Minutes: February 2005
February 14th, 2005MINUTES AND PROCEEDINGS OF MONTHLY MEETING OF LETTERKENNY TOWN COUNCIL HELD ON MONDAY 14TH FEBRUARY, 2005 AT 7.00 PM IN THE TOWN COUNCIL OFFICES, PUBLIC SERVICES CENTRE, LETTERKENNY
MEMBERS PRESENT:
Cllr. D. Larkin, Town Mayor, Cllr. D. Blake, Cllr. C. Brogan, Cllr. N. Clarke, Cllr. G. Mc Monagle, Cllr. J. Harte, Cllr. V. Fisher and Cllr. J. Lynch
OFFICIALS PRESENT:
M. Mc Loone, County Manager
P. Doherty, Town Clerk
F. Friel, Asst. Town Clerk
F. Sweeney, Area Manager (Planning)
P. Gillespie, Area Manager (Roads)
M. Mc Fadden, Town Engineer
P. Mc Gill, Project Manager (Leisure Complex)
J. Kelly, Letterkenny Sewerage Scheme
Trevor Gordon, Letterkenny Swerage Scheme
APOLOGIES:
Cllr. J. Crossan
MINUTES SILENCE
The Town Mayor, Cllr. D. Larkin expressed a vote of sympathy to Cllr. N. Clarke on the death of his brother and also to P. Doherty, Town Clerk on the recent death of his Grandmother. A minutes silence was observed.
ADOPTION OF MINUTES
On the proposal of Cllr. N. Clarke seconded by Cllr. G. Mc Monagle the Minutes of adjourned Monthly Meeting of Letterkenny Town Council held on 10th January, 2005 were adopted by the Council.
On the proposal of Cllr. N. Clarke, seconded by Cllr. C. Brogan, the Minutes of reconvened Monthly Meeting held on 17th January, 2005 were adopted by the Council.
PRESENTATION TO TROCAIRE – TSUNAMI DISASTER
The Town Mayor, Cllr. D. Larkin welcomed Paul Kane, Regional Manager, Trocaire to the meeting and a cheque in the sum of €4,000 was presented to Mr. Kane in aid of the Tsunami Disaster. Mr. Kane thanked the Members for their generous donation.
MANAGER’S ORDERS
Orders made by the County Manager since the date of the last meeting were noted by the Members.
Cllr. V. Fisher queried the number of new Taxi Licences being issued with the Town Mayor, Cllr. D. Larkin proposing that the Council seek a meeting with the Taxi Regulator in this regard. This was seconded by Cllr. V. Fisher.
CORRESPONDENCE
The Town Clerk, P. Doherty advised the Members that following a request to meet with the Gardai correspondence had been received from the Chief Superintendent’s Office asking the Council to forward a suitable date. A brief discussion followed and it was agreed that the Council would seek a meeting with the Gardai on Thursday 24th February, 2005.
The Town Clerk, P. Doherty advised the Members that following the Council’s request to meet with the ESB correspondence had been received asking that a list of known faults be forwarded to them prior to said meeting. It was therefore agreed that the Town Clerk would send out the relevant fault registration form to each Councillor and that the Town Clerk would then forward same to Mr. Paul Doherty, ESB prior to arranging meeting.
The Town Clerk informed the Members of the current position where each Town Council is allowed one representative on the SPCs, however, the Minister for Environment, Heritage & Local Government has now allocated 1 extra position between the town Councils in each county. The Town Clerk further advised the Members that it is a matter for the four town Councils in Donegal to agree between them a methodology for selecting the fifth representative. The Town Mayor, Cllr. D. Larkin advised the Members that a meeting has been arranged between the Town Mayors regarding SPC Membership and that he would bring forward the outcome of same to the March Meeting of the Council.
