Minutes: January 2006
January 9th, 2006MINUTES AND PROCEEDINGS OF MONTHLY MEETING OF LETTERKENNY TOWN COUNCIL HELD IN THE TOWN COUNCILOFFICES ON MONDAY 9TH JANUARY, 2006 AT 7 PM
OFFICIALS PRESENT:
P. Doherty, Town Clerk
M. Mc Fadden, Town Engineer
R. Diver, Planner
F. Friel, Asst. Town Clerk
MEMBERS PRESENT:
Cllr. D. Blake, Town Mayor, Cllr. C. Brogan, Cllr. V. Fisher, Cllr. J. Lynch, Cllr. N. Clarke, Cllr. G. Mc Monagle, Cllr. J. Harte and Cllr. D. Larkin
APOLOGIES:
M. Mc Loone, County Manager
Cllr. J. Crossan
ADOPTION OF MINUTES
On the proposal of Cllr. D. Larkin seconded by Cllr. C. Brogan the Minutes of In-Committee Meeting held on 12th December, 2005 were adopted by the Members.
On the proposal of Cllr. V. Fisher seconded by Clr. D. Blake the Minutes of Monthly Meeting held on 12th December, 2005 were adopted by the Members.
On the proposal of Cllr. D. Larkin seconded by Cllr. J. Harte the Minutes of Budget Meeting held on 20th December, 2005 were adopted by the Members.
MANAGER’S ORDERS
Orders made by the County Manager were noted by the Members.
The Members congratulated Anthony Sheridan on his appointment as temporary Leisure Centre Manager and wished Dermot Kelly all the best in the future. It was agreed that a letter be sent to Dermot in this regard.
Cllr. V. Fisher again raised his concerns in relation to the number of taxi licences being issued and it was a agreed that the Council seek a meeting with the Minister in this regard.
CORRESPONDENCE
The Town Clerk advised the Members that as previously agreed details of Conferences would now be circulated to each Member. Members could now choose their Conference and claim on attendance within their allocated budget.
The Town Clerk advised the Members of a letter received from the Green Party in relation to recycling facility at Cullion Road, Letterkenny and it was agreed that same would be forwarded to the Environment Section, Donegal County Council for their attention.
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 Letterkenny’s success in receiving funding for CCTV.
The Town Mayor, Cllr. D. Blake welcomed the current public consultation stage in relation to proposed variation of Letterkenny and environs Development Plan 2003-2009 with regard to the area of the Town Centre Extension and asked that everyone examine the plan and make their submissions.
DRAFT ROADWORKS PROGRAMME 2006
On the proposal of Cllr. J. Harte seconded by Cllr. D. Larkin the Members approved the Draft Roadworks Pogramme 2006 as presented.
ST. PATRICK’S DAY TRIP 2006
In relation to the 2006 St. Patrick’s Day Trip it was agreed that the Town Mayor, Cllr. D.Blake, Deputy Mayor, Cllr. C. Brogan, Council Official and a third Councillor which would be drawn by lot would attend the 2006 St. Patrick’s Day Parade in Philadelphia and New York. The name drawn on this occasion was Cllr. J. Harte. It was also agreed that the delegation would visit Elizabethtown with whom Letterkenny is twinned.
DR. MC GINLEY ROAD JUNCTION
In rely to his question, Cllr. G. Mc Monagle was advised that this matter has been referred to Road Design for redesign with proposals for a new layout expected early in New Year. The pedestrian crossing has been reviewed and moved to a safer location to satisfaction of school concerned.
PADDY HARTE ROAD
In answer to his question Cllr. G. Mc Monagle was advised that the lights on the Paddy Harte Road have been operation prior to X-Mas.
ENTRANCE/EXIT TESCO SHOPPING CENTRE
In answer to his question Cllr. G. Mc Monagle was advised that Tesco Ireland had submitted a planning application proposing to open a new one-way exit access only between Tobins ad RTE on the Port Road. However, after discussions with the NRA and Donegal County Council this proposal will be resubmitted showing this road as two-way as per recommendation from Donegal County Council and NRA.
