Minutes: September 2005
September 12th, 2005MINUTES AND PROCEEDINGS OF MONTHLY MEETING OF LETTERKENNY TOWN COUNCIL HELD IN THE PUBLIC SERVICES CENTRE, NEIL T. BLANEY ROAD, LETTERKENNY ON MONDAY, 12TH SEPTEMBER, 2005 AT 7.00 PM
MEMBERS PRESENT:
Cllr. D. Blake, Town Mayor,
Cllrs. C. Brogan, Cllr. G. Mc Monagle,
Cllr. D. Larkin, Cllr. J. Crossan, Cllr. N. Clarke,
Cllr. J. Lynch and Cllr. J. Harte
OFFICIALS PRESENT:
P. Doherty, Town Clerk
M. Mc Fadden, Town Engineer
F. Friel, Asst. Town Clerk
P. Mc Gill, D.C.C.
S. Tinney, D.C.C.
J. Mc Candless, Litter Warden
APOLOGIES:
M. Mc Loone, County Manager
Cllr. V. Fisher
NEW ORLEANS TRAGEDY
The Town Mayor, Cllr. D. Blake expressed a vote of sympathy to the people of New Orleans on their recent tragedy and it was agreed that a letter be sent to the American Ambassador in this regard. The Members observed a minute’s silence.
ADOPTION OF MINUTES
On the proposal of Cllr. N. Clarke, seconded by Cllr. J. Harte the Minutes of Monthly Meeting held on 11th July, 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 Council.
Cllr. D. Larkin wished the County Manager’s wife Imelda a speedy recovery and it was agreed by the Members that a letter be sent expressing their best wishes.
CORRESPONDENCE
The Town Clerk, P. Doherty informed the Members that a grant allocation of €84,000 had been approved by the Department for the provision of central heating in local authority rented dwellings.
The Town Clerk, P. Doherty informed the Members of correspondence received from Donegal Action for Cancer Care advising that they were not in a position to attend tonight’s meeting and asked that they be accommodated at a future meeting of the Council.
The Town Clerk informed the Members of a Conference being hosted by Monaghan Chamber of Commerce & Industry to be held in the Four Seasons Hotel & Conference Centre, Coolshannagh, Monaghan, Co. Monaghan. 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. D. Larkin and Cllr. J. Lynch.
The Town Clerk informed the Members of a Conference being hosted by Greystone Town Coucil entitled “The Role of Local Authorities in the Promotion of Public Order�. 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. G. Mc Monagle and Cllr. C. Brogan.
The Town Mayor, Cllr. D. Blake advised the Members of a Conference on Planning being held at the Bay View Hotel, Killybegs on 5th, 6th and 7th October, 2005. Cllr. D. Blake proposed that as the Conference was within Donegal that any Member who wished could attend. This was seconded by Cllr. D. Blake.
PLANNING AND DEVELOPMENT
Planning applications received since the date of the last meeting were noted by the Members.
MAYOR’S BUSINESS
The Town Mayor, Cllr. D. Blake congratulated Michael Mc Fadden, Town Engineer and his Wife Pamela on the birth of their baby Daughter.
The Town Mayor, Cllr. D. Blake congratulated Josie Murray on winning a Gold Medal in the World Championships and it was agreed that a letter of congratulations be sent to Josie in this regard.
The Town Mayor, Cllr. D. Blake congratulated the Tidy Town’s Committee and all involved in securing Letterkenny’s Gold Medal in the 2005 Tidy Towns Competition.
The Town Mayor, Cllr. D. Blake congratulated Angela Mc Laughlin and Traolach O Fionnain on the recent success of the Eargail Arts Festival.
The Town Mayor, Cllr. D. Blake congratulated the Fleadh Cheoil Committee on the success of the recent Fleadh and welcomed the announcement of Letterkenny hosting the Fleadh in 2006. The Town Mayor also acknowledged the work of the Town Council in organising the Fleadh.
The Town Mayor informed the Members that he had travelled to Belgium over the weekend and congratulated Paddy Harte on the “Ireland Peace Park� in Messines Ridge, Flanders which is dedicated to the memory of all those from the island of Ireland who fought and died in the First World Ward It was agreed that the Town Clerk would write to Paddy Harte to congratulate him on his achievement.
