MINUTES OF THE MARCH 2008 MONTHLY MEETING OF ATHY TOWN COUNCIL

MINUTES OF THE MARCH MONTHLY MEETING OF ATHY TOWN COUNCIL HELD AT 7.30 P.M ON WEDNESDAY THE 19TH OF MARCH 2008 IN THE MUNICIPAL OFFICES, RATHSTEWART, ATHY.


CATHAOIRLEACH; COUNCILLLOR CUNNANE.

COUNCILLORS IN ATTENDANCE; COUNCILLORS DALTON,
ENGLISH, LAWLER, WRIGHT,
DALY, BRESLIN, O’SULLIVAN.

OFFICALS IN ATTENDANCE; GERRY HALTON, TOWN MANAGER
PAUL HICKEY, TOWN ENGINEER,
MARIA AHEARNE A/TOWN CLERK
OLIVE KAVANAGH A/SSO.


Suspension of Standing orders to allow for the co-option of Tony Egan onto the council.
Proposed by Cllr Lawler,
Seconded by Cllr Breslin.
All Agreed

Councillor Lawler stated that owing to the death of Councillor Noel Scully a vacancy had arisen. He informed the meeting that the Labour party had held a convention to elect a replacement for the Labour Councillor Noel Scully. Three people were nominated and Tony Egan was elected by the party to replace Noel Scully on the council. Councillor Lawler said he took great pleasure in proposing Tony Egan to fill the vacancy left by the untimely death of Cllr Noel Scully.

Cllr Breslin in seconding the proposal stated that it was a sad occasion also as we have to acknowledge Noel Scully’s loss. She went on to add that she was delighted with Tony Egan nomination and stated that he was an invaluable member of the labour party, and he has done a lot of work with age action and the youth of the town.

That Tony Egan be co-opted onto Athy Town Council to replace Cllr. Scully.
Proposed Cllr. Lawler,
Seconded Cllr. Breslin.
All Agreed

The Cathaoirleach formally welcomed Tony Egan and invited him to come down to the council chamber. He stated that Cllr Egan was the first to be co-opted onto the council under the 2001 Local Government Act.

Cllr Dalton welcomed the new councillor and stated that he was sure that he would work with the councillors to deliver for the town. He also stated that it was a sad occasion acknowledging the loss of Councillor Noel Scully. Cllr. O’ Sullivan welcomed Cllr. Egan and stated that she looked forward to working with him. She also acknowledged that it was a sad occasion due to the loss of Cllr Scully. Cllr. Daly also welcomed him and looked forward to working with him. He added that Cllr Scully’s death was a very sad loss to the council. Cllr English stated that he wished to be associated with all of the statements, and said Cllr Egan was very welcome.

The Manger informed Cllr Egan, that his door was always open and that he and the staff of Athy Town Council would help Cllr Egan in any way they could.

Cllr Egan thanked the Cathaoirleach, Councillors and Manager for their kind words. He stated that it was a very exciting time to be co-opted onto the council. He stated that he was delighted to see the youth café and remedial works underway. He said that he was looking forward to seeing an end to the chaotic traffic situation. He informed the members that he would support motions, which benefit the people of the town regardless of which political party proposed them. He added that he would carry on the great work of Councillor Scully. He stated that he looked forward to working with the councillors for the people of Athy.

Resume Standing Orders.
Proposed by Cllr. Lawler,
Seconded by Cllr. Breslin.


1. ADOPTION OF MINUTES.

Minutes of February monthly meeting,
Proposed by Cllr Breslin,
Seconded by Cllr Wright.


2. MATTERS ARISING.

Cllr. Breslin referred to page 1 of the minutes and stated that is essential that the meeting of the Kingsgrove/Slievemore sub-committee take place as soon as possible. She also referred to page 2 of the minutes and her point on looking for funding for the Nelson Street houses under the DPG grant scheme to upgrade their heating system, she stated that the heat was going out through the roof, as the radiators were near the ceilings. She also referred to page 7 of the minutes regarding the ESB and asked if a reply had been received from the CEO of the ESB requesting the attendance of himself or an official at one the council’s monthly meetings.

The Town Clerk replied no date had been set for a meeting of the Slievemore/Kingsgrove sub committee as they were awaiting a report on the footpath. With regard to funding of works on the old folks houses in Nelson St, she said we have asked Kildare County Council can we go down the DPG route to fund the works on the heating systems. She added that a letter had been issued to the ESB requesting them to attend a council meeting but no reply has been received yet. She informed the members that senior officials from the ESB had met with senior officials in Kildare County Council.

