Minutes of April 07 Monthly Meeting

MINUTES OF APRIL MONTHLY MEETING OF ATHY TOWN COUNCIL HELD AT 7.00 P.M. ON WEDNESDAY, 18TH APRIL 2007 IN THE MUNICIPAL OFFICES, RATHSTEWART, ATHY.

CATHAOIRLEACH : COUNCILLOR BRESLIN

COUNCILLORS IN ATTENDANCE : COUNCILLORS CUNNANE,
DALTON, DALY, ENGLISH,
LAWLER, O’SULLIVAN,
SCULLY, WRIGHT.


OFFICIALS IN ATTENDANCE : T SKEHAN, TOWN MANAGER,
H. DOWLING, TOWN CLERK,
C. FLYNN, SENIOR EX ENGINEER
N. DILLON, TOWN ENGINEER
JOHN LAHART, DIRECTOR OF
SERVICES FOR PLANNING
AOIFE BRANGAN, SENIOR EX
T.KELLY, STAFF OFFICER

JP NOLAN, AREA MANAGER ESB


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The Cathaoirleach welcomed John Lahart Director of Services for Planning and Aoife Brangan Senior Executive Planner from Kildare County Council who were here to give an update on planning in Athy over the last twelve months


They reported to the members the following:

· That 610 housing units which were granted over the last twelve months

· On the level of planning applications received and processed by Athy Town Council over the same period

· That over the last twelve months the Senior Executive Planner has met with builders and developers when requested and this has been a great success

The regular planning meetings between the Town Clerk and John Lahart and Aoife Brangan.

Cllr Lawler stated that he had seen a major improvement in the level of planning service over the last year.

Cllr Dalton agreed and added that this was evident with the planning application for the Community College which was got out within the six week period.


The Cathaoirleach thanked both John Lahart and Aoife Brangan for attending


Proposed: Cllr Daly
Seconded: Cllr Cunnane
And agreed

To suspend standing orders

The Cathaoirleach welcomed PJ Nolan Area representative for the ESB for coming
and outlined to him the problems that this council was experiencing with lighting
repairs, school warning and pedestrians lights and to outline his role in addressing these issues.

Mr. Nolan began by explaining that everything is in flux at the moment in the ESB as it has been broken up into five or six companies under the new regulator and as a result staff are not sure of what they can or cannot do.

Cllr Cunnane stated that he enquired before about the Sub-Station and cables underground and that there was meant to be follow up but nothing ever happened.

Cllr Dalton explained he found the present situation extremely confusing and that some lights have been out of order for months on end specially on the Barrow bridge and wanted to know why this is the case

Cllr Daly stated that this won’t be the last meeting and that the ESB should get its act together.

Cllr O’ Sullivan asked why lighting in urban area was dimmer than on main st.

Cllr Lawler added that he knew of two lights not working in Offaly Street and have been out for some time.


Mr. Nolan replied that:

There is a new computer system been installed and when each local authority sign up to this and the system is up and running any request for repairs should be dealt with a lot more expediently.

Lights off main st are not as bright for privacy within estates.

That where the lights are not working and in need of repair the ESB would go out on a one off and fix them.

That he can be contacted at any time on his ph (which he gave out) or can be e-mailed about any lighting query and added that he would try to find out which company or individual within the ESB dealt with the query and make sure they got back to us as quick as possible so that it could be sorted out.

The Cathaoirleach thanked Mr. Nolan for attending and meeting with the members.


Continue with suspension of Standing Orders

Proposed: Cllr Dalton
Seconded: Cllr Lawler
And agreed


Cllr Dalton enquired why the apartments in Coneyboro for the last three weeks have no water and what action is been taken by this council to rectify this.

Cllr Dalton also requested that something be done about the amount of construction traffic coming in and out of Coneyboro at high speed and that as a result the road is been left in a continual mess

Cllr Lawler added that water would be running freely some weekends and
at other weekends there was none which is totally unacceptable.

Cllr English believed that the onus was on the developer to supply water through water tanks when there is none and that this council ask the developer to
ensure this happens until the problem is rectified.

The Town Engineer replied that the estate was not taking in charge and that we would have to see whether he has complied fully with his planning conditions and if not issue him with an enforcement notice

The Town Engineer also explained that the developer has paid a bond which would cover the clean up of the rd.


Resumption of Standing orders

On the proposal of Cllr Lawler
Seconded by Cllr Cunnane
And agreed



1. Minutes of March Monthly Meeting held on 18th of April, 2007.


On the proposal of Cllr Lawler
Seconded by Cllr Daly
And agreed


2. MATTERS ARISING FROM THE MINUTES

Cllr English enquired why there was very little in the minutes about the ongoing problem at Graysland when it was discussed at some length at the March Meeting.

Cllr O’ Sullivan referred to Motion 7 and 8. The Town Clerk replied that she had been in contact with Barrow Drainage who has informed her that they will do the necessary clean up between Barrow Bridge and slipway before the Triathlon in June of this year.