The Town Clerk informed the Members of the 16th Colmcille Winter School Conference to be held on Friday 25th – Sunday 27th February 2005 at the Colmcille Heritage Centre, Gartan, Churchill, Letterkenny. As this was a local conference it was agreed that any Member who wished could attend.
The Town Clerk informed the Members of the General Council of County Councils Annual Conference to be held on 3rd-5th March, 2005 in the Marriott Johnstown House Hotel in Enfield, Co. Meath. 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. V. Fisher and Cllr. D. Blake.
PLANNING & DEVELOPMENT
Planning applications received since the date of the last meeting were noted by the Members.
MAYOR’S BUSINESS
The Town Mayor, Cllr. D. Larkin thanked the Town Clerk and Manager for works undergoing at Whitethorn.
The Town Mayor welcomed the appointed of Mr. M. Mc Fadden as Town Engineer.
Cllr. J. Harte proposed that next road in Letterkenny be named after Danny Mc Daid given his great work with the Diabetics Society. This was seconded by Cllr. D. Larkin.
LETTERKENNY SEWERAGE IMPROVEMENT WORKS
The Town Mayor, Cllr. D. Larkin welcomed James Kelly and Trevor Gordon to the meeting who circulated a progress update and works programme to the Members. Mr. J. Kelly, Project Engineer outlined to the Members that 80% of pipelaying works were complete at this stage and briefed the Members on the remaining work programme and road work issues.
A brief discussion followed with the Members welcoming the progress on the Scheme but also expressed their concerns at the condition that a number of roads were left. James Kelly, Project Manager outlined to the Members that a number of areas has been identified and that these sections would be redone by the Contractor. In relation to query re sewerage network at Bonagee, James Kelly advised the Members that discussions were at a preliminary stage with Cllr. C. Brogan asking that a representative from Sanitary Service be asked to update the Members on the matter.
LETTERKENNY LEISURE PARK
Paul Mc Gill, Project Manager updated the Members on the current position in relation to the Letterkenny Leisure Complex. P. Mc Gill informed the Members that a recent meeting had taken place with the Contractor where a number of queries were raised in relation to insurances, bonds etc. He stated that these issues had now been resolved and that a formal appointment of the Contractor would take place in the coming weeks with the Contractor expected to be on site at the end of the Month.
P. Mc Gill also informed the Members that the Letterkenny Sports Development Company have now been set up to develop the new Sporting Complex.
A brief discussion followed with the Members welcoming the progress made on the Sports Complex and paid tribute to the County Manager, P. Mc Gill, Project Manager and P. Doherty, Town Clerk for their commitment to the project.
The Town Mayor, Cllr. D. Larkin proposed that having regard to Cllr. J. Harte’s earlier proposal that the Tartan Track associated with the new Leisure Complex be named after Danny Mc Daid in lieu of new Road.
DISPOSAL OF PROPERTY – 12 ORCHARD GROVE
On the proposal of Cllr. D. Blake, seconded by Cllr. V. Fisher the Members agreed to disposal of property adjacent to site no. 12 Orchard Grove, Ballyraine in accordance with Section 183 Notice dated 03.02.05.
DRAFT ROADWORKS AND NON-NATIONAL ROADS PROGRAM 2005
On the proposal of Cllr. D. Larkin seconded by Cllr. C. Brogan the Members approved the Draft Roadworks and non-National Roads Program 2005.
DISPOSAL OF PROPERTY
On the proposal of Cllr. V. Fisher seconded by Cllr. J.Harte the Members agreed to the Disposal of land at Sallaghagrane, Letterkenny by way of a short-term lease to Letterkenny Sports Development Co. Ltd in accordance with Section 183 Notice dated 3rd February, 2005.
TAKEOVER OF HOUSING ESTATES
The Members considered a report from P. Doherty, Town Clerk in relation to the Takeover of Housing Estates and on the proposal of Cllr. C. Brogan seconded by Cllr. G. Mc Monagle the Members adopted the contents of the report with the proposed contribution from Residents being waived.