The Engineer stated that everyone was aware of the fragmented nature of the ESB. He informed the meeting that the ESB had issued a new protocol for requesting services like public lighting to the roads section in Kildare County Council. He stated that he would procure a copy of the protocol from Kildare County Council.

Cllr. Breslin requested that a representative of the ESB be asked to attend the next meeting. Cllr Wright stated that he had tabled a motion on this at the last meeting and also requested that the CEO of the ESB attend the next council meeting. Cllr Dalton supported Cllr Breslin and called on someone from the ESB to attend the meeting.

Cllr Wright referred to page 2 of the minutes and asked was there any further update into when a footbridge would be built; he stated we need the footbridge to provide access to the new swimming pool. He also requested an update on the 1798 monument, and requested the engineer to investigate a bad smell coming from a small box shore flowing into the Barrow. He also drew attention to the lethal turn up to Church Rd, from Leinster St, at the swimming pool and asked that the council write to Mr. Maher. He then referred to page 10 of the minutes and enquired if we had received a reply from the Minister for Education and Science requesting her to attend a council meeting.

The Town Clerk informed Cllr Wright that the council had written to the minister and that the ESB requesting their attendance, and stated it had been agreed that the ESB were to be invited first as they did not want too many representations at the one meeting.

Cllr Lawler informed the meeting that he had spoken to the engineer regarding the 1798 monument and informed the meeting that he would be submitting two new drawings to the engineer within the next couple of days.

The engineer replied that he was awaiting the drawings on the 1798 rebellion, as all he had to date was the sketch circulated and this was insufficient. He stated that the footbridge was an objective of the development plan, and that Athy Town Council was serious about it. Consultants were working on the bridge issues at present. He pointed out that the provision of the footbridge would be costly as the river has to be fit for navigation and all navigation clearance heights have to be met. He added the provision of the footbridge would come down to funding. Referring to the box shore he said we will be doing some CCTV surveys on the west of the town shortly and we will get the contractor to investigate the old box shore on Leinster St.

Cllr Daly referred to the Jetty on page 2 of the minutes and stated that he welcomed the report from the engineer on its taking in charge. He enquired if we would be making a decision on that tonight.

The Cathaoirleach stated that we have the report and suggested that the issue be dealt with now.

Cllr Dalton welcomed the report and stated it appeared the executive did not want it. He stressed that we have to take the long-term view regarding its impact on the tourism potential for the town and look at the wider picture. He added that he thought the council could carry the cost.

The Cathaoirleach stated that the costs of installing the new footpath seemed high.

Cllr Lawler replied that he thought the cost of installing the footpath was cheap when one considered the amount of labour involved in laying a footpath. He said with regard to the €1,200 premium I understand that we had already agreed that it would be paid.

The Town Clerk replied that a refund of the premium was to be made when the agreement was completed.

The Manager stated that the jetty was a valuable asset costing €3000.00 per year to upkeep. He said we need to make sure we can maintain it and added under health and safety; proper training has to be given to staff to maintain it.

Cllr Daly stated that the boating season was now underway and it was important that this be resolved as soon as possible. We are trying to develop this industry for the town, the ball is in our court on this one and I propose that we commence the process of taking the jetty in charge.

That Athy Town Council begin the process of taking the jetty in charge,

Proposed Cllr Daly,
Seconded Cllr Lawler.
All Agreed.

Cllr O’Sullivan referred to page 4 of the minutes and welcomed the reply from the Chief Executive Officer of the HSE.

Cllr English referred to page 8/9 and stated that he wanted the minutes amended to state that he had requested speed ramps.


3. CORRESPONDENCE

· Letter from Mullingar Town Council, seeking support for the following motion that was adopted at a recent meeting of Mullingar Town Council. “That this council urges the Health Services Executive and St. Vincent’s Hospital to provide proper isolation wards for cystic fibrosis patients” All agreed to support the motion.

· Letter from Nenagh Town Council seeking support for the following motion that was adopted by the members of Nenagh Town Council “We at Nenagh Town Council call on the Department of Social and Family Affairs to set up a national waiver system for refuse collection paid for by central government and administered by local government (as requested by the Combat Poverty Agency) for the benefit of the elderly and the unemployed. We also call on the Minister for the Elderly, Deputy Maire Hoctor to publicly support this motion.” All agreed to support this motion.


· Letter from the Department of Health and Children on the cancer services in Naas General Hospital. Cllr O Sullivan welcomed the letter.

