Minutes: March 2005
March 7th, 2005MINUTES AND PROCEEDINGS OF MONTHLY MEETING OF LETTERKENY TOWN COUNCIL HELD IN THE TOWN COUNCIL OFFICES ON MONDAY 7TH MARCH, 2005 IN THE TOWN COUNCIL OFFICES, PUBLIC SERVICES CENTRE, NEIL T. BLANEY ROAD, LETTERKENNY.
MEMBERS PRESENT:
Cllr. D. Larkin, Town Mayor, Cllr. C. Brogan, Cllr. D. Blake, Cllr. N. Clarke, Cllr. G. Mc Monagle, Cllr. J. Lynch, Cllr. J. Harte, Cllr. V. Fisher and Cllr. J. Crossan
OFFICIALS PRESENT:
P. Doherty, Town Clerk
M. Mc Fadden, Town Engineer
F. Sweeney, Area Manager (Planning)
F. Friel, Asst. Town Clerk
APOLOGIES:
M. Mc Loone, County Manager
VOTE OF SYMPATHY
The Town Mayor, Cllr. D. Larkin expressed a vote of sympathy to Mr. Eunan Quinn, Area Manager, Planning on the recent death of his father. A minutes silence was observed.
ADOPTION OF MINUTES
On the proposal of Cllr. C. Brogan seconded by Cllr. G. Mc Monagle, the Minutes of Monthly Meeting held on 7th March, 2005 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.
PLANNING AND DEVELOPMENT
Planning application received since the date of the last meeting were noted by the Members.
CORRESPONDENCE
The Town Clerk, P. Doherty advised the Members that the report on the implemention of the two way traffic flow on the Pearse Road would not be completed until 14th March, 2005. The Members therefore agreed to hold a Special Meeting on 23rd March, 2005 at 5.30 pm.
The Town Clerk, P. Doherty informed the Members of correspondence received from Rosin Ui Fhearraigh, Principal, Scoil Mhuire gan Smal requesting the permission of Letterkenny Town Council to hold a Sponsored Walk in the Town Park on Sunday, 22nd May, 2005. This was agreed by the Members.
The Town Clerk informed the Members of a Conference entitled “Meeting the Challenges of Economic & Tourism Development in Rural Ireland hosted by Cork County Council on 14th & 15th April, 2005. The Members having been informed 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. D. Larkin and Cllr. G. Mc Monagle.
MAYOR’S BUSINESS
The Town Mayor, Cllr. D. Larkin asked that in light of the recent events surrounding the Polish Workers that the Council to the Minister of Trade & Enterprise seeking a review of the current legislation.
The Town Mayor, Cllr. D. Larkin congratulated Letterkenny Institute of Technology on their recent Trench Cup Success.
The Town Mayor, Cllr. D. Larkin congratulated the u’16 team in Loreto Convent on winning the All-Ireland.
The Town Mayor, Cllr. D. Larkin informed the Members of correspondence received from Paul Kelly, Gleneany House in relation to vehicles parking in front of his premises. It was agreed that the Town Engineer, Michael Mc Fadden would make contact with Mr. Kelly to rectify the matter.
PRESENTATION ON RIVER SWILLY STUDY – (KIRK MC CLURE & MORTAN)
The Town Mayor, Cllr. D. Larkin welcomed Ms. Gemma Gorman and Grace Glasgow from Kirk McClure Morton to the meeting together with Mr. Patrick Bonnar and Mr. Jack Mc Inerney whoc undertook to have a preliminary feasibility study carried out on the Port Bridge Letterkenny Amenities and Flood Control. The report outlined their two fold objection of the proposed project namely;
- Provide a means to prevent flooding caused by wind driven tides
- To control the water level between Port Bridge and Oldtown by creating a pondage
and that the necessary studies would need to be carried out.
The Town Mayor, Cllr. D. Larkin thanked Kirk Mc Clure Morton for their detailed presentation. A lengthy discussion followed and on the proposal of Cllr. D. Larkin seconded by Cllr. C. Brogan it was agreed that a steering group be set up and the initial studies at a cost of approximately €50,000 be carried out.