LETTERKENNY LEISURE COMPLEX
The Town Mayor, Cllr. D. Blake welcomed Paul Mc Gill, Project Manager to the Meeting. Paul Mc Gill advised the Members that the Contractor, J Mc Menamin & Sons had signed the Contract. He stated that construction was ongoing and that it was anticipated that the Complex would be completed in September 2006. Paul Mc Gill further advised the Members that claims were currently with the Department in relation to the Swimming Pool and Sports Capital grants and that a meeting had taken place with the Bank in relation to Loan Drawdown.
A lengthy discussion followed with the Members thanking Paul for his presentation and welcomed the progress on the Leisure Complex.
Cllr. N. Clarke proposed “that owing to the ever increasing price of oil that we endeavour to find an alternative method of heating the new Leisure Centre Complex – oil now at seven dollars a barrel�. This motion was seconded by Cllr. D. Larkin who outlined to the Members that consideration could be given to the Leisure Complex being a pilot scheme for the Forest Link Project. Further discussion followed and it was agreed that Paul Mc Gill, Project Manager would look into this and revert back to the Members
CIVIC AMENITY SITE
The Town Mayor, Cllr. D. Blake welcomed Suzanne Tinney to the Meeting. Suzanne gave an update to the Members in relation to the Civic Amenity Site outlining that planning permission had been granted and that funding had been received for construction. She further stated that negotiations were ongoing with the HSE re land offer and that tender documents were ready if a favourable response was given from the HSE. Suzanne Tinney informed the Members that it would be anticipated to have this site in operation by Summer 2006. A lengthy discussion followed with the Members welcoming the development of the Civic Amenity Site and thanked Suzanne for her presentation.
LITTER WARDEN
The Town Mayor, Cllr. D. Blake welcomed Mr. John Mc Candless, Litter Warden to the meeting. The Members welcomed John to the Council outlining that the recent Tidy Towns result reflected strongly John’s commitment.
TAKEOVER OF ROAD AT GLEBE
On the proposal of cllr. D. Larkin seconded by Cllr. C. Brogan the Members approved the proposing takeover of road at Glebe, Letterkenny and that same would now be put forward for public consultation.
REVISION OF REMUNERATION
On the proposal of Cllr. C. Brogan seconded by Cllr. D. Larkin the Members approved the revision of remuneration as outlined in Ciruclar Letter EL04/05 – increases under Final Phase of Benchmarking and section 14.2 of the mid-term review of park two of sustaining progress.
CASUAL TRADING – FLEADH CHEOIL
In answer to his question Cllr. D. Larkin was advised that the position with regard to Casual Trading is that no new licences were issued by the Town Council on the day prior to the Fleadh. Discussions had taken place with approximately 20 Traders who had licences and expressed serious concerns with regard to their location. After lengthy negotiations with Council Officials a compromise was reached with the replacement of Traders on the Port Road and same was notified to the Gardai. No trading was authorised on Main Street area from Market Square to Traffic Lights. Under the Act it is the Gardai who have the power to remove any illegal traders.
Cllr. D. Larkin asked that a meeting be arranged with the Gardai to discuss this matter.
CELTIC CROSS – CATHEDRAL CAR PARK
In answer to his question Cllr. D. Larkin was advised that a contract for the Celtic Cross for the Cathedral Car Park has been signed with Mr. Redmond Herrity.
MART SITE
In answer to his question Cllr. N. Clarke was advised that a request has been forwarded to Forward Planning in relation to the rezoning of the Mart Site and it is hoped that a report will be presented to the Members at the October Meeting of the Council.
PARKING – ROSEMOUNT
In answer to his question Cllr. N. Clarke was advised that the area in question is not a public area and therefore not under the control of the Council.
RIGHT OF WAY
In answer to his question Cllr. N. Clarke was advised that no permission was sought to create a new right of way from the Swimming pool to the Theatre along the side of the Mc Laughlin’s family home. However, this right of way is now permanently closed off.
ROUNDABOUT – BUSINESS PARK ROAD
In answer to their questions Cllr. C. Brogan and Cllr. J. Harte were advised that a meeting is to be scheduled between both Councils and relevant Officials before the end of this month at a time suitable to Members.
Cllr. C. Brogan asked that this meeting be held as a matter of urgency and it was agreed that same would be arranged for Wednesday 21st September, 2005.
