MINUTES OF THE FEBRUARY MONTHLY MEETING OF ATHY TOWN COUNCIL HELD AT 7.30 P.M ON WEDNESDAY THE 20TH OF FEBRUARY 2008 IN THE MUNICIPAL OFFICES, RATHSTEWART, ATHY.
CATHAOIRLEACH: COUNCILLOR CUNNANE.
COUNCILLORS IN ATTENDANCE: COUNCILLORS
DALY, O’SULLIVAN, BRESLIN,
LAWLER, WRIGHT.
OFFICALS IN ATTENDANCE: GERRY HALTON, TOWN MANAGER
PAUL HICKEY, TOWN ENGINEER,
MARIA AHEARNE A/TOWN CLERK
TOM KELLY STAFF OFFICER
1. ADOPTION OF MINUTES.
Minutes of January Monthly 2008
Proposed: Councillor Daly
Seconded: Councillor Breslin.
And agreed
Minutes of Special Meeting Re: Water Crisis
Proposed: Councillor Wright
Seconded: Councillor O’ Sullivan
And Agreed
2. MATTERS ARISING
Councillor Daly asked for an update on the boundary wall at Kingsgrove.
The A/Town Clerk replied that a letter had been forwarded out to the developer to proceed in erecting the wall.
Councillor Breslin asked that a date for a meeting of the sub committee (Kingsgroves) be set up as soon as possible.
Councillor Breslin enquired whether the council had got any reply back from the DOE on the go ahead to carry out the necessary works on the OAPS house at
The A/Town Clerk said that the DOE has not come back to the council yet and that it may be April/May before we get any notification from the DOE permitting us to use our internal receipts to carry out the works on the OAPs at
Councillor Breslin asked would it be possible to look for funding for
Councillor Wright referred to page 9 on last month minute’s and asked was there any further progress into when a footbridge would be built in accordance with the new swimming pool as it was needed for the people of Athy.
The Town Engineer replied that the swimming pool project does not include the building of a footbridge but added that he will look at the feasibility of such a project.
Council Wright asked when the 1798 monument would be definitely erected.
The Town Engineer replied that no date had been set as the council needs to fine a safe and secure location for this monument.
The Cathaoirleach asked the Town Engineer to come back to the members at the next monthly meeting with a definite date for the erection of the monument if possible.
Councillor Dalton asked what further progress has been made in the procurement of the jetty.
The Town Engineer said that the council had been in contact with a supplier and have asked them to forward costing for the above.
The Town Engineer added that if the maintenance of the jetty is contracted out we will also need to see what this would cost but if the council are to carry out the upkeep of the jetty staff will have to be trained.
Councillor Dalton also asked whether a notice board would require planning or does it come under Part VIII.
The A/Town Clerk said the site/location of the notice board would need to be submitted and that the council have a quotation for insurance for the jetty.
Councillor Lawler said that there are two members of the North Barrow Board at this meetings and that he had the impression that the procurement of this jetty was done and dusted.
The Cathaoirleach said that he hoped that the procurement of the jetty would be completed as soon as possible as it was a valuable amenity for the people of Athy.
Councillor O; Sullivan referred to page 4 and questioned whether the council receive any reply from CIE about the plots
The A/Town Clerk replied that the council had just received an e-mail from the CIE official handling this matter apologising for not replying any sooner to this previous motion but that he will come back to the council with a proper report as soon as possible.
Councillor Breslin requested that a meeting with council officials be set to discuss the proposed southern relief road.
The A/Town Clerk asked that the members come back with a report on the NDR and that a meeting would then be organised.
No matters arising out of Special Meeting.
3. CORRESPONDENCE
Maria Ahearne, A/Town Clerk read out the following correspondence to the members:-
· Letter from Macroom Town Council stating that at their January Meeting that the following motion: “Macroom Town Council calls on the Government to introduce a micro chipping and neutering/spraying incentive scheme to curb unwanted dogs (suggestion: licence for a neutered dog €10, licence for unneutered dog €150.” was unanimously passed by all their members and asked that this also be adopted by Athy Town Council also. This was duly note by the members.
· Reply from Office of the Minister for Education and Science on the proposed water charges for schools which states that. This was noted by the members
· Letter from Kildare County Council asking for councillors within Athy and the electoral area to participate and join the Youth Council Discussion Forum website which is presently be set up.
· Reply from Eirgrid on our previous presentation on the proposed Meath Cavan 400 KV Power Line explaining that this “has been passed on to the Project Team” who will reply to our correspondence in due course.
