Chamber of Commerce to discuss their plans for a CCTV system for Letterkenny prior to the setting of our estimates for 2005. On proposing the motion Cllr. D. Blake stated that the Chamber are currently investigating the viability of installing a CCTV system in Letterkenny. This motion was seconded by Cllr. V. Fisher.
The Town Mayor, Cllr. D. Larkin advised the Members that a letter had been received from the Letterkenny Chamber of Commerce stated that they have now completed a report on the viability of installing a CCTV system in Letterkenny and that same would be made available to the Members.
This concluded the business of the meeting.