MINUTES OF THE DECEMBER MONTHLY MEETING OF ATHY TOWN COUNCIL HELD AT 7.30 P.M ON WEDNESDAY THE 19TH OF DECEMBER 2007 IN THE MUNICIPAL OFFICES, RATHSTEWART, ATHY.
CATHAOIRLEACH; COUNCILLOR CUNNANE.
COUNCILLORS IN ATTENDANCE; COUNCILLORS DALTON, ENGLISH,
DALY, O’SULLIVAN, BRESLIN,
LAWLER, WRIGHT.
OFFICALS IN ATTENDANCE; TOMMY SKEHAN, TOWN MANAGER,
MICHELLE DEVINE, TOWN CLERK, PAUL HICKEY, TOWN ENGINEER,
MARIA AHEARNE, A/SENIOR STAFF
OFFICER
1. ADOPTION OF MINUTES.
Minutes of Nov Monthly Meeting 2007
Proposed: Cllr Dalton
Seconded: Cllr Lawler.
And agreed
2. MATTERS ARISING
Councillor Daly said that he appreciated the work that had been done by the Town Manager and staff in getting the money paid over by KELT for the Jetty. This was endorsed by the other members.
Councillor Daly also requested an update into what progress had been made on the proposed boundary wall at Graysland.
Councillor Breslin again asked when the costing report into the proposed updating and repositioning of the heating system in the old aged pensioners houses in Nelson St will be presented to the members.
Councillor O’ Sullivan asked was there any word received on the CIE Land
The Town Clerk replied that the landscaping plan had been resubmitted and is presently with the planners
The Town Engineer also added that he did not see any issues or problems arising with this resubmitted plan.
3. CORRESPONDENCE
Michelle Devine, Town Clerk read out the following correspondence to the members:-
· Circular received from IPBMI Ltd outlining and advising that there is a new Councillor Representational Allowances Benefit which the members can opt for
· Reply received from An Garda Siochana to our correspondence asking for a Community Garda in Athy.
· Invitation from The Irish Amateur Boxing Association inviting the council to attend the Finals of the Irish Daily Star National Senior Championships at the national Stadium which is to take place on Friday 11th of January 2008 commencing at 7.45pm.
· Letter from Monaghan Town Council explaining that the following motion: “That this council call on the HSE to withdraw their decision of Sept the 17th whereby pharmacies will be paid less than the cost price for medicines from December the 1st onwards. If this decision is carried out it will cause great difficulty for Medical Cards Holders. The members called on the HSE to suspend their decision on this matter and re-enter negotiations to find a solution to this serious situation” was unanimously adopted by Monaghan Town Council and asked that this be adopted by other councils. However this was not adopted by our own members as the voting was :
For: Councillors Wright, Lawler, Daly, Breslin, O’ Sullivan.
Against: Councillor English.
Note: Councillor Dalton not in chamber when the members voted.
· Letter from Macroom Town Council explaining that the following motion:” In view of the recent crisis in the Health Service that we call on the Minister for Health to introduce a system of reporting in the Health Service which will ensure that when problems arise they are brought to the attention of the relevant persons up to and including the Minister and that the response is pro-active rather than re-active.” was unanimously adopted by Macroom Town Council and asked that this be adopted by other councils. This was unanimously passed by our members on the proposal of Councillor Wright and seconded by Councillor Lawler and all agreed.
· Letter from Trim Town Council asking that the following motion be adopted
by all councils: “EirGrid is considering the route from Meath to Cavan for a 400KV transmission line/interconnector and is currently scoping a number of routes for this high voltage line. If EirGrid proceeds with this 400KV transmission line through Meath to Cavan the lives of many families living and working in County Meath including the Trim area will be affected by large overhead pylons with multiple heavy cables carrying the 400KV AC electric power in close proximity to homes schools our towns and countryside. While not wishing to impede progress it is important to make known at this early stage where the elected members of this council stand on this matter and especially where there is a safer option. The Elected members are asked to support the wishes of the vast majority of the people and inform EirGrid that this council request EirGrid to bury this 400KV line underground so as to minimise the health risks from the magnetic and electric fields which radiate from such 400KV AC transmission lines”. All the members agreed with this motion except Councillor Wright who said that he did not know enough about above.
· Letter from Special Olympics Ireland “inviting each city/town council to join in the celebrating 30 years of Special Olympics in Ireland.” This was noted by members.
· Letter from the Street Children of Bucharest asking for our financial support for the impoverished and unwanted children of Bucharest. This was noted by the members
· Letter from Woulfe Event Management informing the members of “Seminar on Crime” which is to be held from the 24th to the 25th of Jan 08 at the Green Hills Hotel Limerick. Two members were selected to attend as follows:
Councillor Mary O’ Sullivan
Proposed: Councillor Dalton
Seconded: Councillor Breslin
And Agreed
Councillor John Lawler
Proposed: Councillor O’ Sullivan
Seconded: Councillor English
And Agreed
· Reply from the Department of Health & Children regarding the Childcare Subvention Scheme 2008-2010 to our previous correspondence explaining that the issues raised by us ”will be considered as part of the analysis and review process which is underway on the basis of the data reurned by community childcare services”. Councillor Breslin asked for a copy of this letter
04. CATHAOIRLEACH’S BUSINESS
The Cathaoirleach informed the members that contracts for the Remedial Works for Carbury Park were signed on Thursday the 13th of Dec 07.
05. MANAGER’S BUSINESS.
The Town Manager explained that the Youth Café planners report was already circulated to the members but are still waiting on Road Design and Conservation Officer’s report which is to be included on the Agenda for January’s Monthly Meeting.
Councillor Dalton said that there was a strong Aontas Ogra in Athy and wanted them involved as the lead organisation in the setting up of this Youth Café.
Councillor Daly replied that it was agreed that no particular organisation would be head of it.
Councillor Wright concurred with this
The Town Manager wished the Cathaoirleach and the members a Happy Christmas and thanked all who were involved with the Remedial Scheme.
06. PLANNING REGISTER
07. OTHER BUSINESS
Councillor Breslin asked that the council’s best wishes be passed on to the Scully family at this time. This has the support of all the members present.
Councillor Dalton asked that a vote of sympathy be given to the Perry family on the recent death of John Perry.
This was seconded by Councillor Wright who added that Mr Perry was a decent and honourable man.
Councillor Dalton asked for a vote of sympathy for the passing away of Deputy Sean O’ Fearghail’s father which had the support of all the members present.
Councillor Wright enquired when the 1798 Monument was going to be erected.
The Cathaoirleach hoped that this would be resolved in the New Year.
The Town Engineer replied that he had been in contact with the Artist and progress is been made
The Cathoirleach thanked the members and staff for their work during the year and wished everyone a Happy Christmas
A minutes silence took place as a mark of respect for Mr. O’Fearghail and Mr John Perry.
THIS CONCLUDED THE MEETING
CATHAOIRLEACH__________________________________
DATE ___________________________________
Wednesday 16 January 2008
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