· Letter from the HSE regarding the X-ray department at St. Vincent’s Hospital, Athy. Cllr O’Sullivan stated that we need longer hours and that at present there was a four-week waiting list for outpatients. She requested that we write to the HSE asking for extended opening hours two to three days per week and to thank them for their letter.

· Letter from Clonmel Borough Council, seeking support for the following motions that were adopted by Clonmel Borough Council, “that this Bourough Council request all Borough/Town Councils to call on the Minister for Justice to continue t oppose any move by Bookmaker Chains to have gaming machines placed in their offices. This is to help families from returning to poverty status, when parents get hooked on these machines, as happened in Clonmel in the not too distant past.” and “that this Borough Council undertake not to apply any water charges to non-commercial activities such as schools etc” Cllr Lawler stated with regard to the first motion that in 1988 or 1989 Athy Town Council banned gaming machines and he also supported the second motion stating no school should be charged for water as it was not a profit making enterprise and the parents council had to raise the money to pay the water charges. Cllr Wright stated he also supported both motions, and added it was a scandal that schools were being charged for water. All agreed to support the motions.


· Notification of the Local Authority Members Association conference in Trim on the 27th to the 28th of March 2008. It was proposed at the last meeting that Mary O’Sullivan attend.

· Notification of the Kerry Environmental Recognition conference hosted by Rattoo Heritage Society in Ballybunion.

· Notification of the National Planning Conference in Westport on the 3rd and 4th of April.
Cllr English to attend,
Proposed by Cllr Dalton. Seconded by Cllr Lawler. All Agreed.

The Cathaoirleach to attend,
Proposed by Cllr Mary O’Sullivan. Seconded by Cllr English. All Agreed.


· Notification of Local Economic and Social Development Conference on the 21st of April in Limerick.
Cllr. Egan to attend.
Proposed by Cllr. Wright, Seconded by Cllr Lawler. All Agreed.

· Notification of Conference on 1916 Revolution or Betrayal in Wexford on the 19th of April.
Cllr Wright to attend.
Proposed by Cllr. Lawler. Seconded by Cllr. O’Sullivan. All Agreed.

· Notification of conference on “Water the Challenges for Users” in Cork on the 17th and 18th of April.
Cllr English to attend.
Proposed by Cllr Dalton and seconded by Cllr Lawler. All Agreed

· Notification of conference by the Local Government Anti-Poverty Learning Network on the implementation of phase 2 of Rapid in Tullamore on the 30th of April. It was agreed to defer this to the April meeting.

· Cllr Breslin referred to a request from Athy Anglers Club for funding that had been faxed into the office.
Cllr Breslin proposed that Athy Town Council pay €1000.00 to the Anglers club. Seconded by Cllr Lawler. All agreed.


4. NOTICES OF MOTION.


5. NOTICES OF MOTION; CLLR DALTON AND CLLR ENGLISH


“That this council commences the process of the variation of the Town Development Plan for the process of the removal of objective M1, due to its negative impact on a number of town centre developments”
Speaking on his motion Cllr. Dalton stated that this objective on the development plan was having a negative effect on development in the town. He stated that development was being constrained by that particular route. Cllr English speaking on the motion stated that this route was affecting development as developers were being made to stick with a particular route. Cllr Daly informed the meeting that the review of the development plan would be taking place shortly and the issue of the objective M1 should be dealt with then. He added he did not think it was stopping development he felt it was the planners that were doing that. Cllr Daly stated he was opposing the motion. Cllr Breslin stated that she would not be supporting the motion; this should be looked at when the review of the development plan happens. She informed the meeting that she felt it was the interpretation of the plan by the planners that was the problem. Cllr Wright stated that he would not be supporting the motion as he felt the M1 objective was of paramount importance given the amount of traffic in this town. Cllr O’ Sullivan informed the meeting that she would be opposing the motion also.

The manager replied to Cllr Dalton stating that he wanted to dismiss any suggestion that the planning office was trying to stop development in Athy.

The Cathaoirleach said he knew where the councillors were coming from, though he stated he was unsure of its negative impact on development.

Proposed by Cllr Dalton,
Seconded by Cllr English.
In favour; Cllr English and Cllr Dalton.
Against; The Cathaoirleach, Cllr Breslin, Cllr Lawler, Cllr O’Sullivan, Cllr Wright, Cllr Daly, Cllr Egan.
Motion not carried.




6. NOTICE OF MOTION CLLR DALTON AND ENGLISH.

“That a review of the planning service to this council be carried out as a matter of urgency.”