Cllr Wright stated that he was disappointed with this years St. Patrick’s parade
which was also express by other members present. The Cathaoirleach informed the members that she had been trying to request a meeting with the Chamber of Commerce about this matter but they have never got back to her and will continue along with Town Clerk try to get a meeting set up.


On page two Cllr English should be changed to Cllr Wright. This was noted.
3. CORRESPONDENCE


The Town Clerk read out the following correspondence:

Letter from the Confederation of European Councillors referring to a one day seminar focusing on ‘Building the platform for peace and Prosperity & The Role of Local and Regional Government in North –South Economic Cooperation’ to be held at the Mount Errigal Hotel at 9.00am on the 27th of April with the session commencing at 10.15am and closing with lunch at 1.15pm.

Letter from the John Hewitt Society referring to the John Hewitt International Summer School to be held at the Marketplace Theatre and Arts Centre in Armagh Summer School from the 23-27 July 07

Letter form the IPA referring to a one day seminar focusing on Local Anti- Poverty and Social Inclusion Strategies to be held at the Tullamore Court Hotel on the 30th of April 07 beginning at 9.30am and ending at 3.45pm with closing remarks.

Invitation from the Mayor of Kildare County Council Fionnula Dukes to attend the official opening of Leixlip Community Library by An Taoiseach, Mr. Bertie Ahern T.D at Leixlip Community Library, Captains Hill, Leixlip on the 20th of April 07 at 2.00pm

Notion of Motion from Cllr J.J. Power of Naas Town Council at the February Monthly Meeting which states that “ That this Council supports the efforts of everylifecounts.com in their efforts to have just one day each year 21st of Sept World Peace Day where there won’t be any deaths on television for entertainment purposes.” This had the unanimous support of all the members of Athy Town Council

Letter from Kildare County Show Committee explaining that there would be no County Show this year “due to the building developments in and around the Showgrounds in Athy, it would be impossible to run the Show this year.” but that there would be a show next year as the committee “have secured a green field near Athy to host the Kildare County Show in 2008.”



NOTICES OF MOTION:

Proposed: Cllr English
Seconded: Cllr Dalton
And agreed

4. ‘That Athy Town Council erects the proposed 1798 Monument immediately.’

Cllrs English wanted to know why it is taking so long to erect the 1798 monument when it should have been done 9 years ago at the time of the commemoration.

Colm Flynn Senior Town Engineer informed the members that a Construction company has agreed to erect the 98 monument free of charge and will do so as soon as possible.

Cllr English enquired on where it would be sited.

Cllr Lawler informed the members that there was a possibility of an alternative site for the monument and asked the members to wait a little longer while he discussed the feasibility of this new location with the Town Engineer and would get back to them as soon as possible. All the members agreed to this.

Proposed: Cllr Dalton
Seconded: Cllr English
And agreed

5. ‘That the upgrade of the pathway between St. John’s Lane and Greenhill be carried out as a matter of urgency’.


Cllr Dalton wanted to know when the above works are to begin

Colm Flynn, Senior Town Engineer explained that he had checked the pathway and found nothing wrong with.

Cllr Dalton disagreed and believed it was an “eye sore”.

However the Town Clerk added that there was some funding under the Rapid Scheme which could be drawn down and used to upgrade the pathway and that she would get in contact with Linda Mulhall and come back to the members at the next Monthly Meeting with an update.

Proposed: Cllr Dalton
Seconded: English
And agreed

6.‘That Kildare County Council address as a priority the increased traffic volumes entering the N78 from Fortbarrington Rd and that adequate Traffic controls are introduced’.

Cllr Dalton stated that he wanted pressure put on Kildare County Council from this Council to put adequate traffic controls in place as a matter of urgency.

Cllr Cunnane added that he had this particular motion down on several occasions and didn’t want repeat of Kildare Road Saga.


Noel Dillon Town Engineer informed the members that he will talk to Dave O’ Flaherty; Area Engineer for Kildare County Council to see what could be done and will come back to the members at the next Monthly Meeting.



Proposed: Cllr Daly
Seconded: Cllr Cunnane
And agreed


7. ‘That this Council expresses its disappointment at the unacceptable delay in delivery of major projects for Athy. Athy Community College, Athy Community Swimming Pool and the decentralized Revenue office have all suffered unnecessary delay and this council must commit to challenging these delays.’



Cllr Daly stated that he found it quite annoying in the time it is taking to make progress in the delivery of the major projects promised for Athy and added that there should be a time frame and some accountability for any delays in future projects


Cllr Cunnane said that as Chairperson of Kildare VEC he was delighted that the new Athy Community College was on its way but still found it unacceptable the length of time it is taking to deliver on these projects.


Cllr Lawler welcomed the moving of Revenue to Athy and didn’t care whether it was on the Dublin Rd or Naas Rd


Cllr Dalton stated that Athy would be getting a new Swimming Pool before Naas and added that it was through the work of three members of this council that brought Athy Community School project back to life

Cllr Dalton said that this was evident through the reps they had made and which are now on file and claimed that this should be compared with the reps on file from Cllr Daly on this particular project which were non existent


Cllr Daly replied that Cllr Dalton was only trying to score election points and that the above statement was incorrect as he has letters from Sean O’ Feraghail in reply to reps on this particular matter and that as a member of the Board Management of the school he had worked tirously in trying to push this particular project forward and requested therefore that Cllr Dalton withdraw his previous statement immediately


Cllr English stated that he was disappointed with Cllr Daly putting down this particular motion as he felt that it was blatant act of political opportunism.


