Minutes: June 2005
June 13th, 2005MINUTES 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 JUNE, 2005 AT 7.00 PM
MEMERS PRESENT:
Cllr. D. Larkin, Cllr. C. Brogan, Cllr. G. Mc Monagle, Cllr. J. Harte, Cllr. N. Clarke,
Cllr. V. Fisher, Cllr. J. Crossan and Cllr. D. Blake.
OFFICIALS PRESENT:
M. Mc Loone, County Manager
P. Doherty, Town Clerk
M. Mc Fadden, Town Engineer
R. Diver, D.C.C. (Planning)
F. Sweeney, D.C.C. (Planning)
The Town Mayor, Cllr. D. Larkin began the meeting by expressing a vote of sympathy to the family of the late Peter Kennedy who was a long serving Member of Donegal County Council and it was agreed that a letter of condolences be sent to the Kennedy family in this regard.
The Town Mayor, Cllr. D. Larkin expressed a vote to sympathy to Gabriel Flood, Liaison Officer on the recent death of his Uncle.
ADOPTION OF MINUTES
On the proposal of Cllr. V. Fisher seconded by Cllr. N. Clarke the minutes and proceedings of In-Committee Meeting of Letterkenny Town Council held on 09.05.05 were adopted by the Members.
On the proposal of Cllr. J. Harte seconded by Cllr. G. Mc Monagle the minutes and proceedings of Monthly Meeting of Letterkenny Town Council held on 09.05.05 were adopted by the Members.
MANAGER’S ORDERS
Orders made by the County Manager since the date of the last meeting were noted by the Members. The Members welcomed the employment of Mr. John Mc Candless as Litter Warden and asked that John attend a future meeting of the Council.
CORRESPONDENCE
The Town Clerk, P. Doherty informed the Members of correspondence received from the Friends of Letterkenny General Hospital who were hosting a Charity Ball on 24th June, 2005. A brief discussion followed and on the proposal of Cllr. N. Clarke seconded by Cllr. C. Brogan it was agreed that the Council support this function.
The Town Clerk, P. Doherty informed the Members of the Douglas Hyde Conference to be held on 16th and 17th July, 2005 to be hosted by Roscommon County Council. 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. V. Fisher and Cllr. D. Blake,
The Town Clerk, P. Doherty informed the Members of the Confederation of European Councillors Seminar to be held in the Mullingar Park Hotel, Mullingar, Co. Westmeath on 23rd and 24th June, 2005. 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. C. Brogan and Cllr. J. Crossan.
PLANNING AND DEVELOPMENT
Planning applications received since the date of the last meeting were noted by the Membes
MAYOR’S BUSINESS
The Town Mayor, Cllr. D. Larkin informed the Members of correspondence received from the Letterkenny Vocational School in relation to the maintenance of their playing pitches and it was agreed that the Town Clerk would enter into negotiations in this regard.
The Town Mayor, Cllr. D. Larkin thank all the County Manager, Members, staff and press for their support and assistance during his year as Mayor.
TAXI RANKS
The Town Engineer, M. Mc Fadden presented the Members with a proposal in relation to 8 new taxi ranks on the Lower Ramelton (Port Road) and asked the Members for their views on same prior to going to public consultation. A brief discussion followed and on the proposal of Cllr. D. Larkin seconded by Cllr. C. Brogan it was agreed that the Council proceed with the public consultation process. It was also agreed that the Council review the taxi ranks at the front of the Brewery and that consideration be given to providing a taxi rank area at the Letterkenny General Hospital.
PEDESTRIAN CROSSINGS.
The Town Engineer, M. Mc Fadden presented the Members with a proposal for a pedestrian crossing at Letterkenny Main Street. A brief discussion followed and on the proposal of Cllr. D. Larkin seconded by Cllr. N. Clarke the Members approved the location of the pedestrian crossing as presented.
TIDY ESTATES PRIZEGIVING
In answer to his question Cllr. V. Fisher was advised that the Prizegiving for the 2005 Tidy Estates Competition will take place this week.
PORT ROAD/HIGH ROAD
In answer to his question Cllr. V. Fisher was advised that Donegal County Council have advised that they are currently planning to renew combined sewer on Port Road next week and that it is anticipated that surfacing overlay will take place in approximately 3 weeks. Donegal County Council have also advised that every effort will be made to have the High Road resurfaced before the Fleadh Cheoil.
TOWN BUS
In answer to his question Cllr. V. Fisher and Cllr. G. Mc Monagle were advised that the Local Transportation Committee has recently met with Bus Eireann regarding a Town Bus Service. Bus Eireann has advised that there is currently no funding available too them to provide a service to the town. In order to progress the matter it is now proposed that the Council seek a delegation with the Department of Transport with a view to having funds available for the operation of a bus service in the town.