ARDLONAN/GLENCAR PARK
In answer to his question Cllr. C. Brogan was advised that Ard Lonan and Glenard Park have been prioritised under the Take Over of Estates Programme with work due to start in 2006.
MEADOWBANK/LECK ROAD
In answer to his question Cllr. C. Brogan was advised that works in Meadowbank will recommence at the end of October with works on Leck currently ongoing.
LONG LANE
In answer to his question Cllr. G. Mc Monagle was advised that refurbishment works on the footpaths at Long Lane will commence next week as programmed.
LIGHT – CIRCULAR ROAD
In answer to this question Cllr. G. Mc Monage was advised that lights at Ciruclar Road are out of order due to a serious electrical fault which has required removal of central control unit. The Council has now been informed that the unit is beyond repair. A new unit has been ordered and it is expected that lights will be working next week.
WINDMILL VIEW
In answer to his question Cllr. G. Mc Monagle was advised that the Town Engineer has visited the site of residents affected. It is proposed to do further site investigations with a view to bringing forward a resolution.
FOOTPATH – GORTLEE ROAD
In answer to his question Cllr. J. Harte was advised that initial works have now been completed under the 2005 Roadworks Programme. Additional works can be considered under the 2006 Roadworks Programme following consultation with local businesses in the area.
TRAFFIC – UPPER ARD O’DONNELL
In answer to his question Cllr. J. Lynch was advised that the Town Engineer will review the current situation and existing ramps will be modified if necessary.
MART SITE
In answer to his question Cllr. J. Lynch was advised that the current position with regard to the mart is that the Mart Solicitor’s have served a notice of intention to acquire the fee simple with regard to the Mart property. In order to fully advise Members of the implications of this development the Council Solicitor has agreed to meet with Members as a matter of urgency if Members so wish.
It was agreed that this meeting be arranged as soon as possible.
LITTER BINS – PEARSE ROAD
In answer to his question Cllr. J. Crossan was advised that a number of litter bins will be put in place at agreed locations by end of the year.
ROAD LINING
In answer to his question Cllr. J. Crossan was informed that Donegal County Council have advised that lines dividing the traffic lanes on the Pearse Road coming on to the Tesco roundabout will be extended back as far as the D.I.Y store will be carried out later in the year.
JUNCTION – DR. MC GINLEY ROAD
On the proposal of Cllr. D. Larkin seconded by Cllr. G. Mc Monagle it was agreed that the Town Engineer design a plan for the junction at the Dr. Mc Ginley Road to regulate this very dangerous situtation.
RIVER SWILLY
Cllr. D. Larkin proposed that this Council get an update on the report that is being commissioned for the Swilly. On proposing the motion Cllr. D. Larkin outlined that money has been allocated for the Environmental Impact Study and that the development of the River Swilly would greatly enhance Letterkenny’s chances in further Tidy Towns Competitions. This motion was seconded by Cllr. J. Harte. The Town Clerk, P. Doherty informed the Members that he has met with the promoters of the project. He outlined that there had been a problem with procurement but it was anticipated that the matter will be progressed within the next 6 weeks.
TOURISM PROJECT
On the proposal of Cllr. D. Larkin seconded by Cllr. J. Harte it was agreed that the Council meet with the Project Manager for the Tourism Project to formulate a new plan. On proposing the motion Cllr. D. Larkin firstly congratulated Charlie Kerr on his recent marriage. He outlined to the members that the funding sought would not now be achieved and that a change of strategy was required. A brief discussion followed and it was agreed that Charlie Kerr would attend a future meeting of the Council to update them on the project.
WATER SUPPLY
Cllr. N. Clarke proposed that adequate water supplies etc. be available in an area before granting planning permission for more development. On proposing the motion Cllr. N. Clarke outlined that with continuing development water supply was now a serious issue and that development should be stalled in the interim. He stated that building should not be allowed without the proper resources.
Cllr. G. Mc Monagle proposed that this Council as a matter of urgency meet with the water and sewage Department of Donegal County Council to discuss the growing crisis on being able to provide an adequate water supply to the Town and especially discuss the current difficulties being experienced by the residents of Lismonaghan and surrounding areas.
A lengthy discussion followed with a number of Members disagreeing with the stalling of development and it was agreed that Officials from Sanitary Services be requested to attend the October Meeting of the Council.
