Minutes: December 2004
December 13th, 2004MINUTES AND PROCEEDINGS OF MONTHLY MEETING OF LETTERKENNY TOWN COUNCIL HELD IN THE TOWN COUNCIL OFFICES, PUBLIC SERVICES CENTRE, NEIL T. BLANEY ROAD, LETTERKENNY ON MONDAY 13TH DECEMBER, 2004.
MEMBERS PRESENT:
Cllr. D. Larkin, Town Mayor, Cllr. D. Blake, Cllr. J. Lynch, Cllr. C. Brogan, Cllr. V. Fisher, Cllr. J. Crossan, Cllr. J. Harte, Cllr. N. Clarke, Cllr. G. Mc Monagle
OFFICIALS PRESENT:
M. Mc Loone, County Manager
Paddy Doherty, Town Clerk
Jim Harley, Senior Planner
Gerry Richards, Senior Planner
Ms. Claire Mc Callan, Conservation Officer
Pat Gillespie, Area Manager (Roads)
Frances Friel, Asst. Town Clerk.
MINUTES
On the proposal of Cllr. V. Fisher seconded by Cllr. J. Crossan the Minutes of Monthly Meeting held on 9th November, 2004 were adopted by the Members.
MANAGER’S ORDERS
Orders made since the date of the last meeting were noted by the Members
CORRESPONDENCE
The Town Clerk informed the Members of a Tourism Conference organised jointly by Clare Tourist Council & Antrim Borough to be held on Friday 28th January and Saturday 29th January, 2005 in the The Dunadry Hotel & Country Club, Muckammore, Dunadry, County Antrim. The Members having been informed of the cost agreed that 2 Members should attend and that the names be drawn by lot. The names drawn on this occasion were Cllr. J. Harte and Cllr. V. Fisher.
The Town Clerk informed the Members of a Seminar entitled “The Local Government Planning Service� to be held on 3rd & 4th February, 2005 at the Clonea Strand Hotel, Clonea, Co. Waterford. The Members having been informed of the cost agreed that 2 Members should attend and that the names be drawn by lot. The names drawn on this occasion were Cllr. D. Larkin and Cllr. G. Mc Monagle.
PLANNING AND DEVELOPMENT
Planning applications received since the date of the last meeting were noted by the Members
MAYORS BUSINESS
The Town Mayor, Cllr. D. Larkin asked that an update be given in relation to Beechwood House.
The Town Mayor, Cllr. D. Larkin asked that the queries raised by the Croaghpatrick Residents Association be addressed and a report brought back to the Members.
The Town Mayor, Cllr. D. Larkin thanked everyone who sent him good wishes and a speedy recovery to his recent unfortunate incident. Cllr. D. Larkin also paid tribute to the ambulance and hospital staff.
The Town Mayor, Cllr. D. Larkin asked that the Council write to the VEC requesting that their carpark adjacent to the VEC could be opened to the public.
The Town Mayor, Cllr. D. Larkin asked that the Town Clerk arrange to have the walkway at Whitethorn opened as soon as possible.
The Town Mayor, Cllr. D. Larkin welcomed the commencement of the painting scheme at Glenwood Park.
The Town Mayor, Cllr. D. Larkin wished all the Council staff a Merry X-Mas and a Happy New Year.
PRESENTATION BY LETTERKENNY COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT PROJECT LTD
The Town Mayor, Cllr. D. Larkin welcomed the deputation to the Meeting. Ms. Margaret Toner, Spokesperson outlined in detail their submission to Letterkenny Town Council including the achievements to date of the Letterkenny Community Development Project. Ms. Margaret Toner stated that their overall aim was to seek the support of Letterkenny Town Council to join in a partnership approach to provide a community facility in the Glencar Ballyboe area of Letterkenny. She further proposed that a working group be set up comprising of members of Letterkenny Town Council, Donegal County Council, Letterkenny CDP and other relevant agencies to progress the development of this project.
A brief discussion followed with the Members thanking the deputation for the presentation. The County Manager, M. Mc Loone advised the deputation that the Council would give every possible support and proposed that Aideen Doherty, Community & Enterprise would be contacted and that a report be prepared for inclusion at the Electoral Area Committee.