LETTERKENNY LEISURE PARK
In answer to his question Cllr. D. Larkin was advised that construction on the new Leisure Park has recently commenced on site and it is anticipated that formal contracts will be signed at an early date.
EIS/FEASIBILITY STUDY ON THE RIVER SWILLY
In answer to his question Cllr.D. Larkin was advised that it is proposed to hold a meeting with proposers of the scheme within the coming week in order to progress the matter.
PEDESTRIAN CROSSING – MAIN STREET
A report had been circulated to the Members.
PLANNING APPLICATION AT CRIEVE
In answer to his question Cllr. N. Clarke was advised that no new planning application has been received in respect of these lands. However, the Council understand that G. Doherty Construction have purchased the lands know as Mc Kendricks.
RECYCLING
In answer to his question Cllr. N. Clarke was advised that in January 2005, pay by use legislation came into force which is devised to encourage waste reduction, recycling and composting. Furthermore, Donegal County Council have advised that waste collection permits issued from April 2005 contain the following requirement;
“The Permit Holder shall implement from the 1st January, 2005 a system of “Pay by Use from households serviced within Donegal County Council as required in accordance with the Donegal County Council waste management plan. Pay by tag, pay by lift or pay by weight are typical “Pay by Use� systems but the Permit Holder may propose an alternative. The system proposed must demonstrate a clear incentive to householders to minimise residual waste and maximise recycling. The system proposed shall be notified in advance to the relevant authority.
The Town Mayor, Cllr. D. Larkin informed the Members that a bus was leaving Letterkenny at 9.30 on 22nd June, 2005 to view recycling facilities in Newtownards and that any Members or press were free to attend.
SKATE BOARD PARK
In answer to his question Cllr. N. Clarke was advised that discussions are currently ongoing with the Community & Enterprise Section, Donegal County Council with regard to the preparation of a submission for a skateboard park as these applications can only be made by the County Council.
PUBLIC TOILETS
In answer to his question Cllr. G. Mc Monagle was advised that the Council have an existing maintenance contract with Healthmatic with regard to existing 2 no. superloos in the Town with the Town Engineer undertaking to carryout a cost regarding the feasibility of Skittle Alley carpark.
PORT BRIDGE ROUNDABOUT
In answer to his question Cllr. C. Brogan was advised that works have commenced on the Port Bridge roundabout.
LONG LANE
In answer to his question Cllr. C. Brogan was advised that prices are currently being sought for ramps and anti-skid surface with a view to carrying out works in August/September.
TARA COURT/MEADOWBANK
In answer to his question Cllr. C. Brogan was advised that kerbing works proposed under the 2005 allocation for Tara Court is ongoing with works approximately 80% complete and it is expected that tarring both Tara Court and Meadowbank will commence within 2-3 weeks.
MANAGEMENT OF CLAIMS
On the proposal of Cllr. V. Fisher seconded by Cllr. C. Brogan it was agreed that the Council give consideration to the Council engaging the services of Consultants to assist in the Management of Claims. The Town Mayor, Cllr. D. Larkin asked that in due course the Town Clerk would inform Members of the current practice with regards to the claims process.
TAXI RANKS
On the proposal of Cllr. V. Fisher seconded by Cllr. J. Harte it was agreed that before any new Taxi Ranks are in place that it would be fully discussed with the businesses that would be affected and the Chamber of Commerce.
FOOTBALL PITCH – IONA SCHOOLSBOYS
Cllr. J.Harte proposed that the area between Glencar Shopping Centre and Centra be developed into a football pitch for Iona Schoolboys soccer and other soccer teams. This motion was seconded by Cllr. F. Fisher. Cllr. G. Mc Monagle proposed that this be put on hold until such time as the community building was erected and that Iona be considered if Council enter into agreement with Vocational School in relation to their pitches. As there were 2 proposals the matter was put to a vote with 4 Members in favour of Cllr. G. Mc Monagle’s proposal with Cllr. J. Harte, Cllr. V. Fisher and Cllr. N. Clarke voting in favour of Cllr. J. Harte’s proposal. Therefore the amendment proposed by Cllr. G. Mc Monagle was adopted.
TRAFFIC CALMING – LONGLANE
Cllr. J. Harte proposed that the Council put in place traffic calming measures, including speed signs on Glencar Road. On proposing the motion Cllr. J. Harte outlined that residents were having difficulty exiting/turning into driveways. This motion was seconded by Cllr. G. Mc Monagle.
FLAGSHIP TOURIST PROJECT
Cllr. D. Larkin proposed that the Project manager make a presentation to the Town Council with regards our Flagship Tourist Project. This motion was seconded by Cllr. V. Fisher. On proposing the motion Cllr. D. Larkin outlined his disappointment on the decision on the project stating that his was a top rate project and asked that the Council meet with Chairman of North West Tourism, S. Mc Eniff and see if another avenue could be explored. Cllr. C. Brogan expressed his confidence in the project and that works to advance this project were still taking going on. A brief discussion followed with Members asking that they be kept informed.