SUNDAY COURTS
Cllr. N. Clarke proposed that this Council support the call for Sunday Courts to deal with the ever increasing problems of Anti-Social Behaviour. This motion was seconded by Cllr. D. Blake. A brief discussion followed and it was agreed that this matter be discussed when the Members meet with the Gardai.
LONG LANE JUNCTION
On the proposal of Cllr. C. Brogan seconded by Cllr. J. Harte it was agreed that the Council give consideration to the widening of the road at bottom of Long Lane junction with Circular Road to achieve right and left turning lanes to alleviate traffic congestion at this location.
MC MAHON VILLAS
Cllr. C. Brogan proposed that the Council investigate the illegal parking at Mc Mahon villas to allow the safe passage of service vehicles to and from the estate. On proposing the motion Cllr. C. Brogan outlined that difficulties existed for coal/oil lorries and asked that the green area be widened to alleviate the proplem. This motion was seconded by Cllr. N Clarke who asked that the Residents Only Sign previously agreed be installed.
PEDESTRIAN CROSSINGS
On the proposal of Cllr. G. Mc Monagle seconded by Cllr. J. Crossan it was agreed that the Council carry out a survey on all Pedestrian Crossings around the Town with a view to making them more accessible to those with Disabilities ie all crossing to be audible, with tactile paving and proper drop kerbs being provided at all crossings which unfortunately is not currently the case.
TRAFFIC MANAGEMENT
Cllr. J. Harte proposed that the Town Council review the traffic management in the town, taking note of the Fleadh weekend traffic. On proposing the motion Cllr. J. Harte outlined that the traffic plan worked very well during the Fleadh and asked that we talk to the Gardai in relation to traffic planning in the build up to X-Mas. This motion was seconded by Cllr. C. Brogan.
E-PLANNING
Cllr. J. Harte proposed that the Town Council get their planning files on the e-planning service currently in use in the County Council. The Town Clerk, P. Doherty advised the Members that the first step has now taken place with the new numbering system prior to getting files plotted on G.I.S.
HEALTH SERVICE
Cllr. J. Harte proposed that the HSE be requested, in accordance with provisions of the Health Act, 2004, to establish consumer panels comprising of elected reps, members of the Community and service providers to ensure community participation in decisions about the deliver of services. On proposing the motion Cllr. J. Harte stated that health problems in Donegal were not being addressed and that we should call on the minister to implement this section of the Health Act. It was agreed that a letter be sent to the Minister in this regard.
PEDESTRIAN CROSSING
Cllr. J. Lynch proposed that the roads section set up a pedestrian access between TK MAXX shopping area and Atlantic Homecare opposite. This motion was seconded by Cllr. N. Clarke. The Town Engineer informed the Members that it was hoped to have the pedestrian crossing in place by the end of the month.
BUS EIREANN – CARPARK
Cllr. J. Lynch proposed that the Council request Bus Eireann to provide a carpark for their customers. On proposing the motion Cllr. J. Lynch stated that the area was currently very confusing and asked that we meet with Bus Eireann again in this regard. This motion was seconded by Cllr. J. Harte.
HERITAGE OFFICER
Cllr. J. Lynch proposed that we request the Heritage Officer to address the Council on buildings of importance and it was agreed to arrange for the Heritage Officer to address a future meeting of the Council.
PLOUGHING CHAMPIONSHIP
Cllr. J. Crossan proposed that this Council with the County Council and in conjunction with the Farming Community put a bid in to host the Ploughing Competition in Donegal next year. On proposing the motion Cllr. J. Crossan outlined that after the success of the Fleadh that we should do all we can to procure the National Ploughing Championships for Donegal. A brief discussion followed with the Members welcoming the motion and it was agreed that the Town Clerk would firstly arrange a meeting with the Local Ploughing Association in Donegal.
TOWN BUS
Cllr. J. Crossan proposed that this Council agree to the introduction of a bus one day per week for the Senior Citizens, eg. Pension Day. On proposing the motion Cllr. J. Crossan stated that it was unfortunate that Town Bus was not in operation but asked that a bus be put in place 1 day a week for Senior Citizens to collect pension. A brief discussion followed with Members stated that the Town Bus was needed by a large section of the community and asked that a report be prepared outlining the progress to date.
This concluded the business of the meeting.