Minutes: July 2005
July 13th, 2005MINUTES AND PROCEEDINGS OF MONTHLY MEETING OF LETTERKENNY TOWN COUNCIL HELD IN THE TOWN COUNCIL OFFICES, LETTERKENNY PUBLIC SERVICES CENTRE, NEIL. T. BLANEY ROAD, LETTERKENNY ON MONDAY 11TH JULY, 2005.
MEMBERS PRESENT:
Cllr. D. Blake, Cllr. C. Brogan, Cllr. G. Mc Monagle, Cllr. N. Clarke, Cllr. J. Harte, Cllr. D. Larkin,
Cllr. J. Lynch and Cllr. V. Fisher
OFFICIALS PRESENT:
M. Mc Loone, County Manager
P. Doherty, Town Clerk
M. Mc Fadden, Town Engineer
E. Quinn, Area Planner (D.C.C.)
R. Diver, Planning
M. Mc Garvey, Road Design (D.C.C.)
J. Bonner, Road Design (D.C.C.)
F. Howard, D.C.C.
S. Hannigan, D.C.C.
F. Friel, Asst. Town Clerk
APOLOGIES:
Cllr. J. Crossan
LONDON TRAGEDY
The Town Mayor, Cllr. D. Blake expressed a vote of sympathy to all the family affected by the London tragedy. The Town Mayor advised the Members that a book of condolences would be opened in the Letterkenny Public Services Centre tomorrow and it was agreed that a letter would be sent to the Mayor of London, Ken Livingstone expressing the deepest sympathy of Letterkenny Town Council.
ADOPTION OF MINUTES
On the proposal of Cllr. V. Fisher seconded by Cllr. C. Brogan the minutes and proceedings of In-Committee meeting held on 13th June, 2005 were adopted by the Council.
On the proposal of Cllr. F. Fisher seconded by Cllr. N. Clarke the Minutes of Monthly Meeting held on 13th June, 2005 were adopted by the Council.
On the proposal of Cllr. V. Fisher seconded by Cllr. C. Brogan the Minutes of AGM of Letterkenny Town Council held on 30th June, 2005 were adopted by the Council.
Cllr. J. Harte proposed that Jimmy Kavanagh be nominated in his place to the Museum Committee. This was seconded by Cllr. N. Clarke.
MANAGER’S ORDERS
Orders made by the County Manager since the date of the last meeting were noted by the Members.
CORRESPONDENCE
The Town Clerk informed the meeting of correspondence received from Letterkenny Community residents Group seeking a meeting with the Members, Town Engineer and planning official. On the proposal of Cllr. G. Mc Monagle seconded by Cllr. V. Fisher it was agreed that the Town Clerk arrange the said meeting.
The Town Clerk informed the Members of the Second National Conference on Substance and Alcohol Misuse to be held on 6th and 7th October, 2005. The Members having been informed of the cost agreed that 2 Members should attend and that the names be drawn be lot. The names drawn on this occasion were Cllr. D. Blake and Cllr. V. Fisher.
PLANNING AND DEVELOPMENT
Planning applications received since the date of the last meeting were noted by the Members.
LETTERKENNY ARTS CENTRE
The Town Mayor, Cllr. D. Blake welcomed F. Howard, Project Manager and Sean Hannigan to the Meeting. Fitz Howard updated the Members on the current position of the project in that the Contractor, Mc Dermott & Treaty were in the process of being appointed. He outlined to the Members the funding that had been received from the different bodies including Peace & Reconciliation, IFI, Department of Arts Sport & Tourism etc and thanked the Members for their contribution in providing the land for the project.
Mr. Sean Hannigan also thanked the Members for their support on the project and also invited the Members to attend the opening performance of the Letterkenny Earagail Arts Festival.
A brief discussion followed with the Members welcoming the advancement on the project and thanked Fitz Howard and Sean for their commitment.