The County Manager, M. Mc Loone advised the members that he has met with the Project Manager to review status of the project and options of the Town Council to proceed with the Project and that an update would be presented to the Members at the September Meeting of the Council.
ARTIST EXCHANGE
On the proposal of Cllr. D. Larkin seconded by Cllr. C. Brogan it was agreed that the Council proceed with the Artist Exchange with our Sister City Elizabeth Town. A brief discussion followed and it was agreed that the the cost of same be investigated and report back to the Members.
SANITARY/ENVIRONMENT
On the proposal of Cllr. D. Larkin seconded by Cllr. V. Fisher it was agreed that the Council make Members aware of the obligation or Sanitary and Environment in the Town Council area since the change in legislation, decisions taken etc. On proposing the motion Cllr. D. Larkin outlined that since this function was formally to be removed from the Town Councils in 2004 that same was still a very grey area and clarity was needed. The County Manager, M. Mc Loone advised the Members that a report would be presented at the September Meeting of the Council.
GREY ROCK AT CRIEVE
On the proposal of Cllr. N. Clarke seconded by Cllr. V. Fisher it was agreed that the Council take steps to protect the “Grey Rock� at Crieve and make a feature around it.
MART SITE
Cllr. N. Clarke proposed that the Council rezone the former mart site at Sentry Hill to Bus parking/recreational use only.. This motion was seconded by Cllr. J. Harte. On proposing the motion Cllr. N. Clarke outlined that the Council should do their utmost to retain this site which belonged to the community. A lengthy discussion followed with the F. Sweeney, advising the members that the site was currently zoned as an opportunity site and that a bus park would fall within the policy statement. The Town Clerk, P. Doherty informed the Members that a report was being prepared with regard to the legal status of the Mart. Cllr. N. Clarke asked that the process be put in place regarding the variation.
MORRIS TRIBUNAL
On the proposal of Cllr. N. Clarke seconded by Cllr. J. Harte it was agreed that the Council write to An Taoiseach, Bertie Ahern and ask him to provide the necessary finances to pay the legal fees for the Mc Brearty family at the Morris Tribunal in order that this sad episode in Donegal affairs can be brought to a conclusion.
PARKING – MAIN STREET
On the proposal of Cllr. G. Mc Monagle seconded by Cllr. V. Fisher it was agreed that the Council start preparing for a Town bus service by excluding parking on the left hand side of the main Street to allow for the free movement of the bus on the Main Street. On proposing the motion Cllr. G. Mc Monagle asked that infrastructure be put in place that would support this needed service.
SCHEME OF LETTING PRIORITIES
Cllr. G. Mc Monagle proposed that this Council under the “Scheme of Letting Priorities� give “separated fathers� equal status and the same consideration as others who have children when applying for Council houses. On proposing the motion Cllr. G. Mc Monagle that fathers needed a place to bond with their children. This motion was seconded by Cllr. D. Blake. The Town Mayor, Cllr. D. Larkin asked that Mr. Phil Mc Gilloway be asked to attend the September Meeting of the Council in this regard.
ROUNDABOUT – NEW LISNENNAN TO CARNAMUGGAGH ROAD
Cllr. C. Brogan proposed that this Council discuss entering into negotiations with Donegal County Council with a view to constructing a roundabout at Gortlee on the new Lisnennan to Carnamuggagh Road. On proposing the motion Cllr. C. Brogan outlined that it was a longterm view to construct this roundabout but urged the Council that same would now be provided. This motion was seconded by Cllr. J. Harte. The County Manager, M. Mc Loone advised the Members that he would discuss the matter with the Town Clerk and revert back to the Members in due course.
RECYCLING
Cllr. D. Blake proposed that this Council discuss our position on recycling in light of recent events. On proposing the motion Cllr. D. Blake asked that a urgent solution be found. This motion was seconded by Cllr. G. Mc Monagle and it was agreed that Suzanne Tinney attend a future meeting of the Council in this regard.
JUNCTIONS
Cllr. D. Blake proposed that this Council in advance of any progress or permanent improvements takes immediate action to secure and improve the junctions on the Neil T. Blaney/Paddy Harte/Loop Road on a temporary basis with improved barriers and signage. The Town Engineer, M. Mc Fadden advised the Members that works were now ongoing at the Loop Road with the commencement of the pedestrian crossing that the Rosemount Junction was scheduled for next week.
SKATE PARK
Cllr. D. Blake proposed that this Council request Donegal County Council to apply for funding to establish a skate park in Letterkenny under the scheme recently announced by The Department of the Environment. This motion was seconded by Cllr. V. Fisher. The Town Mayor, Cllr. D. Larkin informed the Members that Aideen Doherty was currently working on this project and asked that she be invited to attend a future meeting of the Council.
This concluded the business of the meeting.