· Letter from Athy Bluegrass Music Association requesting some funding towards the costs of running their Bluegrass Festival from July 10th to 13th of this year.
Proposed: Councillor Dalton
Seconded: Councillor English
And passed
That funding of €1,500 be allocated towards this yearly music festival.
· Letter from Athy and District Anglers bringing to our attention that “the box shore flowing into the river barrow at the
· Reply from Department of Health & Children explaining that our previous correspondence in relation to the X- Ray Department on St Vincent’s Hospital has “been referred to the Chief Executive Officer of the HSE who will arrange for the matters raised to be investigated and a reply issued directly to” us.
· Letter from Little Way Cancer Support Centre asking for some sponsorship or donation towards annual fundraising ball which was held on the 9th of Feb in the Hotel Keadeen. On the proposal of Councillor Daly and seconded by Councillor Breslin it was agreed that €500 be allocated towards their fundraising event.
· Letter from Clonmel Borough Council informing the members that a Seminar on Energy for councillors will be held at Raheen County Hotel in Clonmel from 7th, 8th and 9th of March 08. On the proposal of Councillor Daly and seconded by Councillor it was agreed that Councillor Wright should attend this Seminar on behalf of Athy Town Council.
· Letter from Meath County Council informing the members that Local Authority Members Association Annual Spring Seminar 200 will be taking place in the Knightsbridge Hotel Trim on the 27th of March and the 28th of March 2008. On the proposal of Councillor Dalton and seconded by Councillor Lawler it was agreed that Councillor O’Sullivan would attend this Seminar on behalf of this council.
· Correspondence from Rattoo Heritage Society notifying the members of the forthcoming 16th Annual Kerry Environmental Recognition Conference hosted by them and to be held at the Golf Hotel Ballybunion County Kerry from Wednesday April 2nd to Sunday April 6th 08. Councillor English requested that this be deferred until our next monthly meeting which was agreed by all the members.
· Letter from Wexford Borough Council notifying our members that a Conference titled “Better Local Government –Is it Working? hosted by Wexford Borough Council will be taking place on the 3rd 4th and 5th of April 08 in the Talbot Hotel Wexford. On the proposal of Councillor Breslin and seconded by Councillor Lawler it was agreed that Councillor Wright would attend this conference on behalf of Athy Town Council.
4. NOTICES OF MOTIONS
5. Proposed: Councillor Wright
Seconded: Councillor Lawler
And Agreed
“That we as a council investigate the source of effluences entering into our box sewer in Leinster street and flowing into the River barrow and causing an unhealthy smell and nausea to our people while polluting the Barrow as well.
Councillor Wright said that the box sewer on the road outside Castle Inn had collapsed and that during the summer the smell is particularly strong and nauseous from this.
Councillor Wright asked how this could be happening when a very modern sewerage treatment plant was installed.
Councillor Lawler said that he had been in contact with Paul Hickey, Town Engineer on this issue and that he was pleased that a CCTV contractor was appointed to carry out a survey on sewer pipes in the town.
Councillor English said that the issue of effluences going into the Barrow had been raised some time ago and that it was totally unacceptable that it was still occurring especially when we are trying to encouraging the people to use the river
The Cathaoirleach said he thought this particular problem was solved.
The Town Engineer explained that a survey on eastern side of river will start soon and that the contractor would also be asked to look at the box sewer.
The Cathaoirleach said that he had serous doubt about the drain between Mill Cottage House up to the river and asked that this drain be checked by the council.
6. Proposed: Councillor Wright
Seconded: Councillor Lawler
And Agreed
“That we as a council urge our engineer to investigate that most dangerous and lethal turn at swimming pool and the railway station and to compound it more there is no street light there.”
Councillor Wright said it was brought to his attention that this turn was lethal and that was required was a proper footpath on the left hand side going down to the railway station which he believed would be money well spent
Councillor Wright also enquired who was the owner of the land on the left hand side.
Councillor Lawler said that a ramp was also badly needed when you swing around at this bend.
Councillor Daly said that a proposal for a footpath was put in as part of a planning application but very little can be done about the acute bend.
Councillor O’ Sullivan said that this was been used as a rat run for people going to Carlow and that people were parking all over the place which was very dangerous.
The Town Engineer agreed that a footpath was required and that he would talk to the Area Engineer about this and added that to do this job may require a bit of land.
Councillor English asked was there an onus also on Iarnrod Eireann to provide proper lighting and footpath at this location.