Speaking on the motion Cllr Dalton stated that Athy Town Council was not getting the planning service required for a population of 10,000 people. He stated Athy Town Council paid a fee every year to Kildare County Council for the service. He said the town manager had no direct input into the planning decisions in the town, the planning director of services made the decision. He argued that Athy Town Council requires a full time service and that pre- planning meetings should be held regularly in Athy. He added, issues that developers thought were resolved at pre-planning meetings seem to resurface again.

Cllr English stated that the planning service received by Athy Town Council from Kildare County Council lacked a business like approach. There was no urgency in treating this town as a priority. He argued it was not acceptable to be bringing people to Naas for pre-planning meetings when the advice should be given here. Cllr Breslin informed the meeting that she shared Cllr Dalton and English’s frustration. She said business was not starting in Athy due to the service from the planning department. Cllr Lawler agreed also 100 per cent with the councillors. He stated that he was adamant the planning section of Kildare County Council used every excuse to stifle development in Athy.

Cllr Daly informed the meeting that Athy was a designated Rapid Town recognised nationally and we get priority over other non-Rapid towns from government departments. Kildare County Council is not treating Athy as a Rapid Town. He said we should get priority from Kildare County Council due to our Rapid status.Cllr Wright stated that he supported the motion and wondered what level of service other areas were getting in the county. Cllr O’Sullivan agreed with the other speakers on the motion and asked why we can’t have a planner on a more regular basis. The Cathaoirleach voiced his support for the motion. He said the role of management was vital and that Athy needed a structured planning service. Athy getting priority as an as a Rapid town was not happening within Kildare County Council.

Cllr Dalton stated that he appreciated the support of the councillors. He stated the downgrading of our planning facilities was a problem across the whole of the county. We set the policy in this area, our powers in this area is being diluted. He added we are not seeing our policy implemented. He said driving to Naas for Pre-planning meetings is not acceptable.

The Town Manager replied that no one was trying to stunt development in Athy and that senior management were working to promote Athy. He stated that the planning process was transparent. He stated that a planner could not be appointed to Athy given the volumes of applications received for the town compared with the rest of the county. He added the director has committed resources to Athy to address the pre-planning problem, and he said he would relay the members concerns to the Director.

Cllr Lawler said that one of the proposals today should be that pre-planning meetings take place every second Wednesday in Athy.

Proposed by Cllr Dalton,
Seconded by Cllr English.
All Agreed.


7. NOTICE OF MOTION CLLR. BRESLIN.

“That Athy Town Council provides adequate resources to carrying out landscaping and planting at the wall currently being constructed between Kingsgrove and the new development by Slievemore Homes Athy.”


Speaking on her motion Cllr. Breslin stated that the people of the area were asking that landscaping and shrubbery be provided.

Cllr Lawler stated that he supported the motion and stated that we should have ensured that the developer had made provision for the planting and landscaping. Cllr. Dalton said he supported the motion also, and that it had taken a long time to get agreement between the residents and the developer. He added that the cost of this should not be major and stated that we need to restore the faith of the people of the area in the council, given the history surrounding the development. Cllr. Daly stated that the residents had lost their privacy, and that the estate had suffered a lot. He added all their planting was ripped out and that we should should find the money somewhere to restore the area. Cllr Wright stated he supported the motion and said the people up there had suffered enough. Cllr O’Sullivan informed the meeting that she supported the motion and agreed with the statements.

The Town Clerk suggested that the council make a contribution to the planting and landscaping and that the Slievemore/Kingsgrove sub-committee should decide on the planting. She said the council should offer its assistance rather than organise the landscaping.

The Town Engineer stated that the detail of what is to be planted would have to be discussed at the sub-committee as their has to be agreement on what has to be done.

Proposed by Cllr. Breslin,
Seconded by Cllr. Lawler.
All Agreed.


8. NOTICE OF MOTION CLLR. O’SULLIVAN.


“That the Town Council see that the road markings within the town’s boundary be repainted in the near future.”

Speaking on the motion Cllr O’Sullivan stated that she had noticed that all of the road markings were very faded. She asked would it be feasible to put a yellow box at the junction on Duke St at the entrance to St. John’s Lane. She also enquired if it would be possible to paint the disabled car parking spaces in a different colour, as is done in other towns.

Cllr Daly supported the motion and asked would the town council and Kildare County Council look at safety signs, for example the black spot at Ardreigh. Cllr Wright stated that the white line near the swimming pool was very faded. He also asked if an official from Kildare County Council’s roads department would attend a council meeting. Cllr. Egan also supported Cllr. O’Sullivan’s motion and stated that cars stopping in yellow boxes were a major problem. Cllr. Breslin enquired could a meeting be arranged with the area engineer.