EMIGRANTS
In answer to his question Cllr. N. Clarke was advised that the provision of housing for returning emigrants is dealt with under the Voluntary Housing where approved housing bodies can allocate up to 25% of accommodation in respect of returning emigrants to satisfy eligible criteria.
INSULTATION
In answer to his question Cllr. N. Clarke was advised that following a recent survey all remaining 56 no. houses have had cavity wall insulation works carried out.
CHARLIE DALY TERRACE
In answer to his question Cllr. N. Clarke was advised that it is proposed to repair the rear gates at Charlie Daly Terrace subject to the approval of residents in the area.
LAPTOPS
In answer to his question Cllr. V. Fisher was advised that laptops will be provided to the Town Councillors.
HOUSES UNOCCUPIED
In answer to his question Cllr. V. Fisher was advised that there are approximately 15 no. houses due for allocation, 7 of which are recent house purchases.
FOOTPATHS REPAIR – MAIN STREET
In answer to his question Cllr. V. Fisher was advised that this matter will be referred to Donegal County Council Sanitary Section as the footpaths on Main Street are within their remit.
RESIDENTS PARKING – ARD O’DONNELL
In answer to this question Cllr. D. Larkin was advised that the roadlining contractor will be in the area within the next few weeks and this work will be attended to.
COMMUNITY PERSON
In answer to his question Cllr. D. Larkin was advised that provision has been made for the employment of a Development Officer for the Town for 2006.
SPORTS COMPLEX
In answer to his question Cllr. D. Larkin was advised that it is envisaged that the Leisure Complex will be complete in late 2006
LIGHTS
In answer to his question Cllr. J. Lynch was advised that the request for lights is currently with the ESB and the Town Engineer has forwarded a reminder and is awaiting a reply.
PLAQUE – MONUMENT AT COURTHOUSE
In answer to his question Cllr. J. Lynch was advised that a plaque on the monument outside the Court House if the Members so wish.
SIGNAGE ON TRAFFIC ISLANDS
In answer to his question Cllr. J. Lynch was advised that the Town Council are responsible for local roads within the Town with the County Council responsible for National Regional Roads.
PEDESTRIAN FOOTBRIDGE
Cllr. G. Mc Monagle proposed that the Town Engineer bring before the Council at the earliest opportunity a plan and costings for the provision of a pedestrian footbridge adjacent to the current Oldtown Bridge. This motion was seconded by Cllr. D. Larkin. On proposing the motion Cllr. G. Mc Monagle welcomed the allocation under the 2006 Road Works Programme for this project in the interest of pedestrian safety.
BOLLARDS – BLACKS CENTRA TO BALLYMACOOL
Cllr. G. Mc Monagle proposed that this Council erect bollards along the footpath from Blacks Centra shop to Ballymacool Terrace to prevent parking on the footpath as it is forcing pedestrians to take to the road. This motion was seconded by Cllr. C. Brogan. On proposing the motion Cllr. G. Mc Monagle stated that lorries/cars etc were parking on the footpath and in the interest of pedestrian safety, bollards or safety railings were required. Cllr. D. Larkin outlined that businesses in the area also had to be supported and asked that this motion be amended awaiting a report from the Town Engineer. A brief discussion followed and it was agreed that the Town Engineer would prepare a report for the next meeting of the Council.
SIGNAGE – ESTATES
Cllr. N. Clarke proposed that we identify those estates/terraces etc. lacking in signage for whatever reason and upgrade or hang new signs at Daly Terrace., Daigenham Terrace are but two. This motion was seconded by Cllr. D. Larkin who outlined that this was a problem for emergency vehicles. Cllr. C. Brogan outlined that being a Member of the Place Names Committee, €9,000 had been allocated towards signage.
