Minutes of March 07 Monthly meeting

MINUTES OF MARCH MONTHLY MEETING OF ATHY TOWN COUNCIL HELD AT 7.30 P.M. ON WEDNESDAY, 21ST MARCH 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, TOWN ENGINEER
M. AHEARNE, A/SSO.


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

MINUTES OF FEBRUARY MONTHLY MEETING HELD ON 21st FEBRUARY, 2007


2. MATTERS ARISING FROM THE MINUTES

Cllr Lawler noted correction to Motion 6 to say ‘without water’

Cllr O’Sullivan enquired if there had been any word from Iarnrod Eireann. Town Clerk that no correspondence was received and will write to Iarnrod Eireann to request promised report together with an update on the motion discussed.

Cllr O’Sullivan requested report on Meeting Lane and was advised by Town Engineer that Block Grant allocation was not complete.

Cllr Wright expressed that the statement ‘was well aware’ in regard to money for skips being unavailable was sarcastic. Town Clerk advised that this was as it was stated at the February meeting.

Cllr Daly requested an update on the HGV and Town Clerk advised this has been addressed.

Cllr Daly requested update on the swimming pool to which the Town Clerk read a report from Leisure Services saying that contracts were to be signed in the next few days and the contractor will be taking possession of the site on 16th April with a view to commencing works thereafter. Cllr Daly requested that a meeting be organised to bring the residents up to date by the committee elected at February meeting.

Cllr English asked if the footbridge across the river would be part of the swimming pool project. The Town Clerk informed Cllr Wright that the bridge did not coincide with the swimming pool but could be raised with Joe Boland.

Cllr Cunnane requested the Minutes of the meeting on the Thursday 8th. Town Clerk apologised due to work pressures and advised that they will issue.



3. CORRESPONDENCE

Tri Athy 2007 Report - 370 people are now registered

Cllr English enquired if a reception should be arranged for the Triathlon and the Cathaoirleach informed all members that Arthur Lynch will be in contact. The Town Clerk suggested that the Town Engineer could assist with a number of items.


From Historic Monuments Advisory Committee re Athy 1798 Monument – Cllr Lawler advised that he would meet with Town Engineer to discuss location and erection of same.

From Rosie O’Neill on behalf of Joe Boland, Director Of Services re: Information meeting re Athy Northern Route to be held in Carlton Abbey Hotel, Athy on Thursday, 29th March, 2007 6.00pm – 9.00pm and Friday 30th March, 2007 12.00 noon – 4.00pm. This correspondence to be circulated to the members.

5th National Tourism Conference Thursday 29th and Friday 30th March, 2007. – Noted.

Athy Bluegrass Music Association seeking support for Festival on 12th to 15th July, 2007.

On the proposal of Cllr Lawler
And seconded by Cllr O’Sullivan
And Agreed

€750 to issue to Athy Bluegrass Music Association


Effective Communications for Councillors, The Sligo Park Hotel, Sligo on Friday 30th to Saturday, 31st March, 2007.- Noted

April 27th Letterkenny – More details to follow later in the meeting

LAMA Conference – More details to follow later in the meeting

Athy, with all its Flavours. Exhibition from March 15th until 5th April, 2007 in Athy Heritage Centre, Emily Square, Athy.

Cllr Wright enquired if there was any correspondence from Social Welfare in regard to subvention. The Town Clerk advised she had not received any but would issue further correspondence to enquire.

Cllr O’Sullivan noted that she attended a conference on 3rd March and would give a report after the meeting if requested.

4. NOTICES OF MOTION

The Cathaoirleach suggested that she would read a report on the Meeting held with Graysland Resident’s Association Committee at 7.30pm on 20th March as per discussions at the February meeting of Athy Town Council.

All members of the Resident’s Association attended the meeting and it was chaired by Cllr Breslin.

A background was given in relation to the footpath;

Ø In 2005 Roy Kelly suggested the trees to the RHS of footpath were to be removed as their roots were damaging the footpath. The committee requested that no work would commence.
Ø On Holy Thursday, 2006 Mr Timoney was informed that removal of trees was to take place in the next 7 days.
Ø Two options were made to Mr Timoney and Mr Ger Kelly from the Resident’s Association.
1. To remove the trees and re-instate the footpath
2. To remove the footpath and reinstate the footpath on the opposite side of the road.
Ø Meeting of the Resident’s Association was held on 18th April, 2006 where 14 persons were in attendance. A vote was held on the two options put forward by the engineer. 12 residents are voted in favour of keeping the trees and reinstating the path on the other side of the road. 2 residents are voted against.
Ø Correspondence issued to the Town Clerk to advise of same.

