Minutes: October 2005
October 10th, 2005
MINUTES 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 10TH OCTOBER, 2005.
MEMBERS PRESENT:
Cllr. D. Blake, Town Mayor, Cllr. J.Crossan, Cllr. C. Brogan, Cllr. G. Mc Monagle, Cllr. N. Clarke, Cllr. J. Harte, Cllr. V. Fisher and Cllr. J. Lynch
OFFICALS PRESENT:
M. Mc Loone, County Manager,
P. Doherty, Town Clerk,
M. Mc Fadden, Town Engineer
F. Coyle, D.C.C.
P. Mc Rory, D.C.C.
F. Sweeney, D.C.C. (Planning)
R. Diver, D.C.C. (Planning)
F. Friel, Asst. Town Clerk
APOLOGIES:
Cllr. D. Larkin
MINUTES SILENCE
The Town Mayor, Cllr. D. Blake expressed a vote of sympathy to the families of the six young people who tragically lost their lives on the Donegal Roads over the
weekend. The town Mayor also expressed sincere sympathy to the people in
Pakistan who were affected by the recent earthquake. A minute’s silence was
observed.
ADOPTION OF MINUTES
On the proposal of Cllr. V. Fisher seconded by Cllr. J. Crossan the Minutes and
Proceedings of In-Committee Meeting held on 12th September, 2005 were adopted by
the Council.
On the proposal of Cllr. V. Fisher seconded by Cllr. J. Crossan the Minutes and
Proceedings of Monthly Meeting held on 12th September, 2005 were adopted by the members.
MANAGER’S ORDERS
Orders made by the County Manager since the date of the last meeting were adopted by the Members. Cllr. Victor Fisher queried the number of Taxi Licences issued and it was agreed that a letter be sent again to the Commissioner in the regard.
CORRESPONDENCE
The Town Clerk, P. Doherty informed the Members of correspondence received from the Donegal Youth Reach asking that as we approach the first anniversary of the Tsunami Disaster that they would be given permission to plant a tree in the Town Park with a suitable plaque in the vicinity of the tree, outlining the date of the disaster and a short description of what happened. A brief discussion followed and on the proposal of Cllr. V. Fisher seconded by Cllr. J. Crossan it was agreed that the Council would contact the Town Gardener in this regard.
The Town Clerk, P. Doherty informed the Members of correspondence received from “The Source� who are partnered with Derry City Council and North West Carnival Initiative and who propose a parade along Letterkenny Main Street from An Grianan Theatre to Market Square. A brief discussion followed and on the proposal of Cllr. V. Fisher seconded by Cllr. D. Blake it was agreed that the Council give permission to the parade subject to “The Source� contacting the Gardai in relation to traffic.
The Town Clerk, P. Doherty informed the Members of correspondence received from Caitin Ui Chochlainn, Cathaoirleach Pan Cheilteach Leitir Ceanainn advising the Members that the Pan Celtic Festival is taking place in Letterkenny from 18th to 23rd April, 2006 and asked that the Town Council host a reception to receive the Pan Celtic Charter which would commence and highlight the forthcoming event. On the proposal of Cllr. V. Fisher seconded by Cllr. J. Crossan it was agreed that a reception would be held in this regard.
The Town Clerk, P. Doherty informed the Members of the 17th National Tourism Conference entitled “Positioning Tourism – Quality or Price� to be held on 25th & 26th November, 2005 in the Falls Hotel, Ennistymon, Co. Clare. The Members having been advised 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. V. Fisher and Cllr. D. Larkin.
The Town Clerk, P. Doherty informed the Members of a Community Safety Conference being hosted by Dundalk Town Council to be held on 10th – 12th November, 2005 in the Fairways Hotel, Dundalk. The Members having been advised of the cost of attending agreed that 2 Members should attend and that the names be drawn by lot. The names on this occasion were Cllr. J. Crossan and Cllr. J. Harte.
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 advised the Members that he had recently attended the Chamber of Commerce 40th Birthday Celebrations and a function hosted by Donegal Youth Council to present the results of their recent survey on behalf of the Council. The Town Mayor, also informed the Members of his attendance at the recent St. Eunan’s College Prizegiving function.
The Town Mayor, Cllr. D. Blake paid tribute to Paddy Harte on the the Island of Ireland Peace Park and on the publication of “Young Tigers & Mongrel Foxes�
The Town Mayor, Cllr. D. Blake congratulated Glenties on winning the Donegal Senior Championship and commiserated with St. Eunan’s.
