Minutes: April 2005
April 25th, 2005MINUTES AND PROCEEDINGS OF ADJOURNED MONTHLY MEETING OF LETTERKENNY TOWN COUNCIL HELD IN THE TOWN COUNCIL OFFICES, PUBLIC SERVICES CENTRE, NEIL T. BLANEY ROAD, LETTERKENNY ON MONDAY 11TH APRIL, 2005 AT 7.00 PM
MEMBERS PRESENT:
Cllr. D. Larkin, Town Mayor, Cllr. J. Crossan, Cllr. V. Fisher, Cllr. N. Clarke,
Cllr. G. Mc Monagle, Cllr. J. Lynch, Cllr. C. Brogan
OFFICIALS PRESENT:
P. Doherty, Town Clerk
M. Mc Fadden, Town Engineer
F. Friel, Asst. Town Clerk.
APOLOGIES:
M. Mc Loone, County Manager
Cllr. D. Blake
Cllr. J. Harte
ADJOURNMENT
The Town Mayor, Cllr. D. Larkin proposed that this meeting be adjourned as a mark of respect on the recent death of Pope John Paul II and that the Members observe a minutes silence. This motion was seconded by Cllr. V. Fisher with each Member paying their respects and it was agreed that the Council formally write to Bishop Boyce expressing their sympathy and to the Polish Ambassador.
The Town Mayor also expressed a vote of sympathy to Superintendent Jim Gallagher on the recent death of his mother and to former Councillor, Enda Nicholls on the death of Mr. James Kelly.
A Minutes Silence was observed and it was agreed that the Meeting be adjourned to Tuesday 12th April, 2005 at 6.30 pm.
This concluded the business of the meeting.
MINUTES AND PROCEEDINGS OF RE-CONVENED MEETING OF LETTERKENNY TOWN COUNCIL HELD IN THE TOWN COUNCIL OFFICES, PUBLIC SERVICES CENTRE, NEIL T. BLANEY ROAD, LETTERKENNY ON TUESDAY 12TH APRIL, 2005 AT 6.30 PM
MEMBERS PRESENT:
Cllr. D. Larkin, Town Mayor, Cllr. D. Blake, Cllr. J. Crossan, Cllr. V. Fisher, Cllr. N. Clarke,
Cllr. G. Mc Monagle, Cllr. J. Lynch, Cllr. J. Harte, Cllr. C. Brogan
OFFICIALS PRESENT:
P. Doherty, Town Clerk
M. Mc Fadden, Town Engineer
P. Gillespie, Area Manager (Roads)
F. Sweeney, Area Manager (Planning)
Fitz Howard, D.C.C.
F. Friel, Asst. Town Clerk.
APOLOGIES:
M. Mc Loone, County Manager
LETTERKENNY ARTS CENTRE
The Town Mayor, Cllr. D. Larkin welcomed the Mac Gabhann Bros, Project Architects to the Meeting and Fitz Howard, Project Manager. Mac Gabhann Architects gave a brief overview of the project to the Members and advised that the project had now been tendered and it was hoped that they would be in a position to recommend a Contractor within 4-6 weeks.
A brief discussion followed with the Members welcoming the progress to date on the project.
DISPOSAL OF LAND TO LETTERKENNY TENNIS CENTRE
On the proposal of Cllr. D. Larkin seconded by Cllr. V. Fisher the Members authorised the disposal of land to Letterkenny Tennis Centre in accordance with Section 183 Notice dated 31st March, 2005.
DISPOSAL OF LAND TO DONEGAL COMMUNITY & CULTURAL DEVELOPMENT CO. LTD
On the proposal of Cllr. C. Brogan seconded by Cllr. J. Crossan the Members authorised the disposal of land to Donegal Community & Cultural Development Co. Ltd in accordance with Section 183 Notice dated 31st March, 2005.
ADOPTION OF MINUTES
On the proposal of Cllr. C. Brogan seconded by Cllr. J. Crossan the Minutes of In-Committee Meeting held on 7th March, 2005 were adopted by the Members.
On the proposal of Cllr. G. Mc Monagle seconded by Cllr. J. Crossan the Minutes of Monthly Meeting held on 7th March, 2005 were adopted by the Members.
On the proposal of Cllr. V. Fisher seconded by Cllr. J. Lynch the Minutes of Special Meeting held on 23rd March, 2005 were adopted by the Members.
MANAGER’S ORDERS
Orders made by the County Manager since the date of the last meeting were notified by the Members.
CORRESPONDENCE
The Town Clerk, P. Doherty informed the Members of a Conference entitled “Air Pollution� to be held at the Carrigaline Court Hotel, Carrigaline, Co. Cork on 21st & 22nd April, 2005. The Members have 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. Lynch and Cllr. J. Harte.