LETTERKENNY & ENVIRONS DEVELOPMENT PLAN 2003-2009
0PP 1 TOWN PARK EXTENSION AT GORTLEE
Mr. G. Richards, Planner advised the Members that this site is zoned an opportunity site in the Letterkenny & Environs Development Plan 2003-2009 and it was agreed that at least 3 masterplans would be brought before the Members. 4 No. masterplans had now been presented to the Members with the Architects outlining option no. 4 as the preferred option. A lengthy discussion followed with Members outlining a number of concerns in relation to traffic, road access etc. Mr. Jim Harley outlined to the Members that their points will be taken on board and relayed back to the design team prior to the submission of the formal planning application. Therefore, on the proposal of Cllr. V. Fisher seconded by Cllr. C. Brogan it was agreed that the Members agree in principal to masterplan no. 4 being put forward as a formal planning application and that the concerns raised by the members would be relayed back to the design team.
Mr. Gerry Richards introduced Ms. Claire Mc Callan who was recently appointed as Conservation Officer with the Members congratulating Ms. Mc Callan on her new post. Cllr. J. Harte proposed that Gortlee House be included in the list of protected structures. This was seconded by Cllr. V. Fisher.
It was agreed that Ms. Mc Callan would bring back a report to the Members in relation to this matter.
AUDIT OF FOOTPATHS
Mr. Pat Gillespie, Area Manager asked that this matter be deferred to the January Meeting of the Council pending consultation with the North Western Health Board.
DRAFT ACCOMMODATION PROGRAMME FOR TRAVELLERS 2005-2008
A brief discussion followed in relation to the Draft Accommodation Programme for Travellers 2005-2008 which had been previously circulated with the Town Clerk, P. Doherty advising the Members that the closing date for receipt of submissions was the 21st December, 2004.
LOCAL PLAYGROUNDS
In answer to his question Cllr. N. Clarke was advised that Donegal County Council have advised that they have secured an agreement with Irish Public Bodies Mutual Insurance to provide Public Liability Insurance for public Playgrounds. This now permits community groups with playgrounds on Council owned lands to apply to the Council to have their playgrounds insured.
PLANNING PERMISSION L. 41/03
The Town Mayor, Cllr. D. Larkin asked Cllr. N. Clarke’s question in this matter be deferred as this matter was currently being legally attended to.
RUBBISH
In answer to his question Cllr. N. Clarke was advised that municipal solid waste is dealt under the County Donegal Waste Management Plan. Recycling is a major element of the plan which also includes the provision of between two and four landfill sites for final disposal of waste. A civic amenity site for Letterkenny has had funding approval from the DoEHLG and the Council is currently finalising details of a site which will shortly go forward for planning approval. 2005 will see the introduction of the option of pay by use for each household. It will also see the expansion of kerbside collection of dry recyclables through the introduction of second bins by waste collectors. These two measures will enhance the recycling opportunities for all of County Donegal including Letterkenny. Applications from planning permissions from An Bord Pleanala and for a waste licence from the EPA for a new landfill facility at Meenabol are in progress. The site is intended fro the Central and West regions of the County. The Letterkenny area is in the Central region and hence has been included in the proposals for this site.
FOOTPATH – CANAL ROAD/PADDY HARTE ROAD
In answer to his question Cllr. J. Harte was advised that it is hoped to have these completed early to mid February 2005.
HIGH ROAD
In answer to his question Cllr. J. Harte was advised that this road is in the charge of Donegal County Council. The surface on the high Road is in poor condition and in need of an overlay. In the interim any potholes will be fitted.
PITCH – CIRCULAR ROAD
In answer to his question Cllr. J. Harte was advised that following the September meeting of the Council this matter was put on hold pending proposals from the Letterkenny CDP for community building in this area which would incorporate a football pitch.
DOUBLE YELLOW LINES
In answer to his question Cllr. C. Brogan was advised that the Road Marking Contractors hope to have the lines from rear of Letterkenny IT to Aldi in place by the end of the year.
FOOTPATH AT LECK ROAD
In answer to his question Cllr. C. Brogan was advised that works have recently commenced and will continue to be ongoing in the coming weeks.
DONEGAL MOUNTAIN RESCUE
In answer to his question Cllr. D. Larkin was advised that it is proposed to facilitate a meeting between Donegal Mountain Rescue and our Community & Enterprise Section with a view to discussion a few options that may be available.
