Minutes: November 2005
November 14th, 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 14TH NOVEMBER, 2005 AT 6.00 PM
MEMBERS PRESENT:
Cllr. D. Blake, Town Mayor, Cllr. J. Crossan, Cllr. V. Fisher, Cllr. C. Brogan, Cllr. G. Mc Monagle, Cllr. N. Clarke, Cllr. D. Larkin and Cllr. J. Lynch
OFFICIALS PRESENT:
M. Mc Loone, County Manager
P. Doherty, Town Clerk
M. Mc Fadden, Town Engineer
F. Coyel, Director (Planning)
F. Friel, Asst. Town Clerk
ADOPTION OF MINUTES
On the proposal of Cllr. V. Fisher seconded by Cllr. N. Clarke the Minutes of Monthly Meeting held on 10th October, 2005 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.
CORRESPONDENCE
The Town Clerk, P. Doherty informed the Members of the 17th National Tourism Conference to be held on 25th & 26th November, 2005 in the Falls Hotel, Ennistymon, Co. Clare. The Members having been informed 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. D. Blake and Cllr. J. Lynch.
The Town Clerk, P. Doherty, informed the Members of the Local Economic Development Conference 2005 to be held in the Radisson Hotel, Limerick on 24th November, 2005. The Members having been informed 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. G. Mc Monagle and Cllr. C. Brogan..
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 welcomed the recent announcement of €60,000 towards a skateboard park in Letterkenny.
The Town Mayor congratulated the Letterkenny Athletic Club on winning the National Marathon.
The Town Mayor, Cllr. D. Blake congratulated Letterkenny Rugby Club and the Dave Gallagher Association in Ramelton on the recent visit of the New Zealand All Blacks to Letterkenny and Ramelton.
RECEPTION OF DEPUTATION – FOREVER FATHERS
The Town Mayor, Cllr. D. Blake welcomed a deputation from Forever Fathers to the meeting. The deputation outlined to the Members the current housing issues and recommended the creation of a “Dad’s Home� which would provide overnight accommodation for Dads and kids and also a variety of courses etc. A brief discussion followed with the Town Mayor thanking the deputation for their presentation.
FIXING OF DATE FOR BUDGET MEETING 2006
On the proposal of Cllr. D. Larkin seconded by Cllr. C. Brogan it was agreed that the 2006 Budget meeting would be held on 20th December, 2006 at 7 pm.
APPROVAL OF OVERDRAFT ACCOMMODATION
On the proposal of Cllr. D. Larkin seconded by Cllr. C. Brogan approved overdraft accommodation in the sum of €2.5m to 30th June, 2006.
LETTERKENNY & ENVIRONS DEVELOPMENT PLAN 2003-2009
VARIATION NO. 2
Francie Coyle, Director (Planning) outlined to the Members that it was now proposed to go to public consultation in relation to Variation No. 2 – Urban design Framework for Letterkenny Town Centre Extension. Francie Coyle outlined to the Members that this brief was to guide future development within an area of land identified in the Development Plan as the Letterkenny Town Centre Extension. A brief discussion followed and on the proposal of Cllr. D. Larkin seconded by Cllr. C. Brogan it was agreed that the Variation No. 2 go for public consultation for a period of 4 weeks and that the Manager’s report would be presented to the Members at a future Meeting of the Council.
LETTERKENNY & ENVIRONS DEVELOPMENT PLAN 2003-2009
VARIATION NO. 3
On the proposal of Cllr. D. Blake seconded by Cllr. C. Brogan it was agreed to defer the matter pending further discussion with the Council Solicitor.
DRAFT DEVELOPMETN CONTRIBUTION SCHEME 2006-2007
The Town Clerk, P. Doherty outlined to the Members the details of the Draft Development Contribution Scheme as circulated. A brief discussion followed and on the proposal of Cllr. G. Mc Monagle seconded by Cllr. J. Crossan it was agreed that the Council proceed with public consultation process.
TRAFFIC CALMING
M. Mc Fadden, Town Engineer presented the Members with a report on Traffic Calming in relation to traffic calming measures recently put in place and further proposals within the coming weeks. A brief discussion followed with the Members thanking M. Mc Fadden for his report and also congratulated him on the success of the traffic calming measures recently installed. It was agreed that the Town Engineer would re-examine traffic calming on the Circular Road and that Iona Road, St. Hunan’s College and Raman Road also be looked at in relation to provision of traffic calming measures.
OAKLANDS PARK
In answer to his question Cllr. D. Larkin was advised that a meeting has been scheduled with Oakland Residents Association this week to discuss issues within the Estate. Application for funding of play areas are currently under the remit of Donegal County Council.