CATHEDRAL CARPARK – CELTIC CROSS
The Town Clerk, P. Doherty advised the Members that following the decision at the April Meeting of the Council a submission had been received from 2 no. artists in relation to the provision of a celtic cross at the Cathedral Carpark. The Town Clerk circulated the submission received to the Members. A brief discussion followed and on the proposal of Cllr. D. Larkin seconded by Cllr. V. Fisher it was agreed that the Council proceed with the submission received.
LETTERKENNY & ENVIRONS DEVELOPMENT PLAN 2003-2009 (GLENCAR/KILLYLASTIN/KILLYCLUG/WINDYHALL/KNOCKNAMONA AREA – VARIATION NO. 2, 2005)
Mr. Eunan Quinn, Planner outlined in detail the contents of the Manager’s Report in pursuant to Section 13(4) of the Planning and Development Act 2000 in relation to the above Variation No. 2, 2005 of the Letterkenny & Environs Development Plan 2003-2009. The report outlined the submissions received and the Manager’s response to same. Michael Mc Garvey, Road Design briefed the Members in relation to the realignment of the outer relief road in the townlands of Windyhall and Killylastin. He stated that this new proposed road alignment resulted in a safer layout with less impact on residents. A lengthy discussion followed with a number of Members outlining their concerns for the residents in the area and the unauthorised development taking place by a Developer in the area. The Members also expressed their disappointed in the way the residents were treated and the lack of communication.
The County Manager, M. Mc Loone expressed his regret to the residents if they were mis-treated and that he would look into the matter. Michael Mc Garvey, Road Design also apologised for any mistreatment outlining that Road Design would meet with the residents concerned and try to come to a mutual agreement. Mr. Eunan Quinn, Planner, acknowledged the breakdown in communications outlining enforcement proceedings were currently ongoing in relation to unauthorised development. He further outlined to the members their options namely (a) adopt variation with or without modification or (b) refuse it.
At this point Cllr. J. Lynch proposed that any decision on the resolution be postponed for a period of 2 weeks. This motion was seconded by Cllr. V. Fisher.
Cllr. N. Clarke proposed that the Variation be refused. This motion was seconded by Cllr. J. Harte.
Further discussion followed with Cllr. J. Lynch withdrawing his proposal to postpone the resolution for a period of 2 weeks.
The County Manager, M. Mc Loone, asked the Members to adjourn their decision for a period of 2 weeks so that he may talk to staff and see options available.
Cllr. C. Brogan then proposed that any decision on the resolution be postponed for a period of 2 weeks. This motion was seconded by Cllr. V. Fisher.
As there were now 2 proposals the matter was put to a vote. In relation to Cllr. C. Brogan’s motion that any decision on the resolution be postponed for a period of 2 weeks 3 Members voted in favour of the proposal namely, Cllr. C. Brogan, Cllr. D. Larkin and Cllr. V. Fisher with 4 Members voting against the proposal namely, Cllr. N. Clarke, Cllr. J. Lynch, Cllr. G. Mc Monagle and Cllr. J. Harte. In relation to Cllr. N. Clarke’s proposal that the the resolution be rejected, 4 Members voted in favour namely, Cllr. N. Clarke, Cllr. J. Lynch, Cllr. G. Mc Monagle and Cllr. N. Clarke and 1 Member voting against the proposal namely, Cllr. V. Fisher. Cllr. N. Clarke’s motion that the resolution be rejected was therefore carried. Therefore the variation was lost.
LETTERKENNY TOWN COUNCIL – ANNUAL FINANCIAL STATEMENT
The Members noted the contents of the Annual Financial Statement 2004 as presented. Furthermore, on the proposal of Cllr. D. Larkin seconded by Cllr. C. Brogan the Members approved the amended expenditure figures as compared to the adopted budget for 2004 for all programme groups in accordance with subsection 7 of section 104 of the Local Government Act 2001.