The Town Mayor, Cllr. D. Blake congratulated Paddy Doherty, Town Clerk and his wife Caroline on the birth of their baby daughter.
The Town Mayor, Cllr. D. Blake expressed best wished to the County Manager’s wife Imelda and wished her a speedy recovery.
RECEPTION OF DEPUTATIONS
On the proposal of Cllr. V. Fisher seconded by Cllr. J. Crossan the Members agreed to receive a deputation from “Emley Developments� at a future meeting of the Council.
On the proposal of Cllr. V. Fisher seconded by Cllr. J. Crossan the Members agreed to receive a deputation from “Donegal Brance of Vintners Federation of Ireland� at a future meeting of the Council.
On the proposal of Cllr. G. Mc Mongle seconded by Cllr. N. Clarke the Members agreed to receive a deputation from “Forever Development� at a future meeting of the Council.
On the proposal of Cllr. V. Fisher seconded by Cllr. J. Crossan the Members agreed to receive a deputation from “Donegal Youth Service� at a future meeting of the Council.
PROPOSED VARIATION NO.2-URBAN DESIGN FRAMEWORK FOR LETTERKENNY TOWN CENTRE EXTENSION
Mr. F. Coyle, Director, D.C.C. outlined to the Members that as part of the Letterkenny & Environs Development Plan Mac Gabhann Architects had been commissioned by the Council to prepare an Urban Design Brief to guide future development within an area of land identified in the Development Plan as the Letterkenny Town centre Extension.
The Town Mayor, Cllr. D. Blake welcomed the Mac Gabhann brothers to the meeting. The Mac Gabhann brothers gave a detailed presentation to the Members of their Design Brief. A lengthy discussion followed with Cllr. J. Lynch outlining that he felt that the historic town centre was suffering. The Mac Gabhann Architects.
outlined to the Members that this plan was an extension of the existing town centre and would compliment the existing town centre. Further discussion followed with the Members welcoming the proposed development of the River Swilly.
Mr. F. Coyle asked the Members for their agreement in principle to the Design Brief. He outlined to the Members that the plans would be updated with current applications that the updated plan would be brought back to the Members at the November Meeting of the Council with a proposal to proceed to the public consultation stage. On the proposal of Cllr. C. Brogan seconded by Cllr. D. Blake the Members agreed to the Design Brief in principle and it was agreed that the member would be brought back before the Members at the November Meeting of the Council.
DONEGAL CANCER CARE GROUP
The Town Mayor, Cllr. D. Blake welcomed the deputation from the Donegal Cancer Care Group to the meeting. The spokesperson for the group, Ms. Noelle Duddy addressed the meeting outlining the current lack of facilities in Donegal for Cancer Care. Ms. Duddy outlined to the Members their current campaign to have Cancer Care Facilities improved dramatically in Donegal and asked that the Members endorse their campaign. A lengthy discussion followed with the Members thanking the deputation for their presentation and commitment and it was agreed that the Town Clerk would write to the Minister endorsing their campaign and also requesting a meeting with Letterkenny Town Council.
BYE - LAWS – TAXI STANDS
On the proposal of Cllr. C. Brogan seconded by Cllr. V. Fisher the Members adopted the Letterkenny Appointed Stands (Taxis) bye-Laws 2005.
LETTERKENNY & ENVIRONS WATER SUPPLY
Mr. P. Mc Rory, D.C.C. updated the Members in relation to the Letterkenny and Environs Water Supply. In relation to the Letterkenny Water Supply No. 2 Augmentation Scheme the Members were advised that the tender evaluation report from our consultants, Ryan Hanley Ltd., was submitted to the DEHLG in June. Upon approval Donegal County Council can then proceed to construction.
In relation to Letterkenny Water Supply – emergency Works at Lough Greenan the Members were advised that discussions are ongoing with the Northern Regional Fisheries Board to ensure that any possible water abstraction will be compatible with fisheries interests. Of particular concern is the presence of Arctic Char fish species.
In relation to the Letterkenny Water Supply – water Strategy Study the Members were advised that Nicholas O’Dwyer Ltd., Consulting Engineers, have been engaged to examine the Letterkenny & Environs water supply area and to give proposals to adequately service the area. Draft proposals have been received. This work is not on
any capital programme and a funding source has yet to be identified for these proposals.