ELECTION OF DELEGATES TO SPC (1 PERMANENT, 1 ROTATIONAL)
The Town Clerk advised the Members that Donegal County Council were in the process of reconstituting its strategic policy committees and that each Town Council was entitled to a 1 representative and following a review carried out by the IPA for the Minister for Environment, Heritage & Local Government it was decided to allocate 1 extra position between the town councils in each County. The Town Mayor, Cllr. D. Larkin advised the Members that he had recently met with the other Mayors in the County and it agreed that 2 permanent representatives would be nominated from Letterkenny Town Council. Cllr. N. Clarke proposed that Cllr. Jim Lynch be nominated as one of the Council’s representative which was seconded by Cllr. J. Harte. Cllr. C. Brogan proposed that Cllr. V. Fisher be nominated as one fo the Council’s representatives which was seconded by Cllr. J. Crossan. As there were no other proposals it was agreed that Cllr. J. Lynch and Cllr. V. Fisher be the Council’s nominees on the strategic policy committees.
REVISION OF REMUNERATION – PHASE 3 OF PAY INCREASE UNDER SUSTAINING PROGRESS
On the proposal of Cllr. C. Brogan seconded by Cllr. N. Clarke the Members agreed to pay increase due under Sustaining Progress with effect from 1st December 2004 as outlined in Circular Letter EL 02/05
SCULPTURE – PORT BRIDGE ROUNDABOUT
In answer to his question Cllr. C. Brogan was advised that adjudication for provision of a sculpture at the Port Bridge roundabout is due to take place within 2 weeks with environmental works due to recommence in April.
TARRING – HOSPITAL ROUNDABOUT TO PREMERICA AT CARNAMUGGAGH
In answer to his question Cllr. C. Brogan was advised that Donegal County Council have advised that these works are currently being tendered and it is expected that tarring will take place before the end of April.
TARA COURT
In answer to his question Cllr. C. Brogan was advised that works will start at Tara Court in the 1st week of May.
QUESTIONS FROM CLLR. J. HARTE
Cllr. J. Harte had left the meeting temporarily at this stage.
MART SITE
In answer to their questions Cllr. D. Larkin and Cllr. G. Mc Monagle were advised that the Mart site is held by way of a 99 year lease by Letterkenny Livestock Mart Ltd Letterkenny Livestock Ltd have served a Notice of Intention to acquire the Fee Simple Interest in the premises. The Council’s legal advisors have advised that the Company is entitled to purchase the Freehold Title to the property under the Landlord and Tenants Ground Rents (1978) and in order to progress the matter it is now proposed to circulate a Section 183 Notice to the Members at a future meeting which would restrict the future use of the site as a Mart by the Company.
ABBEY AT AUGHANISHIN
In answer to his question Cllr. D. Larkin was advised that the Council have appointed a Structural Engineer to carryout an assessment and we are currently awaiting said assessment.
TAXI RANKS
In answer to his question Cllr. D. Larkin was advised that the Town Engineer is currently assessing Taxi Ranks in the town and following same it is intended to hold a meeting with the Taxi representatives.
MEETING – MINISTER OF HEALTH
In answer to his question Cllr. G. Mc Monagle was advised that a reply has been received from the Minister’s Office acknowledging the Council’s request to meet with the Minister of Health, Mary Harney stating they will revert back at the earliest opportunity.
RESIDENTS ONLY SIGNS
In answer to his question Cllr. G. Mc Monagle was advised that the “Residents Only� parking signs have been ordered and the Town Engineer will arrange to meet with the residents regarding location of same.
AIR QUALITY CONTROL
In answer to his question Cllr. N. Clarke was advised that there has been no air quality control taken in Letterkenny, however the equipment is available.
BURNING OF RUBBISH
In answer to his question Cllr. N. Clarke was advised that the responsibility for the burning of rubbish is with the Environment Section, Donegal County.
PARKING – LEISURE CENTRE
In answer to his question Cllr. N. Clark was advised that there are currently no plans in place to protect the parking spaces for the Patrons of Letterkenny Leisure Centre.
LITTER WARDEN
In answer to his question Cllr. J. Lynch was advised that a letter of offer has been issued with regard to the appointment of a Litter Warden.
HIGH ROAD/PORT ROAD
In answer to his question Cllr. J. Lynch was advised that Donegal County Council have informed that they will endeavour to have road strengthening on Port Road entailing replacement of storm and sewerage network completed before Fleadh Cheoil. Donegal County Council have further advised that there are currently no current funding available for High Road. However, Letterkenny Town Council have allocated €30,000 funding to the High Road for decorative street lighting and minor repairs of footpaths.
MEETING – CHIEF SUPERINTENDENT
In answer to her question Cllr. J. Crossan was advised that a meeting has now been arranged with the Chief Superintendent for 3.30 pm on Tuesday, 8th March, 2005.
LIGHTING – AUGHANINSHIN
In answer to her question Cllr. J. Crossan was advised that the Council will examine existing lights with a view to upgrading if necessary.