The Town Clerk, P. Doherty informed the Members of a Training Seminar for Councillors entitled “The Local Housing Conference� to be held in Leitrim on
22nd & 23rd April, 2005. It was agreed that any Member who wished could attend this Seminar.
At this stage Cllr. C. Brogan withdrew from the meeting.
PLANNING AND DEVELOPMENT
Planning applications received since the date of the last meeting were noted by the Members.
LETTERKENNY & ENVIRONS DEVELOPMENT PLAN 2003-2009 – VARIATION NO. 2
The Town Clerk, P. Doherty advised the Members of a proposed variation of the Letterkenny and Environs Development Plan 2003-2009 consisting of changes to road lines in the Glencar, Killylastin, Windyhall, Knocknamona and Carnamuggagh area of Letterkenny.
A brief discussion followed with Cllr. D. Larkin proposing that lands in Glencar zoned strategic residential reserve be rezoned to residential be included as part of the variation. Cllr. D. Larkin also requested that the Roads Engineers meet with the residents concerned with regard to the road realignment. This proposal was seconded by Cllr. G. Mc Monagle. Cllr. V. Fisher proposed that the variation as amended would now be advertised for public consultation. This proposal was seconded by Cllr. D. Blake. It was further agreed that the variation be referred to the Milford Electoral area as the Development Plan included lands in the Milford Electoral area.
MAYOR’S BUSINESS
The Town Mayor, Cllr. D. Larkin congratulated Mr. Doherty on his reward as Australian Irish Person of the Year with Cllr. J. Crossan suggesting that Mr. Doherty be honoured on his return by the Council.
Cllr. J. Harte wished the Town Mayor all the best with the forthcoming Mayor’s Ball.
The Town Mayor, Cllr. D. Larkin asked that a letter be sent to Dr. Moran showing the Council’s support to the new Cancer Group.
At this stage Cllr. C. Brogan returned to the meeting.
MATERIAL CONTRAVENTION OF LETTERKENNY & ENVIRONS DEVELOPMENT PLAN 2003-2009 IN RESPECT OF PLANNING APPLICATION L. 180/04 – PJ MC DERMOTT (HOUSING DEVELOPMENT AT ASHLAWN, BALLYRAINE, LETTERKENNY
The Members considered the contents of a detailed report circulated to them in relation to the proposed material contravention of the Letterkenny and Environs Development Plan 2003-2009, planning reference L. 80.04 – PJ Mc Dermott for the development of 41 no. houses comprising of 7 no. two storey and three storey terraced blocks with associated site works, new service road and connection to existing entrance along Gortlee Road and connection to existing main sewer at Ashlawn, Ballyraine, Letterkenny.
On the proposal of Cllr. C. Brogan seconded by Cllr. G. Mc Monagle the following resolution was put to the Council – That in accordance with Section 34 (6) of the Local Government (Planning & Development) Act, 2000 that we the Members of Letterkenny Town Council resolve to grant permission to PJ Mc Dermott to erect 41 no. houses comprising of 7 no. two storey and three storey terraced blocks with associated site works, new service road and connection to exiting entrance along Gortlee Road and connection to existing main sewer at Ashlawn, Letterkenny.
The Town Mayor advised the Members that the material contravention required ¾ of the Members to vote in favour. A lengthy discussion followed with Members welcoming the proposed new entrance. A number of Members raised their concerns in relation to the Development. The matter was put to a vote with 6 Members voting in favour of the material contravention namely Cllr. D. Larkin, Cllr. D. Blake, Cllr. J. Crossan, Cllr. C. Brogan, Cllr. V. Fisher and Cllr. J. Crossan and 3 Members voting against namely Cllr. J. Lynch, Cllr. J. Harte and Cllr. N Clarke.
The above resolution was therefore adopted by the Council.
PEARSE ROAD/NEIL T. BLANEY ROAD/PADDY HARTE ROAD – TRAFFIC MANAGMENT SYSTEM REVIEW
The Town Mayor, Cllr. D. Larkin outlined to the Members that its Meeting held on 23rd March, 2005 it was agreed that the Members would examine the report on the two-way system in detail and make a decision on same at tonight’s meeting. The Town Mayor, Cllr. D. Larkin asked that Cllr. V. Fisher’s motion that this Council supports the detailed report on Pearse Road by the Engineer and Garda letter not to allow 2 way traffic on Pearse Road be considered at this stage. On proposing the motion Cllr. V. Fisher outlined that the present systems works well and felt that the Members should go by report presented by the Roads Engineers. Cllr. V. Fisher’s motion was seconded by Cllr. G. Mc Monagle who stated however that the safety issues with the current systems needed to be addressed immediately.