ROAD SAFETY – ST. EUNAN’S COLLEGE
In answer to his question Cllr. D. Larkin was advised that a meeting can be arranged with the Principal of St. Hunan’s College in relation to road safety in due course.
LITTER BINS
In answer to his question Cllr. D. Larkin as advised that the Council provides an annual provision of €10,000 for replacement of bins each year with bins replaced on an ongoing basis. A proposal has been received from an outside Company with regard to sponsorship of bins which is currently being assessed.
LITTER BINS – SLIEVE SNEACHT
In answer to his question Cllr. N. Clarke was advised that in relation to the 3 street litter bins for Slieve Sneacht that one of the street litterbins is currently in place with the other 2 bins proposed to be installed this week.
DRAINAGE SYSTEM
In answer to his question Cllr. N. Clarke was advised that Dr. Mc Ginley Road area is within the control of Letterkenny Town Council having regard to the Boundary Extension from 01.01.04.
CHILDCARE FACILITES
In answer to his question Cllr. N. Clarke was advised that to date one developer has complied with the requirements for childcare facilities. This is the only development which relates to the Town Council area.
MEETING WITH GARDAI
In answer to his question Cllr. G. Mc Monagle was advised that the Chief Superintendent has proposed 8 pm on Monday, 28th November, 2005 for the said meeting.
TOWN BUS SERVICE
In answer to his question Cllr. G. Mc Monagle was advised that following a recent meeting of the Transport Committee it has been agreed that a detailed report would be prepared by the Council Officials for submission to various Government Departments with a view to seeking funding for provision of a Town Bus.
MUNICIPAL POLICY COMMITTEE
In answer to this question Cllr. G. Mc Monagle was advised that the Council have in recent days received the outstanding nominations and the matter will be raised again at the December Meeting of the Council for consideration.
ELECTRONIC VOTING MACHINES
In answer to his question Cllr. J. Lynch was advised that he Council do not have a supply of Electronic Voting Machines.
LOCAL INFRASTRUCTURE
In answer to his question Cllr. J. Lynch was advised that the priority for local infrastructure is included in detail in the Draft Development Contribution Scheme. The Scheme details the projects on an individual basis together with the various funding mechanisms.
COUNCILLORS ALLOCATION
In answer to his question Cllr. J. Lynch was advised that it is proposed to introduce the policy of dividing equally Councillors allocation on Conferences from January 2006 where Members will receive an annual allowance in respect of expenses incurred and choose conference of their preference.
KILTOY ROAD
In answer to his question Cllr. V. Fisher was advised that Works on Kiltoy Road will be completed as part of the 2006 Roads Grants with work due to commence in late January.
ROSEMOUNT TERRACE
In answer to his question Cllr.V. Fisher was advised that works have commenced in Rosemount Terrace with tarring to be carried out within the next 2 weeks.
FOOTPATHS – LOWER MAIN STREET
In answer to his question Cllr. V. Fisher was advised that footpath repair at Lower Main Street can form part of the 2006 Roadworks Programme if the Members so wish.
WOLFETONE PLACE AND ARDCRANNAGH
In answer to his question Cllr. C. Brogan was advised that works at Wolfe Tone Place and Ardcrannagh are currently ongoing with completion in approximately 2 weeks.
CARNAMUGGAGH ROUNDABOUT – BUSINESS PARK ROAD
In answer to his question Cllr. C. Brogan was advised that the motion passed by the members at a previous meeting regarding roundabout at Business Park Road has since been referred to Roads and Transport Directorate. Donegal County Council have advised that the Contractors will be coming on site this week to bitmac the business Park Road up to the new Prumerica roundabout. However, the location concerning the roundabout at Devenney’s farm will be omitted at this time.
FIRE ALARMS
In answer to her question Cllr. J. Crossan was advised that it is Council policy to have fire alarms fitted in each of the Council houses with the current installation of alarms nearing completion.
CARAVAN – BUSINESS PARK
In answer to her question Cllr. J. Crossan was advised that the caravan in the Business Park has now been removed.
LETTERKENNY LEISURE COMPLEX
Cllr. D. Larkin proposed that this Council ensure that the needs of the Local Clubs i.e. Letterkenny Athletic Club, Swilly seals, Letterkenny Rovers and Community Groups be inserted into any agreement reached for a Management Company for our new Leisure Centre. On proposing the motion Cllr. D. Larkin outlined that these groups were doing outstanding works and asked that the different sporting organisations be consulted and that a community spirit be generated. This motion was seconded by Cllr. V. Fisher. A brief discussion followed with the members requesting that the Project Manager meet with the bodies in question.
LECK GRAVEYARD – CARPARKING
On the proposal of Cllr. D. Larkin seconded by Cllr. C. Brogan it was agreed that the Council look at using the lands left over from road works at Leck Graveyard for a Car Park. A brief discussion followed with the Members supporting the motion and asked that proper consultation with the public take place.