CASUAL TRADING
The Members considered a report from P. Doherty, Town Clerk in relation to Casual Trading and on the proposal of Cllr. D. Larkin seconded by Cllr. G. Mc Monagle the following motion was adopted by the Members;
“That Letterkenny Town Council in exercise of the powers conferred in it by Section 6(1) and (2) (d) of the Casual trading Act, 1995 do hereby make the Letterkenny Town Council Casual trading (Licence Fees) Bye-Laws, 2005 in the form specified submitted to the Council at this meeting and that the original form of Bye-Laws be sealed by the Council following the passing of the Resolution�.
The Town Clerk further advised the Members that the Council would now be in a position to deal with applications for a casual trading licence and that areas would be looked at by the Town Engineer with a view to bringing a proposal for a designated trading area in the Town before the Members.
INTER-AUTHORITY BORROWING
On the proposal of Cllr. C. Brogan seconded by Cllr. G. Mc Monagle, it was resolved that the Council approve of an agreement to provide for the inter-authority borrowing/lending between the Donegal County Council, Letterkenny, Buncrana, Bundoran and Ballyshannon Town Councils for the period up to 31st December, 2005, in accordance with the Local Government Act, 2001, Section 106, sub-section 6 which updates Part II of the Local Government (No. 2) Act, 1060.
Such inter-authority borrowing/lending to be subject to:
1. A maximum of €1m for any one loan
2. Interest to be paid by the borrowing Authority at the prevailing Bank Overdraft Rate
3. Repayment on three days notice
CLOSURE OF SPEER’S LANE
In answer to his question Cllr. J. Harte was advised that the road is currently closed due to a planning requirement and that the Developer has advised that the road will reopen in 3 weeks.
SIGN – CRIEVESMITH PARK
In answer to his question Cllr. J. Harte was advised that 2 no. signs have been ordered in agreement with the Residents Association which will be erected before the end of the Month.
PIPES AT THORN ROAD/ELMWOOD DOWNS/THORNDALE
In answer to his question Cllr. D. Larkin was advised that the black asbestos pipes will be replaced with the ongoing sewerage improvement works on the Thorn Road at Elmwood Downs and Thorndale.
AUGHANINSHIN ABBEY
In answer to his question Cllr.D. Larkin was advised that the Town Council have appointed a Structural Engineer to carryout an assessment and recommend as appropriate.
ROADS PROGRAMME/OUTDOOR PROGRAMME/LEISURE CENTRE
In answer to his question Cllr. D. Larkin was advised that the Roads Works Programme has now been presented and it is hoped that both our Outdoor/Open Spaces and Leisure Centre Programme for 2005 will be presented at the March Meeting.
TWO-WAY SYSTEM – PEARSE ROAD
In answer to his question Cllr. G. Mc Monagle and Cllr. C. Brogan were advised that Road Design are finalising a report on the two-way system and will be presented at the March Meeting of the Council.
PADDY HARTE LOOP ROAD
In answer to his question Cllr. G. Mc Monagle was advised that the footpaths on the Paddy Harte Road and Neil T. Blaney Road will be completed within the next few months. Discussions have taken place with a developer who is to install a Pedestrian Crossing and amend entrance to Lidil.
AFFORDABLE HOUSING
In answer to his question Cllr. N. Clarke was advised that the eligible criteria to qualify for an affordable house is as follows;
(a) Applicant must be in need of housing and have an income of less than €36,000 or €92,000 in respect of a combined income
(b) Have an application approved for housing by one of the Donegal Local Authorities
Or
(c) An existing tenant or Tenant Purchaser
Or
(d) Applicant a tenant for more than 1 year of a voluntary body in Co. Donegal under the Rental Subsidy Scheme and who wishes to return their house to the Voluntary Body
SOCIAL/AFFORDABLE HOUSES
In answer to his question, Cllr. N. Clarke was advised that under Letterkenny Town Council’s Housing Strategy the Council have agreed that under Part V it will require that 15% of lands zoned for Residential use be made available for provision of social and affordable housing on a proportion of 10% affordable and 5% social. At present there are approximately 80 no. houses currently under construction to which Part V relates and under the guidelines would result in 8 affordable and 4 social houses. However, discussions will be required with individual developers in order to finalise these matters.