Cllr Cunnane explained that you can call reps a political football if you like and added that no apology was required from any person for enquiring why there was an unacceptable delay in a particular project been delivered


Cllr O’ Sullivan claimed that this motion was not political motivated.

Cllr Daly said that he was appalled with the personal remarks made about him and that he would be prepared to take it further if it is persists.

The Town Manager stated that the three projects are ready to “roll” and therefore everyone should look ahead instead of what happened in the past.



Proposed: Cllr Daly
Seconded: Cllr Cunnane
And agreed

8.‘That this council calls on Kildare County Council to appoint the ISPCA Inspector an authorised officer under the Control of Dogs Act 1986 and the Control of Horses Act 1996’.

Cllr Daly stated that some dogs were living in dangerous and bad conditions and maybe involved in dog fighting and there call ISPCA Inspector should be appointed immediately by Kildare County Council to ensure the protection and well being of these animals.

Proposed: Cllr O’ Sullivan
Seconded: Cllr Cunnane
And agreed

‘That the Town Council could clean the walk way leading down to the river at Dr. McDougalds.’

Cllr O’ Sullivan stated that this motion was before this council three times over the last four years and therefore could not understand why nothing was ever done as little work would be required to put up hand rails and improve the surface of the walk

Cllr Cunnane complimented Cllr O’ Sullivan for her perseverance on this motion.

The Town Clerk explained that work would be carried this year including installing of hand rails as requested.


9. Cathaoirleach’s Business

The Cathaoirleach informed the members present of the Athy Retail Strategy Meeting which was on the 26th of April 07.

The Cathaoirleach official welcomed Noel Dillon as the council’s new Town Engineer. This was endorsed by all the members.




The Cathaoirlach explained that access over the bridge was extremely difficult specially for the elderly, people with buggies and wheelchair users, due to the state of the surface and added that a small amount of work would only be required to rectify this problem and asked that work be carried out as soon as possible re

The Town Clerk will discuss this with Town Engineer and come back to the members at the next Monthly Meeting.

The Cathaoirleach asked that a letter be forwarded to Linda Mulhall on behalf of this council, thanking her for the hard work and commitment she had shown when she was employed as RAPID Coordinator for Athy and to wish her well in her new job. This had the support of all the members’ presents.

The Town Clerk stated that a presentation would be made by staff on Friday 20th at 4pm and all members are welcome.



10. Manager’s Business

The Town Manager informed everyone that Mr. Malone has taken up his new position as County Manager for Kildare County Council

The Town Clerk stated that she was surprised in the amount of Contractors that have applied for the Tenders for new Residential Scheme for Woodstock and that the closing date was set for the 10th of May 07.

The Town Clerk hoped that the Ardreigh Project would begin within the next month.


Block Grant Improvement Works Athy 07

Proposed: Cllr Dalton
Seconded: Cllr Lawler
And agreed

Cllr Lawler asked why €12,000 was allocated for re-surfacing at Meeting Lane car park when it was subject to planning application

Cllr Cunnane enquired about extending the footpaths out to Cuan Mhuire

The Senior Executive Engineer replied that:

Cllr Lawler was incorrect and that Meeting lane was not subject to a planning application and therefore the re-surfacing would go ahead as originally planned

That the footpaths would be extended out to Cuan Mhuire but would be narrower than the norm due to width of the road.

.

11. Reports from sub-committees

Even though the JPC was not under sub-committees Cllr Lawler reported on what happened at the recent meeting

Cllr O’ Sullivan enquired whether the Graveyard Committee was still up and running

The Cathoirleach replied that the Town Clerk was to write out to Eddie Lawler to set up a meeting and would come back to the members at the next monthly meeting.

The Cathaoirleach said that the Arts Committee was meeting regularly.

12. Planning Register

13. AOB

Cllr Noel Scully enquired when the council would be getting new Litter Warden.

The Town Clerk replied that an interview Panel was been set up and that interviews would begin quite soon and that hopefully the successful candidate would start work as soon as possible.

Cllr Cunnane requested a report for the next monthly meeting showing what our income in parking fines over the first four months.

Cllr O Sullivan stated that there was some dumping out past Cuan Mhuire and asked that this would be cleared up and

Also Cllr O’ Sullivan added that there would be a choir reception in Athy Town Council Chamber and all were invited

The Town Clerk explained that this area was covered by Kildare County Council and that she would get in contact with their Litter Warden for that area.

Cllr Daly stated that cars are been parked all over the place in St Michael Tce and as a result access is extremely difficult.

The Town Clerk said that she would look again at the Car Parking Bye-Laws 2005 and see what could be done but in the interim will ask the Traffic Warden to keep an eye on the parking in this area.



THIS CONCLUDED THE BUSINESS OF THE MEETING


CATHAOIRLEACH: ________________________
DATE: ___________________________________