FENCE – SLIEVE SNEACHT
Cllr. N. Clarke proposed that a protective fence be erected behind the hedges on the green area of Slieve Sneacht road. This motion was seconded by Cllr. V. Fisher. A brief discussion followed and it was agreed that consultation would take place with the residents and that a costing would be provided to the Members.
UNDERPASS BETWEEN 2 HOSPITALS
On the proposal of Cllr. N. Clarke seconded by Cllr. C. Brogan it was agreed that Letterkenny Town Council consult with HSE about the possibility of constructing an underpass between the two hospitals on the High Road providing safe corridor for both vehicles and pedestrians.
DONEGAL CANCER CARE GROUP
Cllr. N. Clarke proposed that this Council provide some funding towards Donegal Cancer Care Group to assist practically towards their campaign. This motion was seconded by Cllr. D. Larkin.
TESTING OF VEHICLES
On the proposal of Cllr. G. Mc Monagle seconded by Cllr. J. Crossan and on the proposal of Cllr. J. Crossan seconded by Cllr. G. Mc Monagle it was agreed that this Council write a letter of protest to Minister for Transport, Martin Cullen at decision to suspend testing of drivers of articulated vehicles in Letterkenny and call on his Department to identify an alternative site in Letterkenny as soon as possible. A brief discussion followed and it was agreed that the Council request to meet with the Minster in this regard and in the interim arrange a meeting with Mr. Tony Lenox, Supervisor.
PLAY AREA – LOWER ARD O’DONNELL
Cllr. J. Lynch proposed that the mini car park at Lower Ard O’Donnell/Mc Kendricks field be redesigned to accommodate a play area for the children in this area. On proposing the motion Cllr. J. Lynch outlined that this was a very busy area and children had nowhere to play. This motion was seconded by Cllr. V. Fisher. A brief discussion followed with the Members supporting the motion and it was agreed that the Town Engineer would examine the area and providing a costing for same.
NEIGHBOURHOOD WOOD SCHEME
Cllr. J. Lynch proposed that this Council co-ordinate with Forest Link with object of setting up a Neighbourhood Wood Scheme. This motion was seconded by Cllr. D. Larkin and it was agreed that we write to Geraldine O’Sullivan in this regard.
DRUMANY-DROMORE ROAD
On the proposal of Cllr. J. Lynch seconded by Cllr. C. Brogan it was agreed that the Council give consideration to remedial road works – road widening, pull in bays on the Drumany-Dromore Road.
ROAD LINING PORT ROAD
Cllr. V. Fisher proposed that the Port Road is lined 2 way as far as Golden Grill as it delays traffic movements on the Port Road. Cllr. D. Blake proposed that the motion be amended do that the Port Road be lined as far down as possible. Therefore on the proposal of Cllr. V. Fisher seconded by Cllr. D. Blake it was agreed that the Port Road be lined 2 way as far down as possible as it delays traffic movements on the Port Road.
RAMPS – GLENCAR ROAD/CONVENT ROAD
On the proposal of Cllr. V. Fisher seconded by Cllr. D. Larkin it was agreed that the Council give consideration to the provision of ramps on the Glencar Road and Convent Road.
EMPTY HOUSES
Cllr. V. Fisher proposed that this Council acts urgently on the number of empty houses that are on our Council lists. This motion was seconded by Cllr. D. Blake. The Town Clerk, P. Doherty informed the Members that applicants were currently being assessed by the EHO and that allocations would take place immediately EHO reports were received.
JUNCTION – OLIVER PLUNKETT ROAD/PEARSE ROAD
On the proposal of Cllr. J. Crossan seconded by Cllr. C. Brogan it was agreed that the junction at bottom of Oliver Plunkett Road and Pearse Road be assessed with a view to examining left turning movements at this location.
CANTEEN FACILITIES
On the proposal of Cllr. J. Crossan seconded by Cllr. D. Larkin it was agreed that the Council request Donegal County Council to consider provision of a full-time canteen to serve these offices.
MEETING – GARDAI
Cllr. C. Brogan proposed that the Council meet as a matter of urgency with the new Chief Superintendent to discuss ongoing issues in Letterkenny. The Town Clerk. P. Doherty advised that a meeting had been arranged with the Chief Superintendent for
Monday, 28th November, 2005.
ROAD MARKINGS
Cllr. C. Brogan proposed that we discuss road markings in and around Letterkenny. This motion was seconded by Cllr. D. Larkin. On proposing the motion Cllr. C. Brogan outlined that road markings provide greater safety on the roads and that a condition should exist on planning applications for road markings to be put in place at exit to estates etc. A brief discussion followed with the Members supporting the motion.
This concluded the business of the meeting.