Cllr. C. Brogan stated that as he previously outlined the business people who were suffering with the current system needed to be addressed and that a undertaking had previous be given to introduce a 2 way system. He outlined that the Council owed it to the business people in the area and that the whole area of pedestrian crossings needed to be addressed. Cllr. C. Brogan proposed that the Council introduce a two-way system from Graham Motors to bottom of Rosemount Lane and from Rosemount Lane to Mc Ewens. Cllr. C. Brogan’s proposal was seconded by Cllr. J. Harte.
The Town Mayor, Cllr. D. Larkin outlined his support for the existing system urging that a commitment has to be given that footpaths and pedestrian crossings be addressed immediately.
As there were 2 proposals the matter was put to a vote with 6 Members in favour of Cllr. V. Fisher’s motion and 3 Members in favour of Cllr. C. Brogan’s proposal. Cllr. V. Fisher’s proposal that the current one way system remain in operation was carried by the Council.
RENTAL ASSISTANCE/RENTAL ACCOMMODATION SCHEME UPDATE
The Members considered the content of the Rental Assistance/Rental Accommodation Scheme as circulated.
MART SITE
In answer to their questions Cllr. J. Harte and Cllr. J. Lynch 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. The responsibility for maintenance of the site rests with the Mart Committee.
LIGHTS AT KIRKSTOWN
In answer to his question Cllr. V. Fisher was advised that the Council are currently pursuing the matter with the ESB with a view to having a pole erected shortly.
KILTOY
In answer to his question Cllr. V. Fisher was advised that works proposed for the Kiltoy Road are currently the subject of a Part VIII planning application which will be brought before the Members at the May Meeting of the Council. Land negotiations are currently ongoing and it is expected that works could commence towards the end of May with a view to having works completed at the end of October.
ROSEMOUNT TERRACE
In answer to his question Cllr. V. Fisher was advised that the tarring of Rosemount Terrace is currently on this year’s roadworks programme and scheduled to commence in October 2005 having regard to priority being given to Department funded works. No proposal exists for the provision of footpaths, however consideration will be given for provision of bollards.
LIGHTS AT GLENWOOD/BEECHWOOD
In answer to his question Cllr. G. Mc Monagle was advised that the ESB have advised that lights have now been erected at the path between Glenwood Estate and Beechwood. However, one light requires additional ducting.
SPEED LIMIT CONVENT ROAD/GLENCAR ROAD
In answer to her question Cllr. J. Crossan was advised that the current speed limit on the Convent/Glencar Road is 50km. However, the Council will arrange to erect additional signs.
BALLYRAINE JUNCTION
In answer to her question Cllr. J. Crossan was advised that Donegal County Council have advised that it is expected that works on the Ballyraine junction will commence by the end of April.
ST. PATRICK’S DAY PARADE
In answer to her question Cllr. J. Crossan was advised that discussions will take place with staff with a view to entering a float in the 2006 St. Patrick’s Day parade.
ELMWOOD DOWNS
In answer to his question Cllr. D. Larkin was advised that the stop sign at the entrance to Elmwood Downs has been erected.
PORT ROAD/HIGH ROAD
In answer to his question Cllr. D. Larkin was advised that Doengal County Council have advised that they are currently in negotiations with Contractor regarding installation of storm and sewer drainage on Port Road and are intent to have works carried out prior to Fleadh Cheoil.
AUGHANINSHIN ABBEY
In answer to his question Cllr. D. Larkin was advised that the Structural Surveyor has advised that he report will be ready next week.
HIDEOUT VIEW
In answer to question by Cllr. N. Clarke, the Town Mayor, Cllr. D. Larkin formally announced the name change from Hideout View to Charles Collins Terrace.
LECK ROAD
In answer to his question Cllr. N. Clarke was advised that the completion of footpaths and street lighting on the Leck Road is included in Letterkenny Town Council’s roadworks programme with Donegal County Council advising that the current year’s grants monies will be used for land purchase and accommodation works.
LISMONAGHAN ROAD
In answer to his question Cllr. N. Clarke was advised that the Town Council are currently maintaining the portion of road between John Keys house and Violet Ashes house. However, recent planning permission includes for the refurbishment of the carriageway at this location.
BONAGEE/DROMORE
In answer to his question Cllr. J. Lynch was informed that Donegal County Council have advised that there are currently no proposals under the current project to provide a sewer in the Bonagee/Dromore area. However, the Council are currently looking at proposals with their Consulting Engineers for servicing the Bonagee area.