HEATING SYSTEMS
On the proposal of Cllr. N. Clarke seconded by Cllr. D. Larkin it was agreed that we take a look at the heating systems installed in Council owned apartments and move away from the electricity based option as it has clearly failed and move to a more economical community based option in future.
MART SITE
Cllr. N. Clarke proposed that all legal moves on the former mart be suspended until the residents committee have ample time to obtain legal opinion of their own. Cllr. J. Lynch proposed that this Council request our legal advisors to consult legal Council on the mart issues and delay arbitration until a second opinion is assessed. As the Mart issue was discussed at a previous meeting of the Council these motions were withdrawn.
FOOTBALL PITCH – MCNEELY VILLAS
Cllr. V. Fisher proposed that this Council extends the football pitch at McNeely Villas so that it is suitable for all schoolboy’s football. Cllr. D. Blake proposed that that this motion be deferred until the Council liaise with the residents and stakeholders etc. This was agreed by Cllr. V. Fisher.
LIGHTING
Cllr. V. Fisher proposed that this Council in conjunction with the ESB repair lights urgently all around town as lights are out in places for over 6 months. This motion was seconded by Cllr. D. Larkin. On seconding the motion Cllr. D. Larkin asked that Paul Doherty, ESB be invited to attend a meeting with the Council as the public were unsatisfied with the current service. A brief discussion followed with the Members also expressing their dissatisfaction and it was agreed that the Council request a meeting with the ESB.
FESTIVAL FUND
Cllr. D. Larkin proposed that given the great support this Council has given to festivals and events over the years, that we now include in our Budget book a festival fund to support Letterkenny Reunion, Fleadh Cheoil, Pipe Band All Ireland and the Pan Celtic Festival. On proposing the motion Cllr. D. Larkin thanked the Town Clerk in having the above included in the 2006 Budget which had since been adopted.
NEIL T. BLANEY ROAD/PADDY HARTE ROAD
Cllr. D. Larkin proosed that the Council show us a plan and timetable for works on the Neil T. Blaney Road, Paddy Harte road including footpaths, crossings, roundabouts etc. On proposing the motion Cllr. D. Larkin outlined that crossings were now in new plans for entrance to Aldi and that footpaths should now be the main priority in this area. This motion was seconded by Cllr. G. Mc Monagle.
EASTER RISING – ANNIVERSARY
On the proposal of Cllr. D. Larkin seconded by Cllr. G. Mc Monagle it was agreed that this Council mark and celebrate the anniversary of 90 years since the Easter Rising of 1916 in 2006. On proposing the motion Cllr. D. Larkin asked that a steering group be set up and that national schools/museums/theatres/libraries etc be involved. On seconding the motion Cllr. G. Mc Monagle welcomed the celebration and asked that this Council send an official delegation to Dromboe on Easter Sunday. A brief discussion followed with the Members in support of the motion.
PUBLIC LIGHT – CORNER OF SENTRY HILL
On the proposal of Cllr. J. Lynch seconded by Cllr. V. Fisher it was agreed that the Council erect a public light on the corner of Sentry Hill opposite Cattle Mart.
ST. COLUMBA’S TERRACE
Cllr. D. Larkin proposed that a process be set in motion to curtail all day parking opposite St. Columba’s Terrace. On proposing the motion Cllr. J. Lynch outlined that due to all day parking, businesses in the area were suffering. This motion was seconded by Cllr. V. Fisher with Cllr. C. Brogan requesting that the Town Clerk liaise with Fitz Howard re the possibility of opening up the old Fire Station area for parking as a matter of urgency.
This concluded the business of the meeting.
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One Response to “Minutes: January 2006”
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October 12th, 2006 at 3:40 pm
Just wondering if cllr G. McMonagle in anyway related my father a Mr Charles Mc Monagle told me his family all orininaly came from Letterkenny moved to Glasgow in Scotland. I now Live in South Arica and tracing family roots.