ISLAND ON CIRCULAR ROAD
In answer to her question Cllr. J. Crossan was advised that there are currently no plans to illuminate islands on the Circular Road. However, high visibility paint will be applied where deemed appropriate.
RECLYCLING
In answer to his question Cllr. D. Blake was advised that Donegal County Council have advised that the current recycling facilities are being relocated to a temporary site at the old Fire Station on High Road which includes security measures and CCTV.
ONE-WAY SYSTEM AT CATHEDRAL CARPARK/COLLEGE ROAD
Cllr. C. Brogan proposed that the Council discuss the one-way system at Cathedral Carpark/College Road. This motion was seconded by Cllr. N. Clarke. On proposing the motion Cllr. C. Brogan proposed that a one-way system be introduced up to College and across Cathedral Road. A brief discussion followed and it was agreed that the Town Council would do a study and see which system would work best in consultation with the local residents.
UNIFI
Cllr. J. Harte’s motion was not dealt with at this stage as he had temporarily left the meeting.
CCTV
Cllr. D. Blake proposed that this Council is committed to the provision of a CCTV system for Letterkenny Town Centre, and will organise a meeting of interested parties with a view to seeing a system implemented as soon as possible. On proposing the motion Cllr. D. Blake outlined that this matter needed to be addressed. This motion was seconded by Cllr. C. Brogan.
LOWER MAIN STREET
Cllr. D. Larkin proposed that this Council introduce a Safety Measure to the Lower Main Street area of the town at Larkin’s Lane. On proposing the motion Cllr. D. Larkin referred to a recent incident at Lr. Main Street. This motion was seconded by Cllr. J. Crossan and it was agreed that the Town Engineer, Michael Mc Fadden would make contact with Donegal County Council in this regard.
TOURISM FLAGSHIP PROJECT
On the proposal of Cllr. D. Larkin seconded by Cllr. C. Brogan it was agreed that this Council discuss our application for a Tourism Flagship Project. On proposing the motion Cllr. D. Larkin outlined his disappointed to have been recently told that Letterkenny’s proposal had not been successful. He stated that the Council had not been made aware of this decision. A brief discussion followed with the Members asking that this matter be clarified and it was agreed that Mr. Charlie Kerr attend a meeting of the Council in this regard.
PRESENTATION – NEW ARTS CENTRE
Cllr. D. Larkin proposed that the Council receive a presentation on the new Arts Centre encompassing, starting date, cost, final design and completion date. The Town Clerk advised the Members that a presentation has been arranged for the April meeting of the Council.
BROKEN LIGHTS
Cllr. G. Mc Monagle proposed that the Council replaces the broken lights on the pathway between Glenwood Park and Beechwood. This motion was seconded by Cllr. N. Clarke. The Town Engineer informed the Members that he had met last week with Mr. Paul Doherty from the ESB who confirmed that these lights had been repaired. It was agreed that the Town Engineer would look into this again with the ESB.
RESIDENTIAL PARKING
On the proposal of Cllr. N. Clarke seconded by Cllr. J. Harte it was agreed that the Council make the McMahon Villas houses from 1-10 residential parking area only.
DEVELOPMENT CHARGES
Cllr. N. Clarke proposed that this Council requires that all development charges are published in Managers Orders and contain the details of these charges for each permission granted, any details of these charges for each permission granted, any deals in lieu of these charges to be made known to all Council Members. A brief discussion followed with the Town Clerk, P. Doherty advising the Members that Managers Orders are available for public inspection and it was agreed that a quarterly report be given on same.
WIND FARM
Cllr. N. Clarke proposed that That this Council being aware that the Town of Letterkenny is a Gateway Town, we should take the initiative in providing sustainable and cheap electricity for our indigenous industries by erecting a wind farm to supply Letterkenny. This could be used to encourage industry to the Town and create more jobs for our Community. It would also assist the Irish Government to live up to its commitments in relation to the Kyoto Protocol which has just been ratified by the Government on the 16th of February, 2005. We must recognise that not only our Community are becoming more aware of our own environment but also throughout the world the concern and determination is very strong to save our Planet. With Letterkenny Town Council taking this initiative we can lead the way here in Ireland, and encourage visitors and industries throughout Europe and the World to visit our Town in the knowledge that our Council is not only thinking about today, but are also showing our concern for our future citizens of tomorrow, that is our children. If this Council approves this motion the only requirements are a connection to the National Grid and Planning Permission
On proposing the motion Cllr. N. Clarke that the provision of same would result in reduced costs and pay off in the longterm. This motion was seconded by Cllr. G. Mc Monagle. A brief discussion followed and with the Town Mayor, Cllr. D. Larkin requesting that the motion be forwarded to Forward Planning and a report brought back.