7. Proposed: Councillor Wright
Seconded: Councillor O’ Sullivan
And Agreed
“That in view of the fact that ESB are very lackadaisical when they are requested to repair lights that are not functioning in estates and on the streets propose that we write to person in charge or invite him to our next meeting as the present situation is unacceptable and is not giving much security to the people in their homes.”
Councillor Wright said that the ESB in Portlaoise are continually ignoring reports of public lights been out within Athy and asked how can residents within the local estates feel safe and secure at night when public lighting is which are out of order are not been repaired when reported.
Councillor Wright asked that an official from the ESB be requested to attend one our meetings as soon as possible so that it explained to them that the ESB in Portlaoise are not doing their job properly and to ask why Athy is been continually been ignored by the ESB.
Councillor O’ Sullivan said that there is a public light outside her own house which has been out of order since Christmas which was reported to the ESB some time ago but nothing has ever been done about.
Councillor Breslin said that on a national level the ESB service is now inadequate and that some official should to attend one of our meetings.
Councillor Dalton said that there is a public light outside Tully’s Travel which has been out of service from some time.
The Cathaoirleach said that the fragmentation of the ESB has not led to an improvement in overall service but rather the opposite.
The A/Town Clerk said that letter will be forward to CEO of ESB requesting the attendance of himself or an official at one of our monthly meetings to discuss the above issues as soon as possible.
8. Proposed: Councillor Breslin
Seconded: Councillor Lawler
And Agreed
“That Athy Town Council carry out an immediate investigation of the internal water supply network in Athy identifying any areas of the town where the pipe work is not of the proper standard or size to ensure an acceptable water supply to all of the Athy’s residents and where such discrepancies are identified that the council urgently seek the finance carry out all such remedial works.”
Councillor Breslin said that some of the pipe work in Athy is not matching and is inadequate and asked that an investigation of the pipe work be carried out as soon as possible to identify any discrepancies or faults within the water network system in Athy.
Councillor Breslin said that funding for this work could be financed from development levies.
The Town Engineer said that there is work been carried out on the detection of water leaks but to carry out an overall investigation of water supply network in Athy would be quite an undertaking and before this could be done we would need to establish the costings involved.
9. Proposed: Councillor Breslin
Seconded: Councillor Lawler
And Agreed
“That Athy Town Council carries out a full and in-depth investigation into the strong sewerage odours in Leinster St and that the council takes all necessary remedial steps to eradicate the problem.”
Councillor Breslin said that for over the last couple of years the odour problem in Athy is getting worse and that several premises have now this smell.
Councillor Breslin went on to explain that some of these businesses have spent money on try to rectify this problem but it is not working.
Councillor Wright said that he believed that the smell is not due to sewerage but the hide plant in Dunlavin and asked that letter be forwarded to them.
The Town Engineer said that there is CCTV survey on foul network been carried out east and west in Athy
10. Proposed: Councillor Dalton
Seconded: Councillor English
And passed
“That additional railing be provided on the wall between Kingsgrove and Oaklawn housing state along the line of the new footpath.”
Councillor Dalton said there was some anti-social behaviour and the wall was been used as an escape route.
Councillor Dalton suggested that palisade fencing be erected as soon as possible as it would provide some security.
Councillor Breslin said that this was discussed at Joint Policing Committee and it was requested that extra Garda would patrol this area.
The Town Engineer said that he would look at the possibility of extending the palisade fence
11. Proposed: Councillor Dalton
Seconded: Councillor English
And passed
“That a report is given of progress on the taking in charge of housing estates within the town.”
Councillor Dalton asked that the Town Engineer put together an overall report showing which new estates have complied with or not their conditions as set out in their planning permissions.
Councillor English said that such an overview would give us an idea what work needs to be still done on these estates. This was endorsed by all the members.
12. Proposed: Councillor Dalton
Seconded: Councillor English
And Passed
“That drainage improvement works be carried out at Cardenton.”
Councillor Dalton said that some work was done and that a resident has offered their yard as a soak hole.
Councillor English said that this area is been used as a race track.
The Town Engineer said that any work required would depend what money the council had to spend.
13. Proposed: Councillor Daly
Seconded: Councillor O’ Sullivan
And passed
“That all new building development in Athy be required to incorporate some system of collection storage and use of rain water.”
Councillor Daly said that during the water crisis it was amazing that people did not have water which need not have happened if a simple secondary system for holding water was introduced into houses.
Councillor Daly said that such a system would not be very costly to install.
Councillor Lawler said it would not be very difficult to install a 300 gallon or 400 gallon water tank to store rain water.
Councillor Dalton said that Aras Chill Dara have a system in place whereby rain water is collected and used.
Councillor English said that this should be introduced into schools also.