In relation to the Letterkenny/Lough Mourne Regional Water Supply Scheme the Members were advised that An Bord Pleanal recently held an oral hearing into the EIS and COP for the scheme. Approval by the Bord and approval of the Engineering Report by the DEHLG is required to proceed to contract document stage.
A lengthy discussion followed with the Members stressing the importance of the water shortage being addressed. The County Manager, M. Mc Loone outlined to the Members that a report would be given to them in relation to Capital Projects under the Development Contribution Scheme with likely costs etc.
REVISION OF REMUNERATION – PENSIONS
On the proposal of Cllr. G. Mc Monagle seconded by Cllr. V. Fisher the Members approved the Revision of Remuneration – National Pay Scales for Pensioners – Application of increases under the final phase of benchmarking and section 14.2 of the mid-term review of part two of sustaining progress.
DISPOSAL OF PROPERTY
On the proposal of Cllr. G. Mc Monagle seconded by Cllr. C. Brogan the Members agreed to the disposal of property at Ballyboe/Glencar to Letterkenny Community Development Project Ltd as circulated in Section 183 Notice dated 29th September 2005.
MART SITE
In answer to his question Cllr. N. Clarke was advised that the request to rezone the Old Mart Site is currently with the Forward planning Section, Donegal County Council who has advised that it is hoped to initiate the process in early November.
WATER SUPPLY SCHEME
In answer to his question Cllr. N. Clarke was advise that Donegal Council have advised that Nicholas O’Dwyer Ltd., Consulting Engineers were engaged to examine the Letterkenny and Environs Water Supply area to give proposals to adequately service the whole plan area. Draft proposals have been received, which include proposals to service areas South of the River Swilly. None of these works have yet been carried out. It is hoped that the first tranche of works South of the River will be carried out shortly in conjunction with housing development in the area.
SEWERAGE TREATMENT PLANT
In answer to his question Cllr. N. Clarke was informed that Donegal County Council have advised that the Compulsory Purchase Order has been confirmed by An Bord Pleanala. Donegal County Council now have right to enter onto site and go into negotiations with land Owner concerned.
LIGHTS
In answer to his question Cllr. J. Lynch was advised that applications received from Councillors in relation to the provision of lights have been forwarded to the ESB for processing.
SITE FOR NEW GAEL CHOLAISTE
In answer to his question Cllr. J. Lynch was advised that the Council has had no formal notification that the site behind Church of Irish Martyrs zoned educational in the Development Plan is the site for the new Gael Cholaiste and Primary School.
RAMPS
In answer to his question Cllr. J. Lynch was advised that a report on areas requesting ramps will be furnished at a future meeting of the Council.
LIGHT – ISLAND AT GORLEE
In answer to her question re the possibility of providing a light on the island at Gortlee, Cllr. J. Crossan was advised that the Council are currently looking at providing public lightning on the Carnamuggagh side of Gortlee Road as highlighted by the Gardai earlier this year. These lights would from part of the 2006 Road Works Programme if the Members so wish.
NATIONAL/COUNCIL FLAG
In answer to her question Cllr. J. Crossan was advised that the Council can arrange for the flying of the National Flag outside the building.
IRISH CLASSES
In answer to her question Cllr. J. Crossan was advised that the contact be made with Sean O Daimhin with the view to having Irish Classes arranged fro Members of the Council and others who are interested.
BYPASS ROAD VIA DUNNES TO SALLAGHGRANE
In answer to his question Cllr. G. Mc Monagle as advised that Donegal County Council have informed that in their agreed programme of work that the bypass road via Dunnes to Sallaghagrane is the next priority after the Business Park Road and Link Road from Kilmacrennan Road to the Creamery. Road Design have begun work on the design of this bypass.
FOOTPATH REPAIRS
In answer to his question Cllr. G. Mc Monagle was informed that Donegal County Council have advised that they will endeavour to appoint a contractor by the end of
the year. Letterkenny Town Council are currently doing an audit of footpath in the Letterkenny Urban area in conjunction with the Irish Council for the Blind.
SIGNALLED PEDESTRIAN CROSSINGS
In answer to his question Cllr. G. Mc Monagle was advised the Council have met on site and carried out an initial audit with Mr. Danny Cahill, Irish Council for the Blind – the information has now been completed and currently being processed.
PEDESTRIAN CROSSING – HAWTHORN HEIGHTS
In answer to his question Cllr. D. Blake was advised that the provision of a pedestrian crossing at the entrance to Hawthorne Heights can be considered as part of the 2006 Roadworks Programme if the Members so wish.