VISIONARY PLAN
Cllr. J. Lynch proposed the following motions;
(I) That the County Development Plan Review requires a need to prepare a vision / regeneration strategy for the Town Centre as whole which incorporates the traditional town centre and the proposed new centre extension area.
(II) That Forward Planning presents the Council with a Visionary Plan for the Swimming Pool area incorporating the Cultural / Leisure Theme.=
(III) That Forward Planning presents the Council with a Visionary Plan for Church Street / Market Square / Castle Street / Cathedral area / Convent Road / College Road and Mart area incorporating Heritage / Architectural and Traditional Theme.
These motions were seconded by Cllr. J. Crossan. On proposing the motions Cllr. J. Lynch outlined the need to enhance the Town Centre and the new developments on edge of the Town Council needed to be a balance of the existing Town Centre and nt an alternative and that he would like to see a masterplan of the Leisure Centre Site prior to any development. A brief discussion followed and it was agreed that a request be made to have Forward Planning attend a future meeting of the Council.
PERPETUAL TROPHY
Cllr. J. Crossan proposed that this Council award a “Perpetual Trophy� to the student who has had the most input into school and community life in each of our schools in Letterkenny catchment area also to include the Institute of Technology. This motion was seconded by Cllr. C. Brogan who stated that this could form part of previous proposals to have an Annual Awards Ceremony in An Grianan Theatre.
UNIFI
Cllr. J. Harte proposed that this Council welcomes the sale of the Unifi plant and we keep the area zoned industrial use. On proposing the motion Cllr. J. Harte outlined that the current zoning would be of great benefit to the town. A brief discussion followed with Members welcoming future proposals for the site.
This concluded the business of the meeting.
MINUTES AND PROCEEDINGS OF INCOMMITTEE MEETING OF LETTERKENY TOWN COUNCIL ON MONDAY 7TH MARCH, 2005 IN THE PUBLIC SERVICES CENTRE, NEIL T. BLANEY ROAD, LETTERKENNY.
MEMBERS PRESENT: Cllr. D. Larkin, Town Mayor, Cllr. C. Brogan, Cllr. D. Blake, Cllr. N. Clarke, Cllr. G. Mc Monagle, Cllr. J. Lynch, Cllr. J. Harte, Cllr. V. Fisher and Cllr. J. Crossan
OFFICIALS PRESENT: P. Doherty, Town Clerk
M. Mc Fadden, Town Engineer
F. Sweeney, Area Manager (Planning)
F. Friel, Asst. Town Clerk
APOLOGIES: M. Mc Loone, County Manager
RECEPTION OF DEPUTATION – MC NEELY VILLAS RESIDENTS ASSOCIATION
The Town Mayor, Cllr. D. Larkin welcomed a deputation from Mc Neely Villas Residents Association. Ms. Margart Doherty, Secretary addressed the Meeting and outlined their main areas of concern namely (a) upgrading of playfield (b) lights for back areas (c) fencing at back of Gaeltex and Mc Neely Villas (4) widening of corner to accommodate coal lorries etc. A brief discussion followed and it was agreed that the Town Engineer would arrange a meeting with reps from the Residents Association and the Letterkenny Schoolboys to control use of the pitch. It was also agreed that the Town Engineer would meet on site re the location for the back lights and widening of the corner. The Town Clerk, P. Doherty advised the meeting that the fencing would be carried out this year. The deputation thanked the Members for their support.
RECEPTION OF DEPUTATION – LETTERKENNY LAWN BOWLING GREEN
The Town Mayor, Cllr. D. Larkin welcomed a deputation from the Letterkenny Lawn Bowling Green consisting of Danny Devlin and Louis Reilly, Secretary. Mr. Danny Delvin, Chairman advised the Members that the Green began in 2003 and that their main aim in 2005 was to improve the image of the Club. He stated that a visiting team were coming to Letterkenny for a competition in May and outlined their concerns re the lack of changing facilities, toilets and the possibility of the Town Council hiring out bowling shoes. The deputation proposed that a portacabin be hired or purchased.
The Town Mayor, Cllr. D. Larkin thanked the deputation for their presentation and it was agreed that the the Town Engineer and Town Clerk would look into the possibility of providing same.
The delegation thanked the Members for receiving their deputation and withdrew from the meeting. A brief discussion followed with the Members and it was agreed that the Town Clerk would look into the possibility of hiring in a portacabin for the duration required and the provision of bowling shoes.