DRAFT CORPORATE PLAN
The Manager outlined to the Members the contents of the Donegal County Council Draft Corporate Plan 2004-2009 as circulated. The Manger advised the Members that the plan set out the major objectives of the Council for the next five years and asked that the Members support the plan in principal and that he hoped once the capital programme for the Town Council was drawn up that this could be encorporated into a similar model for the Town Council. A brief discussion followed and it was agreed that a draft corporate plan for Letterkenny Town Council be prepared and presented to the Members at the September or October Meeting of the Council.
PEDESTRIAN CROSSING – UPDATE
The Town Engineer advised the Members that it was now proposed to locate the pedestrian crossing previously approved 30m down street as same would be better suited to levels of visibility etc. A brief discussion followed and on the proposal of Cllr. D. Larkin seconded by Cllr. C. Brogan it was agreed to relocate the pedestrian crossing on Main Street as recommended.
TRAFFIC CALMING
The Town Engineer, M. Mc Fadden further updated the Members that it was proposed to provide speed cushions on Long lane, Gortlee and Ashlawn. Cllr. D. Larkin enquired re the accessibility of same for wheelchair users with the Town Engineer, M. Mc Fadden advising the Members that the footpaths in these locations were also being considered for improvements to cater for wheelchair users. A brief discussion followed with the Members welcoming same and asked that the Town Engineer also look into the provision of traffic calming on the Circular Road from College Farm Road to Circular Road roundabout and also at Ard O’Donnell. The Town Engineer advised the Members that he would bring back a report on same at a future meeting of the Council.
MEADOWBANK
In answer to his question Cllr. J. Harte was advised that the works in Meadowbank will be completed on a phased basis over a 3 year period. 2005 will see 30% of roads and footpaths complete to required specification.
FOOTPATH AUDIT – DISABLED
In answer to his question Cllr. J. Harte was advised that the area highlighted on the High Road will be attended to as part of ongoing improvement works on High Road. Discussions are ongoing with Donegal County Council in regard to Main Street area.
ROUNDABOUT – IDA BUSINESS PARK ROAD – CARNAMUGGAGH
In answer to their questions Cllr. J. Harte and Cllr. C. Brogan were advised that the Town Engineer has initiated discussions with Senior Officials of Donegal County Council having regard to discussions at the June Meeting of the Council and the matter is currently being considered by Roads Directorate. Cllr. J. Harte advised that the road is currently under construction and it was agreed that the Town Clerk would arrange a meeting with the necessary personnel.
SEWER PROBLEM – UPPER ARD O’DONNELL
In answer to his question Cllr. D. Larkin was advised that a Contractor is being appointed to carryout necessary remedial works at Upper Ard O’Donnell.
SKATEBOARD PARK
In answer to his question Cllr. D. Larkin was advised that as part of the Council’s submission to the Donegal County Council, the Council have identified a site in the New Town Park in Ballymacool for a skateboard park.
COMMUNITY LIAISON OFFICER
In answer to his question Cllr. D. Larkin was advised that the position of Community Liaison Officer is soon to be advertised through Human Resource Section of Donegal County Council.
SOCIAL AND AFFORDABLE HOUSES
In answer to his question Cllr. N. Clarke was advised that this Council has already acquired one social house under Part V which is to be allocated within the coming Month. Donegal County Council have also advised that they are currently in the process of acquiring 4 affordable houses and 2 social houses from a Developer in the Carnamuggagh area.
BALLYRAINE HALLS
In answer to his question Cllr. N. Clarke was advised that Development Charges in the sum of €104,123 has been paid in respect of Ballyraine Halls Development.
DEVELOPMENT CHARGES
In answer to his question Cllr. N. Clarke was circulated with a list of all Development Charges levied in 2005 to date.
HOUSING APPLICATION LIST
In answer to his question Cllr. G. Mc Monagle was advised that following the recent statutory Housing Needs Assessment, the Council’s housing database is currently being updated and will be circulated to Members in due course.