DEVELOPMENT CHARGES
In answer to his question Cllr. N. Clarke was advised that development charges are calculated in accordance with the Development Contribution Scheme adopted by the Council in 2004.
TOWN BUS
Cllr. V. Fisher proposed that progress be made on the provision of a town bus in Letterkenny. On proposing the motion Cllr. V. Fisher outlined the need for a town bus in that families were finding the continuous use of taxis expensive. This motion was seconded by Cllr. G. Mc Monage. The Town Clerk, P. Doherty informed the Members that the recently formed Transportation Committee which comprised of 3 Members from Letterkenny Town Council, had meet with with Mr. Mc Aree from the Dublin Transportation Committee. He further outlined that the Council will be making contact with other Councils who have a Town Bus service and would then be contacting CIE with proposals.
TOWN PARK
Cllr. V. Fisher proposed that this Council provide staff to control our Town Park which is very important to families who use it daily and enjoy it. On proposing the motion Cllr. V. Fisher outlined the increasing incidents of bullying in the Park. A brief discussion following with members agreeing that the Park must be made safe. Cllr. V. Fisher’s motion was seconded by Cllr. G. Mc Monagle.
LIGHTS AT FERNHILL
On the proposal of Cllr. J. Harte seconded by Cllr. C. Brogan, it was agreed that the Council provide 5 lights in total on the Fernhill Road as part of the Roadworks Programme for 2005.
EMPLOYEE DISCS
Cllr. D. Larkin proposed that this Council pass the bye-laws governing the change necessary to introduce employee disc to our all day carparks. On proposing the motion Cllr. D. Larkin asked that a system be introduced in the all-day carparks to allow employees to purchase a disc for 6 months etc. This motion was seconded by Cllr. D. Blake. A brief discussion following with the Members supporting the motion in principle outlining that consideration would have to be given to which carparks this would apply to.
FAMILY DAY – LETTERKENNY TOWN PARK
On the proposal of Cllr. D. Larkin seconded by Cllr. C. Brogan it was agreed that this Council co-ordinates its family day in the park with the Errigal Arts Festival to maximise its impact and participation.
LIGHTS AT MC NEELY VILLAS
On the proposal of Cllr. D. Larkin seconded by Cllr. N. Clarke it was agreed that this Council erects the lights pledged by Councillors past and present at Mc Neely Villas.
JUNCTION AT KIRKSTOWN/BALLYMACOOL
Cllr. N. Clarke proposed that the Council take steps to make safe the junction at the Kirkstown Ballymacool junction by providing lights, roadmarkings etc. This motion was seconded by Cllr. J. Harte. Mr. P. Gillespie, Area Manager advised the Members that a design is currently being carried out which is pending An Bord Pleanala decision in relation to housing development application in the area.
FLEADH CHEOIL
On the proposal of Cllr. N. Clarke seconded by Cllr. V. Fisher it was agreed that the Council put in motion the changes necessary to help the Fleadh Cheoil regarding parking, taxi ranks, street trading etc. A brief discussion followed with all Members supporting the motion with Cllr. C. Brogan asking that this item be included on the Agenda in the coming month leading up to the Fleadh.
BARRIER – GORTLEE JUNCTION TOWARDS LYIT
Cllr. C. Brogan proposed that this Council discuss the possibility of erecting a barrier and new fencing from Gortlee junction out towards LYIT. On proposing the motion Cllr. C. Brogan outlined that this was required in the interest of health & safety. This motion was seconded by Cllr. J. Harte.
This concluded the business of the meeting.