Cllr. J. Harte left the meeting at this stage.
ROAD LINING AT PORT ROAD
On the proposal of Cllr. V. Fisher seconded by Cllr. J. Crossan it was agreed that this Council lines the Port Road to allow better movement of cars as it is 2 way to the top of the Port Road.
ILLEGAL SIGNS
Cllr. V. Fisher proposed that this Council take action against illegal signs, fly posting and dumping of black bags around the town. This motion was seconded by Cllr. C. Brogan stating that he did not agree with the complete lifting of signs and that a balance was needed for the promoting of tourism. Cllr. G. Mc Monagle asked that consideration be given to the allowing of structured B & B signs on private grounds and it was agreed that F. Sweeney, Area Planner would look into this and revert back to the Members. The Town Clerk, P. Doherty, advised the Members that a Litter Warden had now been appointed for the Town Council area with the Members welcoming this news.
GAELTEX
Cllr. G. Mc Monagle proposed that this Council take the necessary steps to ensure that the rear entrance to the Now Doc facility at Gaeltex be exclusively used by people with disabilities only i.e. disabled parking place to be provided, double yellow lines to be put in place to deter others from using this entrance. Cllr. N. Clarke proposed that we erect street name signs for Gaeltex Houses to also include Residents Only Parking. On proposing the motion Cllr. G. Mc Monagle stated that this area was already overcrowded with vehicles. Cllr. G. Mc Monagle and Cllr. N. Clarke’s motion was seconded by Cllr. D. Larkin who asked that “no entrance� and “cul de sac� signs be erected.
HOUSING DEVELOPMENTS
Cllr. J. Crossan proposed that this Council appoint a Surveyor to oversee at each stage of development of the houses which the Council is purchasing or building. On proposing her motion, Cllr. J. Crossan referred to current problems in the Windmill View Estate. Cllr. J. Lynch proposed that this Council with the builder investigate the water problem at Windmill Estate. The Town Clerk advised the Members that a Clerk of Works was appointed on all schemes to oversee works and that in relation to Windmill View that the Council were seeking a quotation for remedial drainage works.
WINDYHALL
Cllr J. Crossan proposed that this Coucnil initiate discussions with the relevant people to ensure the procurement of lands at windyhall with a view to the upgrading of this road. A brief discussion followed and it was agreed that the Council would bring back a report to the Members on this matter.
MONUMENT – CATHEDRAL CAR PARK
Cllr. D. Larkin proposed that this Council now erect a Celtic cross in our new Cathedral Carpark and dedicate it to the memory of Pope John Paul II. Cllr. J. Lynch proposed that we complete the Cathedral Square area with a monument – a Celtic Cross. On proposing his motion Cllr. D. Larkin outlined that the carpark was now a credit to the Council and that a celtic cross in memory of Pope John Paul II would finish off this project. Cllr. J. Lynch on proposing his motion asked that consideration be given to the heritage of the site being inscribed on panels on the monument. Cllr. D. Larkin’s and Cllr. J. Lynch’s motions were seconded by Cllr. V. Fisher.
JUNCTION THORNDALE/ELMWOOD DOWNS
On the proposal of Cllr. D. Larkin seconded by Cllr. V. Fisher it was agreed that consideration be given to the re-designing of the junction into Thorndale/Elmwood Downs before we finish works in this area. On proposing the motion Cllr. D. Larkin compliment the work already done in this area and asked that the Town Engineer in conjunction with Road Design re-design this junction to make it safe..
LURGYBRACK SCHOOL
Cllr. D. Larkin proposed that the Council now proceed with the County Council the works proposed at Lurgybrack School. This motion was seconded by Cllr. G. Mc Monagle. On proposing the motion Cllr. D. Larkin outlined that he had met with Stephen Lambert of Donegal County Council and that works were due to commence in May.
SIGNAGE
Cllr. N. Clarke proposed that this Council do a survey on all street signs, road signs etc. and have them repaired and updated. On proposing the motion Cllr. N. Clarke outlined that a number of signs had been damaged and were untidy. This motion was seconded by Cllr. G. Mc Monagle. The Town Clerk advised the Members that it was proposed to employ a Technician in the short-term to assist the Town Engineer and that this matter could be investigated.
DERRY ROAD
Cllr. N. Clarke proposed that we ask the N.R.A. to reduce the speed limit on the Derry Road between the Dry Arch and the Port Bridge. Cllr. D. Larkin stated that it was proposed that a barrier would be erected on this portion of roadway and after a brief discussion it was agreed to wait on the report for the proposal to erect barrier.
This concluded the business of the meeting.