The engineer informed the members that this week he had two lengthy meetings with the area engineer regarding roads.

The Town Clerk replied that the town engineer is discussing the road works programmes with the area engineer. She added, with regard to traffic stopping in yellow boxes, it has been raised at the JPC meeting and agreed that the Gardaí are to monitor this.

The Town Manager informed the members that these concerns should be forwarded to the area committee.

Proposed by Cllr O’Sullivan,
Seconded by Cllr Daly.
All Agreed.


9. CATHAOIRLEACH’S BUSINESS.

The Cathaoirleach informed the meeting that the new Town Clerk Brian O’Gorman would be taking up his post on the 14th of April. He also thanked the Arts and Culture sub-committee for their work last Sunday the 16th of March in organising the St. Patrick’s Day celebrations in Emily Square. He said it had been a pilot operation and hoped we would build on it in future years. He thanked all who had made it a success.


10. MANAGERS BUSINESS

The engineer stated that he had circulated a list of schemes for consideration for the Road Block Grant and the members would need to prioritise which works should be done this year. He informed the meeting that the 2008 block road grant was €287,000.00.

Cllr Wright referred to Garter lane and said some of the works listed should have been financed from development levies and he asked where is this money being spent. He added everything on this list needs to be done.

Cllr Lawler drew the engineer’s attention to the area in front of the council’s depot on the Dublin Rd. on the list and asked should development levies from the apartments built nearby not be used for this.

Cllr O’Sullivan asked for an update on disability access in the town. The engineer replied that a disability audit had been carried out.

Cllr Daly said that he had serious concerns for pedestrians on the Ardreigh Rd.

The Cathaoirleach asked the engineer for an update on the Ardreigh Scheme.

The engineer replied that it was a regional road and that the scheme would provide improvements for pedestrians when the scheme was complete.

The Cathaoirleach stated that a special meeting should be held to deal with the road block grant.

Cllr Wright enquired if Kildare County Council’s had any plans for traffic calming measures in front of the pea factory in Rathstewart.

The engineer replied that the area engineer had plans for that area.

The Town Clerk informed the meeting that €3,000.00 had been approved for a litter awareness campaign, to supply a bus to the amenity centre and vouchers for the centre. She stated this was to raise awareness of what happens in the civic amenity centre and to encourage increased use of the centre. She said the dates on which it will take place will be advertised.


10. REPORT FROM SUB-COMMITTEES.

Cllr Daly circulated a report on Rapid and Action for Youth and stated that €66,000.00 funding had been secured for playground through Rapid.

The Town Clerk informed the meeting that the trip to Grandvilliers was set for the 9th of May and 24 flights had been booked and that the youth exchange funding had been approved today for the July trip.

The Town Clerk referred to the great work of the arts sub committee in organising the St. Patrick’s celebrations in the Emily square.

The Town Clerk informed the meeting that the remedial scheme was advertised in the Nationalist today. She stated the plans had gone to every resident and were up for viewing in the council offices library and CDP. The closing date for submission is the 28th of March. It was agreed to hold a meeting when all the submissions had been received.

The Town Clerk also informed the meeting that works on the youth café were on target.


12. PLANNING REGISTER



13. OTHER BUSINESS.

Cllr Lawler asked that the concrete bollards left at the entrance to Flinter’s Place after the ESB pole had been removed be taken away. He added that since the road at Dooley’s Terrace had been widened it was being used as a car park. He also referred to the bookies signs on the footpath outside of the council offices and at the primary and stated that the policy on signs on footpaths should be enforced.

Cllr Breslin asked the Town Clerk what is the situation in relation to taxi ranks.

Cllr Daly noted the loss of one of the members of the press, due to the closure of the Kildare Voice and expressed his regret at her untimely layoff. He also asked that Athy Town Council write to the Tri Athy group and offer our assistance.

Cllr. O’Sullivan requested that Athy Town Council write to the family of Mary Claire Collins and expresses the council’s sympathy at her death.

The Cathaoirleach passed a vote of sympathy for the Collins family on the death of their daughter Mary Claire. He also passed a vote of sympathy to the family of Evelyn Bracken who had been a member of Kildare VEC for over 20 years and been on Naas Town Council.


THIS CONCLUDED THE MEETING


CATHAOIRLEACH ________________________


DATE _______________________