LETTERKENNY GENERAL HOSPITAL
In answer to his question Cllr. G. Mc Monagle was advised that by letter dated 7th July, 2005, the Tanaiste, Mary Harney T.D. has advised that having regard to her current schedule she will not be in a position to meet the Council in relation to Letterkenny General Hospital. Cllr. G. Mc Monagle asked that as the Tanaiste was coming to meet with Donegal Cancer Care Group that a further request be made to the Tanaiste.
GARTAN FIELD
In answer to his question Cllr. J. Lynch was advised that the Contractor has indicated that he will be on site this week.
RECYCLING INFRASTRUCTURE
In answer to his question Cllr. J. Lynch was advised that the Town Council does not have an allocation for recycling infrastructure. However, Donegal County Council have advised that they are in receipt of an allocation in respect of operation of facilities and capital projects such as civic amenity sites. The County Manager, M. Mc Loone further advised the Members that a report on the Civic Amenity would be presented to the Members at the September Meeting of the Council.
CATTLE MART
In answer to his question Cllr. J. Lynch was advised that the current position as advised by the Council’s Solicitor is that the Mart’s Solicitors had applied to the County Registrar for a determination of title under the Ground Rent Act on 5th May, 2005. However, neither the Council or the Council’s Solicitors were informed of the application and following representations made by the County Solicitor, it was agreed that what had occurred on the 5th may would have to be reversed and this was done on the 1st June, 2005 by the County Registrar whereby the previous order was vacated. The Council’s Solicitors have also written to the Mart’s Solicitors on the various issues raised by the residents in the area and the Council’s Solicitors are currently awaiting a reply on this matter. A brief discussion followed and it was agreed that the Council would arrange a special meeting with the Council’s Solicitors to discuss this matter.
ANNUAL WORKS PROGRAMMES
In answer to his question Cllr. C. Brogan was advised that it is common practice that works are co-ordinated between all services within the Local Authority. A recent example of this is works on sewer, storm and foul drainage on Port Road prior to final overlay.
LISMONAGHAN ROAD
In answer to his question Cllr. C. Brogan was advised that the Town Engineer has had a meeting with the Developer who has agreed that the road will be refurbished in August.
APARTMENTS
Cllr. J. Harte proposed that this Council revisit the Development Plan and identify areas that can accommodate apartment type accommodation as distinct from the detached semi-detached dwellings in the interest of future development. On proposing the motion Cllr. J. Harte asked that forward planners would look at areas most suited to apartment type accommodation. This motion was seconded by Cllr. N. Clarke. A brief discussion followed with a number of Members against having apartments in the one location.
SPORTS CO-ORDINATOR
Cllr. J. Harte proposed that this Council employ a sports co-ordinator to ensure the proper development of sports facilities and the promotion of sport participation in the town. On proposing the motion Cllr. J. Harte outlined that we should have our own Sports Co-ordinator in the town in view of the recent obesity reports. This motion was seconded by Cllr. G. Mc Monagle who felt that there was a need to co-ordinate facilites. A brief discussion followed with Cllr. D. Larkin outlining that the Council should work closer with Michael Mc Geehin, and that the coordination of sporting facilities take place within the new Leisure Complex. Cllr, J. Harte, proposer of the motion agreed that the Council initially meet with Mr. Michael Mc Geehin to progress this matter.
GATEWAY STATUS
On the proposal of Cllr. J. Harte seconded by Cllr. D. Larkin it was agreed that the Council ask the Government to allocate extra funding to help infrastructure in view of our Gateway status. A brief discussion followed with Cllr. D. Larkin asking that the Council in conjunction with Donegal County Council seek clarification on the future of the gas pipe line.
FLOODING – PARK AT SWILLY PARK
On the proposal of Cllr. D. Larkin seconded by Cllr. G. Mc Monagle it was agreed that the Council investigate and remedy the flooding problem at the small park beside Swilly Park.