RECEPTION OF DEPUTATION – LETTERKENNY Y-ZONE
The Town Mayor, Cllr. D. Larkin welcomed a deputation from Letterkenny Y-Zone consisting of Trevor Russell and Rebecca O’Neill. Mr. Trevor Russell advised the Members that the Y-Zone is a place for young adults to hang out without the presence of drugs or alcohol and outlined the ways they would like support from the Council namely; (a) awareness, (b) suitable premises to work in and (c) any funding to help to cover insurance and maintenance.
CAIRDE LE CHEILE
The Town Clerk, P. Doherty informed the Members of a corporate dinner to be hosted in the Mt. Errigal Hotel on Saturday, 2nd April, 2005 where all proceeds will be in aid of the renovation of the old St. Conal’s Chapel by Cairde Le Cheile, into a state of the art sports and social centre for people with disabilities and special needs. A brief discussion followed and on the proposal of Cllr. V. Fisher seconded by Cllr. J. Crossan it was agreed that the Council support this event.
TWINNING – POLAND
The Town Clerk advised the Members of an invitation from Jan Pietras, Mayor of Andrychow, Poland concerning town twinning with his town in Poland. It was agreed that the Town Council would follow up this invitation and revert back to the Members in due course.
CIVIC RECEPTION – MR. PAT HARVEY
Cllr. C. Brogan proposed that the Council host a Civic Reception in honour of Mr. Pat Harvey who is retiring as C.E.O. of the North Western Health Board. A brief discussion followed and on the proposal of Cllr. C. Brogan seconded by Cllr. V. Fisher it was agreed that a Civic Reception be hosted in his honour.
This concluded the business of the meeting.
MINUTES AND PROCEEDINGS OF SPECIAL MEETING OF LETTERKENY TOWN COUNCIL HELD IN THE TOWN COUNCIL OFFICES ON WEDNESDAY 23RD MARCH, 2005 IN THE TOWN COUNCIL OFFICES, PUBLIC SERVICES CENTRE, NEIL T. BLANEY ROAD, LETTERKENNY.
MEMBERS PRESENT: Cllr. D. Larkin, Town Mayor, Cllr. C. Brogan, Cllr. D. Blake, Cllr. N. Clarke, Cllr. G. Mc Monagle, Cllr. J. Harte, and Cllr. J. Crossan
OFFICIALS PRESENT: P. Doherty, Town Clerk
M. Mc Fadden, Town Engineer
P. Gillespie, Area Manager (Roads)
F. Friel, Asst. Town Clerk
Brendan Mc Grath, D.C.C.
Michael Mc Garvey, D.C.C.
The Town Mayor, Cllr. D. Larkin informed the Members of correspondence received from Roisin Ui Fhearragh, Principal, Scoil Mhuire gan Smal advising that Letterkenny Tidy Towns are launching their Tidy Town’s Anti-Litter Campaign this year from the School on Wednesday 6th April, 2005 and the renewal of the school’s green flag. All Members were invited to attend this ceremony.
The Town Mayor, Cllr. D. Larkin advised the Members of correspondence received from Ms. Brighdin Carr of the Blue Ribbon Group outlining their success having been selected by the Global Education Festival Committee in Europe to represent Ireland in the Global Youth Dance Awards in San Remo, Italy in May. The Town Mayor, Cllr. D. Larkin congratulated the group on their achievement and it was agreed that the Town Clerk would make a contribution to the group.
PEARSE ROAD/NEIL T. BLANEY ROAD/PADDY HARTE ROAD – TRAFFIC MANAGEMENT SYSTEM REVIEW
The Town Mayor, Cllr. D. Larkin welcomed the officials from Donegal County Council, Road Design to the Meeting. Mr. Michael Mc Garvey presented their report to the Members outlining the various options available concluding that the upgrading of the existing system would be in their opinion the best option.
A lengthy discussion followed with the Members congratulating all concerned in the detailed presentation and report. However, the Members felt that time was needed to go over the report and would have preferred that same was circulated prior to this meeting
Further discussions followed with a number of Members expressing their preference of a two-way system being implemented and that further time be allowed to examine the report in detail. Cllr. C. Brogan proposed that a decision be made at the April Meeting of the Council This proposal was seconded by Cllr. J. Harte.
Cllr. D. Larkin proposed that the Council take the advice from Road Design and upgrade exsting system. However, there was no seconder for this proposal and therefore Cllr. C. Brogan’s motion that a decision be made at the April meeting of the Council was carried.
This concluded the business of the meeting.