TAXI RANKS
In answer to his question Cllr. D. Larkin was advised that progress on the provision of new taxi ranks in Letterkenny was delayed pending the appointment of a Town Engineer. Cllr. D. Larkin further requested that the public consultation process commence with the identification of new ranks.
ABBEY AUGHANINISHIN AT KILTOY
In answer to his question Cllr. D. Larkin was advised that an on-site meeting has taken place with representatives from the Parish where it was agreed that the Council would carryout an assessment of the gable portion of the structure and obtain an estimate for the necessary works. Following this a further meeting will be held with the Parish representatives.
GLENWOOD PARK RESIDENTS
In answer to his question Cllr. J. Lynch was advised that painting works are presently ongoing and remaining issues will be attended to in due course when resources become available.
PUBLIC BUS
In answer to his question Cllr. J. Lynch was advised that the recently formed Transportation Committee is currently examining all areas that need to be addressed with regard to the re-introduction of the bus service. It is hoped that the committee will report back to the Council early in the New Year.
VARIATION OF THE DEVELOPMENT PLAN
In answer to his question Cllr. J. Lynch was advised that the variation of the Development Plan under section 13 of the Planning and Development Act, 2000 is solely a matter for the Members.
TRAFFIC LIGHTS – ASHLAWN/BALLYRAINE ROAD JUNCTION
In answer to his question Cllr. D. Blake was advised that it is hoped that these lights will be in operation within the coming 2 weeks.
HOUSING
In answer to his question Cllr. D. Blake was advised that there are approximately 1,000 applicants on the current housing list and approximately 330 rented properties. The number of houses that will be available for letting is dependent on Government allocation and it is anticipated that the next allocation will be in March 2005.
STREET LIGHTING – OLD COUNCIL OFFICES/SWIMMING POOL
In answer to his question Cllr. D. Blake was advised that it is hoped to have these lights repaired before the end of the year.
DUNNES STORES ROUNDABOUT
In answer to her question Cllr. J. Crossan was advised that the Road marking Contractor hopes to have the necessary road markings painted on this roundabout by the end of the year.
LIGHTS – ASHLAWN
In answer to their questions Cllr. J. Crossan and Cllr. V. Fisher were advised that it is hoped to have these lights repaired within the coming 2 weeks.
LIGHTS – ISLANDS ON CIRCULAR ROAD
In answer to her question Cllr. J. Crossan was advised that an estimate for consideration of these works is being prepared as part of the 2005 Roadworks Programme.
ROSEMOUNT TERRACE
In answer to his question Cllr. V. Fisher was advised that Donegal County Council (Water & Environment Section) that this will be addressed in the coming weeks.
MC LAUGHLINS LANE
In answer to his question Cllr. V. Fisher was advised that a sewer diversion is required at this location which is hoped will be carried out early in the New Year.
DEFERRAL OF MOTIONS
On the proposal of Cllr. C. Brogan seconded by Cllr. V. Fisher it was agreed that the motions be deferred to the January meeting of the Council. However, it was agreed that Cllr. G. Mc Monagle’s motion in relation to Glenwood be dealt with.
GLENWOOD PARK
Cllr. G. Mc Monagle proposed that this Council moves speedily to address the long standing complaints of the Residents of Glenwood Park. This motion was seconded by Cllr. J. Harte. On proposing the motion Cllr. G. Mc Monagle welcomed the commencement of the painting scheme but that there were still outstanding matters to be attended to including sewerage, flooding and antisocial behaviour. He stated that there was currently a very active residents committee within the estate but that they need the support of the Council. A brief discussion followed with the Members supporting the motion stating that antisocial behaviour would not be tolerated.
DONEGAL PERSON OF THE YEAR
Cllr. D. Larkin, Town Mayor informed the Members of the Donegal Person of the Year Award and on the proposal of Cllr. C. Brogan seconded by Cllr. J. Crossan it was agreed that P.J. Doherty, Coshclady, Bunbeg be nominated for this award. On the proposal of Cllr. V. Fisher seconded by Cllr. J. Crossan it was also agreed that Paul Mc Cormick, Deputy Inspector, NYPD be also nominated for this award.
This concluded the business of the meeting.