OLD GLENCAR ROAD/FERNHILL
In answer to his question Cllr. C. Brogan was advised that works on the footpaths at Old Glencar Road/Fernhill Road is currently ongoing and will be complete by the end of this week.
ARDCRANNAGH/LONG LANE
In answer to his question Cllr. C. Brogan was advised that the footpaths at Ardcrannagh are currently ready for an overlay which is hoped will be complete within the next couple of weeks with work in footpaths at Long Lane to commence this week.
MOTIONS – CLLR. J. HARTE
Cllr. J. Harte asked that his motions be deferred to the next meeting of the Council.
TRAFFIC – OLDTOWN AREA
Cllr. N. Clarke proposed that we make a study of traffic through the Oldtown area its relationship to pedestrians and lack of linkage to the rest of the town. On proposing the motion Cllr. N. Clarke that serious difficulties existing getting into the town from this area. On seconding the motion, Cllr. G. Mc Monagle outlined that a number of major housing developments were planned in the area and asked that the Engineer would investigate the possibility of a pedestrian bridge in conjunction with the Oldtown Bridge. Cllr. Victor Fisher proposed that the old iron bridge which had an historic value be restored. This was seconded by Cllr. D. Blake.
BUS PARKING – PEARSE ROAD
On the proposal of Cllr. N. Clarke seconded by Cllr. V. Fisher it was agreed that the Council give consideration to the creation of bus parking bays at the Dunnes Stores end of the Pearse Road to cater for the west bound buses.
CASUAL TRADING
On the proposal of Cllr. J. Lynch seconded by Cllr. N. Clarke it was agreed that this Council discuss by-laws, rights and allocated areas etc for casual and Market Trading. On proposing the motion Cllr. J. Lynch outlined that a number of issues regarding clarification including extinguishing market rights, categories of sales, control of ticket selling, licence fee etc. Cllr. J. Lynch outlined that the location for trading had to be fare and that a market area adds character to any town. A brief discussion followed with Members outlining that existing traders should be consulted when a casual trading area is being considered.
RAMPS ON LARKIN’S LANE/TRAFFIC CALMING
Cllr. J. Lynch proposed that we provide ramps on Larkin’s lane. This motion was seconded by Cllr. C. Brogan. On proposing the motion Cllr. J. Lynch outlined that a number of complaints had been received from residents in the area in relation to cars speeding etc. Cllr. C. Brogan proposed that we discuss the traffic calming measures in Letterkenny. On proposing the motion Cllr. C. Brogan asked that a special meeting with the Town Engineeer be arranged in relation to traffic calming. On proposing the motion Cllr. C. Brogan thanked the Town Engineer for the recent traffic calming measures on Longlane and Gortlee but that other areas also required attention including James Larkin’s Court, Grange at Glencar etc. Cllr. C. Brogan’s motion was seconded by Cllr. J. Lynch.
MART SITE
Cllr. J. Lynch proposed that this Council take action in rendering the Mart safe. This motion was seconded by Cllr. V. Fisher. The County Manager, M. Mc Loone outlined to the Members that the legal position in relation to the Mart was that 40 years had now passed of the 99 year lease. The Mart Committee/Shareholders were now in position to evoke a procedure through County registrar to receive a freehold interest and be the legal owners. The County Manager further advised the members that the Council could take action under the Derelict Site Act. A lengthy discussion followed with the Members asking the Council write to the Mart Committee requested them to make the building safe.
ATM – AUGHANINSHIN
On the proposal of Cllr. J. Crossan seconded by Cllr. V. Fisher it was agreed that the Council consult with the Banks and businesses with a view to the installation of an ATM in the parish of Aughaninshin.
ACCESS – PUBLIC SERVICES CENTRE
On the proposal of Cllr. D. Blake seconded by Cllr. V. Fisher it was agreed that this Council priorities improvements in pedestrian access and access for those with disabilities to the Public Services Centre.
CYCLE LANES
On the proposal of Cllr. D. Blake seconded by Cllr. G. Mc Monagle it was agreed that this Council commits to increasing the amount of cycle lanes available and reinforces the visibility of those currently in place.
GROUP FUNDING
On the proposal of Cllr. D. Blake seconded by Cllr. V. Fisher it was agreed that this Council requests that all groups seeking funding over 25,000 from our 2006 budget make a presentation to Members.
This concluded the business of the meeting.