The Cathaoirleach said this was a radical proposal.
14. Proposed: Councillor Daly
Seconded: Councillor O’ Sullivan
And Passed
“That
Councillor Daly said he would love to see a developers plan for that side of the river. This had the support of all the members.
15. Proposed: Councillor Daly
Seconded: Councillor O’ Sullivan
“That
Councillor Daly said that this proposed building project has been ongoing for over nine years and now finally after all this time and after going to tender a contractor was selected
Councillor Daly said that he thought we were now at the stage where this project could be finally completed but it now appears this is not the case as it seems there is a further delay in the construction of
.
Councillor Daly said that he can only condemn the Minister for Education and Science for this further delay and that she should accept this tender immediately and allow work to commence.
Councillor O’ Sullivan said that it was very frustrating that after all this time nothing was happening and it looked like nothing is going to happen in the near future.
Councillor Wright said the Minister for Education and Science was treating the teachers and pupils with contempt and asked that someone from the Department of Education attend our next meeting.
Councillor Dalton said that as Chairman of the Board of Management of school and also as a member of the VEC he could understand everyone’s frustration on this.
Councillor Dalton informed the members that Deputy Sean O Feargail was seeking a meeting with the Minister for Education to make sure that this project was completed in Athy
Councillor Breslin said that the schools in Athy were now at full capacity and the Department of Education and Science needs to be proactive on this issue.
Councillor English said he would not condemn the minister and if the word “condemn” is not omitted he would not support this motion.
The Cathaoirleach said that as Chairman of VEC he was very disappointed and disgusted with this further delay in the building of the college and that the Minister should remember that it was the VEC who on several occasion had “dug the Minister out of a few holes” such as providing the site for Gaelscoil in Newbridge .
The Cathoirleach said that he would like to compliment the management and staff for their hard work in such adversarial circumstances and the parents for still putting their trust in the school and hoped that the Minster for Education would allow the building project to be finally completed.
The Cathaoirleach asked for vote on this motion.
For: Councillors Daly, Wright, Breslin, O’ Sullivan, Lawler.
Abstained: Councillor Dalton and English.
16. Proposed: Councillor O’ Sullivan
Seconded: Councillor Daly
And Seconded
“That the town council encourage local business and sporting organisation to be educated on the need to have A.E.D machines on their premises.”
Councillor O’ Sullivan asked that AEV should be changed to A.E.D.This was noted.
Councillor O’ Sullivan said there was very few defibrillators in the County and wanted to encourage clubs and the council to purchase on of these machines. This had the support of all the members.
17. CATHAOIRLEACH’S BUSINESS
The Cathaoirleach requested that a letter be forwarded to the management of Batchelors on their closure in Athy.
The Cathaoirleach also welcomed the extra garda for Athy.
The Cathaoirleach said that Athy Retail Strategy was a long time coming and hoped that it would be adopted in the near future.
The Cathaoirleach read out a letter from Athy Chamber of Commerce and asked that the council should endeavour to meet with them on a regular basis.
The Cathaoirleach asked that a date be set for review of Athy Development Plan along with development levies
18. MANAGER’S BUSINESS.
Councillor Breslin said that there would be a Labour party convention soon and it was hoped that they would be in a position to fill the casual vacancy arising upon the death of Councillor Noel Scully (R.I.P) at the March meeting.
Delisting of
Proposed: Councillor Lawler
Seconded: Councillor Dalton
And passed
The A/Town Clerk informed the members that the Housing Assessment for 2008 has already begun.
19. REPORT FROM SUB COMMITTEES
The A/Town Clerk said that there was a town twinning trip to Grandvillier in
Councillor Breslin said that the Arts sub committee were organising festival for St Patrick’s Day.
Councillor Dalton said that residents in
The Cathaoirleach was nominated by the members to sit on the Board of Cill Dara ar Aghaidh Teo.
Councillor Daly said that the Youth Café had commenced and the Youth Group Committee were meeting regularly
20. PLANNING REGISTRAR
21. OTHER BUSINESS
Councillor Lawler said that he could not understand why kitchen units for the eighty units at Ardreigh were been purchased from
Councillor Wright said that he would have not hesitation in objecting to any planning application for the building of flats or apartments at Batchelors if they were received by this council.
Councillor Daly said that he would like to thank the Civil Defence for their assistance during our water crisis and that a letter should of congratulations should be sent to Jennifer Ryan to note her selection as Kildare Sportsperson of the Year.
THIS CONCLUDED THE MEETING
CATHAOIRLEACH__________________________________
DATE ___________________________________