Cllr Breslin asked were the committee members and officers happy with the work that was carried out and she was informed that they all were.

The Cathaoirleach advised that she was not conducting business like the last meeting and asked for order. Cllr Lawler suggested that too much time had been spent on this issue. Cllr English emphasised the right the Cathaoirleach had to meet any association on behalf of the Council and that it had been agreed at the last Council meeting. Cllr Cunnane agreed and thanked the Cathaoirleach for arranging the meeting.

That this motion be withdrawn
On the proposal of Cllr Wright
Seconded by Cllr Daly
And agreed

4. “That in view of the fact that this Council has allowed a new private housing estate through the peace and tranquility of Kingsgrove and Graysland causing a dangerous situation for both estates, I propose that we immediately reinstate the path that was so controversially removed for the safety of all residents in the area as this is a new departure and obviously not envisaged before the path was removed.”

Cllr Wright requested reinstatement of the path for the safety of the people and presented photos of children on the old path and the road. He questioned the Engineer’s decision and requested if anyone had objected to the illegal fence erected by Mr Timoney.

Cllr Daly addressed that the issue should be dealt with as it was splitting the community and requested an Independent Audit for Health & Safety reasons. He added that he did not like underhand comments and that members refrain from personalising comments.

Cllr Cunnane expressed concern in regard to naming resident and queried if there could be a footpath put in on each side of the road.

Cllr Wright advised that legal action had been taken and details had gone to the Solicitor.

The Town Engineer stated that where possible it was a better option not to cut down trees. The Resident’s Association had been notified. A poll has been repeatedly requested and not submitted to date. If further development is to take place at this location a traffic management plan is to be submitted.



Cllr Wright requested if a second path would go in if the developer got full approval to which Mr. Skehan that an answer could not be given on this at the moment as an independent traffic audit to take place. The Town Engineer advised that analysis of the area at the moment deemed it safe.

Cllr Wright suggested a plebiscite be set up and then asked that the notice of motion be withdrawn until traffic management report issued. The Cathaoirleach confirmed that the motion had been withdrawn.

On the proposal of Cllr Wright
No Seconder

5. “That in view of the fact that a rat run is ongoing in both Chapel Lane and Meeting Lanes that can have serious consequences for the people, I propose that we as a Council create ramps, so as to facilitate for the peoples safety.”

Cllr Lawler that this was being studied per the JPC and will be reported on by Roads Design at the next meeting and was premature at this time.

On the proposal of Cllr Cunnane
Seconded by Cllr O’Sullivan
And Agreed

6. “That Kildare County Council and Athy Town Council upgrade the Ardreigh Bray Road as a matter of urgency.”

Cllr Cunnane stated that this road needed a serious upgrade and was very dangerous at the present time. He requested that it be addressed with a temporary solution and in time, a permanent one that would take a footpath into account together with the road being widened.

All Councillors spoke in favour of this motion in the interest of safety. The Town Clerk advised the road is being maintained by Kildare County Council and that it is listed in 2008 programme of works. The Town Engineer noted that the Development Levy Charges should be reviewed promptly.

On the proposal of Cllr O’Sullivan
Seconded by Cllr Lawler
And Agreed

7. “That Athy Town Council calls on the relevant authorities to clean up the River Barrow between Barrow Bridge and slipway.”

On the proposal of Cllr Scully
Seconded by Cllr Daly
And Agreed

8. “That Athy Town Council in conjunction with the relevant authorities provides additional no dumping signage on the river Barrow and the canal”.

Motion 7 and 8 were discussed together.

Cllr O’Sullivan expressed her support for the Triathlon in Athy this June and the possibility of the president visiting for the close of the Year of the Barrow in Athy in October. Cllr O’Sullivan said it was terrible to see a seat turned over into a drain and an oil tank abandoned.

Cllr Scully requested that more signage be erected.