RESERVOIR – ARD O’DONNELL
On the proposal of Cllr. D. Larkin seconded by Cllr. J. Lynch it was agreed that the Council erect either a wall/fence at the Reservoir at Ard O’Donnell on the grounds of Safety/Security.
SEWER SYSTEM – NEW BUSINESS PARK ROAD
Cllr. D. Larkin proposed that this Council in conjunction with Donegal County Council, I.D.A. and private developers in the area install the sewer system down our new Business Park Road. On proposing the motion Cllr. D. Larkin outlined that this road was a great success and asked that sewer pipes etc be laid prior to surfacing. This motion was seconded by Cllr. C. Brogan.
TOWN PARK
On the proposal of Cllr. N. Clarke seconded by Cllr. G. Mc Monagle it was agreed that the Council provide an enclosure around the immediate area of the swings in the Town Park, repair the small holes in the fencing and take a look at some method of containing small children in the play area (the gate having been broken). On seconding the motion Cllr. G. Mc Monagle asked re the possibility of proving picnic area for smaller children.
ST. PATRICK’S DAY PARADE
Cllr. N. Clarke proposed that the Mayor being the “first citizen� of the town should stay at home and attend the St. Patrick’s Day parade in Letterkenny. As there was no seconder for this proposal the motion was deemed to be lost.
PUBLIC INQUIRY
On the proposal of Cllr. G. Mc Monagle seconded by Cllr. C. Brogan it was agreed that this Council supports the ongoing call from the family of the late Cllr. Eddie Fullerton, member of Buncrana Town Council and Donegal County Council, for a full independent inquiry chaired by a person of Internation repute into the circumstances surrounding his murder and furthermore calls on the Irish Government to insist on full co-operation from the British Authorities to assist the Fullerton family in their quest for Truth and Justice. A brief discussion followed with Cllr. G. Mc Monagle thanking the Members for their support and asked that the motion be sent to the Taoiseach, Bertie Ahern and Michael Mc Dowell, Minister for Justice.
RECYCLING BAYS – HOUSING ESTATES
Cllr. J. Lynch proposed that this Council considers the merits of including recycling bays in all housing estates. On proposing the motion Cllr. J. Lynch that with the existing banks now been taken way that perhaps recycling bins could be placed in housing estates. This motion was seconded by Cllr. N. Clarke. A brief discussion followed with a number of Members outlining their concerns in relation to the maintenance of same.
FORWARD PLANNING
Cllr. J. Lynch proposed that this Council that forward planning address this Council on a regular basis on linkages that affect both authorities such as Co. Draft Development Plan, Waste and Litter Management Plan, Civic Amenity Site, Material Recovery Facility, Architectural Conservation Area, Heritage/Sculptor etc. This motion was seconded by Cllr. N. Clarke.
HISTORY/HERITAGE
Cllr. J. Lynch proposed that a special plan be drafted that would reflect the history, heritage, architectural of the streets leading off Main Street onto Cathedral Square. On proposing the motion Cllr. J. Lynch that streets should now be linked into Cathedral Square and that every town needed the old as well as the new. This motion was seconded by Cllr. C. Brogan.
FLEADH CHEOIL
On the proposal of Cllr. C. Brogan seconded by Cllr. D. Blake it was agreed that this council discuss the progress to date with regard to Fleadh Cheoil. On proposing the motion Cllr. C. Brogan thanked Cllr. N. Clarke, Cllr. D. Blake and Cllr. J. Lynch for their input to date on the organising of the Fleadh Cheoil and also the commitment and dedication by Chairman Paddy Tunney. Cllr. D. Blake also paid tribute to Paddy Tunney. A brief discussion followed and it was agreed that the Town Clerk try and arrange a meeting with the Committee and the Guards prior to the launching of the Fleadh Cheoil next week.
This concluded the business of the meeting.