The Town Clerk said she had spoken to the Town Engineer and was looking at upgrading the base of Mill Lane for the Triathlon and would be issuing correspondence to the Barrow Drainage and OPW.

9. CATHAOIRLEACH’S BUSINESS

The Cathaoirleach requested a letter of congratulations be issued to Linda Mulhall with regard to the success of Athy, with all its Flavours.

A date to be arranged to meet and discuss the Athy Retail Strategy and Tri Athy.

April 2nd 5.00 pm to meet re Tri Athy 2007
5.30pm to discuss Retail Strategy

The Town Clerk advised that the strategy was only received today and it would be issued to the Councillors over the next few days. The County Manager outlined the importance of the strategy and stated it will have a huge influence on the town, particularly retail.

The Cathaoirleach expressed the importance to set a date to meet with the Rowing Club. Town Clerk to write to Solicitor.

Cllr Cunnane congratulated Linda Mulhall again and noted he was glad it went to the Riverbank as it is a County Arts Centre and urged everyone to visit the exhibition now that it is in the Heritage Centre.

Cllr O’Sullivan concurred and said that she was at a drugs presentation last night and wondered would it be appropriate to get flowers for Linda because of the good job she was undertaking.

On the proposal of Cllr O’Sullivan
Seconded by Cllr Breslin
And Agreed

10. MANAGER’S BUSINESS

On the proposal of Cllr Dalton
Seconded by Cllr Lawler
And Agreed

Section 183 – Proposed Sale of Town Council Lands, 37 Castlepark (noted that purchaser had to live in house for five years)

Material Contravention

John Lahart and Aoife Brangan to attend the April meeting at 7.00pm

Back to the conferences;

LAMA Conference in Killarney, 12th – 14th April, 2007

On the proposal of Cllr Lawler
Seconded by Cllr Breslin
And Agreed

That Cllr Scully attend

On the proposal of Cllr English
Seconded by Cllr Lawler
And Agreed

That Cllr Cunnane attend

On the proposal of Cllr Dalton
Seconded by Cllr Lawler
And Agreed

That Cllr English attend

On the proposal of Cllr Lawler
Seconded by Cllr English
And Agreed

That Cllr O’Sullivan attend






Housing Conference in Letterkenny, 27th and 28th April

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

That Cllr Scully attend

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

That Cllr English attend


11. REPORTS FROM SUB-COMMITTEES

Arts Committee meeting tomorrow night at 5.30pm

Twinning Update: Meeting yesterday, 37 people coming over and a schedule is being put together.

Cllr Daly thanked the Town Clerk for stepping in and organising the twinning.

12. PLANNING REGISTER

Cllr Dalton noted the VEC application and hoped that this would be dealt with in a timely manner and if the tender process could commence.

13. ANY OTHER BUSINESS

Cllr Daly requested that the Right of Way at the Peoples Park be looked at.

The Town Clerk advised that legal opinion had been taken and that it was not Council property but would check because it had been a right of way for so long with the Solicitor.

Cllr O’Sullivan asked if the Friday evening or Saturday morning would suit best to have Civic Reception for the Antrim Choir. Friday 27th April at 7.00 pm was suggested and a presentation to be organised.

Cllr Wright expressed disappointment that there was no St Patrick’s Day parade and was supported by other councillors. Town Clerk to write to Chamber of Commerce to ensure this does not occur next year.

Cllr Cunnane requested update on;
Ø Archaeological Dig in Ardreigh
Ø No Visit from ESB
Ø Mill Lane
Ø To Invite Tidy Towns to April Meeting

Town Clerk advised that the Licence in regard to Ardreigh was issued this week and the County Manager advised that the County were looking for staff to advance. ESB will attend the next meeting and will be advised of Substation at Barrow Quay to give an update. Mill Lane has been discussed.

Cllr Scully asked the Town Engineer to look at potholes at Edmund Rice Square near Shaws.

Town Engineer will look at this area.

Cllr Lawler expressed his dissatisfaction with Eircom and suggested that they be invited to Council Meeting.

The Town Clerk called for a vote of sympathy for Laura Hegarty niece of Dorothy Mullan who died tragically in Donegal last weekend. A minute’s silence was observed


THIS CONCLUDED THE BUSINESS OF THE MEETING


CATHAOIRLEACH: ________________________
DATE: _____________